Donapa Itineraries

A Foodie’s Guide to Downtown Napa

What else is Napa known for, besides being one of the world’s most famous winemaking regions? Its renowned and thriving culinary scene, of course. The only thing that makes a fabulous glass of wine better is the right dish to pair it with, and Downtown Napa has a plethora of options for what that dish might be. Experience international flavors, the best of California cuisine and farm-to-table focused food — a veritable foodie’s paradise.

Morning

No One Does Brunch Better Than Napa.


Awaken Your Appetite

No one does brunch better than Napa Valley. When you book a stay Downtown, no matter where you’re staying, you will be in close proximity to a wide variety of world-class dining, making a sumptuous brunch a must-do while you’re here.

For something with classic American food and small-town charm, check out Petit Soleil. Relax on their patio with a mimosa or a delicious specialty coffee drink and peruse their extensive menu for something to your tastes. You can enjoy breakfast all day (so no worries about oversleeping — after all, you’re on vacation!) and lunch after 11 am. Before you leave for your next stop, make sure to grab some snapshots with the gorgeous mural wall they have outside and commemorate the moment.

Or, stop in at one of Napa’s recognized “Michelin Bib Gourmand” restaurants, Grace’s Table, and experience a one-of-a-kind blend of global flavors. Boozy brunch lovers will be astounded by their extensive craft cocktail, wine and beer lists, served alongside some of Napa’s best fine dining.

If you happen to be staying at the Archer Hotel or the River Terrace Inn, you won’t even have to leave the hotel for a taste of Downtown Napa’s brunch scene. Head downstairs to Charlie Palmer Steak at the Archer Hotel and indulge yourself in any of their elegantly prepared brunch items. Start the day off Napa-style with a mimosa flight or breakfast-inspired cocktail, or hit their coffee bar for a pick-me-up. At the River Terrace Inn, ALBA offers a small selection of elevated breakfast options, which you can enjoy in their chic dining room or on their airy, sun-drenched patio.

Afternoon

Fashion, food, wine and art come together in the heart of Downtown Napa.


Laid-Back Lunches

Fashion, food, wine and art come together in the heart of Downtown Napa. Strolling along the first street corridor, you’ll find an eclectic mixture of both classic and trendy clothing boutiques, showcasing the best of Napa’s signature laid-back-luxury style. Fashion not your thing? No problem. Pop into one of the many artisan or souvenir shops lining the sunny streets, and browse plant boutiques, a maker’s market, bookshops and more.

After so much walking around, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. There are a wide variety of restaurants offering world-class cuisine throughout the whole of Downtown Napa. For an intimate, casual lunch, you can’t go wrong with Napa Palisades, Downtown Joe’s or Norman Rose Tavern, all local comfort-food favorites offering craft brews paired with classic pub menus. If you’re after something a little more fine dining-focused, consider a lunch at Compline, Kitchen Door or Scala Osteria, a few of the best Downtown stops for a gourmet-focused, farm-to-table meal.

No visit to Napa is complete without a wine tasting or cocktail sampling. Pop in for a walk-in wine tasting at Brendel, a relaxed and inviting tasting room located right on First Street. Or, stop at John Anthony Wines, a fine wine shop and tasting bar that pairs artisanal cheeses, caviars and homemade potato chips topped with gouda cheese and truffle salt.

Evening

There are nearly unlimited options for an unforgettable meal in Downtown Napa


Epicurian Evenings

Now, the real star of a foodie’s day — dinner. The CIA at Copia is a great all-in-one stop for anyone looking to appreciate fine cuisine while taking in some culinary history. Before you sit down for a Mediterranean-inspired, garden-to-table dinner at The Grove restaurant, head upstairs to the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum, and browse more than 4,000 artifacts from Chuck Williams’ personal culinary collection. Copia also offers a unique 3D Dining experience for those wanting something a little more interactive. As you make your way through a stunning four-course meal, animated chefs come alive on the table right in front of you to take you on a dragon-fighting adventure. After dinner, the Haven Cocktail Lounge is open on Fridays and Saturdays until midnight. Snag an artisanal cocktail and unwind looking out from Copia’s terrace, which overlooks their expansive gardens.

There are, of course, nearly unlimited options for an unforgettable meal in Downtown Napa. Nestled along the Main Street historical riverfront is Angéle, a French bistro offering simple, yet elegant, dishes infused with French flavor. Or, settle in at Celadon, to experience the essence of California cuisine. Wine lovers will swoon over La Toque’s impressive wine list — a list so impressive, La Toque is a recipient of Wine Spectator’s most prestigious award, The Grand Award — and carefully crafted gourmet menu showcasing farm-to-table flavors. La Toque is also a Michelin-recommended restaurant, making this one a must-stop for foodies.

Where to Stay

There is truly nowhere else like Downtown Napa, and that is evident in the town’s unique culinary scene. Here, you can experience global flavors prepared with Michelin-level expertise, menus focused on seasonal harvests and exquisite wine pairings, all under one roof. Consider extending your stay to explore the full scope of gourmet offerings provided by Downtown Napa. We’ll be waiting, ready to toast to your culinary adventure.  


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