A Taste of Asia

Breakfast at Bann at Oak Knoll Napa A Taste of Asia

 BY JESS LANDER

When people think of Napa Valley dining, images of white tablecloths and pristinely-plated French delicacies may come to mind for most, but there’s so much more to dabble in than caviar, foie, and a heavy plate of coq au vin.

While Napa sadly lost two beloved Asian establishments in the past year – Miminashi and Asia Cafe — the local Asian culinary scene is thriving and diversifying, bolstered by a few exciting new openings, like the Empress M restaurant, RD Winery’s tasting room, and Bann, a new luxury bed and breakfast. From China to Japan and Thailand to the Philippines, here’s where to get an authentic taste of Asia in Napa wine country.

STAY

Bann at Oak Knoll Napa

Travel to Thailand at Bann, a new boutique inn off Oak Knoll in Napa from San Francisco’s Osha Thai restaurateur and chef Lalita Souksamlane. Each of the five luxurious rooms is uniquely designed in tribute to a different region of Souksamlane’s native Thailand with distinct colors, fabrics, patterns, and furnishings, in addition to prized items from her extensive antique collection.

A stay at Bann begins with a leisurely tea time in one of their outdoor pagodas, and each morning starts with a traditional Asian breakfast spread, featuring hot dishes like rice soup with shrimp and a boiled egg. True to other wine country destinations, Bann also has a pool, hot tub, and vineyard views abound. // bannnapa.com

EAT

Le Paris Artisan and Cafe

This classic French bakery with locations in downtown Napa and American Canyon has a Filipino twist. Owner Jay Magsano, who hails from the Philippines and formerly operated restaurants in Japan, incorporates classic Filipino flavors and ingredients into some of his pastries and sandwiches, like the Adobo Pork Belly on Croissant.

A must-order is the Ube Cream Filled Croissant, a purple-striped, hand-rolled croissant with bright purple filling made from ube halaya. Also known as purple yam jam, it's a traditional Philippine dessert made from boiled and mashed purple yam. Sounds weird? Maybe, but it’s also utterly delicious. // lepariscafe.com

Empress M

Empress M’s 2021 opening off the south end of the Silverado Trail was a refreshing and welcomed addition to Napa Valley’s small cadre of Chinese food restaurants. It’s also the first to offer not only authentic but also elevated and experiential Chinese dining.

Start the meal with dim sum (dumplings, steam buns, potstickers, spring rolls, etc.) and some small plates to share, like a Chinese take on calamari and crispy walnut shrimp. Mains range from all kinds of meat to fish to vegetarian options, and adventurous eaters will love the chance to try some of Empress M’s most traditional dishes. Chicken feet, anyone? // empressm.us

Morimoto Napa

This list would not be complete without Napa’s most notorious sushi spot on Napa’s riverfront: Morimoto. As expected from a big-time celebrity chef, a sit-down dinner here is more than worthy of a special occasion celebration (which should always end with the fiery chocolate tart for dessert), but one doesn't have to go all out to dine here. For a classic, no-fuss meal, simply sidle up to the bar and order up some sake, edamame, and sushi or sashimi to share. // morimotonapa.com

Kenzo Napa

Snow Crab & Scallop Shrimp // Photo courtesy of Kenzo

Like The French Laundry of Asian food, this high-end Japanese restaurant in downtown Napa offers an exquisite dining experience where there’s as much emphasis placed on presentation and service as there is on the perfect melding of flavors. Kenzo Napa holds the distinction of a MICHELIN star rating for it's nine-course prix fixe menu. Each course is paired with a sake or wine, with some selections coming from Kenzo’s Napa Valley estate and crafted by famed Napa winemaker Heidi Barrett.

If the $225 tasting menu is out of reach, the restaurant also offers affordable bento boxes for takeout in addition to a la carte sushi and sashimi, rice bowls, and other classics like edamame and seaweed salad. // kenzonapa.com

Eiko’s

Eiko’ s

This longtime First Street staple, which celebrates 10 years this year, is a favorite of Napa locals and visitors for its alwaysbuzzing atmosphere, Japanese tapas — the crispy tuna pizza is legendary — and signature rolls, like the Ricky Ricardo on Vacation, 49er, and Kobe Beef Roll made for carnivores.

If seeking something more casual, swing by their Oxbow Public Market outpost for some rolls or nigiri on the go. Here, there are also super fresh selections from their seafood market, like scallops, King crab legs, and swordfish for dinner at home. // eikosnapa.com

Napa Noodles

A sister concept from the owners of Eiko’s, the ramen, pho, and soups are the main draw here, but Napa Noodles has also achieved local fame for its fresh and filling poke bowls, for which they offer seven different kinds, and original cocktails, like the Spicy Mango Margarita and Lychee Martini.

Add one of their signature chopping boards to share, which features charcuterie-inspired spreads with a Pacific Asian theme. Choose from roasted duck, braised pork belly, sticky pork ribs, Kalbi short ribs, or roasted teriyaki chicken. // napanoodles.com

SIP

RD Winery

Photo courtesy of RD Winery

RD Winery, the first and only of its kind to offer an Asian wine and food pairing, opened its Vietnam-inspired tasting room in 2020. The winery has partnered with Chef Max Ackerman of Napa’s Sushi Monkey to match their Fifth Moon Wines, which feature several unique varietals, such as Chenin Blanc, Malvasia Bianca and Grüner Veltliner, to pair with inventive and flavorful tapas. Ackerman’s American-Asian flavor combos result in bites like green curry dusted popcorn, poached shrimp with a kimchi cocktail sauce, and hoisin pulled pork slider with wasabi slaw. // rdwinery.com

Other Noteworthy Asian Inspired Eats:

Mango on Main

1142 Main St., Napa

Thai Kitchen

1222 Trancas St, Napa

Bui Bistro

976 Pearl St, Napa

Take Out:

Hal Yamashita

halhapa.com

iPOKEshack

ipokeshack.com