Foodies on Foot Food Tour In Napa, California
Napa, California is widely known for its wine. There are several vineyards and wine tours all up and down the area. Just as much as Napa Valley is said to have amazing wine, they also have delicious food. Restaurants and other food vendors are everywhere. There are several Michelin rated restaurants to choose from or more affordable and less fancy, but equally delicious establishments to choose from. So when I got the opportunity to take the Foodies on Foot Food Tour, I couldn’t wait to taste all the different food!
The tour started at 10:30am. The meeting location was the Oxbow Public Market, which is a Napa destination in its own right. It is a 40,000 square foot market place that also has outdoor seating. It is filled with local food vendors, artisan cafes, and local produce. It reminded me of a smaller version of Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. It was a perfect meeting spot, especially since it was very hot outside.
We were told to come on an empty stomach because we would be eating enough for breakfast and lunch as the tour was to be 3 hours long. Our first stop was outside and around the corner from the Oxbow entrance. We sat on a shaded bench with mini bottles of water awaiting us. We were handed some large English muffins, which are world-famous and were even featured on the Food Network’s ‘Best Thing I Ever Ate.’ Putting some jelly on it made it even more delicious and a great start to the tour.
English Muffin ©2017 HollyDayz 
Art Walk Piece outside the Oxbow Public Market ©2017 HollyDayz
Of course the food tour is not just eating food, but getting a nice walking tour and learning about the area, some history, seeing art pieces, and more. We definitely got that with our tour guide Sherry who was very informative and knowledgeable. We went inside Oxbow to try some more food. I informed Sherry that sushi wasn’t really my thing, I am more of a shrimp tempura kind of girl. She definitely changed my mind!
We sat down at a sit-down sushi bar. It was really nice and the hanging lights reminded a few of us of sea urchins. There was a big television and we were able to watch the sushi being made. We were given Mayan rolls. It has avocado and crab with salmon on top which was torched. It was good without the soy sauce, but even more delicious with it. Whenever I get back to Napa, I think I will get 2 orders of this!
We took a walk in the heat to our next food destination. We had a couple of little girls with us on the tour and was able to provide them with a couple of umbrellas to keep them shaded. Next top, a food truck where we got tasty beef tacos. I am not into spicy food, so I made sure mine was mild. It was good. We also learned that food trucks in Napa have a designated spot that is given to them, so you will always find them in the same spot.
Taco Food Truck ©2017 HollyDayz 
Mild Beef Taco ©2017 HollyDayz
We continued to walk and ended up at a bistro to eat an empanada. Didn’t look or taste like the typical empanada. This one was eaten with a knife and fork. The empanada had achiote marinated chicken, black bean puree, cabbage, avocado, lime crème fraîche, and queso fresco. It was really good.
Continuing to walk I couldn’t help but notice how quaint and beautiful downtown Napa is. Shelly even pointed out a historical building that was ruined due to an earthquake and rebuilt. We passed by many different art pieces. There was even a 9/11 Memorial that had pieces of the building standing. We all stopped and walked over to look at it.
Next up on the food tour waffle sandwiches. We were given a basket filled with them. They had several options, we were given the American Culture Club. It has turkey, bacon, tomato, American cheese, arugula, and chive aioli. For the vegans and vegetarians out there, they do have options for you! It was savory and extremely filling.
At this point we are all pretty full, but we are definitely not done with the tour. Some more walking led us to a chocolate shop. We were all given samples of Chardonnay peanut brittle, we are in wine country after all, and it was pretty good. I also got to try a peanut butter truffle which was also good. Then I just had to pick out a mint truffle. I could smell the mint before I even bit into it. At first taste it reminded me of one of those dinner mints, but it was really good.
The most unusual stop on the tour was a take-out spot tucked away in a liquor store. Not something any of us expected, but very cool none the less. There is where we were given a cup of Malfatti. I never had it before, but it was good. Being that it was hot outside and it was hot food, like eating soup, it wasn’t something I felt like finishing. For the most part I did though.
Italian take out in the liquor store ©2017 HollyDayz 
Malfatti ©2017 HollyDayz
Onwards we walked. Until a couple of people just didn’t want to walk any more because it was way too hot and asked their husbands to get their cars. Understandably because that heat really was no joke. I definitely got a major tan walking out there. We passed a beautiful park area while we walked back to our original meeting spot and last place on the tour.
Last stop on the food tour was Kara’s Bakery, back inside the Oxbow Public Market. The air conditioning was welcomed as we stepped inside. The cupcake shop is well-known as the owner was a finalist on Cupcake Wars. I ordered a large lemon cupcake. It was absolutely amazing and I should have bought one and took it back to my hotel for later! Clearly I wasn’t thinking straight, I will blame the heat.
Kara’s Bakery ©2017 HollyDayz 
Lemon Cupcake ©2017 HollyDayz
Overall the food tour was awesome! I loved that I tried things I never had before or would have tried on my own. Of course seeing some of the town and learning some history is always big on my list. Shelly was great and so were the other people on the tour. I really enjoyed talking with everyone. I was so full, I didn’t get hungry until around 10pm that night. I would highly recommend the Foodies on Foot tour in Napa. They also have another in Sonoma that I am sure would be equally as good.
