Despite the seemingly endless setbacks for restaurants over the past two years, Napa Valley has remain steadfast in its commitment to culinary greatness. The restaurant scene has seen an abundance of changes, and while many have mourned the loss of restaurants gone, the turnover has made way for new restaurants equipped with experienced and longstanding local chefs and staff, the very best in fresh and local produce, and of course a seemingly endless variety of ways to imbibe – from local wine to craft beer to artisan cocktails. Whether living locally or visiting from out of town, those dining in Napa Valley have an insatiable appetite for good food and drink, and wine country diners can expect nothing less than the greatness from this impressive list of new and returning restaurants.

Bank Café Napa >> Located in the main lobby of the Westin Verasa, Bank Café takes hotel dining to the next level with its menu that showcases only the best local produce and meats from the likes of Llano Seco Ranch, Taramasso Ranch, Biagio Artisan Meats, and more. The bar presents an extensive collection of rare spirits, making this place a great visit for anyone looking for select libations and under-the-radar cocktails.

Calistoga’s Living Room and TRUSS Restaurant and Bar >> Dynamic is the name of the game at Calistoga’s Living Room with an ever-evolving menu of coffee and wine, craft cocktails and a varied menu that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their outdoor dining space comes fitted with a fire pit and overlooks the resort’s vineyards. Elevated American cuisine brings burgers, pizza, pasta and meat entrées to life on this tantalizing menu. TRUSS Restaurant will be opening soon offering modern fine dining and genuine hospitality in the heart of wine country, overlooking views of Calistoga vineyards and Palisades Mountains.

Empress M >> Empress M on the Silverado Trail provides an authentic Chinese fine-dining experience with classics like Peking duck and dumplings. Executive chef Peter Huang’s extensive menu brings fresh, local, and seasonal produce to familiar dishes and showcases his Best Dim Sum awards talent with immense flavor.

Fleetwood >> Fleetwood serves wood-fired fine foods in Calistoga, doubling down on the comfort and wellness for which this little mountain retreat town is known. Executive Chef Drew Glassell has crafted his own version of Cal-Ital cuisine with a menu graced with pizza, pasta, cioppino, and a trio of classic proteins – grilled salmon, Rocky chicken and striploin steak. The full bar comes complete with local and international wines, craft beer and more than a half-dozen artisan cocktails.

House of Better >> House of Better is the newly renovated Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs Spa onsite restaurant and dishes an eclectic and tasteful mashup menu of health food and Southwestern style dishes – offering flavor, health, and wellness in every bite. Chef Trevor Logan elevates good, healthy eats with his Southwestern flair and makes outdoor counter service delicious and playful in this backyard-like setting.

Kitchen Door >> The highly anticipated grand reopening of Kitchen Door in its new First Street Napa location (moved from The Oxbow) is set for early 2022. California classics with an Asian-inspired flare grace this local staple’s menu. The restaurant is known for its Korean-style chicken wings and creamy mushroom soup, and locals are especially eager to bring their families back to this adored local establishment. Executive Chef Todd Humphries will bring back classic Kitchen Door favorites to the menu and offer new takes on cuisine as well.

Los Agaves >> The past 20 years Ricky Gonzalez has worked at some of the best restaurants in the Napa Valley including working as a cook at Tra Vigne, front of house at La Toque, and as a manager at Bistro Don Giovanni. He knows the importance of great service, quality, and consistency of food. His Los Agaves food truck has been a favorite of locals for years. Gonzales has now opened a brick and mortar restaurant on Napa’s Riverfront. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional dishes from his beloved Mexico combined with the passion he has for his heritage he hopes to bring Napa an authentic small taste of Mexico.

Mary Elizabeth Restaurant >> Located inside the new Cambria Hotel bordering the Napa River, Mary-Elizabeth’s exhibits the deep history and culture built by the Napa River’s impact on the formation of the Napa Valley wine country. Through the elegant use of small plates, sharables, wine-centric cuisine, and masterful craft beer pairings, Mary-Elizabeth’s showcases why the old saying, “life is good by the river” came to be.

North Block >> The namesake restaurant at Yountville’s North Block hotel is open for dinner and serving a seasonal menu with meat and vegetarian dishes. Chef Nick Tamburo’s style of refined California cooking infuses raw and smokey elements, as well as woodfired sourdough pizzas. North Block was recently added to the 2021 Micheline Guide and proves to already be a favorite in Yountville.

North Spirits & Tapas >> Craft beer, local wines, and specialty cocktails come together with international small plates at North Spirits & Tapas in Napa. This hip bar has an impressive spirits lineup and a delicious menu to boot. Charcuterie and local cheese plates pair well with the local wines, while the more adventurous imbiber can choose a handcrafted cocktail and couple it with tasty dishes like crispy brussel sprouts served on soft polenta or grilled salmon on creamy delicious risotto.

Olive and Hay >> Olive and Hay at the Meritage Resort in southern Napa offers farm-fresh Italian cuisine that covers everything from classic to innovative dishes like black truffle pizza and rigatoni in lamb ragu. The restaurant welcomes diners with a comfortable indoor or al-fresco dining experience, an award-winning local wine list, and a handful of creative cocktails and aperitifs.

Sunshine Cafe >> For breakfast or lunch, this cozy spot has quickly become a local favorite. It may be small but the food packs a big punch with plentiful portions using local, farm fresh, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Try one of a variety of eggs benedict options with a Sunshine Bloody Mary or maybe Bananas Foster French Toast with a Boozy Hot Chocolate is what you’re craving! Plenty of vegan/vegetarian options round out the menu.

Waterfront Seafood Grill >> As the name suggests, the Waterfront Seafood Grill is flanked against the Napa River and serves up delicious presentations of fresh seafood from longstanding purveyors. With a 21-year tenure at Cole’s Chop House, Executive Chef Jesus Mendez brings more than forty years of culinary and restaurant experience in Napa Valley to this new restaurant.

Wilfred’s Lounge >> Unlike any other restaurant in Napa County, the recently opened Wilfred’s Lounge brings guests an authentic tiki dining experience with its Polynesian-influenced menu and bountiful list of rum-based cocktails. For the adventurous eater, spam sliders fit the bill, and entrées like line-caught, sustainably sourced tuna are delicious.