Napa Valley Restaurants

Yountville is home to many renowned restaurants, including Bistro Jeanty, The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Mustard's.

Napa Valley Dining

When you are in the Napa Valley, not only will you be in one of the top wine regions of the world, but you will also be in one of the greatest culinary areas as well. Many people believe that great wine is meant to be enjoyed with great food, and the Napa Valley does not disappoint in either category.

The Napa Valley offers a varied and diverse choice of restaurants and dining opportunities, from upscale to casual. Whatever type of food and dining experience you prefer, there is a restaurant here for you to enjoy. The Napa Valley is home to many world-class, four-star restaurants and celebrity chefs. Not only is there fine dining, but there are steak houses and BBQ's, cafes, bakeries, diners, and even coffee shops and fast food. Many delis in the area cater to visitors who want to pack a great Napa-style picnic lunch.

Many people visit the Napa Valley for the wine tasting experience, and enjoy great food as an unsuspected added benefit. Other people, however, travel to the Napa Valley specifically to treat their palates to the exceptional Napa cuisine. The abundance of local fresh fruit and vegetables and fresh seafood from the nearby Pacific Ocean inspire many of the great dishes served in the Napa restaurants.

The Culinary Institute of America - Greystone Restaurant

One of the great places to visit in the Napa Valley is the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in St. Helena and the accompanying Greystone Restaurant. While the CIA campus is attended by many who want to pursue continuing education and career opportunities for the food and wine industry, it is also open to visitors who want to experience the great pairing of food and wine. The school's Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant features exceptional cuisine that showcases local and seasonal ingredients. Guests sit at hand-crafted tables that are located on terraces overlooking the beautiful Napa Valley or in the lounge featuring an impressive fireplace. The tables are situated so the guests can watch the chefs prepare the food, a feature of the restaurant that was designed by noted designer Adam Tihany. Chefs often prepare what they call "Today's Temptations," cuisine that is inspired by the tempting products that are brought to the kitchen daily by local farmers and culinary artisans. To compliment the exquisite cuisine, the beverage menu offers unique tasting choices as well as some of the chef's favorite wines by the glass or bottle. Visitors can also shop at the Spice Islands Marketplace for culinary items and specialty foods.

Enjoyable Eats at Five Napa Valley Restaurants

• Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery - a charming turn-of-the-century European-style hotel with a popular full-service restaurant and award-winning modern micro-brewery
• Gott's Roadside - a fun place to come with your family and friends for great hamburgers, shakes, and fries, a la Napa Valley style
• Mustard's Grill - a Napa favorite for fabulous California food, described by chef-owner Cindy Pawlcyn as "a cross between a roadside rib joint and a French country restaurant"
• ad hoc restaurant - a casual setting reminiscent of home (albiet Thomas Keller style), serving a 4 course family style fixed-price menu that changes each day
• Boon Fly Cafe at Carneros Inn - a not to miss breakfast stop for great coffee, fresh juices and house-baked breakfast items, including signature homemade cinnamon sugar covered donuts, also offers tasty lunches and dinners on premises or packed to go

Yountville - Small Town with Big City Cuisine

If you are looking for great Napa Valley food, you'll want to stop by the town of Yountville. Yountville is a small Napa Valley town, but don't let the size fool you. The town is home to many world-class restaurants and fine dining establishments. Any restaurant in Yountville will be a culinary treat, the choice just depends on the style of food you desire. The most famous restaurant in town, The French Laundry, is one of the best restaurants in the world, founded by Chef Thomas Keller. Many people will actually plan their visit to Napa Valley around the date they are able to get reservations at The French Laundry. Other notable restaurants in town include Bistro Jeanty, Bouchon, Mustards Grill, Etoile Restaurant at Domaine Chandon, Redd, Napa Valley Grille, ad hoc, Hurley's, and Brix. For great breakfast treats and picnic lunches to go, you won't want to miss Bouchon Bakery.