Napa Valley’s St. Helena is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in all of California, let alone the nation. Its high concentration of award-winning vineyards and dining establishments has given the city a leading reputation for winemaking and wine appreciation. But what about its culinary scene?

Whether you’re making a visit to the picturesque town of St. Helena or have been living here for years already, the area’s vast selection of delicious eateries can make it difficult to find the right restaurant. That’s why we’ve put together an insider’s guide to the seven best restaurants in St. Helena. 

587 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574

 

As you might gather from the name of this restaurant, wine takes center stage at PRESS. Here, you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Napa Valley wines to choose from. Since its founding 15 years ago, owner Leslie Rudd has continued to bring visitors and residents in St. Helena the highest-caliber dining experience, thanks to her deep-rooted connection to the vineyards that make this part of the country so special.

PRESS offers over 1,700 distinct Napa wines to choose from, along with a menu full of favorites like sushi, seafood salads, and sandwiches. PRESS is a great space for large events, and its full bar and happy hour are legendary. Come enjoy the outdoor seating with friends and family at this vegetarian and vegan-friendly establishment.

3111 St Helena Hwy, St. Helena, CA 94574

 

Brasswood Bar + Kitchen is one of the highest-ranked restaurants in St. Helena, along with its equally well-known bakery located on-site. It features a selection of mid-range to high-end menu items that are largely part of the Italian and American cuisine landscape.

It’s a great place to stop for a snack after a long day of wine tasting with a group of friends or a memorable spot to celebrate a special occasion in comfort and style. The menu features a wide range of delectable dishes, including duck confit, risotto dishes, and New York steak options.

738 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574

 

As one of the most exciting newer restaurants in St. Helena, Michelin star-winning Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch is proudly led by American chef Stephen Barber. Farmstead has attracted much attention since its founding, thanks to its unique take on familiar comfort food favorites like chicken wings, rib dishes, trout, cheeseburgers, and cheddar bay biscuits.

Farmstead offers a divine wine-tasting menu along with a full brunch, lunch, and dinner menu. The beloved eatery is known for its commitment to organic-sourced ingredients, such as extra virgin olive oil, top-tier grass-fed lamb and beef, and locally made honey.

1313 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 9457

 

The casual ambiance at Gillwoods Cafe is a welcomed change after visiting all the exemplary fine-dining restaurants in St. Helena. Located right in the heart of town on main street, Gillwoods Cafe is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

The fun and hip cafe vibes at Gillwoods have garnered top grades among locals and visitors alike. Try their two-egg breakfast with Applewood smoked bacon, a familiar favorite with its own unique spin, or grab a drink from the wine menu. You’ll find the best in American comfort food here, with a lively crowd and a professional staff who are happy to help you find a delicious entree and a perfectly pairable drink.

1245 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA 94574

 

Executive chef Howard Ko has manned the helm at Goose & Gander for years, helping to create the charming and rustic restaurant’s widely-loved reputation. Goose & Gander offers diners some of the best views of Napa Valley, largely due to its expansive outdoor seating and verdant patio.

Head indoors to take in the scents and smells of a comfortable pub-like atmosphere with a full bar to sample from. As you might expect, the meats served here are of the highest quality. While the menu changes regularly, Goose & Gander provides visitors with a continued return on investment thanks to the chef’s new-world take on international cuisines.

1050 Charter Oak Ave, St Helena, CA 94574

 

Our second Michelin-starred restaurant on the list is The Charter Oak, one of St. Helena’s best dining spots. They offer American cuisine for lunch and dinner, with the late-night crowd enjoying high-end fares like chard and mozzarella salad, lamb shanks, and trout. The Charter Oak is well-known for its legendary cheeseburger, which has topped California must-eat lists for years.

The bar at The Charter Oak is a perfect place to meet friends or arrange a classy business dinner in style. While the menu may be a bit pricey, the locale’s flavor-packed menu, dim lighting, and stellar service make it worth every penny.

1016 Main St, St. Helena, CA 94574

 

Pizzeria Tra Vigne has been catering to an upbeat, convivial crowd in beautiful St. Helena for years. Under the trees on their beautiful outdoor patio, guests can enjoy a casual lunch or upscale dinner after an adventurous trek in Napa Valley.

The wine-tasting menu is second to none, with a curated selection of Napa’s best whites and reds that pair well with the menu’s vast array of familiar American eats. Pizzeria Tra Vigne is located right in downtown St. Helena.

From world-class wine and Italian delights to authentic pizza and classic American fare, there are many options to satisfy your taste buds inside St. Helena’s culinary scene. If you’d like to know more about the best restaurants in St. Helena, or if you have questions about the local real estate market, get in touch with industry expert Sierra Pujals for more information. With her dedication to client satisfaction, first-rate negotiation skills, local knowledge, and extensive experience selling and purchasing real estate in St. Helena, Sierra is more than qualified to help you reach your real estate goals.