Best Lunch in Napa Valley: Top Restaurants from Napa to Calistoga
Planning a trip to Napa Valley and looking for the best lunch spots? Whether you're in Downtown Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, or Calistoga, this guide covers the top restaurants for lunch—from casual bites to fine dining.
If you're here for a wine tasting trip, girls' getaway, or a weekend escape, these must-visit Napa Valley lunch spots will fuel your adventure.
Best Lunch Restaurants in Napa Valley (2025 Guide)
Downtown Napa
1. Angèle
Best for: French cuisine with a riverside view
A charming French bistro located on the Napa River, Angèle is perfect for a leisurely lunch with wine pairings. Signature dishes include Croque Monsieur, French onion soup, and fresh oysters.
📍Address: 540 Main St, Napa, CA
2. Scala
Best for: Upscale Italian dishes in a stylish setting
One of Napa’s hottest new restaurants, Scala serves house-made pasta, seafood, and craft cocktails in an elegant space. It’s a perfect choice for a long, indulgent lunch.
📍 Address: 1202 1st St, Napa, CA
3. Gott’s Roadside & Oxbow Public Market
Best for: Burgers, tacos & casual eats
For a quick, delicious meal, head to Gott’s Roadside for their juicy burgers, ahi poke tacos, and garlic fries. If you're craving variety, Oxbow Public Market offers artisan sandwiches, sushi, tacos, and more. Don’t miss my favorite Hog Island Oysters, Loveski a jew-ish deli, or Moro!
📍 Address (Gott’s): 644 1st St, Napa, CA
Yountville
4. R+D Kitchen
Best for: Modern American classics & craft cocktails
Located in the heart of Yountville, R+D Kitchen is a great place for fresh salads, sushi rolls, and hearty sandwiches. The Fried Chicken Sandwich and Stacked Sushi is a must-try.
📍 Address: 6795 Washington St, Yountville, CA
5. Bistro Jeanty (Patio Seating)
Best for: Classic French bistro fare
For a cozy and authentic French dining experience, Bistro Jeanty delivers, note with one of my favorite patios in Napa. Signature dishes include Coq au Vin, Tomato Soup en Croûte, and Steak Tartare.
📍 Address: 6510 Washington St, Yountville, CA
6. Bar at Bouchon
Best for: Oysters & steak frites in an intimate setting
Skip the long wait at Bouchon and grab a seat at the bar! Their fresh oysters, steak frites, and French-inspired small plates make for a great midday meal.
📍 Address: 6534 Washington St, Yountville, CA
Oakville & Rutherford
7. Oakville Grocery
Best for: Historic wine country provisions
As the oldest continually operating grocery store in California, Oakville Grocery is a must-visit for gourmet sandwiches, artisanal cheeses, and local wine. Perfect for a picnic or a quick yet delicious bite between tastings. (also a great place for grab and go, if your next stop allows picnics or outside food).
📍 Address: 7856 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA
8. Mustards Grill
Best for: Iconic Napa Valley dining
A Napa institution for over 40 years, Mustards Grill is famous for its Mongolian Pork Chop, Dungeness Crab Cakes, and house-made desserts.
📍 Address: 7399 St Helena Hwy, Napa, CA
9. Rutherford Grill
Best for: Classic American cuisine
No trip to Napa is complete without a French Dip sandwich and cornbread at Rutherford Grill. Pair your meal with a Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon for the ultimate experience.
📍 Address: 1180 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford, CA
St. Helena
10. The Charter Oak
Best for: Farm-to-table dishes in a relaxed setting
Famous for its house-baked bread, grilled meats, and fresh seasonal dishes, The Charter Oak is a fantastic place for a laid-back, shareable lunch experience. The burger is one of my favorites in the Valley, and don’t miss their raw vegetable app from their farm.
📍 Address: 1050 Charter Oak Ave, St. Helena, CA
11. Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
Best for: Rustic, farm-fresh cuisine
Farmstead is a must-visit for Napa first-timers, featuring grass-fed burgers, cheddar biscuits, and BBQ pork sandwiches + perfect patio
📍 Address: 738 Main St, St. Helena, CA
12. The Forum at Meadowood
Best for: The Forum at Meadowood is an elegant culinary retreat offering a refined yet approachable dining experience. Helmed by Executive Chef Michael Ayoub, the menu highlights hyper-seasonal ingredients, artfully prepared to showcase Napa’s rich agricultural bounty. The ambiance is warm and intimate, making it perfect for a special occasion.
📍 Address: 900 Meadowood Ln, St Helena, CA 94574
13. Brasswood Bar + Kitchen
Best for: House-made pasta & wine country comfort food
If you're visiting Brasswood Winery, stop by their restaurant for fresh pasta, seafood, and their legendary Mozzarella & Garlic Bread.
📍 Address: 3111 St Helena Hwy, St. Helena, CA
14. Charlie’s
Best for: Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine
One of St. Helena’s newest restaurants, Charlie’s offers wood-fired meats, fresh seafood, and local, seasonal dishes. Plus I love their lunch specials great 1/2 sandwiches and 1/2 soup or salad options.
📍 Address: 1320 Main St, St. Helena, CA
15. Cook
Best for: Authentic Italian cuisine, small quaint & most likely to run into a winemaker here
A cozy, family-owned gem in downtown St. Helena, Cook serves up rustic Italian dishes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in an intimate setting. My must order - the mussels & caesar salad (trust me). Don’t miss their small but mighty local wine list, some great some producers are represented here.
📍 Address: 1310 Main St, St. Helena, CA
📍 Calistoga
16. Sam’s Social Club
Best for: Outdoor patio dining & comfort food
Located at Indian Springs Resort, Sam’s Social Club is a go-to for brunch, lunch, and cocktails. Try their avocado toast, wood-fired pizzas, or salads.
📍 Address: 1712 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA
17. Buster’s Southern BBQ
Best for: A no-frills, down-home BBQ joint that’s become a local legend. Buster’s smokes its meats over oak wood, serving up mouthwatering ribs, tri-tip, and chicken with a side of Southern hospitality. Expect a casual, lively atmosphere where the scent of smoked meat fills the air, and everything is made fresh daily.Bonus they often have live music in their back amphitheater!
📍 Location: 1207 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga, CA 94515
18. Solbar at Solage
What to Expect: A chic yet laid-back restaurant that embodies the relaxed luxury of Napa Valley. Solbar’s menu balances indulgent and health-conscious dishes, showcasing bright, fresh flavors that celebrate the region’s ingredients. Dine al fresco on the sun-drenched patio or cozy up inside with a beautifully plated meal.
📍 Location: 755 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515
Final Thoughts: Where to Eat Lunch in Napa Valley?
From Downtown Napa to Calistoga, these top-rated lunch spots offer something for every taste—whether you're craving casual comfort food or a fine-dining experience.
Pro Tips for Dining in Napa Valley:
Make Reservations: Many of these restaurants book up quickly—plan ahead!
Try Off-Peak Hours: Lunch before 12 PM or after 2 PM can help you avoid crowds.
Pair Your Meal with Wine: Napa Valley is home to world-class wines—don't skip the pairings!
Need Help Planning Your Napa Valley Trip?
If you're looking for a personalized itinerary, I offer 1:1 travel planning to help you make the most of your visit. Contact me at hello@winewithlauren.com for customized recommendations or book directly HERE.