Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Published: Dec 2, 2023

Restaurants downtown Napa are not just places to dine, they are an entire culinary experience! Napa Valley is one of the top destinations in the world for wine tasting and fine dining. The heart of Napa, downtown, boasts a vibrant culinary scene that caters to a diverse range of tastes. Whether you’re a food connoisseur or just looking for a delightful meal, downtown Napa has something for everyone. In this article, I will share with you a few restaurants downtown Napa where I had the privilege to dine, and I hope you will get the chance to try them out on a future trip to downtown Napa!

 Restaurant Downtown Napa: Tarla Mediterranean Grill for a Fresh Flavours

Tarla Mediterranean Grill is the first restaurant downtown Napa where I went, as soon as I arrived in wine country. This spot seemed like a local favorite and as soon as I stepped in, I could understand why! It is a gem that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to the heart of California. With a menu inspired by the coastal cuisines of Spain, Greece, and Turkey, The menu at Tarla offers an array of delectable dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients. From savory kebabs to refreshing salads, every bite at Tarla is a journey through the sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean. I personally had the octopus salad as an appetizer, the salmon burger as a main and a traditional Turkish dessert to seal the deal (my sweet tooth let me do it!) I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant. They adopted a farm-to-table approach and everything tasted fresh. I would definitely go back there for a future visit. 

Restaurant Downtown Napa: Scala Osteria for a hearty trip to Italy

Scala Osteria is another great restaurant downtown Napa that is a locals favorite. What sets Scala Osteria apart is not just its delectable Italian cuisine but the seamless fusion of traditional flavors with a modern Californian twist. Warm, inviting ambiance and cheerful, Scala definitely lives up to the expectations of a traditional Italian osteria, which was originally designed as a place for the perfect pairing of simple food with world class wine and great conversations, in an atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated.

While chatting with one of the restaurant managers, I loved learning that Scala Osteria takes pride in sourcing the finest local ingredients, ensuring that each dish reflects the authenticity of Italian cuisine while embracing the freshness of Napa Valley’s produce. With a commitment to culinary excellence, a carefully curated wine list, and an attentive staff, Scala Osteria elevates the dining experience downtown Napa to new heights, making it one of the top restaurants downtown Napa to eat at during your visit. Also, I had not yet tasted a seafood pasta that was this simple, yet intentionally delicious.

Restaurant Downtown Napa: Angèle Restaurant  for a touch of French Elegance in the Heart of Napa

Imagine tasting the finest French cuisine, but in California, on the banks of the Napa river: this is what Angèle offers. The moment you step chez Angèle, you are transported to a world where classic French elegance meets the rustic beauty of California’s wine country. This is another great and highly rated restaurant downtown Napa, and it certainly lives up to its name. Angèle sources local ingredients and matches the dishes to what is in season, ensuring that each dish not only pays homage to time-honored French recipes but also captures the flavors of the region. 

I liked how warm and intimate the ambiance was, and how the staff paid close attention to details, in a real “french style”. This helps to create a dining atmosphere that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Angèle’s menu, featuring timeless French classics like the onion soup, coupled with an extensive list of world classic wines makes it a great pick and one of the best restaurants downtown Napa. 

Restaurant Downtown Napa: CASA at the Oxbow Market for Fresh and Local Flavors

I was particularly impressed by CASA at the Oxbow Market. This restaurant downtown Napa served me the biggest taco I ever had in my life! When I placed my order and the waiter said the order came with only one taco, I was apprehensive at first. But he reassured, stating that one taco would be “filling enough”. And he was right! In addition to the fact that it was delicious, I also appreciated that they have a farm-to-table approach and serve dishes that embrace the bounty of Napa Valley; and highlight the freshness and quality of locally sourced produce. Their menu changes according to the season. This restaurant downtown Napa was definitely a “coup de coeur” for me, and I would recommend it to you as well as you are planning your visit. 

The Kitchen Door for Innovative Cuisine with a Napa Twist

When I think of The Kitchen Door downtown Napa, I think of a restaurant where you can get your classic comfort meals, with an elegant twist. I spoke with the manager and one of the chefs, who shared the inspiration behind the dishes served at the restaurant. The menu at this restaurant downtown Napa combines innovation with a distinct Napa Valley flair, and is heavily inspired by the lead chef’s life experience in New York and Canada. 

So, on The Kitchen Door menu, you will see a creative fusion of flavors and local favorites such as the Korean style ribs, Grilled Creekstone cheeseburgers, and the well-loved Banh Mi sandwich. I had a hard time deciding what to take, and thankfully the staff helped! I opted for a classic garden salad with a cream of mushroom soup, a Korean style ribs meal and sweetened the deal with some coffee and a dessert to go. 

Morimoto Napa: A Japanese Culinary Masterpiece by Iron Chef Morimoto

Morimoto Napa was another restaurant downtown Napa that caught me off guard! I stopped there to grab a quick bite in between wine tastings, and I was looking for something light yet refreshing as I had a heavy and delectable dinner ahead of me! So, what better dish than some fresh sushi? 

Helmed by the legendary Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, this downtown Napa restaurant brings a touch of celebrity and world-class cuisine to the heart of Napa Valley. The menu seamlessly blends traditional Japanese flavors with local ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful.

Morimoto Napa distinguishes itself as a culinary masterpiece with a unique blend of Japanese tradition and Napa Valley innovation. The restaurant’s sleek and modern ambiance, coupled with a sushi bar showcasing the chefs’ skillful precision, creates an immersive dining atmosphere. I had no idea what type of sushi to order, and the staff guided me accordingly, based on each of their various flavors. If you want to grab a quick (and light) bite while you explore downtown Napa, stop at Morimoto Napa. You might even be tempted to come back in the evening for their dinner menu!

Model Bakery Downtown Napa: Home to the Best English Muffins according to Oprah

Model Bakery, alongside the Monday Bakery, was high on the list of recommendations of places where I should stop in Napa! Also it is not a restaurant (downtown Napa has a lot of those, I know), it is a popular spot where locals and visitors head for some freshly baked goods in the morning. And according to Oprah, this is home to one of the world’s best English muffins. In fact, their iconic English muffins are celebrated not only for their exceptional taste but also for being the catalyst behind a breakfast revolution in the Napa Valley. Beyond the muffins, the bakery’s diverse menu features an enticing selection of bread, pastries, and desserts, all baked to perfection. The staff was very charming and friendly, which contributes to the welcoming atmosphere of this bakery. I think it’s a great stop for a morning bite or for afternoon pastries!

Restaurants downtown Napa not only offer a feast for the palate but also serve as a testament of how rich and diverse Napa is. From the Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Tarla to the French elegance of Angèle, and the sweet treats at Monday Bakery, there’s something to satisfy every palate in Napa.