
Bistro Don Giovanni
A beloved Italian bistro in Napa Valley, renowned for its rustic charm, stunning outdoor patio with a fountain, and exceptional homemade Italian fare.

Highlights
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Bistro Don Giovanni

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Italian bistro in Napa Valley, renowned for its rustic charm, stunning outdoor patio with a fountain, and exceptional homemade Italian fare.
"Consistently one of the best Italian restaurants in Napa Valley, a must-visit for its food and ambiance."
Reservations Highly Recommended
The restaurant is popular; book in advance or be prepared for a wait, possibly at the bar.
Don't Miss the Pastas
Try the homemade pastas like rigatoni bolognese and ravioli, a consistent crowd-pleaser.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enchanting Fountain-Side Patio
Dine al fresco under twinkling lights by a charming fountain, creating a romantic and picturesque atmosphere.

Authentic Homemade Pastas
Savor traditional Italian pasta dishes, with rigatoni bolognese and ravioli frequently praised.

Decadent Tiramisu
Indulge in a creamy, perfectly balanced tiramisu, a must-try dessert for a sweet ending.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Highly Recommended
The restaurant is popular; book in advance or be prepared for a wait, possibly at the bar.
Don't Miss the Pastas
Try the homemade pastas like rigatoni bolognese and ravioli, a consistent crowd-pleaser.
Consider Lunch on Weekends
To avoid crowds, a weekend lunch visit might be a good strategy to experience the ambiance.
Be Prepared for Higher Prices
While pricey, diners find the quality of food and service makes it a worthwhile experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Highly Recommended
The restaurant is popular; book in advance or be prepared for a wait, possibly at the bar.
Don't Miss the Pastas
Try the homemade pastas like rigatoni bolognese and ravioli, a consistent crowd-pleaser.
Consider Lunch on Weekends
To avoid crowds, a weekend lunch visit might be a good strategy to experience the ambiance.
Be Prepared for Higher Prices
While pricey, diners find the quality of food and service makes it a worthwhile experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bistro Don Giovanni is lauded for its charming ambiance, especially its outdoor patio with a fountain, and consistently praised for its authentic Italian cuisine, particularly homemade pastas and rich desserts. While some find the prices on the higher side, the quality of food, excellent service, and delightful atmosphere make it a highly recommended dining experience in Napa Valley.
"A nice Italian dinner spot. Big outdoor dining area situated around a fountain with sculptures inspired by the play Commedia dell'Arte. We sat up against the fountain. Good eine and whiskey selections here, I had a Blanton's old-fashioned 👍🏼
We had the veal parmesan and the rigatoni bolognese. The veal was nice and tender, a good marina with cheese crusted on top, and served with a fettuccine alfredo. Quite good. The rigatoni was good, basic.
Ordered the tiramisu for dessert. I'm picky with tiramisu, but this was definitely a good one. Good consistency (not mushy), nice and creamy, not too much espresso topping, and some nice chocolate shavings on top.
Good service, nice atmosphere and decor."
Levon Juni
"The outside dining could not be improved upon. Umbrellas, sun sails, and numerous fans moderate temperature and sun. The staff is well managed and provides impeccable service. All of our food was nicely prepared."
Dan
"A very nice Italian restaurant in Napa serving homey Italian foods in a beautiful setting. Service was very friendly. We tried what was recommended by the manager: the octopus salad, gnocchetti with a ground lamb sauce, and the veal parmigiana with fettuccine Alfredo. Everything was good. We could not stop eating them. There were not a lot octopus pieces in the salad. The price was on the higher side. It was a very pleasant experience overall."
Rong Mao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular. Consider waiting at the bar if you arrive without one.
Homemade pastas like rigatoni bolognese and ravioli, as well as pizzas, Caesar salad, and the tiramisu are frequently recommended.
Yes, Bistro Don Giovanni boasts a beautiful outdoor seating area around a fountain, which is a major draw for diners.
The restaurant is considered upscale, with prices on the higher side, but many find the quality justifies the cost.
Yes, the restaurant features an extensive selection of Napa Valley and Italian wines, with many reviewers praising their wine list.
Yes, the restaurant is noted as being dog-friendly, making it a good option for those traveling with pets.
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This long-standing Italian restaurant is on the outskirts of town, and has one of the best outdoor settings around, with vineyard views and a dramatic fountain that sits at the center of it all. Beyond the scenery, the real reason we’ve been coming here for years is the food: every dish is a home run, especially the homemade pastas (get the rigatoni bolognese), all of the pizzas, and caesar salad. This place is always packed, so it’s best to book ahead or plan on hanging out at the bar while you wait.
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Bistro Don Giovanni opened more than 20 years ago and is still among the most popular Italian restaurants in Napa, meaning it can be downright impossible to get a table at the eatery unless you roll in late. Dishes include fritto misto, agnolotti with salmon and sweet pea cream sauce, and branzino poached in a tomato-garlic broth. Locals love Mamma Concetta’s meatballs, the beet and haricot vert salad, and, when it’s on the menu, lasagna.
