Oxbow Public Market is an excellent introduction to the food and atmosphere of Northern California. The market supports sustainable, local agriculture and production. There are many shops and food purveyors, mostly casual offerings where you pick up your food and find a table, but there are also some sit-down restaurants. The choices all highlight food from the region and include multi-ethnic California cuisine, fresh oysters, organic gourmet ice cream, artisan cheeses, Napa Valley wines, and local olive oil. When the weather is nice, sit on the back terrace that overlooks the Napa River.
Oxbow also makes a great place to buy gifts--try Anette's Chocolates and the Olive Press for distinctive local products that you can take home to friends and family.
A wonderful farmers market takes place next to Oxbow on Saturdays from May 1-Oct. 31 from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
Oxbow Public Market is open 7 days a week. Each purveyor has its own hours, but all are open 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. There are also Happy Hour and locals' events throughout the week; more information about these can be found on the website.
Parking is ample and free. You can leave your car there and walk to the rest of Downtown Napa, which is just 3-4 blocks away past wine tasting rooms.