With its world-famous wines, it only makes sense that Napa Valley is a popular destination for foodies around the world. So when the Michelin Guide releases its annual rankings for California, it’s an exciting time for the area to see who has kept their stars and who has lost them.
The Michelin Guide serves as any foodie’s key to the best restaurants around the world. Restaurants vie for one, two, or the three stars, with only a few receiving the coveted third star. A restaurant can also be awarded a Bib Gourmand, which signifies that they serves excellent food at a great value.
Without further ado, here is your guide to some of the best Michelin-rated restaurants in Napa Valley.
Featured photo: Kenzo, courtesy of Adrian Gregoruti.
Yountville
Unsurprisingly at the top of the list, this world-renowned destination restaurant in Yountville has earned three Michelin stars, as well as a green star for sustainability. The French Laundry’s daily menus feature fresh and local ingredients, as well as wines that are bottled exclusively for this restaurant. Extraordinary is the standard here, from attentive servers and staff to top-notch French dishes and excellent wine recommendations.
St. Helena
With one star to its name, Press’ flavorful and expertly crafted dishes aim to highlight and celebrate the best local ingredients that the area offers. The restaurant’s 10,000-bottle wine collection is the largest of any Napa Valley wine collection in the world. Many guests enjoy the tasting menu at this one star restaurant to sample a bit of everything that the chef offers.
Napa
Kenzo has one star and is known for its traditional and authentic Japanese cuisine, as well as the serene and relaxing ambiance and stand-out hospitality. The upscale menu changes on a seasonal basis, giving customers something different with each visit.
St. Helena
This delicious farm-to-table restaurant is located at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena, offering an unforgettable view. The menu showcases ingredients fresh from the ranch, farm and vineyard. Some guest favorites include the “brick cooked” chicken, the oysters on the half shell and the Dungeness crab roll.
Yountville
This homey, country-style Bib Gourmand Italian restaurant is housed in what was a century-old Italian grocery store that has been converted into one of the most welcoming and cozy restaurants in the area. The menu features wood-fired pizzas, farm-fresh salads and simple yet excellent pastas. Those who frequent the restaurant love it especially for its popular wood-fired focaccia, chopped salad and pepperoni pizzas.
