Addison The French Laundry
Cuisine Type: Contemporary, French | 350 - 450 USD
Three MICHELIN Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey!
MICHELIN Green Star: Gastronomy and sustainability
Over 20 years old and at the top of every foodie's wish list, Thomas Keller's legendary destination still doesn't miss a beat. The cuisine, staff, and state-of-the-art kitchen are embedded with the chef's renowned sense of purpose and functionality, always at their peak. In fact, this might be called the largest culinary space in America because every aspect has been meticulously designed—smooth lines from counter height to ceiling. This is where the past, present, and future meet.
Chef Keller continues to pair classic French techniques with extremely fresh ingredients to create the perfect storm for a restaurant feast—and we should all be lucky to get a reservation here. His menu pays homage to the seasons and highlights products from boutique vendors.
Dinner can be served with signature oysters with white sturgeon caviar, served with warm sabayon, served with tapioca pearls, or Pacific Island tartare made with puffed grains, and a vibrant tomato and jalapeno "chiffon" ( strong) flavor. Wolf Ranch quails were then served with white asparagus and black cherries; while "coffee and donuts" and a box of handmade chocolates ended the experience on a sweet note.
Information
Address: 6640 Washington St., Yountville, 94599, United States
Telephone: +1 707-944-2380
Website: thomaskeller.com/tfl
Cesarina Auberge du Soleil
Cuisine Type: Californian | 37 - 145 USD
One MICHELIN Star: High-quality cooking, worth a stop!
This is one of the first restaurants to elevate Napa Valley to greatness. For over a decade, Chef Robert Curry has been ensuring his culinary heritage is what defines California cuisine: global flavors expressed through local and seasonal ingredients. The work in the kitchen is as impressive as the setting, although during brunch or lunch the creations truly come to life. Overlooking the vineyards and mountains from this extraordinary habitat, everything is even more beautiful. Those patio tables have some of the best views around.
The chef's tasting menu invites guests to control how their experience unfolds by choosing dishes. Start with an elegant sweet white corn soup and pour it around the table. Layers of bay shrimp and a baked brioche topped with tarragon whipped cream are rich and creamy. Dishes are dazzling all the way to dessert, the amazing fig plate, served with lemon jelly and fig leaf ice cream, an absolute treat.
The servers are stylish and courteous and will refill your glass after each sip without being obtrusive. Their wine list is one of the most famous in the valley and proudly showcases local growers.
Information
Address: 180 Rutherford Hill Rd., Rutherford, 94573, United States
Telephone: +1 707-967-3111
Website: aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil
SingleThread
Cuisine Type: Contemporary, Californian | 375 USD
Three MICHELIN Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey!
MICHELIN Green Star: Gastronomy and sustainability
Exquisite barely begins to describe a meal at this Healdsburg jewelry store, and every detail is considered, from the moss and flowers placed on the display to the heirloom seed packets sent home as parting gifts. Chef Kyle Connaughton, trained in Japan, embraces the philosophy of omotenashi, anticipating a guest's every need.
Thanks to a bounty from the farmer and co-owner Katina Connaughton, the menu is sharply adjusted for each micro season in Sonoma County. For example, spring might bring exquisite smoked king aura topped with arctic char and mioga, while winter showcases pumpkin tartare with Dungeness crab and miso-lime foam. An expert in donabe (Japanese clay pot rice) cooking, the chef showcases his skills with excellent fish dishes such as "fukkura-san" - black cod served in ash-grilled fish bone soup. Desserts include Japanese cheesecake or buttermilk thyme sherbet.
The selection of service and wine is so complete with their thoughtful food and decor that guests may never want to leave. For them, there is an inn within a hotel, where they can have a delicious breakfast the next day.
Information
Address: 131 North St., Healdsburg, 95448, United States
Telephone: +1 707-723-4646
Website: singlethreadfarms.com
Kenzo
Cuisine Type: Japanese | 185 - 210 USD
One MICHELIN Star: High-quality cooking, worth a stop!
Kenzo Tsujimoto made his fortune developing thrilling video games like Resident Evil and Street Fighter, but his traditional Japanese cooking temple in Napa Valley is a place to pause and wash away worldly worries. Designed by Tsujimoto's wife Natsuko, the 25-seat arena is empty and minimalist, incorporating traditional woods, maples and river rocks to create a peaceful sanctuary.
While Kenzo offers a few tables, the best seats are at the long counter, where diners can chat with the chef and witness their meals in person. The kaiseki experience is beautifully choreographed, elegantly paced, and may feature exquisite presentations such as seasonal hasan - dashi poached eggplant and roasted Sonoma duck breast. Other courses include straw-smoked Hokkaido scallop sashimi with homemade mayo; wagyu sirloin, reduced to the estate's own Bordeaux-style blend; and the chef's selection of Edomae sushi.
A wide variety of sake is on display here, but savvy diners may want to sample Kenzo Estate's own Napa-produced wines, which are available
onboard. Both Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé are particularly good with food.
Information
Address: 1339 Pearl St., Napa, 94559, United States
Telephone: +1 707-294-2049
Website: kenzonapa.com
Harbor House
Cuisine Type: Creative, Californian | 180 USD
Two MICHELIN Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour!
MICHELIN Green Star: Gastronomy and sustainability
Turning into the wilds of Mendocino County is certainly the most delightful detour - culminating in the top restaurant at the Harbour House Hotel. The property sits on a cliff and is surrounded by craggy cliffs and the raging Pacific Ocean, and if the timing is just right, a spectacular sunset can be enjoyed. The mahogany-clad space is the quintessence of laid-back luxury; the window frames paint the perfect view, and the fireplace adds to the ambiance.
It's a highly original way of cooking, driven by impeccable technique and a dedication to sustainability. Chef Matthew Kammerer is very religious about hyperlocal and foraged ingredients. His efforts include utilizing products from their private organic farm. Some of his standout creations include silky custard with trout roe and lightly cooked leeks. Simple ingredients are elevated in the chef's hands, like the luscious combination of cabbage and wild mushrooms in a light cream sauce and topped with cabbage crisps.
The bread service includes a wonderful piece of sourdough with seaweed. Then, seaweed may return in the form of ice cream with bay, papaya and basil – showing off a clever combination of sweet and savory.
Information
Address: 5600 CA-1, Elk, 95432, United States
Telephone: +1 800-720-7474
Website: theharborhouseinn.com