No matter the season, wine country always seems to have a robust dining scene—ideal for pairing with every varietal in the region. Here are the best new restaurants across Napa and Sonoma for superior fall pairings.
1124 1st St.
Napa, CA 94559
Owners of Japanese dining hotspots Eiko’s Sushi and Eiko’s at Oxbow are fusing Asian noodles with Napa Valley cuisine at Napa Noodles. Aside from house-made noodles, the Asian Pacific Rim-style restaurant serves savory soups, seasonal salads, rice dishes, and slow-roasted meats paired with sake, Asian beers, and local wines. Start your epicurean tour of Asia with some KFC—Korean fried chicken, that is. The crispy chicken wings are drenched in maple-chili gochujang glaze and topped with toasted sesame seeds, micro wasabi, and maple salt. And for your noodles, take your pick from the global-inspired offering: Tokyo Ramen inspired by Japan, Duck Duck Soup from China, Pho Ga from Vietnam, or Tom Yum Soup, a traditional favorite in Thailand.
644 1st St.
Napa, CA 94559
Located in the Oxbow Public Market, Live Fire Pizza serves inventive California-style wood-fired pizza, along with a wide selection of fresh salads and hearty Italian sandwiches that pay homage to the flavors of Napa Valley. Liza Shaw, former executive chef of San Francisco's A16 and consultant to Redd Wood in Yountville, developed Live Fire’s menu and trained the team of chefs. Live Fire Pizza pulsates amid the energy of the busy market with its inviting indoor and outdoor seating areas, set against the scenic views of the Alta Heights hills that trace the eastern border of Napa Valley. Pizza variants include: Napa Vegan (tomato with seasonal vegetables), Blanca (Prosciutto di San Daniele, ricotta, cherry tomatoes, arugula), Mushroom (roasted mushrooms, garlic, smoked mozzarella, ricotta, garlic, radicchio), and Anchovy (marinated anchovies, capers, garlic, black olives, pickled chilies, arugula).
4350 Barnes Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
A circular dining room with outstretched windows that reveal the surrounding vineyards and gardens, wood ceiling beams, a rock fireplace, and custom iron ceiling fixtures give the River Vine Café its elegant, rustic charm. Serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch, the River Vine Café celebrates fresh wine country fare that showcases produce from local farmers and their very own organic gardens. For breakfast, you can feast on Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Breakfast Tacos (made with chorizo, scrambled eggs, black beans, goat feta, breakfast potatoes) or Petite Filet Mignon Steak & Eggs. For lunch, indulge in BN Ranch Grass Fed Beef Burger served with French fries and homemade zucchini pickles, or Old Fashioned Meatloaf served with glazed carrots, sour cream whipped potatoes, and pan gravy.
1050 Charter Oak Ave
St. Helena, CA 94574
Owned by three-Michelin-star chef and award-winning author Chef Christopher Kostow and James Beard Award Winner Nathaniel Dorn, The Charter Oak boasts a celebratory, family-style dining experience that is dedicated to simple, approachable, and seasonal food. The menu, which is a delectable mix of beautiful vegetables from their farm, grilled meats, creative cocktails, and local wines, reflects Napa Valley and the restaurant’s elemental cooking style highlighting just one or two ingredients at a time. Anticipate simple salads, made with fresh cheese malfatti, summer squash blossoms, and sourdough crumbs, that are bursting with freshness and flavor. From the hearth, savor pure Napa Valley cuisine with beef rib grilled over cabernet barrels served with beets dressed in the rendered fat, or duck leg served with spiced honey and sweet potato.
1229 Adams St. St. Helena CA 94574
1229 Adams St. St. Helena CA 94574