Burger Bliss: Top Picks for Gourmet Burgers in Napa

  • Food
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on APRIL 17, 2025
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Food

Burger Bliss: Top Picks for Gourmet Burgers in Napa

By WineCountry Collective April 17, 2025

When you think of dining in Napa, white tablecloths and fine china probably come to mind—but let’s not overlook one of Wine Country’s most delicious (and underrated) delights: the burger. That’s right, Napa Valley isn’t just for Cabernet and caviar—it’s also a haven for burger lovers. But with so many mouthwatering options out there, where do you even start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you like it plain and simple with a ground beef patty and classic toppings, or want to mix it up with a more fanciful burger with artisan cheese, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to delicious options. Keep reading for the 12 of the best burgers in Napa Valley.

Napa

Compline
Photo courtesy of Compline

Boon Fly Cafe

While Boon Fly Café is a great choice for breakfast, their signature Akaushi Kobe Beef Burger steals the brunch and lunchtime show. Sandwiched between a house-made poppy seed brioche bun, this brunch burger is fully customizable to your liking, with toppings such as cheese, avocado, bacon, mushrooms, or a fried egg that up the ante. They also offer a vegan, Beyond Meat version so even the non-meat eaters can indulge.

Visit: 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 299-4870

Sumo Dog

Dishing up one of the most unique burger options in Napa, Sumo Dog might typically be associated with gourmet hot dogs (the most popular item on the menu) but their inventive Chopped Cheese “burger” stands out from the crowd. Picture your typical ground beef burger patty, chopped up and topped with ooey gooey American cheese, peppers, onions, lettuce, tomato, spicy mayo, and furikake, served up on a potato bun.

Visit: 610 & 644 First Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 226-6529

Compline Restaurant & Wine Shop

Rated one of the top restaurants in Napa by the San Francisco Chronicle, Compline is a casual spot for wine and food in the heart of downtown. On the decadent menu is a delicious burger not-to-be-missed, topped with aioli, balsamic onion, and Schoch family cheese. Opt to add Hobbs bacon, produced locally, for the ultimate indulgence. It’s an all-American burger, done the Napa Valley way.

Visit: 1300 First Street #312, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 492-8150

Norman Rose Tavern

Norman Rose Tavern may just be one of the coziest spots to grab a burger in Napa. Here, the menu features a traditional cheeseburger, but if you want to go out on a limb, opt for the lamb burger, a bit more elevated with garlicly spinach and goat cheese. While the lamb burger is a standout, veggie-lovers can order the Rancho Gordo Midnight Bean and Barley Burger, one of the best vegetarian-friendly options in Napa.

Visit: 1401 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 258-1516

Yountville

Brix
Photo courtesy of Brix

Brix

Just a 5-minute drive outside of Yountville, Brix is an iconic Napa Valley restaurant known for their farm-to-table fare. And, it just so happens, that the Brix Burger is a crowd favorite, complete with house smoked cheddar, bacon marmalade, pickled peppers, mushrooms, and chipotle remoulade. Available on the lunch menu as well as at dinner, it’s basically heaven on earth for burger fans.

Visit: 7377 St. Helena Highway, Napa, CA 94558
Contact: (707) 944-2749

Bottega Napa Valley

Bottega Napa Valley brings together the bold flavors of Italy and the bounty of Wine Country in the most delicious way. Tucked inside an old building in Yountville, this beloved spot is known for its upscale Italian fare—but don’t sleep on the grilled short rib cheeseburger. Juicy, decadent, and packed with flavor, it’s layered with truffle aioli, melty Fontina cheese, and served with a generous pile of crispy Parmigiano fries. It’s Italian comfort food meets Napa indulgence—and trust us, it’s worth every bite.

Visit: 6525 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 4599
Contact: (707) 945-1050

Rutherford/Oakville

Rutherford Grill
Photo courtesy of Rutherford Grill in Oakville, CA

Rutherford Grill

Another burger lover’s paradise tucked among the vines, Rutherford Grill is a go-to for elevated American comfort food made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. And let’s be honest—no self-respecting comfort food menu would be complete without a standout burger or two. Rutherford delivers with three crave-worthy options, including a hearty Veggie Burger, a Classic Burger, and a Santa Fe Burger. Purists will appreciate the crowd-pleasing Classic Burger, stacked with fresh ground chuck steak, melted cheddar, and served on a perfectly toasted egg bun.

Visit: 1180 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: (707) 963-1792

Rutherford Grill
Photo courtesy of Rutherford Grill in Oakville, CA

Mustards Grill

Mustards Grill has long been a favorite among off-the-clock chefs, locals, and even truckers passing through—which tells you everything you need to know. Come hungry, because this spot doesn’t mess around. Their half-pound cheeseburgers are the stuff of Napa legend—juicy, flavorful, and “run through the garden” with all the classic fixings, stacked high on a toasty sesame seed bun.

