In Northern California, where culinary diversity thrives and fresh, local ingredients are celebrated, two food destinations stand out for their unique offerings and immersive experiences: Eataly in San Jose and Oxbow Public Market in Napa. Though different in concept and scale, both serve as gastronomic landmarks, drawing food lovers, locals, and tourists alike with their curated selections, artisanal products, and dedication to elevating how we experience food.
Opened in 2022 at Westfield Valley Fair, Eataly San Jose is the Italian food emporium’s first Northern California location—and its sprawling 45,000-square-foot space makes a bold statement. More than just a grocery store or restaurant, Eataly is a full-fledged Italian culinary universe, blending retail, dining, and education under one roof.
What makes Eataly great? It’s all about authenticity, variety, and experience. The marketplace is filled with hard-to-find Italian imports like bronze-extruded pasta, DOP-certified Parmigiano-Reggiano, and regional olive oils. Freshly baked focaccia, made-in-house mozzarella, and a seafood counter featuring Mediterranean-style selections further enrich the offerings.
For those who prefer to sit down and savor, Eataly includes multiple restaurants, each showcasing different aspects of Italian cuisine. We chose Terra for lunch, which was simply delicious. We feasted on wood-fired trumpet mushrooms, a colorful salad with various lettuce, fennel, paper thin carrots and watermelon radish and our entrée was handmade asparagus ravioli with parmesan and lemon. Dining on the rooftop offered a wonderful breeze and view.
Beyond dining and shopping, Eataly educates. Cooking classes, wine tastings, and chef demonstrations help food lovers of all skill levels connect with Italian culinary traditions. In true Italian spirit, the experience is about slowing down, savoring flavors, and understanding the story behind what’s on your plate.
Set along the Napa River and just steps from downtown Napa, Oxbow Public Market has become a culinary landmark since its opening in 2007. Its vibrant, open-layout market is home to a curated collection of local vendors, artisans, and eateries that reflect the heart and soul of Napa Valley’s food and wine culture.
What sets Oxbow apart is its emphasis on local, sustainable, and high-quality offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co., handcrafted ice cream from Three Twins, or a wood-fired pizza from Live Fire Pizza, there’s something for every craving. The market also houses gourmet spice blends, organic produce, handmade pastas, and boutique wines, many of which you can’t find anywhere else.
One of Oxbow’s standout features is its community feel. Unlike larger food halls, Oxbow retains a sense of intimacy and connection. Shoppers can chat with cheese mongers, meet winemakers, or watch chefs at work in open kitchens. The Ritual Coffee bar is a local favorite, perfect for a caffeine break in between bites.
For wine lovers, the market is a gateway to Napa’s best. Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant offers tastings, pairings, and a knowledgeable staff eager to help visitors discover their new favorite vintage. Plus, the adjacent outdoor deck is ideal for sipping wine and enjoying sweeping views of the riverfront. Bar Lucia is a quaint spot to enjoy sips of rose, sparkling wine and seasonal cocktails along with light bites. You can stop next door for a sweet treat at Kara’s Cupcakes. Kara happens to own both Bar Lucia and Kara’s Cupcakes. I met Kara at a 6-week “How to write & publish a cookbook” class we took together at Stanford University.
Eataly and Oxbow Market may differ in origin—one rooted in Italian tradition, the other deeply local—but both elevate the way we engage with food. Eataly brings the best of Italy to your fingertips, blending culture and cuisine in an immersive experience. Meanwhile, Oxbow captures the essence of Napa Valley’s farm-to-table movement, offering access to some of the finest local producers in an approachable, community-driven space.
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001