Breakfast in Yountville, Napa Valley
It will come as no surprise that Yountville’s breakfast scene reflects the town’s stellar culinary reputation. Whether you’re looking for a cup of coffee, a perfectly executed croissant, or something more substantial, Yountville has a number of ways to begin your day. After all, any day in Napa Valley should start out with something delicious.
Coffee, Pasty & a Yountville Stroll
Sometimes you just want something hot and caffeinated alongside something sweet to dip into that morning brew. Pick one of these standouts and take your selections to one of Yountville’s parks and community spaces throughout the town. Or meander the town’s art walk as the town and valley starts to wake up.
For the perfect croissant or vanilla scone, head to Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery (6528 Washington Street). Pick up one of their baguette sandwiches and a cookie for later in your day. No one will fault you if you take a bite of the baguette with your latte. Opens daily at 7 a.m.
For early risers, Honor Market (6795 Washington St) is a must for their coffee drinks and homemade scones. Head north on Washington Street to Yountville Community Park and find one of the many picnic tables. Head a little further north and you’ll find the George C. Yount graveyard. Yount was the first person to plant winegrapes in Napa Valley (and namesake of Yountville). Honor Market is open daily 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Well known for their Oxbow Public Market and St. Helena locations, Model Bakery’s Mini Model is housed outside the Napa Valley Railroad Inn (6523 Washington St). Snag a Stumptown coffee and one of their famous English Muffins, or try one of their much-loved pastries. Walk south on Washington Street, past sprawling Estate Yountville resort to the Yountville Veterans Park to enjoy your jolt of caffeine. Open Thursday-Sunday at 7 a.m.
If you’re in Yountville on a Thursday morning, walk over to the Community Center Plaza for the Yountville Farm Stand between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. In addition to fresh fruit and vegetables, a rotating group do vendors offer breakfast options and sweet treats. This market vibe reminds you that Yountville is part of a tight knit Napa Valley agricultural community.
Making Time for Breakfast & Brunch
When you’re in the mood for something more substantial, make a stop at one of these options and you won’t be disappointed. From classic to reimagined, breakfast and brunch in Yountville will fill you up and leave you asking for more.
Located inside the ‘deep green’ environmentally-conscious Bardessono Hotel & Spa, Lucy (6526 Yount Street) is truly elevated field-to-fork dining, and breakfast is no exception. Many of the dishes include produce grown right on the resort’s property. The menu includes lighter options like an açaí bowl as well as indulgent and balanced dishes like eggs benedict and apple cider pancakes. There are several delicious vegan and gluten free options that are clearly indicated on the menu. Offered daily from 7 to 11 a.m.
Much more than macaron’s, Madeleine’s Macarons (6752 Washington St.) serves up a selection of sweet and savory crêpes as well as a menu of café breakfast dishes – such as avocado toast, fruit parfaits, and croissant French toast from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. They have recently added a gluten-free crêpe option. The café serves coffee from notable Linea Coffee Roasters, which are certified organic, biodynamic and regenerative. (Macarons shop and tastings are available until 5 p.m.)
The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, you had us at Loaded Latkes and French Toast Sticks. This relative newcomer (6488 Washington St) offers a ‘breakfast all day’ menu alongside their signature smash burger and classic Caesar salad. Sourcing high-quality, seasonal ingredients, the team at The Kitchen turns out casual but elevated fare that has us planning our next visit. Open Wednesday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Closed Tuesdays).
The Vintner’s Golf Club’s Lakeside Grill (7901 Solano Avenue) opens for breakfast Saturdays and Sundays with a menu of classic favorites including a selection of egg scrambles, breakfast burritos, items from the griddle, and a large selection of a la carte options. The grill’s back patio backs up to the golf course with uninterrupted views of the Mayacamas Mountains that separate Napa Valley from Sonoma County. Breakfast is served 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends.
Part of the Thomas Keller Group of restaurants, La Calenda (6518 Washington St) serves brunch favorites alongside their regular menu inspired by the Mexican cuisine of Oaxaca. Sip on the Oaxacan hot chocolate with a bright red concha. The Huevos en Salsa de Tomate brings together poached eggs stewed in tomato salsa, refried black beans. Or try the Tostada de Frijol with the most perfectly fried egg atop a bed of refried black beans and crema on a house-made tostada.
Also from the Thomas Keller Group, Ad Hoc (6476 Washington St) serves one prix fixe menu a day, with market-inspired selections announced that day. On Sundays only, the restaurant opens for a relaxing Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The three-course menu, served family-style, includes a few glorious optional add-ons like Regiis Ova Siberian Caviar or smoked salmon cakes. Wine pairings are also available. Reservations recommended.
For something a little unexpected, try the new Sunday Brunch experience at Yountville’s favorite sparkling house — Chandon (1 California Dr). The three-course menu starts off with seasonal small plates, followed by a choice of brunch classics with a Chandon twist, and dessert straight from the garden. The reservation-only experience includes three wines and is for guests 21 and older. Available Sundays for up to 8 guests.
Regardless of how you start your day in Yountville, take a bit of time to enjoy the small town feel. Build in time in your itinerary to make breakfast as memorable as the rest of your visit.