Shouldn’t the beginning of your Napa Valley day be as wonderful as the end of your day? Swap the wine glass and charcuterie plate for a hot latte and freshly made pastry at one of these local favorites
The Model Bakery
In 1908, The Model Bakery opened its doors on St. Helena’s Main Street. Today, early birds still flock to this flagship location for their morning pick-me-up. Model Bakery has added two more locations — an outpost in downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market and a grab-and-go counter in Yountville. What to order? The bakery’s famous handmade English muffins. These buttery, fluffy muffins are so delicious that Oprah named them to her Favorite Things List two years in a row.
Bouchon Bakery
Thomas Keller’s tiny jewel box of a bakery, with charming yellow awnings and pale green exterior, is as picture-perfect on the outside as it is inside, where glass cases are filled with flaky croissants and pain au chocolat, decadent muffins, scones, macarons, and just about every other kind of sweet treat imaginable. Bouchon Bakery overlooks Washington Street in Yountville. Take your goodies to the shaded gravel courtyard and watch the town wake up.
Butter Cream Bakery & Diner
Since 1948, Butter Cream has been serving Napa locals mouth-watering glazed donuts (try the maple raised) and hearty breakfast staples. (You can’t miss its iconic pink-and-white-striped exterior.) Snag a seat at the counter and fuel up with buttermilk pancakes and bacon hot off the griddle.
Brasswood Bar + Bakery
In St. Helena you’ll find an artisan bakery, deli, and culinary boutique with a selection of handmade baked goods for meals on the go. Really hungry? Try the breakfast burrito or fried egg sandwich. In the mood for a boozy breakfast? Brasswood also offers up delightful boozy bakery cocktails to go along with your morning muffin.
Le Paris Artisan & Gourmet Café
From macarons and morning buns to eclairs and tarts, start the day on a sweet note with French pastries in American Canyon. You can also find a new location in downtown Napa. Don’t leave without a “cropuff,” the bakery’s very own creation that’s part croissant, part cream puff.
Oakville Grocery
From fresh pastries and savory egg sandwiches to healthy quinoa bowls and all-natural juices, find something for everyone at this iconic spot. Grab breakfast to go or savor it in the adjacent courtyard before a day of wine tasting.
Naysayer Coffee Roasters
Confused by craft coffee? Take a cupping class to taste five different single origins and take a bag of your favorite home. Find Naysayer at the St. Helena Farmers Market every Friday and every Saturday at the Calistoga Farmers Market. During the month of February 2020, you can also find a special Naysayer Coffee Shop Pop-Up at St. Clair Brown in downtown Napa!
Soul Rebel Coffee
Calistoga’s newest early-morning hotspot serves organic, fair-trade coffee and tea, fresh fruit smoothies, and cold-pressed juices. Get your greens in with the Green Machine juice, a revitalizing blend of cucumber, celery, apple, and parsley.
Rooted Fork Foodie
Can’t commit to just one spot? Book the weekend brunch tour, a walking food tour in downtown Napa.
Original content by Martha-Page Althaus for the 2020 Napa Valley Magazine.