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NapaA longstanding Napa favorite, Bistro Don Giovanni is the Italian restaurant of our fantasies, from the convivial “welcome to the family” vibe to the stunning outdoor space complete with vineyard views and an excellent wine list to match. And then, of course, there’s the food. From the handmade pastas, to Mama Concetta’s meatballs served atop creamy polenta, this is the kind of food our dream nonna would make.Ready to go?
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We enjoy Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa, Celadon's outdoor patio (also in Napa), LaToque (Rutherford), Culinary Institute (St Helena), Brix (Yountville) and...romantic for us...Taylor's Refresher, an 'upscale' hamburger stand in St Helena, with outdoor picnic tables, fish tacos, and the best milkshakes. OH, wine, too, of course. You could take your kids here.
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Locals crowd this tiny storefront bistro, beloved for its earthy Cal-Italian cooking: homemade pasta and risotto, crispy sole and soft polenta.
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From their gardens to their kitchen, Bistro Don Giovanni presents fresh interpretations of traditional Italian dishes using sustainably-farmed, local fruits and vegetables, and all organic meats. Inspiration from the bounty of local farms and their own restaurant garden help create a daily changing menu that has kept Bistro Don Giovanni on the San Francisco Chronicle's top Bay Area restaurants since the list's inception. Their lively bar features hundreds of Napa Valley and Italian wines, as well as seasonally inspired cocktails.
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From the garden to the kitchen, Bistro Don Giovanni presents fresh interpretations of traditional Italian dishes using sustainably-farmed, local fruits and vegetables, and all organic meats. Inspiration from the bounty of local farms and their own restaurant garden help create a daily changing menu that has kept Bistro Don Giovanni on the San Francisco Chronicle’s top Bay Area restaurants since the list’s inception. Their lively bar features hundreds of Napa Valley and Italian wines, as well as seasonally inspired cocktails.
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The best way to experience dining in Napa Valley is with outdoor seating, and no restaurant has a better outdoor dining experience than Italian restaurant Bistro Don Giovanni. Known to locals as Don G’s, Bistro Don Giovanni won Best Italian Restaurant and Best Outdoor Dining in Napa Valley Life Magazine’s 2022 Best of Napa Valley Reader’s Choice Awards. Beloved by local owners of Napa Valley luxury homes, Don G’s offers fresh interpretations of classic Italian dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
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A standalone building along Highway 29 between Napa and Yountville is not where you’d expect to find some of the best Italian cuisine in the valley, but its location is part of the charm. Walking up to Don Giovanni, the classic Italian restaurant that’s been running continuously for over 20 years, feels like entering an Italian grandmother's villa. A large veranda porch holding tables clothed in white linen opens into an equally spacious yard with a water fountain at its center.
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Bistro Don Giovanni has some fine traditional Italian food, classic Italian dishes, pasta with cream sauce, ciabatta bread, semolina, eggs, organic meats, bacon, and a variety of pies like chocolate coconut pie, apple slab pie, strawberry custard pie, and many more. Enjoy live music outdoor setting with signature drinks, magical colors cocktails, or the best wine from the best dog-friendly wineries in Napa. Bring your dog; let him get all the attention!
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Hospitality is just as important as fine cuisine at Bistro Don Giovanni, where the food is described as the “essence of Italy.” Breads are baked on-premise daily, and the menus – for lunch and dinner – change often to delight and surprise diners. You can dine al fresco or by fireside, and don’t forget drinks!. With a number of classic cocktails and an extensive wine list, this is a great choice for your Napa Valley group wine tour.
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At Bistro Don Giovanni, the ingredients are sustainably-sourced and include fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and organic meats. The restaurant even has its own garden as well as relationships with many local farms. When you dine here, you get to enjoy exceptional food, signature cocktails and the option for fireside dining (sitting near wood burning fireplaces) or al fresco dining (sitting in the garden).
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There’s an Old World feel to Bistro Don Giovanni, one of Napa’s most celebrated Italian restaurants. It’s a place that’s woven into the culture of Napa Valley, capturing the hearts of tourists and locals alike. The fritto misto ($20) is crackly and uncomplicated, while pastas are made in-house and have that desirable al dente chew — order the pasta of the day like the recent short rib ravioli ($34).
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Sister to San Francisco's Scala Bistro, Don Giovonni earns high marks for a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere where the emphasis is on good food and wine rather than flashy decor. Delightful dishes include braised lamb shanks with Tuscan bean ragout, Sonoma duck bolognese with provolone cheese and sage, and handmade pizzas prepared in a wood-burning oven. Patio dining is available.
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Address: 4110 Howard Lane, Napa, CA 94558Contact info: (707) 224-3300Cuisine: ItalianBest for: Lunch and dinnerDon’t miss: Woodfired pizza Reserve a table here Menu. This laid-back Italian bistro focuses on great food and wine with friendly service. If you’re looking for outdoor dining in Napa, get a table on the expansive patio with a fountain, surrounded by trees and a vineyard.
