With more than 40 tasting rooms and proximity to world-class wineries, downtown Napa is synonymous with wine. And where there is wine, good food tends to follow. Downtown Napa is easy to explore on foot, and you can also work up an appetite exploring by e-bike or kayak. Here’s where I ate with my teenager.
Anette’s Chocolates
When you’re walking or biking in the heat and need a quick pick-me-up — even after an iced latte at Ohm Coffee Roasters — it’s time for chocolate. Anette’s sells artisan truffles in a wide variety of flavors. I sampled a toffee truffle and tried something I’d never had before: chardonnay brittle, along with a chili, lime and tequila version. The brittle comes in bars, making it easy to pop into your suitcase.
Angèle Restaurant & Bar
Angèle Restaurant & Bar, a French-inspired restaurant by the Napa River, perfectly captures the high-end but unfussy vibe of downtown Napa. I felt comfortable bringing my son along after a day of adventuring. Reserve a table on the patio and time your dinner to watch the sunset over the river. My standout dishes were the beet starter with goat cheese, citrus and walnuts and the roasted sea bream with citrus beurre blanc. My son was content with steak frites and a giant bowl of chocolate mousse.
ZuZu
Settle into a table on the patio at ZuZu and get ready for a feast. This cozy restaurant pairs Spanish-inspired cuisine with Northern California ingredients. We ordered a variety of tapas to share, including olives, boquerones (Spanish white anchovies) and the ceviche of the day. While we could have ordered paella for two, we opted for more small plates, including Akaushi flat-iron steak with roasted jalapeño chimichurri and gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic).
Gott’s Roadside
If you love burgers and fries but prefer them elevated, head to the retro-inspired Gott’s Roadside. Don’t be intimidated by the line. It moves quickly, and the wait is worth it at this James Beard Award-winning restaurant. You can do what I did: grab a vanilla soft serve while you wait for your meal. I opted for a turkey burger with caramelized onions and Gruyère, while my son went for a classic burger with a mint chip shake and a side of sweet potato fries.
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