5 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of Napa Valley

Pizza

While it may not sound like much, pizza and wine make for a pretty enticing combination. But the pizza in Napa Valley is unlike that which you’ll find anywhere else. Since it’s just a short journey from San Francisco, Napa Valley pizza is similar to that of the city — thin crust and filled with locally sourced ingredients. Since the valley contains such fertile farmland, many restaurants use ingredients grown right there!

Some of the best pizza spots in Napa Valley are Pizzeria Travigne and Foodshed. They both offer pizzas along with pasta and other Italian eats. 

Cheeses and Charcuterie 

In the best wine country in America, it only makes sense that the cheese and charcuterie options are up to par. There’s no better pair than wine and cheese, which you’ll find plenty of in Napa Valley. The best thing about Napa Valley is the options, and you have plenty when it comes to wine and cheese. 

You can choose from private sit-down wine and cheese tastings to walking winery tours that include charcuterie tastings. Some of the most loved spots are the Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant, Merryvale Vineyards, and Beringer Vineyards. The best thing about Napa Valley cheese is that most of it is made of milk from cows within the region. It’s all very fresh and pairs perfectly with a local wine.

Local Produce

One thing you’ll find in nearly every Napa Valley restaurant is local vegetables and fruits. It’s what makes the food in the valley stand out and taste so amazing. As you can see, there’s a bit of a theme to Napa Valley — everything from the food to the wine is made locally. 

Charter Oak is a great restaurant to try some of the valley’s wine and produce. It offers family-style dining in a gorgeous atmosphere, whether you choose to eat inside or out. The best thing about the restaurant is that it uses vegetables that are grown in its’ nearby garden. 

Another delicious option to try in Napa Valley is French Laundry, likely the most well-known restaurant in Napa. That’s mainly because French Laundry earned three Michelin stars for its amazing meals by Chef Thomas Keller. The menu changes daily and features fresh, local ingredients, so if you’re in the mood for a delicious and exciting meal, you have to try French Laundry.

Tacos

When it comes to Mexican food, Napa Valley doesn’t miss the mark there either. While there are tons of taco trucks and small restaurants throughout the area, a few really stand out. 

La Luna Market & Taqueria is definitely worth a stop, serving tacos, quesadillas, burritos and more. El Muchacho Alegre is a taco truck that also serves dogos, sopes, burritos, toras, and fries. 

If you get tired of all of the fine dining, a taco or two might be just what you need to end the night. The best thing about Napa Valley is that there are small bodegas and taco trucks on nearly every corner, and most of them are pretty great. If you haven’t realized by now, people in the valley take their food seriously, whether in restaurants or at food trucks!

Brunch

It’s hard to visit a town known for wine without talking about brunch! In Napa Valley, brunch is a hit, and you’ll find that many fine restaurants offer it. Boon Fly Cafe is a local favorite for its mini cinnamon-sugar doughnuts, made fresh to order. It’s also known for its quaint roadhouse atmosphere and award-winning fried chicken. 

Another famous brunch spot is FARM, which offers family-style dining and some really creative dishes. You can order anything from Tiramisu toast to shrimp and polenta, offering some very interesting and unique brunch options. 

If you’re looking for the best coffee and the best eats, you’ll want to visit Southside. The menu is seasonal and offers contemporary Californian dishes with a Latin influence. It also features a unique special each week called ‘Fried Chicken Fridays’.