Where the Foodies Shop in Napa Valley
Updated June 2026 with new local favorites, including Under-Study and other foodie finds.
Napa Valley is a mecca for everything food and wine, so you may be wondering where the locals go to gather ingredients for their culinary creations when cooking at home. As a Napa native, gourmet, and avid home chef, I've compiled a list of Napa Valley' s go-to specialty shopping spots for all of your culinary needs.
These are the markets, bakeries, and specialty shops that local chefs, winemakers, and longtime residents rely on for everything from weeknight dinners to elaborate wine country entertaining and impromptu picnics.
Oxbow Public Market
Not just for shopping, Napa's Oxbow Public Markethouses a variety of merchants stocked with gourmet ingredients, interspersed with vendors serving ready-to-eat delicacies. It' s one of our favorite places to gather provisions for a wine country picnic or pick up a few special ingredients for a dinner at home.
Our Favorite Stops
What brings us to the Oxbow Market most frequently is the Fatted Calf (pictured above) which offers a delicious array of charcuterie and pasture raised butchered meats. Fatted Calf sources the best pigs and products because they care about the quality of life the animals receive. When you choose to shop at Fatted Calf you’re voting for better quality of life for the animals, the farmer, and the communities surrounding them. In addition to exceptional meat the Fatted Calf also has a unique selection of artisanal food products hand selected for the shop such as Rancho Gordo beans and an assortment of vinegars, pastas and preserves. They also offer ready-made items such as Pozole and homemade stocks which serve as a great base to any home cooked meal.
Whole Spice is definitely next on the must stop list when shopping at Oxbow. Sourcing out the best spices from around the world, Whole Spice is a home chef's dream. From everyday essentials, like allspice and vanilla, to exotic varieties, like ajowan and zhug, they offer an incredible selection of spices, salts, mushroom powders, and more than 50 custom spice blends that are fantastic time savers in the kitchen. This is the place that makes our chili come to life, our Szechuan dishes sing, and our shawarma dreams come true.
Model Bakery has long been a Napa Valley favorite and is one of our go-to spots for breakfast or picking up fresh bread to bring home. One of our favorite things to grab is the épi or really any of their crusty baguettes, which are perfect alongside a cheese board, charcuterie spread, or a simple dinner at home. And, of course, you really do not want to miss their world-class baked goods, including their famous English muffins, which have been featured on Food Network and named one of Oprah's Favorite Things several times.
Looking to make gourmet pizza at home but don't have time to make the dough? Look no further than Live Fire Oxbow, where you can pick up pre-made pizza dough balls that are perfect for nights at home with your Ooni or wood-burning pizza oven.
And while you're there, it' s well worth staying for a meal. Live Fire has become one of our favorite casual spots in Napa for artisan wood-fired pizza. Their thin, crisp crust is one of the better versions you'll find in town, and the menu goes beyond pizza with fresh salads and wine country-inspired small plates that are perfect for sharing. Grab a pie, a glass of wine, and a seat on the patio, or pick up a pizza to-go and continue exploring Oxbow.
Last, when we are looking for the perfect vegetable side for our steak dinner or some fresh fruit to accompany our charcuterie spread we head over to Hudson Greens & Goods where they specialize in locally sourced, organic fruits and vegetables, with an expanded selection of dry goods and gourmet items. We are always sure to find some fun and exciting mushroom or green to titillate our creative palates and, while you're there, don' t skip the juice bar. It's the perfect healthy pick-me-up after wandering around downtown Napa.
Browns Valley Market
Tucked away in the quiet Browns Valley neighborhood in west Napa, Browns Valley Market is one of those places that locals are almost reluctant to tell visitors about. It has become Napa Valley's go-to destination for high-quality butchered meats and hard-to-find ingredients, and it' s where many of us head when we want to elevate dinner at home.
With an amazing selection of house-made sausages, pre-marinated meats, and steaks cut to order, trust me, you'll be happy you found this place. Among our favorites are the pre-marinated wings, country bacon, Akaushi steaks, and pre-made brisket burgers and sliders, but they' ll butcher just about anything for you as a custom order, even your own wild game or ranch animal.
