One of the pleasures of living in Napa Valley is eating outside for much of the year. If there happens to be a dog under the table, even better.

California restaurants can choose to allow pet dogs in outdoor dining areas as long as certain health-code requirements are met, including keeping dogs leashed or in a carrier and away from food-preparation areas. That means the patio, courtyard or beer garden is where you’ll generally find dog-friendly seating.

Fortunately, there are quite a few choices around the valley. Visit Napa Valley currently identifies dozens of pet-friendly restaurants, ranging from quick counter-service stops to full-service dining.

American Canyon

In American Canyon, One Ten Restaurant & Bar offers a dog-friendly garden patio along with a contemporary California menu, cocktails and weekend brunch. It’s a useful option when you want something more substantial than a quick outdoor stop, and diners regularly report bringing their dogs to the patio.

There are some more casual possibilities too. BringFido currently lists Thai Kitchen, Los Cantaros Taqueria, and Hilo Hawaiian BBQ as welcoming dogs at outdoor tables.

Napa

For something casual, Napa Yard - Oxbow Gardens is particularly easy with a dog. Its large outdoor garden setting gives you more room than a conventional restaurant patio, and leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Along the river, Angele Restaurant & Bar offers a more traditional sit-down meal on its outdoor terrace. Visit Napa Valley includes Angèle among its pet-friendly Napa restaurants.

Another longtime neighborhood option is Fume Bistro & Bar, where dogs are welcomed on the outdoor patio during lunch and brunch. If you're bringing your dog, it’s worth mentioning that when you make your reservation so the restaurant can plan for outdoor seating.

And for beer, pizza and a relaxed atmosphere near Oxbow, Fieldwork Napa has an outdoor beer garden overlooking the river and regularly gets mentioned by guests as a dog-friendly stop.

Yountville

Yountville has several surprisingly dog-friendly dining options despite its reputation for more formal restaurants.

Bistro Jeanty has a covered outdoor patio with fans and heaters, making it one of the more useful choices when the weather isn't perfect. Yountville's tourism office specifically highlights it for pet-friendly dining.

Nearby, Bottega also welcomes dogs on its patio and works particularly well if you're looking for dinner rather than a quick stop.

St. Helena

In St. Helena, one of the easiest choices is Gott's Roadside. The original roadside location has outdoor picnic tables and plenty of space, which makes bringing a dog considerably simpler than squeezing onto a small sidewalk patio. They also have a Napa location.

For a longer meal, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch offers expansive outdoor dining and is specifically recommended by St. Helena's tourism organization for visitors traveling with dogs.

Calistoga

At the north end of the valley, Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery has one of the more distinctive dog-friendly settings: an outdoor beer garden along the Napa River. Visit Napa Valley lists it among Calistoga's pet-friendly restaurants.

Another option is Evangeline, where dogs are welcomed in the outdoor courtyard.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

“Dog friendly” nearly always means outdoor seating, not that pets can come inside the restaurant. Service animals are covered by different rules.

It's also smart to call or check when making a reservation. Patio availability can change because of weather, private events or seasonal seating, and an establishment's dog policy can change as well.

Bring a leash, keep your dog close to your table, and don't assume the restaurant will have everything your dog needs. A portable water bowl is easy insurance, particularly on hot Napa Valley afternoons.

The good news is that bringing your dog along doesn't limit you to one or two token choices. From burgers and beer gardens to French bistros and full-service restaurants, there are enough dog-friendly patios scattered around Napa Valley to make leaving your four-legged dining companion at home optional rather than automatic.