Have you ever been on a food tour in Napa, California?
See more of my time in Napa, California.
Disclaimer: Thank You to Foodies on Foot for having me. Whilst receiving an invitation all opinions and views are my own and have not been influenced.
100cobbledroads
Sounds fabulous. A day full of yummies, and so much variety. I haven’t been on ay food tour yet. Maybe I’ll start with my own city.
Holly Dayz
I started with my own city. It is a great idea and good eats.
Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie
Looks like there was no shortage of good eats on your tour! I haven’t done a food tour in Napa but made a point to eat at a variety of restaurants in the different towns along the wine routes. The food is so varied and fresh because a lot of it is grown in the area. Next visit, I’ll have to make a point of getting to the Oxbow Market.
Holly Dayz
All great food. Yes, there are lots at the Market, but it was nice to be taken around to other places not in the Market. Hopefully next time when you are in the area you will join the tour.
Chrysoula Manika
I love food tours as it is a great way to discover a place. The food on this one looks amazing especialy the waffle sndwiches. I have never seen them before. On my list foe when I visit the area.
Holly Dayz
Really good food. You would definitely enjoy.
roamingrequired
Love good food tours, I think I’d choose the mint truffle too it sounds right up my alley 🙂
Holly Dayz
It was really good and I love food tours too.
Jennifer
I love the Oxbow Public Market! I don’t think any food tours existed when I visited, but I made my own sort of food tour there getting various things from the different vendors. The taco place is so good!
Holly Dayz
It is a really cool market. The restaurants around town are really great too. So much good food. Hopefully when you get back you can check one of the tours out.
christina@travel2next.com
A lovely colllection of delicious looking goodies. That lemon cupcake looks yummy. I love markets so I know I’d have fun at Oxbow.
Holly Dayz
That lemon cupcake was so delicious!
Trisha Velarmino
A food tour while learning about the history of the place is always a good idea. And you get to see some sites along the way, too. You all look so lovely on the last photo, btw!!! <3
Holly Dayz
Thank you so much. I loved it. It was so much fun and the food was so delicious with great size portions.
Penny Sadler
I’ve been in the Oxbow Market many times. Love that place. The Italian takeout looks amazing. I’ll add it to my list of places to check out.
Holly Dayz
Yes, they have some great food choices. There are also some food choices outside of the Market that are amazing as well.
Kerri
Combining some of the things we love here – the outdoors, walking around and getting to be involved in the area and of course food, good food. I really loved the look of the tacos and empanadas in particular. The waffle sandwiches, oh so American but they looked amazing.
Holly Dayz
That means the tour would be for you! All the food was delicious. The waffles sandwiches were actually really good!
tiffanytravelsblog
I live in southern California and have never made it to Napa before (I don’t drink wine, so I’ve never thought to go. I’ve also never been on a food tour (now I want to go) The waffle sandwich and the empenada look really good.
Holly Dayz
I don’t really drink in general, but I enjoyed Napa just the same. The food tour is amazing. Make your way up and check it out, you won’t regret it.
saisha (@Sen_Saisha_Nal)
I’ve never taken a food tour but you have convinced me this is a thing and I need to do it. All this food looks great!
Holly Dayz
I think it is a thing everyone should do.
Felecia Monique
Yummmm!!!!
Holly Dayz
Agreed.
Kita
This foodie tour is right up my alley. Everything looks so good. The waffle sandwich would be my first stop.
Holly Dayz
Everything was so good. I hope you get the chance to take it one of these days.
Kenya Rae
Ouuuu never heard of this ! When I visit there I’ll have to check it out !!! Speaking of new stores we have one called lidl!! I’m dying to try it out but there’s never time away from the kids ?To actually enjoy and Expe ice the store !
Holly Dayz
Yea head on out there and take the tour.
Paige Wunder
This looks like a really fun tour! I really need to do better about taking tours like this in new cities! I would love to try that waffle club sandwich.
Holly Dayz
It was fun. Had a great group, learned a lot, and ate well,
MrsAndMotherhood (@MrsAndMother)
I’ve never been on a food tour and that must change! Everything looks so delicious! The waffle sandwich and mint truffle would definitely be my first stop!
Holly Dayz
Oh you must. You would enjoy it. It is a great time. This one had great food. Those were both really good.
shabreehenry
I’ve never been on a food tour in Napa California, but you have inspired me. Lol. Everything looked so delish. The tacos and the english muffins look great!
Holly Dayz
Everything was really good. They have a ton of places to eat there. I would highly recommend the tour.
Taylor Johnson
Love the photos, nice post! English muffins are my fav.
Holly Dayz
Thanks. Those English muffins were one of the best I have heard.
thestyleperk
Everything looks so good! I am a sweets girl, so you had me with that cupcake!
Holly Dayz
That cupcake was everything!
Tanay Michele
This looks like my kinda tour! That empanada made me want to drool! & I actually like those chocolate dinner mints lol
Holly Dayz
I do too lol. Those are good. Drool worthy.
Cleverly Changing (@Cleverlychangin)
This summer I been touring my own near by city, it’s great because when our family and friend come to visit they ask me which restaurants to try and I never had an answer until now.
Holly Dayz
The food tours definitely help with that, but then you also get to try a bunch of different places.