Napa Valley offers plenty in the way of fine dining and gourmet New American cuisine. But what about when you’re dined out, wined out, and all you want is a fast, casual bite?
This isn’t exactly fast food. But it is casual and comforting.
We all need comfort food sometimes. Vacations, road trips, and tourism can be stressful with all the planning involved. So we’ve got three recommendations for when you need to eat now, and preferably while wearing jeans and a sweatshirt.
Gott’s Roadside – elevated burgers, fries, and shakes
Don’t be put off by the fact that hamburgers start at $7.99 here. Even — and maybe especially — the $12.99 kimchi burger (which features fried egg, kimchi, American cheese, bacon, and spicy gochujang mayonnaise, by the way) is worth its price. We would also recommend ordering the Wisconsin sourdough burger, the citrus & avocado chop salad, and as many fries as your stomach can handle. This is drive-in food fit for wine country.
Pizzeria Tra Vigne – Italian food and Neapolitan-style pizza that locals love
Start with the mozzarella crostini appetizer; thank us later. Personal (“small”) pizzas start at $12.95, with the option to customize your order or choose one of the recommended specialty pizzas. We dig the zingaro pizza, which has mozzarella, marinara, gypsy peppers, red onions, pancetta, and castelvetrano olives. You can’t go wrong with any of their pastas either. We love the bucatini alla carbonara.
Gillwoods Cafe – underrated brunch hangout
Not interested in waiting in line for brunch? Didn’t make a reservation? Get thee to the Gillwoods Cafe. Fresh traditional Americana awaits you. Relax and nurse those Belgian waffles. If you’re feelings eggs, order the Napa scramble. And if you still want to feel fancy, try any of their eggs Benedict plates.
What’s your favorite place to eat when you’re in Napa? Do you opt for casual or do you like to make an event of your meals? We’re with you either way.