Photo courtesy of Clif Family Winery
St. Helena may be small, but don’t let its size fool you—this charming town between Rutherford and Calistoga is a hotspot for some of the best dining in Napa Valley. From casual eateries to farm-to-table fare and elegant fine dining, the diverse culinary offerings in St. Helena will satisfy every taste and budget. Our restaurant guide singles out the best places to eat while visiting, so bring your appetite and get ready to dine your way through this foodie haven.
Photos courtesy of Violetto
Set inside a historic mansion at Alila Napa Valley, Violetto charms with its classy ambiance, artful, seasonally-inspired Italian-French-Californian fare, and extensive wine list—so, pretty much all you need for a memorable meal in Wine Country. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, you can’t go wrong with a meal here any time of day, but the seven-course tasting menu is particularly enjoyable, taking guests on a tasting journey through the season they’re dining in.
1915 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-9004
While the past fires took the legendary Restaurant at Meadowood, the allure of Meadowood’s dining program continues with Forum. Whether dining for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll be promised a gastronomic journey that’s both refined and welcoming. Each of the seasonally-inspired menus highlights the bounty of Napa Valley, while a thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail menu and a relaxed, yet sophisticated setting round out the experience.
900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 531-4788
Photos courtesy of Gatehouse Restaurant
Situated on the beautiful grounds of the historic Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, Gatehouse Restaurant offers a taste of Wine Country prepared by the talented student chefs of the CIA. The cuisine is seasonal, featuring three to four courses of farm-to-table produce—grown around Napa and within the CIA’s own gardens and farms—with the potential to add sommelier-picked pairings. The dining room has a modern farmhouse vibe that fits right in with the surroundings.
2555 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-2300
Highlighting the culinary genius of Chef Christopher Kostow, The Charter Oak shines as a top pick in St. Helena for relaxed yet exceptional dining. Whether seated in its chic interior or outside in the enchanting courtyard, you’ll be able to savor dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients—many directly from the restaurant’s own 3.5-acre farm. Kick off your meal with the fresh raw vegetable appetizer paired with a fermented soy dip, then delve into the irresistibly juicy cheeseburger, the hot-from-the-oven bread, and whatever else you can fit in your belly.
1050 Charter Oak Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 302-6996
It just wouldn’t be a trip to Wine Country without a stop at Gott’s Roadside. Since 1999, this Napa Valley favorite has been serving up delectable burgers—made using 100% Angus beef patties—with classic toppings, of course, and even more obscure ones (kimchi, anyone?). There’s also a menu of worthy non-beef items, like chicken sandwiches, tasty salads, and french fries. Wash it all down with a milkshake, or opt for a glass of locally-made wine, then stay a while to enjoy the charm of this beloved roadside diner.
933 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-3486
Housed in a former nursery barn, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch features modern American farmhouse fare served within the lively indoor and outdoor spaces. In true farm-to-table style, much of what’s on the menu comes straight from the winery’s ranch, including grass-fed beef, honey, estate olive oil, fruit, and vegetables. In an effort to serve only what’s fresh and in season, Farmstead regularly changes up the menus, but you can always expect a welcoming vibe and mouthwatering comfort cuisine, whether coming in for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
738 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-4555
Goose & Gander is Wine Country’s answer to a public house, where rustic, elevated American bar food is served in a dimly-lit, pub-style dining room, downstairs in the basement bar, or out in the garden area. Expect a seasonally-driven menu of bar bites and large plates, as well as a large selection of craft cocktails, spirits, and local wine worth sipping.
1245 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-8779
Executive Chef Colin Rupp has a passion for working with growers and producers to source the freshest ingredients from the region, which is evident in Harvest Table’s menu. Housed in the inn’s former lobby, Harvest Table has been transformed into a bright, airy restaurant featuring seasonally rotating cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. The region’s finest produce is showcased in dishes such as the bibb and herb salad, the duck leg confit, HT Burger, and the pan-seared halibut with caviar sauce. Yum yum.
1 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-4695
Farmhouse meets steakhouse at PRESS, an upscale, stylish Napa Valley establishment with an elegant dining room boasting high ceilings, low-hanging light fixtures, and a wood-burning fireplace. The menu focuses on prime dry-aged beef, as well as enticing vegetarian and seafood options—all with an emphasis on high quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Aside from the wonderful food and ambiance, a visit to PRESS is a must if you enjoy drinking Napa Valley wine. Their all-Napa Valley list features the largest collection of Napa Valley wines in the world, celebrating current and library vintages—many of which are offered in half-bottle and large-format sizes, too.
587 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-0550
Despite being on the more casual side, these spots are certainly worth a visit. Stop by for a quick bite in between tastings or to start the day off right.
Seasonal fare is the name of the game at this charming food truck, situated just outside of Clif Family Winery’s tasting room along Main Street. Here, vibrant bruschettas, salads, rotisserie chicken, and sides showcase the best ingredients from the winery’s own organic farm.
Model Bakery has become a mainstay in Napa for its artisan baked goods, including its famous English Muffins. While there are several locations, the flagship St. Helena location has been a working bakery since 1908, where bread is still baked in the original brick ovens from the 1920s.
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