Napa will always be famous for its wineries, but the restaurant scene has been just as ambitious lately.
Beyond long‑time icons, a wave of newer, chef‑driven spots and wine‑centric kitchens have popped up from downtown to the surrounding neighborhoods.
These five relatively new or newly buzz‑worthy restaurants show off what modern Napa is all about right now.
1. Compline
Compline is a wine lover’s dream that also happens to have some of the most thoughtful food in downtown Napa. It’s a contemporary wine bar, shop, and restaurant all in one, with high ceilings, an open kitchen, and a relaxed but polished vibe.
The menu leans seasonal California with European touches—think perfectly crispy roast chicken, creative vegetable plates, house pastas, and snacks designed to pair with wine (like duck fat fries, charcuterie, and great cheeses). The wine list is deep and adventurous, with both California favorites and small producers from around the world by the glass and bottle.
2. Fleetwood Restaurant & Bar (at Calistoga Motor Lodge – a short drive, but very “new Napa”)
Just up the road in Calistoga, Fleetwood feels like a modern wine‑country roadhouse with an open hearth and wood‑fired everything. If you don’t mind a short drive, it’s a great example of where the broader Napa Valley dining scene is headed.
The menu revolves around the wood‑burning oven and grill: blistered pizzas, roasted veggies, grilled fish, steaks, and shareable small plates. Cocktails are bright and herb‑driven, and the wine list leans local and food‑friendly. The overall feel is casual, social, and very “weekend in Napa.”
3. Oenotri
Oenotri isn’t brand‑new, but its constant evolution and rotating menu keep it feeling current and buzzy. Right in downtown Napa, it’s an energetic Southern Italian restaurant with exposed brick, an open kitchen, and a lively bar.
Expect house‑made pastas, wood‑fired pizzas, and rustic‑chic dishes that lean on local produce and whole‑animal butchery. Cured meats are often made in‑house, and the menu changes frequently with what’s in season. The wine list gives plenty of love to both Italy and Napa, and the patio is a strong choice on nice evenings.
4. Torc
Torc brings a modern, chef‑driven edge to downtown Napa without feeling overly formal. The space is contemporary and a bit industrial, with high ceilings, a central bar, and a buzzy, big‑night‑out energy.
The menu is New American with global influences—precise, creative dishes built around top‑notch ingredients. You might see things like crispy pork belly, inventive crudos, house pastas, and mains like duck, steak, or seafood with bold sauces and seasonal sides. The wine program is serious but approachable, and the bar turns out refined cocktails.
5. Napa Palisades Saloon
Napa Palisades Saloon is what happens when a craft beer bar, modern tavern, and local hangout collide. It’s more casual than some of Napa’s white‑tablecloth spots, which makes it a great place to unwind after tastings or grab a low‑key dinner downtown.
The menu is elevated pub fare with Napa flair: burgers, wings, loaded fries, salads, sandwiches, and daily specials that lean into local produce and seasonal twists. They brew their own beers (Napa Palisades Beer Company) and also pour a solid lineup of guest taps, cocktails, and local wines—so everyone in the group is covered.
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