A Local's Guide to Downtown Napa

St. Helena, CA, is a delightful place to spend the warmer months. The summer is the ideal time for sipping wine on a sun-warmed patio, tasting the delectable flavors of local produce plucked from the garden at the peak of ripeness, and enjoying fresh seafood al fresco with an ice-cold cocktail. If you’ve recently bought real estate in St. Helena or a vacation home in the Napa Valley, here are some dining establishments you must try.

Acacia House

Set in a restored Georgian farmhouse with a welcoming patio and wraparound veranda, Acacia House cultivates the perfect summer ambiance. Menu favorites include the Iberico pork schnitzel and the grilled octopus, which pair beautifully with the Mexico City margarita. Acacia is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, and offers an extensive wine list.

CRISP Kitchen and Juice

Not all fine cuisine has to be heavy. At CRISP Kitchen and Juice, you can eat light and stay energized. They offer freshly pressed juice, smoothies, grain bowls, noodles, salads, baked goods, and sweets to enjoy.

Auberge du Soleil

Just a few miles outside of downtown St. Helena is Auberge du Soleil — a Michelin star restaurant and a verifiable highlight of the region. Enjoy the refined flavors of this high-end culinary establishment after a day of shopping, or opt for a sunset dinner on the terrace overlooking the valley. Take in stunning panoramic views of the mountains as you enjoy oysters on the half shell, spiced local lamb, or wine from their remarkable 15,000 bottle collection.

Charter Oak

The Charter Oak boasts an intimate courtyard setting made for magical, warm summer nights. Their menu is bold in its simplicity by allowing excellent local products to speak for themselves. Fresh produce, meats, and seafood are prepared with elegance to create a dining experience hard to find elsewhere.

Giugni’s Deli

Giugni’s is the perfect place to grab sandwiches for a summer picnic or a day of wine-tasting. Build your own sandwich with hundreds of possible combinations of premium bread, meats, cheeses, and toppings. Choose from pastrami, mortadella, prosciutto, pulled pork, chicken salad, turkey breast, roast beef, and dozens of other options, including vegetarian choices. Giugni’s is loved by locals for its signature “Giugni Juice” — a combination of olive oil and herbs you can get on the side of your order or by the bottle.