From coffee and pastries, to quiche and oatmeal, Sweetie Pies has breakfast covered. Located in the Historic Napa Mill building, it's an easy walk from anywhere in downtown Napa. With less than ten items, the breakfast menu isn't huge; selections include a fried egg sandwich with bacon and avocado, a chorizo wrap, and fruit and yogurt parfait. But when you factor in display cases loaded with pastries including the likes of bear claws, orange currant scones, and sticky buns (just to name a few items) you realize tough decisions will have to be made. Order at the counter and have a seat at one of the handful of tables, or take breakfast to go.
Recommended for Breakfast because: From croissants and muffins to fried egg sandwiches and oatmeal, Sweetie Pies offers something for everyone.
Dana's expert tip: Located steps from the Napa River, a breakfast treat from Sweetie Pies pairs well with a stroll through downtown Napa.
Founded in 1881, you know this bustling grocery must be doing something right. The breakfast menu is fairly small, but tasty. The Chorizo Burrito comes loaded with chorizo, eggs, peppers, onions and cheddar cheese. Sandwiches are made with croissants, English muffins and ciabatta bread, and include fillings like apple wood smoked bacon, ham, Swiss cheese, arugula, and avocado. Whenever possible, locally sourced goods are used in the sandwiches and burritos. Everything can be packed to-go, but you won't make it far before digging in. Don't come here in a rush, Oakville Grocery is a fun place to wander. Even if you weren't hungry when you walked in, something will catch you eye, and stomach's attention.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Along with Oakville Grocery's tasty breakfast offerings, the Durant & Booth tasting room is right next door, so you can be wine tasting in no time.
Dana's expert tip: If you are craving caffeine, you can add drip coffee or tea to any breakfast offering for a dollar.
Coffee infused with Napa Valley wine. It's a thing, and you should try it. Tucked a bit off the beaten path, on Brown Street in downtown Napa, the Private Reserve coffee infused with wine is just the beginning at Molinari Caffe. The Nutella Latte, made with Nutella, Chocolate, Hazelnut syrup, steamed milk, and espresso, is an attention grabber, along with the Cinnamon Roll Latte. Than there's the Ghost Chili Mocha, if you're feeling adventuresome. But breakfast isn't just about caffeine. Along with a varying assortment of homemade pastries Molinari Caffe has some breakfast staples like Belgian waffles, and The Roger. Named after one of the eatery's first customers, it's a house made brioche bun with egg, cured ham or turkey, and choice of cheese. On Saturdays fresh biscuits and brown gravy are added to the menu selections.
Recommended for Breakfast because: If you love coffee, and you love wine, Molinari Caffe's wine-infused coffee is a must-try when in downtown Napa.
Dana's expert tip: Go hungry. You might think you're going just for coffee, but chances are you'll decide you need a snack after you walk in the door.
France meets Napa Valley in a delicious way at Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll have tough decisions to make with choices like Pain au Chocolat, Monkey Bread, Blueberry Muffins, and Cinnamon Rolls. That's if you can make it past the croissant selection. In the mood for something a bit more savory? There's the Ham, Cheese & Egg Croissant or the Bacon Cheddar Scone. Space is dedicated to the bakery; there's no seating inside. But there's an outdoor courtyard where you can sit and enjoy breakfast. Just be forewarned, the birds like baked goods just as much as you do, and are on constant lookout for unattended leftovers.
Recommended for Breakfast because: If the baked goods weren't enough, Bouchon Bakery offers house-made juices and an assortment of Espresso drinks, coffee and tea.
Dana's expert tip: I know it's breakfast, but get a cookie to go. You'll thank me later.
The Model Bakery is one of Napa's best known bakeries, and now that the world knows it is also the home of Oprah's favorite English muffins, mornings may be a bit busier. Breakfast sandwiches are made with eggs and Canadian bacon, even avocado and hash browns if you'd like. Along with English muffins, Model Bakery uses croissants, ciabatta rolls and sourdough bread to make sandwiches.In addition to a quiche of the day, the menu includes a granola parfait and a bacon & egg tartine. The original bakery is on Main Street in St. Helena, but there is also a second location in downtown Napa, at Oxbow Public Market.
Recommended for Breakfast because: The English muffins are officially as close to world famous, as an English muffin can get. You should try one.
