Where to Eat in Napa Valley: Oakville Grocery Picnics, Gott's Roadside, Bistro Jeanty & Michelin Dining

Napa Valley's food scene is famous for its three-Michelin-star tasting menus, yet what locals love most are its historic roadside delis, burger stands and wood-fired farmhouse patios where you can enjoy a relaxed lunch between winery tastings.

1. The 4 Best Casual Lunch & Winery Picnic Stops Along Highway 29

1. Oakville Grocery (7856 St Helena Hwy at Oakville Cross Rd, Since 1881): right next door to Opus One and Mondavi. Step inside to order a wood-fired pizza, warm Tri-Tip Steak Sandwich or Muffuletta, grab artisan cheeses and eat at the shaded garden tables viewing the vines.
2. Gott's Roadside (Main St in St. Helena or Next to Oxbow Market in Napa): founded in 1949 as Taylor's Refresher. Order at the outdoor window and sit at picnic tables with a glass of Napa wine over a California Burger (with a fried egg, bacon, balsamic onions and rocket), poke tacos and a pistachio milkshake.
3. Mustards Grill (7399 St Helena Hwy, North of Yountville, Since 1983): Chef Cindy Pawlcyn's famous roadside bistro, known for Mongolian Pork Chops, Ahi Tuna Crackers and Lemon-Lime Meringue Pie.
4. Where to Bring a Winery Picnic: because 90% of Napa wineries are barred by county permit from allowing outside food, head to one of the Picnic-Friendly Wineries: V. Sattui Winery (with food from their on-site deli), Rutherford Hill, Pestoni Family Estate, Trefethen, or picnic under the redwoods at Bale Grist Mill State Park.

2. Best Sit-Down Dinners: Bistro Jeanty, Farmstead, Charter Oak & The French Laundry

• Bistro Jeanty (Yountville) & Bouchon Bistro: at Chef Philippe Jeanty's cosy French bistro, every table orders Crème de Tomate en Croûte (tomato soup baked beneath puff pastry), Boeuf Bourguignon and Cassoulet.
• Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch & The Charter Oak (St. Helena): dine under string lights on grass-fed steaks, cheddar biscuits with honey butter and wood-hearth vegetables.
• How to Book 'The French Laundry' (Or 'PRESS' & 'Auberge du Soleil'): reservations for The French Laundry open on Tock on the first day of the prior month. For an easier reservation, book Michelin-starred PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena or lunch on the panoramic terrace of Auberge du Soleil on Rutherford Hill.