(Note: What follows is a list of the in the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country restaurant that were awarded stars in the 2009 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. This is the only three-star restaurant in the entire Bay Area, and many say that it is the best restaurant in the world. Good luck, however, in securing a reservation.)
Two Stars
Cyrus
29 North Street
Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California
707-433-3311
(Cyrusis a relative newcomer to the Wine Country restaurant scene, and right from its opening it was clear that it was shooting for the stars. Attentive and formal service, delicious California/French cooking, and relatively easy to reserve when compared to the French Laundry. If you are staying in Napa Valley, please be advised that the restaurant is approximately an hours drive, a substantial portion of which is on windy local roads.)
Meadowood Restaurant
St Helena
707-965-1205
(You will have a very 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 relatively reasonable prices. 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. Probably the most "romantic" restaurant in wine country.)
Bistro Jeanty
6510 Washington Street
Yountville, Napa Valley, California
707-944-0103
(Tasty French bistro cooking in a relaxed atmosphere. Prices are quite reasonable when compared to some other one star restaurants. Along with the restaurant Bouchon it is one of two excellent bistros in the small town of Yountville.)
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 sometimes quite noisy), so be sure to reserve early.)
Farmhouse Inn
7871 River Road
Forestville, Sonoma Valley, California
707-887-3300
(Take a trip to the Russian River region and enjoy relaxed but refined dining in a country inn atmosphere. If you are staying in Napa Valley, please be advised that the restaurant is approximately an hours drive, a substantial portion of which is on windy local roads.)
Martini House
Oak Street, St Helena
707-963-2233
(This restaurant was designed by Pat Kuleto and features the delicious cooking of Todd Humphries. Very comfortable with a casual but elegant atmosphere. )
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.)
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.)