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 convenience.