As you prepare to visit the top of the Napa Valley in Calistoga, you will, no doubt, plan to visit wineries, tasting rooms and spas. In between imbibing and detoxifying, the practicality of nourishment is necessary. But, in the form of a foodie experience, replenishing your energy level can be a lot of fun, especially with the plentiful dining options in downtown Calistoga. Below is a guide with suggestions on where and what to eat in Calistoga to plan your perfect Foodie Experience Itinerary.
DAY 1: START AT THE TOP
Quick Links:
- Craftsman Inn
- The Francis House
- Chelsea Garden Inn
- Solbar
- Monastery Books
- Holy Assumption Monastery
- Cal Mart
- Evangeline
Check into your hotel and begin getting settled in Calistoga. Consider staying at Craftsman Inn, a beautiful Craftsman-style bed and breakfast that features a delicious gourmet breakfast every morning made with recipes from the owner’s published cookbook, Inn Food. If a full breakfast at your hotel is a must-have for you, also try The Francis House or the Chelsea Garden Inn, all quaint beds-and-breakfast located close to town.
Your palate will acclimate to the seasons of Northern California with lunch inside or on the outdoor patio of Solbar at Solage, an Auberge Resort. Executive Chef Gustavo Rios creates inventive, yet classic Napa Valley dishes utilizing farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients to serve unique, flavorful dishes.
As you stroll downtown Calistoga for shopping and tastings, you might begin to experience a craving for something sweet. At Monastery Books & Gifts, you’ll also find scrumptious olive oils, vinegars, and cookies handmade by the Russian Orthodox nuns of Holy Assumption Monastery. Cal Mart grocery store also carries locally made toffees and brittles.
Reserve a wine and food pairing at Knights Bridge Winery with a private tasting in the vault, located in the historic Calistoga National Bank building, right downtown. The winery offers a cheese and charcuterie pairing, or upgrade for a leisurely lunch and wine pairing.
How Low-Country Can You Go? In a blend of low-country, creole, and French cooking, Evangeline is the place for a weekend brunch or any night’s dinner. Every Thursday in the summertime, Evangeline is best known for their fried chicken boxes which you can pre-order for take-out to enjoy at Concerts in the Park. Outside of the Thursday concerts, throughout the year are special fried chicken nights.
DAY 2: A MELTING POT OF CHOICES
Quick Links:
- Cafe Sarafornia
- Farmers’ Market
- Vincent Arroyo Winery
- Brian Arden Winery
- Lovina
- Pacifico Restaurante
- Madrigal Winery
- House of Better
Breakfast like a local at Café Sarafornia, where the story of Calistoga and how it was named is explained in the form of artwork on the wall. Wander through town and, if visiting on a Saturday morning, check out the Calistoga Farmers’ Market.
When you’re ready for weekend brunch, farm-to-table dining is at its most charming at Lovina (formerly Calistoga Kitchen). This intimate restaurant seats guests inside or outside in the garden patio and serves seasonable dishes crafted by chef owners Jenna & Shaun, according to what is available and delicious that week. For brunch/lunch, the duck confit spinach salad is sure to set the stage for a five-star experience.
Noteworthy: You might want to grab a bottle of wine from your favorite Calistoga tasting room or winery to bring along for No Corkage Thursdays!
Alternatively, if you have a lunch of Mexican specialties on your mind, stop in Pacifico Restaurante Mexicano.
Indulge your sweet side with a Chocolate & Wine Pairing at Madrigal Family Winery. You can also experience a “Calistoga Winery Lifestyle Lunch” at Madrigal, which includes wine tasting paired with a locally prepared lunch of sandwiches, sides and dessert.
There’s a place where wellness meets happiness, where health food meets comfort food, and where the scent of green chiles roasting meets Napa Valley’s world-renowned wines. Driven by Trevor Logan, of San Francisco’s Green Chile Kitchen, House of Better is located at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs in Calistoga.
DAY 3: KEEPING IT LIGHT
Quick Links:
Begin your day with a fresh cup of coffee and a breakfast pastry at Calistoga Roastery or Bella Bakery.
Following two days of indulgence in wine and food, take it easy today and detox a bit (so you can retox at the first opportunity!) Relax in the steam room at Indian Springs Resort & Spa, followed by a Chardonnay Sugar Scrub blended with shea butter for rich moisturizing and ultimate hydration. Hang by the mineral pool and meditate at the Buddha Pond, in the sun or shade, to catch up on your relaxation.
Sign up in advance for a cooking class at Napa Valley College or the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America, which also features a great kitchen and spices shop and a restaurant called Gatehouse.
Opt out of a full, decadent dinner and transition your plans to an early happy hour of cocktails, fried pickles, fish tacos, flatbread and more at Johnny’s Restaurant & Bar, or pizza and craft beer at Sam’s Social Club at Indian Springs Resort & Spa.
Head home full of good food and good vibes and dream of your next visit to Calistoga!
Noteworthy: Grab takeout from Buster’s BBQ, Cal Mart Deli, Palisades Eatery or Sushi Mambo and head to Old Faithful Geyser for a picnic, some bocce ball and to say hello to the Tennessee Fainting Goats on property
