Sure, we’d all love our Napa getaway to include an evening dining at chef Thomas Keller’s French Laundry, twice named the best restaurant in the world, but there are plenty of other incredible restaurants in the valley that don’t involve a $270 prix fixe menu, white tablecloths and reservations made three months in advance. Here are 10 stellar bets for casual yet memorable wine country dinning experiences.
Ad Hoc
This home-style Yountville restaurant, also from Thomas Keller, opened as a pop-up five years ago, but its success made it a permanent mainstay. The buttermilk fried chicken and barbecue are legendary.
Boon Fly Café
Located at the Carneros Inn, this eatery serves delicious rustic fare in a bright red, contemporary barn-style building.
Goose & Gander
This hip and welcoming destination serves self-described drinking food and creative cocktails and a solid wine list to go with it. Try to snag a table on the pretty patio.
Norman Rose Tavern
There’s something to be said when a restaurant attracts a crowd of local movers and shakers and a steady bar scene. Beer is king here, and the lamb burger is a favorite.
Oenotri
This Napa restaurant gets rave reviews for its high quality, hearty southern Italian food, including pizzas from the wood-burning oven.
Oxbow Public Market
Napa’s answer to San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace, this lively one-stop destination with 22 merchants provides a chance to sample the best of the region, from traditional pasta at Ca’ Momi to duck tacos at C Casa.
Redd Wood
Star chef Richard Reddington’s casual counterpart to his upscale restaurant Redd, this chic establishment is wine country’s take on the pizzeria.
The Thomas
This inviting restaurant from the team behind Public Restaurant in New York boasts a rooftop that would make Manhattan jealous with its sunny views of the rolling landscape. Great for cocktails, brunch or the weekly Sunday supper.