Hog Island Oyster Co — Restaurant in Napa

While I've previously dined at Hog Island Oyster Co in Marshall and the restaurant inside the Ferry Building, this review pertains explicitly to the smaller location inside Oxbow. During my visit to Napa, I had been eager to stop by for lunch. Arriving around 11 AM, a half-hour before its 11:30 AM opening on Friday, I stood in line waiting for it to open. Once opened, I requested a bar sitting, where a friendly server promptly greeted me. I opted for their mixed plate of grilled oysters, which were genuinely excellent, featuring a delightful variety of seasonings.

Given my fondness for clams, I ordered the steamed clams with pasta for an additional two dollars. Regrettably, the clam dish with pasta was disappointingly bland, lacking the desired depth of flavor and requiring some added salt. It came across as watery both in taste and appearance. Having previously enjoyed their clam chowder, this experience was somewhat lacking.

I took most of the steamed clam dish home to improve its flavor as leftovers. Despite having visited their other locations more than two dozen times and typically leaving impressed, this was the first instance where I didn't leave thoroughly content. However, I'm willing to consider it a one-time incident, and I look forward to returning to savor more of their grilled oysters and other menu offerings during my frequent visits to Napa.

I've given this review a four-star rating primarily for the friendly service, the delicious grilled oysters, and the authentic experience Hog Island Oyster Co. typically offers.

If you haven't had the chance to visit Oxbow, it's a vibrant and lively destination, perfect for exploring a wide array of artisanal dishes, ranging from empanadas and coffee to cheeses, spices, cupcakes, and much more. On weekends, it's abuzz with activity, creating a festive atmosphere, and there are ample large parking lots nearby for everyone's...

Located in the bustling Oxbow Market in downtown Napa, Hog Island Oyster Co. is a seafood lover's paradise. This casual, yet upscale eatery serves up fresh, sustainable seafood with a focus on oysters, but the real stars of the show are the grilled cheese and clam chowder.

Fresh Oysters As you'd expect from an oyster company, the fresh oysters are a must-try. Hog Island sources their oysters from their own farm in Tomales Bay, ensuring the freshest, most sustainable product possible. The oysters are expertly shucked and served with a variety of accoutrements, including a tangy mignonette sauce.

Grilled Cheese But the real surprise is the grilled cheese. This is no ordinary grilled cheese – Hog Island's version features a rich, buttery bread filled with a blend of artisanal cheeses, including Cowgirl Creamery's Mt. Tam. The cheese is perfectly melted, and the bread is crispy and golden. It's the perfect accompaniment to a plate of oysters or a bowl of clam chowder.

Clam Chowder Speaking of clam chowder, Hog Island's version is a creamy, dreamy delight. Made with fresh clams, potatoes, and a hint of smoky bacon, this chowder is a masterclass in comfort food. It's the perfect antidote to a chilly Napa Valley day.

Other Menu Highlights While the grilled cheese and clam chowder are the standouts, Hog Island's menu offers a variety of other delicious options. The fish tacos are a great choice for a lighter meal, and the seafood tower is perfect for sampling a variety of fresh seafood.

Conclusion Hog Island Oyster Co. is a must-visit for seafood lovers and anyone looking for a fresh, delicious meal in downtown Napa. With its focus on sustainable seafood, expertly prepared dishes, and welcoming atmosphere, Hog Island is a true gem in the Oxbow Market. Be sure to arrive early, as lines can form quickly, especially...

Stone Soup, Anyone? I came to this place on a New Year Eve's trip as it was highly recommended by friends. The service was a bit cold and cursory, which we overlooked because the place was packed and very busy. Then came our appetizer of mixed grilled oysters--several of which were very gritty and we spit more time picking shell out of our mouths instead of enjoying the flavors. And then my Manhattan chowder came which was very tasty until...I found a ROCK in it. Luckily I didn't chip my tooth on it (or choke ) but along with the gritty oysters it just proved that either a: the kitchen staff was moving too fast or b: the kitchen staff doesn't care. But worse than the dirty food itself was the manager's reaction to it when I pointed it out to her. Rather than apologize, she defensively explained that they do a "thorough" job of washing and sorting but sometimes rocks get through because "as you can see" it looks just like a clam. Full stop. Manager: Would you like another bowl? Me: Um, no. And then she said she would take my uneaten (dangerous) chowder off the bill--which of COURSE she should have done--and acted like she was doing me a huge favor. No profuse apologies, no shock about the egregious error, no concern about my well being or not having an entree. The manager's response was the equivalent of a verbal shrug. So, unless you like eating Stone Soup (just like the fairy tale!) and gritty oysters,...