Photo courtesy of Oenotri
Listen up, fellow foodies! It’s time to prepare your taste buds (and maybe unbuckle your belts), because we’re taking you on a culinary journey through bustling Downtown Napa. From celebrity chef-led masterpieces to rustic local bistros, Napa’s culinary scene has a smorgasbord of flavors just waiting to delight you. So, whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or an adventurous newbie, get ready to savor the 10 best restaurants in Downtown Napa. Bon appétit!
The CIA is a staple in every foodie’s vocabulary, so when dining out in Napa, don’t miss visiting The Culinary Institute of America’s downtown outpost, the CIA at Copia. Copia’s signature restaurant, The Grove at CIA, promises a dining experience that is as delicious as it is seasonally-driven (much of what is on the menu highlights what’s grown in Copia’s own culinary garden). Relish in the creativity of upcoming culinary stars as they blend local ingredients with global techniques, whether dining for dinner or weekend brunch, inside or on the garden patio surrounded by olive trees.
Visit: 500 1st Street, Napa CA 94559
Contact: (707) 967-2500
Travel to the countryside of France in the heart of Napa at Angèle. This beloved Napa restaurant along the Napa River brings together the best of France and Northern California with a menu that features simple French cuisine made from the local produce of Napa Valley. Imagine savoring mouthwatering, housemade pasta or succulent braised lamb, all under the inviting charm of Angèle’s dining room or with the gentle Napa breezes gracing the outdoor waterfront seating. And let’s not forget the intoxicating dance of French and Northern California accents in their expansive wine and spirits program—a liquid testament to the harmonious fusion of two renowned culinary worlds.
Visit: 540 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 252-8115
Created with a passion for handcrafted food and Southern Italian cuisine, Oenotri serves rustic dishes made from the freshest Wine Country ingredients. Here, ‘fresh’ isn’t just another buzzword, as Oenotri sources produce from its own garden and serves salumi, pasta, and bread all made in-house. And let’s not forget the heartwarming charm of their wood-burning pizza oven and recipes passed down from Italian artisans themselves. At Oenotri, you’ll love savoring some of the most authentic pizza and Italian food you can find in Napa Valley. Mangia!
Insider Tip: Visit Oenotri to try the most sought-after Italian wines. Of course, if you prefer to stay local, their extensive wine list has a nice selection of delicious Napa Valley wines, too.
Visit: 1425 1st Street, Napa, CA, 94559
Contact: (707) 252-1022
Good news for gourmands: Napa Valley’s culinary scene extends far beyond downtown Napa. Get your taste buds ready, as we’re sharing the top 20 restaurants in Napa Valley to experience.
Perched overlooking the Napa River, Morimoto Napa is the first West Coast restaurant created by the iconic Chef Masaharu Morimoto of Iron Chef fame. The menu entices foodies and seafood lovers with a raw bar, warm and cold appetizers, and a delectable array of sushi and sashimi. Wash it all down with wine from the top-tier wine list (it is Wine Country after all), but for a truly unforgettable experience, dive into their extensive sake collection. The lounge stays open until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and till 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, so you don’t have to rush back to your hotel after a day of wine tasting in Downtown Napa.
Visit: 610 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 252-1600
Founded by two Sommeliers, Matt Stamp and Ryan Stetins, and Executive Chef, Jammir Gray, this is inarguably one of Downtown Napa’s premier spots for amazing wine. This wine bar, which offers over 600 wines, has a casual living room aesthetic, mini-flights, and even a vinyl record player. And their on-site bottle shop has one of the most impressive bottle selections with wines from all over the world. But at Compline Wine Bar & Restaurant it’s not just about delicious wine, as their menu features decadent dishes that take inspiration from different cuisines around the world. Despite all the press it’s received, Compline has a relaxed feel to it, making you feel right at home.