Visit: 7399 St. Helena Highway, Napa, CA 94558
Contact: (707) 944-2424

Sip In Between Bites

Ready to explore some of Napa’s top wineries in between bites? We’ve narrowed down 10 wineries you must visit in Napa’s iconic Rutherford region. Explore More

St. Helena

Gotts Roadside
Photo courtesy of Gott's Roadside

Goose & Gander

Goose & Gander is all about unique dishes that take traditional up a notch, so it only makes sense that their burger is eclectic, too. Voted one of the best cheeseburgers in Napa Valley by Robert Parker, it’s here where grass-fed beef, gruyere, bacon, remoulade, gem lettuce, Manhattan pickle, and duck fat fries all come together to create a smorgasbord sandwich fit for a queen. Go ahead and splurge on adding the duck egg and bone marrow; you’re in Napa, after all!

Visit: 1245 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 967-8779

Gott’s Roadside

Gott’s Roadside is practically royalty when it comes to Napa burgers. Started in 1999, you’ll find everything from a classic cheeseburger to unexpected options like the Kimchi Burger and Green Chile Burger with grilled Anaheim chiles, jack cheese, and charred jalapeno mayo. This iconic burger joint’s delectable patties are also some of the more affordable in the county, which means you won’t have to break the bank at this casual lunch or dinner spot.

Visit: 933 Main Street (Highway 29), St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-3486

Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery

Featuring one of Napa’s best outdoor terraces, Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery is a great spot to stop for lunch in Calistoga. And on the menu is a standout burger: the wood-fire grilled Tillamook Cheeseburger, topped with Tillamook sharp cheddar cheese (of course), lettuce, tomato, red onion, and paired with a side of garlic cheese fries. Pair your burger with a craft beer from the on-site Napa Valley Brewing Company and views of the Napa River, and you’re set!

Visit: 1250 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-101 

TRUSS Restaurant & Bar

Located at the beautiful Four Seasons Resort, TRUSS Restaurant & Bar has become a bit of a household name when it comes to decadent burgers in Calistoga. It’s all because of their Wagyu beef burger—perfectly cooked and piled high with housemade pickles, juicy tomato, caramelized onions, and a side of crispy golden fries. And because this is Napa Valley, the wine list is just as impressive—it’s a Wine Spectator Best of Award winner, so you can keep your tasting journey going, one delicious sip at a time.

Visit: 400 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 709-2100

Hungry for More?

Napa Valley may be best known for its wine, but it certainly delivers great food any time of day. When you’re ready to inspire your taste buds, we’ve picked the 20 best restaurants in Napa Valley to visit. Dine Now

Best Burger Pairings

When in Wine Country, it’s only natural to want a glass of something delicious with your burger—but which beverages truly bring out the best in that juicy bite? While a cold beer is always a great choice, Napa’s diverse wines make versatile companions to burgers. Here are a few of our favorite wine pairings:

  • Cabernet SauvignonNapa Cab is king in Wine Country, and a no-brainer for classic beef burgers. Its bold tannins and dark fruit flavors match the richness of the meat, particularly those topped with aged cheddar
  • Zinfandel – If your burger has some spice, is loaded with bacon, or slathered in a sweet-and-savory BBQ sauce, Zin’s jammy, peppery personality makes it a lively companion.
  • Syrah / Petite Sirah – For those fully loaded, smoky burgers (ones with blue cheese, caramelized onions, or mushrooms, perhaps), you’ll want a wine with depth and a bit of earthy funk. Syrah, with its meaty, savory notes, or Petite Sirah, with bold flavors and structure, both fit the bill.
  • Pinot Noir – Burgers with lighter toppings like goat cheese and arugula, or even a turkey or veggie patty, pair beautifully with Pinot. Its silky texture and bright acidity add balance without overpowering the flavors.
  • Rosé – Don’t sleep on rosé. It’s a refreshing, palate-cleansing pick—especially for burgers with tangy sauces, pickled onions, or spicy aioli. Great for those sunny patio lunches.
  • Sparkling Wine – Feeling fancy? Sparkling wine can be surprisingly burger-friendly, especially with fried or crispy toppings. The acidity and effervescence act like a flavor reset between bites. 

Conclusion

After a day of swirling, sipping, and savoring your way through Wine Country, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a perfectly crafted burger. Clearly, Napa has no shortage of spots ready to satisfy those post-tasting burger cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for classic and juicy or elevated and indulgent, these burger joints deliver big flavor with a side of Wine Country charm. Go ahead—dig in. Your taste buds will thank you.