Come for the meat but stick around to shop their fresh local produce and one of the best delis in town. They're known for their sandwiches, prepared foods, and fabulous cheese selection, making it an easy one-stop shop for everything from a weeknight dinner to an impromptu picnic. This is also the only market in town that I know to consistently carry Thai chiles, Thai basil, and cheese curds for homemade poutine.
Under-Study
One of Napa's newer culinary favorites, Under-Study has quickly become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors. Part bakery, part café, and part gourmet provisions shop, it' s the kind of place that makes you want to linger over a morning coffee and leave with far more than you intended to buy.
We love stopping in for beautifully crafted pastries, artisan sandwiches, and seasonal salads, but the thoughtfully curated butcher and provisions counter is what really sets Under-Study apart. One of our favorite discoveries at Under-Study was that they carry Flannery Beef. Long considered our go-to butcher for special meals at home, Flannery's exceptional dry-aged beef can be difficult to find locally, making Under-Study one of the few places in Napa where you can purchase select cuts in person. In addition to Flannery Beef you can also find richly marbled beef from Snake River Farms and exceptional ingredients like Liberty Farms heritage poultry, impeccably sourced seafood, and a carefully selected assortment of charcuterie and cheeses. Housemade pâtés, rillettes, and sauces round out the offerings, making it one of Napa' s best places to gather extraordinary ingredients for entertaining at home or simply elevating an everyday meal. If you're putting together a casual wine country picnic or planning a special dinner, Under-Study has quickly become one of Napa' s most exciting one-stop culinary destinations.
Flannery Beef
While not a traditional retail market, no foodie shopping guide would feel complete without mentioning Flannery Beef. Based in nearby San Rafael, we happened upon Flannery years ago when they still had a small retail shop and have been loyal customers ever since. Flannery has developed a devoted following among professional chefs, winemakers, and serious home cooks for its exceptional quality, old-school craftsmanship, and widely celebrated dry-aged beef.
We've been customers for more than 15 years, and whenever we' re planning a special dinner at home, Flannery is almost always our first stop. Their beautifully marbled Jorge Rib Steak is one of our all-time favorites, and whether we're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating ourselves to an exceptional meal, their beef has become our go-to. While Flannery primarily operates online and ships nationwide, it has earned something of a cult following in the culinary world and remains one of the Bay Area' s true gems for anyone who appreciates extraordinary ingredients.
Whole Foods Market
Of course, everyone is probably familiar with Whole Foods, which is known for specializing in organic foods and supporting sustainable agricultural methods. Napa's location is at the north end of town in the Bel Aire Shopping Center (Trader Joe' s is also located here).
In addition to a wonderful selection of fresh seafood, meats, and produce, Whole Foods offers several stations preparing fresh foods to go. The sushi counter prepares fresh sushi daily, and the rolls are pretty darn good quality for a grocery store. Other prepared food options include custom-made sandwiches, pizza by the slice, and Market Cocina featuring bold Mexican flavors and high-quality ingredients. Local tip: check out their Prime members only specials on Tuesdays and Fridays, including deals on Oysters, Sushi Rolls and more !
Osprey Seafood Market
Napa's premier destination for anything seafood, Osprey has been around since 2002 and remains the fish market that locals trust. With a wide selection of fresh fish, including sushi grade cuts, this is our go-to spot when we are craving fresh sashimi at home. They also offer several house made items including a variety of pokes, house smoked gravlax, and several seafood salads and spreads.
Other popular prepared items include their signature clam chowder and where else can you find your Cioppino base all ready to go? When you are hosting Spanish tapas night at home you can find your Octopus and Salt Cod here for those quintessential dishes like Octopus salad and Bacalao. Oysters, caviar, clams, mussels, you name it and they have it. They even have Uni on occasion but it is best to ask them to pre-order it for you because when they do get it in it always sells out fast!
Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company
You will not be sorry that you found this quaint little Italian Grocery hidden away on a backstreet in St. Helena. Family owned and operated since 1931, this beloved market is one of those places that longtime Napa Valley residents return to again and again for authentic Italian provisions and old-world charm.
Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company provides locally grown and manufactured olive oil as well as prosciutto, salami, sausages, breads, cheeses, peppers, wine, and pastas imported from Italy. Aside from the olive oil, which is available for purchase by the jug, we come here specifically for the pre-grated bags of Parmesan and Romano cheese...an absolute pantry essential ! It is so fun to peruse the selection of Italian goods and if you want to make a fun day of it grab a little salami and cheese and perhaps a little vino and sit out on one of their picnic tables to enjoy a beautiful Napa Valley afternoon.
Sunshine Foods Market
St. Helena's gourmet market is Sunshine Market, and it' s long been a favorite shopping destination for both locals and many of Napa Valley's top winemakers.
Their cheese selection rivals anywhere in the Valley, and their grab-and-go offerings are perfect for nights when you don't feel like cooking. Fresh sushi, cheese trays, sandwiches, soups, deli salads, bakery items, and an impressive meat and seafood department make it a destination in itself. We always seem to come across some great finds in the wine department as well probably due to the fact that this market is the go-to shopping destination for many of the Valley' s top winemakers.
Napa Wild
Napa Wild is an online marketplace and one of my favorite places to shop for top quality produce and meats delivered directly to your home.
Founded in 2017 by former chef Kory Stewart, they are committed to bringing the community extraordinary foods from local farms and forests. They support farmers and foragers that practice sustainable methods and offer a wonderful array of produce. Everything they offer is seasonal so their selections are always changing. They also offer gourmet food items that are absolute finds for foodies ! This is where I have found finger limes, an amazing selection of both fresh and dried mushrooms, Liberty Duck, Koji Soy Sauce, Wolfe Ranch Quails and pretty much any produce you would need. Oh, and did I mention French Perigord Truffles? Yes, truffles delivered direct to your door and at a great price too!
Oakville Grocery
Definitely a spot that tourists love to frequent, Oakville Grocery always seems to be bustling. While many locals tend to avoid the crowds, it's still one of our favorite places to stop for gourmet provisions, picnic supplies, and specialty food finds whenever we can snag a parking spot. Founded in 1881, it is the oldest continuously operating grocery store in California and has become a true Wine Country institution.
Tourists flock here for the hearty sandwiches, house-made salads, creamy dips, and perfect provisions for an afternoon in Napa Valley. They also carry a fun selection of mustards, olives, oils, jams, pickles, teas, spices, and gourmet gifts. My husband claims they make the best Muffaletta sandwich around, and it's one of those quintessential Napa Valley spots that has remained a favorite for generations.
Trader Joe's
While not necessarily thought of as a foodie destination, Trader Joe's carries some unique items, and we find ourselves there on a weekly basis. In particular, we love their pre-marinated chicken shawarma, fresh pizza dough balls, and focaccia bread that tastes homemade. They also have a great cheese selection and some surprisingly wonderful values in the wine department. And, if I am looking for flowers for my open houses, Trader Joe's floral selection can't be beat!
Genova Delicatessan
Last, but certainly not least, Genova is Napa's premier Italian delicatessen and where you can find authentic homemade pasta and sauces to cook at home. They specialize in old-world recipes handed down through the family & use the very best ingredients to create all of their products. Offering fresh pastas, gnocchi, and companion sauces of meat, marinara, pesto, mushroom, alfredo and their very special Nonni Gravy. All of the products are available fresh or fresh frozen.
Their selection of deli meats and salads is definitely the largest in Napa and they have wonderful prepared foods that are great to supplement a fun, gourmet "eat around" . The zucchini and artichoke frittatas are a few of our favorites along with the fried artichoke balls (for lack of a better name). I have also heard that their clam chowder is some of the best around.
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So, those are my top shopping picks for the home chef living in Napa Valley. One of the best things about living in Napa Valley is that extraordinary ingredients are never far away. Whether you're planning an elaborate dinner party, gathering ingredients for a weeknight meal, or putting together the perfect wine country picnic, these are the places that locals return to time and again.
And of course, don't forget about the Farmers' Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, where you'll find wonderful artisanal products that perfectly complement any Napa Valley culinary adventure.
If you're looking to find your own piece of Napa Valley real estate, don' t hesitate to reach out. I would love to help you discover not only a home you'll love, but also the wonderful community, lifestyle, and local treasures that make Napa Valley so special.