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Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa Valley is an authentic Italian restaurant that offers a warm and inviting ambiance perfect for savoring traditional Italian cuisine. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, paying homage to Italy's culinary heritage. The restaurant's skilled chefs elevate simple ingredients into exquisite dishes, and the wine list is vast and impressive.
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Bistro Don Giovanni has been one of Napa Valley’s most beloved Italian restaurants for over 25 years, serving homestyle Italian food in its casual venue to locals and visitors alike. Although not at all an Italian dessert, the restaurant’s Top-Shelf Butterscotch Pudding with whipped cream and chocolate is legendary. It has been on the menu for at least 20 years.
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Hands down one of the best patios in the valley is at Bistro Don Giovanni. This gem serves up Italian bistro fare with both indoor fireside and outside fountain side dining. The restaurant not only serves up a warm rustic Italian ambiance, but is also surrounded by world-renowned Napa vineyards for an authentic Al Fresco experience.
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Bistro don Giavonni: Last but not least, you can’t go to wine country without some pasta. Bistro don Giavonni is a sweet roadside Italian cafe where we shared some amazing pasta dishes and, you guessed it, more sparkling wine. I’m a HUGE Italian food fan, and the rich, fresh flavors were a perfect ending to our day.
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From the traditional wood burning fireplace to the romantic outdoor terraces. The restaurant’s menu invites one to take in all the splendors of the Napa Valley, with an Italian and Country French flavor, and an ambience to remember. Website: bistrodongiovanni.com Phone: (707) 666-0864
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Don Giovanni seems to me to be well prepared Italian comfort food, which I enjoyed. But, my bias is that I could eat Italian food every day. We last ate there about a year ago, and I can't remember what the service was like, but we did sit outside where it was quieter.
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Another fantastic spot in Napa Valley that you cannot afford to miss is Bistro Don Giovanni. This Italian eatery is located in the heart of Napa Valley in St. Helena. The restaurant is known for its delicious pasta dishes and pizza, which are made fresh every day.
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North of downtown, right where the atmosphere changes from town to country, this beloved Italian restaurant delivers good-time vibes whether you sit inside the huge bright dining room, on the wrap-around terrace, or at the bar (one of the friendliest around).
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4110 Howard Lane, Napa * 707-224-3300 * Bistro Don Giovanni * $$. Scrumptious Italian dishes along with warm hospitality have been served here for more than 25 years. The Mediterranean menu focuses on classics, but with a creative flair and a conscience.
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This Napa restaurant has been serving gourmet Italian food to residents for over 30 years. With fresh interpretations of classic Italian fare using locally sourced ingredients, Bistro Don Giovanni offers a delectable menu for lunch and dinner.
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Bistro Don Giovanni: For classic, old-school Italian fare, this longtime Napa restaurant offers intimate indoor seating, as well as tables on the beautiful garden patio space. Enjoy handmade pasta by the burbling fountain in the fresh air!
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Savor the Italian and French style taste at Bistro Don Giovanni. Relish authentic dishes curated with the finest ingredients. Enjoy an exceptional dining experience with a warm ambiance in Napa Valley.
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Bistro Don Giovanni is known for classic Italian fare, with excellent homemade pasta—the fettuccine Bolognese with duck ragu is a must-order. Ask to sit outside in the charming garden space.
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Bistro Don Giovanni's is restaurant we enjoy returning to very time we visit Napa. We love the pasta's and their desserts. I'm not sure why I happen to take pictures of all my desserts.
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Both siblings also love Italian dishes and suggest making a reservation at Bistro Don Giovanni to enjoy the best outdoor patio in the Valley with its stunning statuary water fountain.
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4110 Howard Ln, Napa, CA 94558Phone: 707-224-3300 Visit Website. A post shared by @viroeats. What do you get when you mix Italian and French cuisine with the California style?
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Bistro Don Giovanni – This old school Italian restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in the area. You have to try their lemon ravioli – it took me right back to Italy!
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Bistro Don Giovanni is about 10 minutes north of downtown Napa. Gluten-free visitors, including locals with celiac disease highly recommend this restaurant.
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Less than ten minutes away, you’ll find local’s favorite Bistro Don Giovanni, Ashes & Diamonds Winery, Robert Biale Vineyards, and countless tasting rooms.
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If you are craving Italian food, you can visit Bistro Don Giovanni. They also have French food, and the ambiance gives you that warm, rustic Italian vibe.
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Try their unique Bloody Mary or Mimosa to go with it and don’t forget their renowned homemade donuts!. Location: 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559
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I usually ramble off a handful of go-to’s: Bistro Don Giovanni, Charter Oak, Bistro Jeanty, Compline and, now that it’s reopened, Ciccio.
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- Rating: 4.2/5 (2140 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 4110 Howard Lane Napa, California - Categories: Italian- Read more on Yelp
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– Rating: 4.0/5 (1971 reviews)– Price level: $$$– Address: 4110 Howard Lane Napa, California– Categories: Italian– Read more on Yelp
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Don Gio’s as the locals fondly refer to it, is always a good idea. Don’t sleep on the carpaccio, Bolognese or salmon.
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