Dana's expert tip: After breakfast, Model Bakery is a good spot to pick up some snacks to get you through the rest of your day in Napa Valley.
Cafe Sarafornia has been serving Napa Valley breakfast for more than 120 years, so it goes without saying the neighborhood spot is doing something right. Located on Lincoln Avenue, in downtown Calistoga, this cozy diner is a local favorite. If you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, you'll find it here. Menu choices include Huevos Rancheros, Chicken Fried Steak and Corned Beef Hash. Craving something sweet? How about Cheese Blintzes or Apple Crepes? Kids and families are always welcome. Vegetarian and gluten-free items are available. Cafe Sarafornia uses no transfats in its cooking, and the restaurant composts leftovers whenever possible.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Located on the main drag, Cafe Sarafornia is walking distance from just about all things Calistoga.
Dana's expert tip: Snag a seat at one of the outside tables and enjoy breakfast all day long.
The Boon Fly Donuts are a must. Plan on sharing, so you'll have room to taste more dishes. Like the Breakfast Tacos - made with Blue Corn tortillas, scrambled egg whites, caramelized squash, cauliflower, onions, and served with fresh salsa. With Jalapeño Hollandaise, the Boon Fly Benedict puts a twist on the original favorite. And if you ever dreamed of trying Green Eggs and Ham as a kid, this is the place to do it. Poached eggs are wrapped in honey-cured ham, and served with lemon leek-cream, and crispy hash browns. Located in Napa, at The Carneros Inn, the bright red, barn-esque looking building is tough to miss from Sonoma Highway.
Recommended for Breakfast because: It's hard to pass up fluffy, warm donuts coated with cinnamon, and green eggs and ham.
Dana's expert tip: If you're in a hurry, Four Boon Fly Donuts and a Cuppa Joe is the way to go.
Read more about The Boon Fly Cafe, Carneros Resort and Spa →
You could play it safe with the House Buttermilk Pancakes, or the French Style Quiche of the day, but you're in Napa Valley. How about Chilaquiles with Tortillas, Tasso Ham Cheddar, Pico de Gallo and Lime Créme Frâiche? Or a toasted bagel with house cured salmon gravlax, cream cheese and red onion? Daily pastry choices include scones, croissants, cinnamon rolls, old fashioned donuts, and the eatery's famous Iron Skillet Cornbread with Lavender Honey Butter. (You might want to plan on skipping lunch.) On sunny mornings, the restaurant opens its garage door style wall and brings the outside in. Located in downtown Napa, save time after breakfast for a walk along the river.
Recommended for Breakfast because: A local hot spot, after trying breakfast, you'll want to come back for another meal.
Dana's expert tip: The Iron Skillet Cornbread with lavender honey butter is served from open to close. Wonder why? Try it.
Sleep in if you like, breakfast is served daily until 11:30am. White corn tortillas are made to order, than topped with the likes of black beans, eggs, pico de gallo, queso fresco, roasted corn relish, and chipotle aioli. Add chorizo to your Huevos Rancheros, or break tradition with buffalo.Looking for something a little less filling? Go for an egg taco with fixings that include options like goat cheese, pico de gallo, greens, and avocado. Along with orange and carrot juice, C Casa serves Cafe de Olla, or Mexican coffee. An added bonus, all menu items are gluten-free. C CASA is located in the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa.
Recommended for Breakfast because: C Casa cooks up a tasty breakfast in a fun, casual setting. And it won't break the budget.
Dana's expert tip: Take your breakfast outside and soak up some sunshine at one of the outside tables.
You can eat dessert first, even for breakfast at Sam's Social Club in Calistoga. Churros with Dulce de Leche Cream are next to impossible to say no to, but the fun menu may leave you a little indecisive. Sam's take on Egg in a Hole includes Parmesan crusted house-Brioche, mushroom fondue, and arugula. Than there's the avocado toast served with a soft boiled egg. If you're trying to be healthy, homemade granola with greek style yogurt, or fruit and yogurt are good choices. Don't forget to order a glass of fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit juice. If there's room, snag an outside table.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Sam's Social Club serves churros with Dulce de Leche Cream for breakfast. That says it all.
Dana's expert tip: If Mother Nature is cooperating, sit outside. If it's chilly, the heat lamps will be going.