Rise & Dine: The Best Breakfast in Napa

Birds Eye View of a brunch table with various dishes on display

It’s true what they say – breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Especially when you have a full day of wine tastings ahead of you! As someone who’s been lucky enough to put roots down in Wine Country, I’ve spent years exploring and discovering some of the very best breakfast spots in Napa.

Best Breakfast Spot in Napa

Whether you’re looking for an upscale brunch or a casual diner – or maybe some great takeout bagels to scarf down before a day of wine tasting – I’ve got just the recommendation for you!

Red barn-like exterior shot of Boon Fly Cafe
Image via Boon Fly Cafe

Boon Fly Cafe

This local favorite is a must if you’re planning on spending any time in Downtown Napa. They have fantastic lunch and dinner options too, but where else can you get breakfast pizza?! 

Boon Fly Cafe serves up modern, rustic cuisine with a fun, contemporary roadhouse feel. You won’t be able to miss the large, red, barn-like restaurant that pays delicious homage to the local flavors. Whether you’re here for a sit down brunch, or looking for small bites to take with you on the road, you’re sure to find something scrumptious at the Boon Fly Cafe. 

Learn more about Boon Fly Cafe

Exterior shot of Napa General Store and customers enjoying the outdoor patio
Image via Napa General Store

Napa General Store

Are you looking for breakfast with a view? The Napa General Store offers casual, riverside dining and some fantastic menu options. Owners Jill and Jim always recommend their cornmeal pancakes with applewood smoked bacon – which are mouthwatering – but I love the salmon benedict! 

Once you’re finished eating breakfast out on their gorgeous patio, be sure to check out the store up front. It’s the perfect place to grab some cute knick-knacks for friends and family back home. 

Learn more about Napa General Store

Banana Fosters French Toast sitting on counter of Sunshine Cafe
Image via Sunshine Cafe

Sunshine Cafe

If you come to the Sunrise Cafe, you NEED to try the Banana Foster French Toast! No matter what time you actually start your day, you’ll be able to find all-day brunch at the Sunshine Cafe.

Learn more about Sunshine Cafe

Basket of Bagels
Images via Winston's Bakery
Worker prepares breakfast plates
Breakfast foods and side salad

Winston’s Bakery

BAGELS. Need I say more? After living in New York for a handful of years, there’s nothing I love more than a perfectly textured, delicious everything bagel smothered in chive cream cheese. When Winston’s Bakery opened, I was ecstatic.

This downtown Napa bakery serves up incredible pastries, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches, along with coffee, tea, and other specialty beverages. Pro tip? Order ahead on their website, as the line can get rather long!

Learn more about Winston’s Bakery

La Cheve Bakery 

If you wake up in the mood for Mexican food, I challenge you to find better chilaquiles in Napa Valley! La Cheve Bakery has the best breakfast and brunch plate options – from Mexican avocado toast to Flan French Toast. You’ll find traditional favorites, along with some culinary infusion dishes. 

Plus, if you want to get an early start on a full day of tastings, they do offer mimosa flights. 

Learn more about La Cheve Bakery

Hand holding a plate of avocado toast with smoked salmon
Image via Southside Napa

Southside Napa

There’s a lot of great menu items to choose from at Southside Napa, but the biscuits and gravy is my absolute favorite dish. Here, breakfast is served all day, so it doesn’t matter how late you sleep in after a full day of sightseeing. 

If you happen to come on a Friday afternoon, I’d recommend skipping the all day breakfast, though, and opting for the Friday Fried Chicken Special. It’s considered so dangerously delicious it’s only offered once a week! 

Learn more about Southside Napa

Jax White Mule Diner

There’s a handful of breakfast joints that serve up amazing fried chicken and waffles, but Jax White Mule Diner might just be my favorite. Don’t just take my word for it, though – they’ve been named the best brunch spot multiple times in recent years. 

They’re part diner and part lounge, but create a welcoming atmosphere that flows through the entire space. If the gorgeous decor and intimate seating don’t already make you feel right at home, wait until you taste the food. Between the plates and the ambiance, this is a touch brunch spot to beat!

Learn more about Jax White Mule Diner

poached off with meats and bread
Image via Grace's Table

Grace’s Table

Grace’s Table is a michelin bib gourmand restaurant that offers its guests a delectable farm to table experience. Chef & Owner Mauro Pando wanted to create a “global kitchen” where comfort foods from around the world could come together. Maybe that’s why his pulled pork and egg taco is one of the best things I’ve ever tasted! 

If you can’t make it for brunch, they’ve also got an incredible supper menu. And if you make room for dessert, the creme brulee is incredible. 

Learn more about Grace’s Table

Interior shot of a restaurant with large, folding windows
Image via Auberge Resorts Collection

Bear at Stanly Ranch

Are you looking for an upscale brunch experience? You don’t need to be a guest at this luxury resort to eat here, but Bear at Stanly Ranch is easily the best way to brunch Napa. A lot of their brunch menu items include health-forward plates like avocado toasts, smoked salmon, and chia pudding. 

You’ll also find more hearty options, though, like a short rib benedict, pancakes, and savory breakfast sandwiches.  

Learn more about Bear at Stanly Ranch

People enjoying coffee and pastry outside Model Bakery in St Helena CA
Image via Model Bakery

Model Bakery

Found in the heart of historic downtown St. Helena, Model Bakery still bakes their organic, stone ground breads in the building’s original brick ovens. They have all kinds of delicious breakfast offerings, like pastries, breads, and coffees, to delicious desserts and lunch items. If you’re planning to spend a day, or even a few hours, exploring this charming downtown area, be sure to pop in and grab yourself a little treat! The English Muffins come highly recommended from Oprah herself — and were featured on her “Favorite Things” list in 2021! 

Learn more about Model Bakery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Downtown Napa worth visiting?

As someone who’s literally written an entire guide of incredible dining and wine tasting experiences to be had in Downtown Napa, I can confidently say it’s absolutely worth visiting! You could easily spend an entire day here! 

What is Napa CA known for?

If you want to get a taste of the good life, Napa is the perfect place to do it! It’s home to award winning wines, restaurants, a thriving art scene, and breathtaking views in almost every direction. It’s perhaps best known for its wine, though. 

Is a weekend in Napa enough?

There’s so many fantastic wineries and restaurants to experience in Napa, but I think a three day weekend is the perfect amount of time for your first visit. You’ll definitely want to keep coming back again and again! 

Other Napa Valley Guides You’ll Love

Where to Stay in Napa Without Breaking the Bank

Budget-Friendly Wine Tastings in Napa

What to Do in Downtown Napa: Wine Tasting, Dining & More

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