Visit: 1300 1st Street, #312, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 492-8150
A husband-and-wife-duo created TORC to dismantle the fine dining experience and replace it with a sophisticated yet relaxing evening. With rock and roll, blues, or soul music playing throughout the restaurant, mixed with the high energy of the open kitchen, it’s safe to say this is not your typical Napa Valley restaurant. Here, the contemporary American menu changes frequently based on the availability of the highest quality produce, so know every time you dine here you’re eating only what is fresh and in-season. And here in Wine Country, we never tire of that.
Insider Tip: TORC is one of the few Napa Valley restaurants that offers a comprehensive list of small format bottles, or half bottles, of wine. Unsure if you can finish an entire bottle? Can’t decide between vintages? That’s when the brilliance of TORC’s incredible wine list of small format bottles truly shines.
Visit: 1140 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 252-3292
In between stops at Napa’s top restaurants, be sure to make time to explore the area’s world-class wines. These 10 beautiful wineries are a great place to start, featuring both stunning estates and excellent wine.
Feel like a local at Downtown Joe’s, a Napa staple since 1994. Originally opened in a historic building as Willit’s Brewery in 1988, the brewpub found new life when locals Joe and Nancye Peatman, along with third-generation Napa restaurateur Joe Ruffino, took over in 1993. With a commitment to great beer and genuine hospitality, they rebranded as Downtown Joe’s, keeping the neighborhood spirit alive. More than just a restaurant and brewery, Downtown Joe’s remains a welcoming gathering place where everyone is treated like family.
Visit: 902 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 258-2337
Experience the best of Spanish-inspired flavors with regional Northern California ingredients at Zuzu. The tapas and small plates menu, combined with the warm Mediterranean decor, is perfect for a group gathering—all the more reason to get a few friends to dine with you in Downtown Napa. Expect fresh and vibrant dishes like citrus-marinated flounder ceviche and roasted beets with goat cheese mousse, which you can pair with their gin and tonic of the month. The cherry on top? The sharing-encouraged plates make it a sociable culinary experience where you can nibble on a little of everything!
Insider Tip: If you’re feeling like mixing things up—quite literally—Zuzu invites you to play bartender and concoct your own gin and tonic! Their Gin Tonic menu offers an extensive list of gins and, you guessed it, tonics that you can pair however you please, so feel free to get adventurous and try something new.
Visit: 829 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 224-8555
Celadon is an award-winning Napa restaurant that offers “Global Comfort Food” influenced by the flavors of the Mediterranean, Asia, and the Americas. These mouthwatering dishes, expertly paired with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine, are enjoyed in the calming atmosphere of their tasteful dining room, located in the historic Napa Mill, or serene outdoor courtyard. You’ll love the harmony of flavors in every morsel—a testament to the culinary prowess and creative flair of Celadon’s expert chefs.
Insider Tip: Elevate your weekend plans with Celadon’s brunch menu, offered on Saturdays and Sundays, where you can experience favorites like the crispy corned beef hash and tempting Asian ‘sticky’ ribs. Can you think of a more delightful way to start the day?
Visit: 500 Main Street G, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 254-9690
Chef Ken Frank has a passion for pairing food and wine, which is evident in the gastronomic symphony you’ll experience at his restaurant La Toque. Here, the culinary team and skilled Sommeliers taste together daily to discover divine pairings that transcend the typical food and wine experience. And, to top it all off, the menu evolves seasonally to highlight only the freshest, most in-season produce. There’s a reason why this Napa restaurant has received a coveted Michelin star 14 times.
Insider Tip: For the ultimate La Toque experience, opt for the Chef’s Tasting Menu. This expertly curated, six-course culinary journey features a quartet of savory delights, a sophisticated cheese course, and a decadent dessert as the grand finale. And for those leaning towards a plant-based dining experience, there’s also a thoughtfully-designed vegetarian version available.
Visit: 1314 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 257-5157
From fine dining to rustic neighborhood gems, Downtown Napa’s culinary scene offers something for every palate. Though no two restaurants are the same, each one brings its own unique flair, making downtown Napa home to one of the most vibrant food cultures in Wine Country.
