Food at House of Better, Photo courtesy of House of Better | Dr. Wilkinson’s Resort
After hopping from winery to winery in the Napa Valley, make your way to charming Calistoga to fuel up on bold flavors and dine on farm-to-table cuisine in a vibrant, welcoming downtown environment.
Whether you’re looking for small bites, farm-to-table fare, or stick-to-your-ribs goodness, small-town Calistoga delivers big on some of northern Napa’s best pubs and eateries. Check out these tried-and-true top restaurants in one of California’s cutest towns.
1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6257
With a green chile–infused menu unlike anywhere else in the Napa Valley, Calistoga’s House of Better (located at Dr. Wilkinson’s Resort) offers a tasty, playful spin on modern California comfort food. Dine on Southwestern cuisine outside under a colorful canopy and string lights as you sip better-for-you cocktails, local beers, and some of Napa’s finest wines. Our favorite touch? The “Backyard” lawn area’s wood-fired oven and authentic New Mexican Chile roaster.
Insider Tip: You’ll be doing yourself a favor if you save time for tea and pie—namely, the adaptogenic mushroom teas and their famous, daily fresh-baked Green Chile Apple Pie.
1250 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4101
Have yourself a leisurely lunch, brunch, or dinner along the Napa River at the award-winning Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery. Saddle up for live music every evening in the seasonal beer garden or chill out in an Adirondack chair that surrounds the grounds’ fire pits. While you’re there, be sure to sample one of Napa Valley Brewing Company’s five signature beers or grab some to go in a 64-oz. growler.
Insider Tip: Try the Country Paella, Calistoga’s spin on the classic Spanish seafood dish with chorizo, prawns, chicken, and shellfish. It’s big enough to be shared, or savor it all for yourself.
Photos courtesy of TRUSS Restaurant
400 Silverado Trail North, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 709-2100
Situated inside the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley in Calistoga, TRUSS Restaurant pairs modern farm-to-table cuisine with unparalleled vineyard views. There’s a plate to suit every palate: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus, the wildly popular Small Bites, Golden Hour, and Lazy Brunch menus. Be sure to catch a sunset negroni at golden hour, paired with the onion dip and house-made chips.
Insider Tip: At brunch, splurge for the Truss Signature Bellini Flight or the Bubbles & Pearls—a half-dozen live-fire oysters from the grill with purchase of a sparkling wine or rosé bottle.
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1226 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 341-3131
Twinkling lights and a charming Maitre’d will greet you warmly before you even walk through the front door to dine at Calistoga’s Evangeline. Old world charm with a splash of Southern hospitality warms the heart almost as fast as their not-to-be-missed Tuesday night duck cassoulet warms the belly. Self proclaimed as a ”Casual French bistro with a Creole Soul,” bistro staples like steak frites are served alongside bayou adaptations like the cornmeal crusted po’ boy. You’ll love the dining room’s coziness, but if you prefer to dine al fresco, a heated outdoor patio is an excellent choice as well.
Insider Tip: Do try to save room for the apple tarte tatin, classically prepared with vanilla ice cream.
1207 Foothill Boulevard, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-5605
The down-home, authentic Louisiana-style barbecue at Buster’s Southern BBQ & Bakery in Calistoga will make you feel like you’re far from the wineries of Napa Valley. Leave your cocktail attire at home: this place is as casual as it gets and the ribs can get messy. It’s difficult to say which of the entrees is superior, but the majority tend to go with the pork ribs or tri tip.
Insider Tip: Beer and wine options are limited, but they do let you bring your own or take the food to go. Either way, this food loves to be paired with a delicious liquid, whatever that means to you.
1712 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-4969
Echoing the sentiments of Calistoga’s Indian Springs Resort where it resides, Sam’s Social Club is just as communal as it sounds—you’ll often see spa and hotel guests lounging around in their robes, cocktail in hand, so take note and follow suit. The fire pit and lounge seating will immediately entice you to relax with a glass of wine and tempt you with snack offerings like deviled eggs and cuisine like the jalapeño mac and cheese.
Insider Tip: Treat your tablemates with an order of the Candy Cap Churros. Piping hot and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with a side of vanilla bean ice cream for dipping, these cinnamon-sugar sweeties are a must when brunching in Calistoga
1107 Cedar Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-6500
Located in a charming Victorian house on Calistoga’s main street, Lovina is woman owned, woman managed, and woman chefed—so you know it’s good. Drop by for a casual weekend brunch and Lovina Libation on one its three outdoor patios, or snag a reservation for what’s sure to be a dinner to remember. Lovina offers plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, including pasta. Prices may seem higher than standard because Lovina is proudly tip free, but the food and service are so fabulous you may end up slipping the staff some cash anyway.
Insider Tip: Make sure at least someone at your table orders a bolognese main course. With two versions, the vegan Spicy Almost Bolognese and the Spicy Heritage Pork & Beef Bolognese, there’s something for everyone. Oh, and be sure to order it “dirty”—that is, with melted cheese and truffle butter—you won’t regret it.
1458 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 963-6925
Hurry to this gorgeous little market and cafe in downtown Calistoga on Lincoln Avenue for freshly prepared gourmet sandwiches, pizzas, salads, pastries, and more. Established in 1868 as the second-oldest train station in California, Napa’s now-contemporary Calistoga Depot offers a unique juxtaposition to the quaint town’s rich history. Stop in for a coffee or wine, but before you go, be sure that you’re in season—Calistoga Depot is closed for winter break.
Insider Tip: Try a latte with the Orgeat syrup, an all-natural almond-flavored syrup with a hint of orange flower water. It tastes exactly like an almost croissant and will leave you wondering where it’s been your entire life.
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