Napa is packed with polished wine-country dining rooms, but Scala Osteria feels like that rare place where you can drop in for an impromptu plate of pasta, linger over oysters and spritzes, or stretch dinner into a late-night feast without anything feeling fussy. 🍷
This seafood-focused Southern Italian spot brings the energy of a lively Neapolitan osteria to First Street, pairing house-made pasta, whole fish, and wood-fired pizza with Napa-to-Napoli wines and a vibe that says, “Order one more plate—you’ll want it.” 🇮🇹✨
How Scala Osteria won Napa’s hearts
Scala Osteria didn’t just appear out of nowhere; it’s the passion project of Giovanni and Minta Scala, the husband-and-wife team behind Napa favorite Bistro Don Giovanni.
Locals already trusted the family’s knack for warm hospitality and Italian comfort, so when they opened a seafood-centered, Southern Italian osteria downtown—with an oyster bar, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and fresh pasta—it felt like a natural extension of a story Napa already loved. 💕
This restaurant quickly became popular by leaning into simplicity done really well: perfectly shucked oysters, ravioli al limone, spring garden salads, and thin-crust pizzas baked in a roaring oven.
Locals gush about “the best pasta dish we’ve had in a very long time,” citing the lemony ravioli and seafood spaghetti as the kind of plates that make you go quiet for a second bite, then immediately plan a return visit. 🍋🍤
Scala Osteria opens daily from lunch through late-night, so you’ll see everything from solo diners grabbing fried olives and a glass of wine at the bar, to families sharing a margherita pizza, to industry folks hitting the specially curated late-night menu after their own shifts.
That all-day, open-arms approach turns it into a true neighborhood anchor instead of just a special-occasion spot. 🌙
On top of that, the atmosphere—frequently described as “vibrant,” “upscale and cute,” and “full of life”—gives downtown Napa something that feels more like a buzzing Italian city bar than a quiet tasting-room annex.
House-made pasta, a lively oyster bar, and warm, attentive service keep locals recommending Scala Osteria as “the place” to bring visiting friends when they want wine country with a side of Italy. 🍝
Food Highlights
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Spaghetti con Gamberi & Vongole (Shrimp & Clam Spaghetti): A seafood pasta loaded with clams, shrimp, toasted garlic, chili, and white wine. Locals love the generous seafood, hint of heat, and perfectly cooked fresh-cut pasta, calling it “mouth-watering” and “amazing.” 🍤🦪
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Ravioli al Limone / Lemon Ravioli: Delicate pillows of pasta in a bright, creamy lemon sauce that multiple guests call the “best pasta dish” they’ve had in ages.
The combination of silky filling, citrusy sauce, and perfect texture makes this a signature order—it’s frequently mentioned by name in glowing reviews and is a must-try for lemon lovers. 🍋🍝
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Wild Mushroom Pizza & Margherita Pizza: Neapolitan-style pizzas with bubbly crusts and simple, flavor-focused toppings like wild mushrooms or classic tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Locals note that the pizzas hit that sweet spot of not too soggy, not too heavy, making them ideal for sharing as a starter or pairing with a salad and wine. 🍕
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Fried Olives & Octopus Salad: Popular small plates that show up repeatedly as favorites on review lists.
Fried olives offer a salty, crunchy bite that pairs perfectly with cocktails or prosecco, while the octopus salad gives seafood lovers something fresh and bright before diving into richer pastas and mains. 🫒🐙
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Pork Chop Milanese: A pounded, breaded pork chop fried to golden crispness and often highlighted as a standout non-seafood entrée.
Reviewers describe it as flavorful, tender, and beautifully presented, making it a go-to for guests who want something hearty but still Italian through-and-through—especially when they’ve already opened a bold red. 🥩
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Ravioli, Lasagna & Tiramisu: Beyond the lemon ravioli, you’ll see rave notes about lasagna, classic pesto pastas, and a tiramisu that wins fans for its balanced sweetness, crème anglaise, and shaved chocolate.
These dishes seal Scala Osteria’s “mom-and-pop Italian” heart: familiar comfort plates done with enough care and finesse that even well-traveled diners leave saying it exceeded expectations. 🍰
Atmosphere
Scala Osteria brings Southern Italian coastal charm to downtown Napa with white brick walls, warm lighting, and playful decor like a cartoon map that makes the space feel personal rather than overly polished.
The open kitchen and pizza oven, plus the beautiful oyster bar, give the room a lively hum, blending Napa wine bar buzz with old-world osteria energy. 🍷
Guests describe the vibe as “upscale and cute” but still relaxed enough for families and casual lunches, with friendly staff who happily explain the menu and tailor dishes to your spice or dietary preferences.
Late-night hours, a curated wine list, and a bar that feels like a spot you actually want to sit at make it equally perfect for date night, a girls’ trip stop, or a solo pasta-and-oysters kind of evening. ✨
Bottom Line
Scala Osteria is a mom-and-pop–driven Southern Italian gem in downtown Napa, serving fresh seafood, handmade pasta, Neapolitan pizza, and thoughtfully chosen wines in a vibrant, welcoming space.
Visit for the ravioli al limone and seafood spaghetti, stay for oysters, pizza, and tiramisu, and leave feeling like you just had an Italian vacation without ever leaving First Street. 🍝🍷🇮🇹
Address:
Scala Osteria
1141 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
📞 (707) 637-4380
🕔 Open daily, 11:30 AM–10 PM; late-night menu 10 PM–11 PM