The Oxbow Public Market is an indoor food hall on the east bank of the Napa River, opened in 2007 and now central to downtown Napa's revival as a foodie destination. About thirty stalls share the converted industrial building, with everything from craft tacos and oysters to specialty cheese, charcuterie, pastry, ice cream and a serious wine bar.
It's an easy and democratic alternative to the formal tasting-menu restaurants of the valley — you can sit at a counter for half an hour or wander for an afternoon. The market is open from breakfast through to evening, and busiest at weekend lunchtimes. Several of its stalls (Hog Island Oyster Co., Model Bakery, C Casa) are local institutions in their own right.