Fodor's Expert Review Oxbow Public Market
The 40,000-square-foot market's two dozen stands provide an introduction to Northern California's diverse artisanal food products. Swoon over decadent charcuterie at the Fatted Calf (great sandwiches, too), slurp oysters at Hog Island, enjoy empanadas at El Porteño, or chow down on vegetarian, duck, or salmon tacos at C Casa. Sample wine (and cheese) at the Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant, ales at Fieldwork Brewing's taproom, and barrel-aged cocktails at the Napa Valley Distillery. The owner of Kara's Cupcakes operates the adjacent Bar Lucia for (mostly) sparkling wines and rosés. Napa Bookmine is among the few nonfood vendors here. Five Dot Ranch and Cookhouse sells quality steaks and other meat to go; if you don't mind eating at the counter, you can order from the small menu and dine on the spot.