Napa Valley Eats

As part of my homage to Northern California I wanted to share a few of my favorite places to eat in the heart of wine country. Napa Valley is home to many great vineyards and just as many restaurants. New ones sprout up all the time and others stand the test of time. Here are a few of my favs for your next trip but really this is just scratching the surface -- Napa has so many great restaurants it's hard even to just pick a few. The best part of your California adventure is the ability to eat outside almost year round -- if it's chilly there are often heaters or a warm fire nearby. I love eating outside and it adds to the enjoyment of my evening. Local in season ingredients, ethically raised meat ensure that your food is literally farm to table. Enjoy!

Angele Restaurant

A great French restaurant with wonderful in or outdoor seating along the Napa Valley River. If you are staying in downtown Napa this is a wonderful option for a great glass of wine and bistro style fare.

(707) 252-8115, 540 Main St, Napa, CA

Bouchon

Thomas Keller's home turf is in downtown Yountville which has several of his restaurants (French Laundry's home), his company headquarters and his vegetable farm. Bouchon is a Paris bistro in the middle of wine country with all of the noise and fun of the city in a beautiful setting.

(707) 944-8037, 6534 Washington St, Yountville, CA

Goose & Gander

Goose & Gander is home to one of the best cocktail bars in the Valley with a cozy downstairs bar perfect for a nightcap or before your table is ready. The restaurant serves hearty American food and they often features small local producing wineries as part of their menu. We love hearing about very small wineries and trying new varietals. They have a great outdoor garden to eat in or a warm pub interior with a welcoming staff.

(707) 967-8779, 1245 Spring St, St Helena, CA

Oakville Grocery

The Oakville Grocery is a must stop on your way up and down the St. Helena Highway -- it has a wonderful deli, pizza oven and a line around the block most weekends. I like to go on the weekdays but whether you want to pick up a sandwich or wine and cheese for a picnic it has wonderful choices.

(707) 944-8802, 7856 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562

Model Bakery

Model Bakery is famous throughout the valley for their delicious sandwiches, quiches, coffee and croissants and cookies. All the wine tasting, hiking and relaxing is easily nourished with a stop at the bakery. There are few locations including Napa near the Oxbow Market and downtown St. Helena.

(707) 259-1128, 644 1st St, Napa, CA 94559

Regiis Ova Caviar

The newest shiny place on the block in Yountville opened by Tom Keller -- caviar is having a moment. With live music and an elegant in or outdoor setting I love inviting visitors here for a great glass of champagne and apps before dinner.

(707) 947-718, 6480 Washington St, Yountville, CA

The Charter Oak

The Charter Oak receives rave reviews from just about everyone who visits and it is well deserved. I love the atmosphere with it's big warm wood burning oven in the dining room, giants wood beams and great bar setting and it's outdoor beautiful garden it is all Napa. The reason to go back again and again though is the food, every time I go I enjoy something new and marvel at how amazing the food is. Homemade bread, fresh vegetable crudite and the burger and steak are out of this world.

(707) 302-6996, 1050 Charter Oak Ave, St Helena, CA

The Station

Is it a gas station, a breakfast place or lunch place? -- The answer is yes, yes and yes. This is my favorite place to get coffee and the best egg sandwich anywhere but their pastries, sandwiches or salads are all so incredible you won't stop saying I can't believe this is also a gas station!

(707) 963-3356, 1153 Main St, St Helena, CA

Tiburon, California -- The Perfect Staycation

Tiburon, California is home to our new store at 30 Main Street and it is also my new home. I love it for so many reasons -- gorgeous views of the Bay and close proximity to San Francisco on one side, great places to hike and run, and 30-45 mins to Muir Beach & Muir Woods & my beloved Wine Country. What's not to love? If you live in Northern California, Tiburon is perfect for a day trip and if you live further away, we want to encourage you to visit when it is safe again for everyone. Here is just a few of my favorite reasons why I love it!

The Views

Everyone who comes to Tiburon is usually awestruck by the gorgeous views. From Mount Tam to the city of San Francisco, Tiburon is a peninsula and with water surrounding it from all side it just can't be beat. You can hike up to see a complete 360 on one of the great trails or you can go to the downtown center and walk along the water and see how gorgeous everything it is. The surrounding homes on Belvedere Island, Corinthian Island and Tiburon have a distinctly European style and feels like you are somewhere in Italy.

Main Street -- Eating & Shopping

Of course I'm partial to Main Street because that is where our beautiful new store is but it is truly special along with accompanying Ark Row right around the corner. With sweeping views on one side and great outdoor dining, this is no ordinary Main Street. We are across from world famous Sam's Anchor Cafe which is always poppin but also on the street we love Salt & Pepper and Luna Blu (great view and delicious Italian seafood). Down the street on Ark Row is a wonderful Mexican Taqueria -- Lola's. On the weekend's this summer, Main Street is closed off and there is dining on the street which has been especially on Saturdays -- it is so fun with music playing and genuine joy.

While some businesses did close due to the pandemic, others are open (like us!) -- here are a couple of my favorites -- McEvoy Ranch, organic extra virgin olive oils, culinary products and natural beauty products; Candy Store on Main Street; ice cream and delicious sweets including fun vintage treats. There are also several boutiques, a knitting store and great wine tasting rooms and shops. You can visit the Tiburon Chamber of Commerce here for an up to date list of which businesses are open or due to open.

Finally, Tiburon & California in general is all about the outdoors, biking and adventures -- right next door is gorgeous Angel Island State Park and easy to get to with a ferry, bike shops for renting bikes & plenty of grassy places to enjoy a picnic (check out Rustic Bakery or Woodlands Grocey for great sandwiches and drinks). You can get to Tiburuon easily from San Francisco and vice versa -- here's the easy ferry schedule (which is a fun thing to do as well!). Again check out times and locations as things may be abbreviated due to the pandemic. All restaurants and store includings ours require masks inside but for outdoor dining you can eat at your table without -- some towns require masks while walking or biking but again, just check the local town's website for the most up to date information.

Of course, we would love to see you -- we can arrange private bookings for groups of 4-6 or early hours if you prefer to shop alone. Please visit us at 30 Main Street or call us at 415 -797-6054. Cheers! lisa lori

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