Michelin Restaurant Guide : Michelin Star Restaurants in Wine Country

(Note: What follows is a list of the in the Napa Wine Country restaurant that were awarded stars in the 2012 Michelin Guide. The brief comments that follow each listing are not from the Guide, but are included to give an additional perspective on the restaurant.)

Three Stars

The French Laundry
The French Laundry
6640 Washington Street
Yountville, Napa Valley, California
707-944-2380

(Reservations are accepted two months in advance, and are extremely difficult to obtain. You will have a memorable, although quite expensive, dining experience. This is one restaurant that you should not miss if your budget can afford it. Plan on spending upwards of $750 for two persons with wine. This is one of only two, three-star restaurants in the entire Bay Area, and some say that it is the best restaurant in the world. Good luck, however, in securing a reservation.)

Meadowood Restaurant
St Helena
707-965-1205

(You will have a romantic and delightful evening in this very comfortable and beautiful restaurant in the hills of Napa Valley. Excellent fixed price menu featuring optional wine pairings, at prices that are slightly more reasonable than those of the French Laundry. Meadowood, like the French Laundry, has an extensive wine list. If you are staying at the hotel, you definitely should not miss having dinner at this restaurant.)

One Star

Auberge du Soleil
180 Rutherford Hill Road
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
707-963-1211

(Elegant dining, in a beautiful setting, with spectacular views that match the high quality of the food. This would be the perfect setting for that special occasion dinner. Auberge is probably the most "romantic" restaurant in wine country. Excellent choice.)

Bouchon
6534 Washington Street
Yountville, Napa Valley, California
707-944-9037

(Thomas Keller, the owner and chef of the French Laundry owns this restaurant. Enjoy delicious French bistro cooking in a dining room that could easily be located in Paris. Yountville is fortunate to have two one star French bistros, but if time is limited, you might make this your choice. The restaurant is always packed (and often quite noisy), so be sure to reserve early.)

Domain Chandon
Yountville, Napa Valley, California
(800) 736-2892

(What can be better than a delicious French inspired meal set in Domain Chandon Winery? This is the second year that the restaurant received a Michelin star, and the honor is well deserved. Reservations are often easier to come by than from other starred restaurants.)

La Toque
Napa
707-257-5157

(Located in downtown Napa in the Westin Hotel, Chef Ken Frank offers a variety of tasting menus. Big city dining in the Napa Valley. Excellent wine pairings. )

Redd
6480 Washington St.
Yountville
707-942-2222

(Located on Yountville's restaurant row, this contemporary restaurant features the wonderful cooking of Richard Reddington. Several tasting menus are available, and the food is consistently superior.)

Solbar
Calistoga
707-226-0850

(Located on the grounds of the Solage Hotel, this contemporary and casual restaurant features welcomes both room guests and outside visitors. Menu changes with the seasons, and wonderful outside dining in season.)

Terra
1345 Railroad Avenue
Saint Helena, Napa Valley, California
707-963-8931

(This is one of our favorite restaurants in Napa Valley. Lovely and romantic setting compliments the delicious California Pacific Rim cooking. It could easily be argued that Terra deserves a second star. You will not be disappointed.)