Michelin Star Restaurants in Napa Valley: The Complete 2026 Guide
Napa Valley is one of the most celebrated fine dining destinations in the United States. With multiple Michelin-starred restaurants concentrated in a 30-mile stretch of wine country, the region rivals major cities for culinary excellence. From Thomas Keller's legendary The French Laundry to innovative newcomers earning their first stars, Napa Valley offers dining experiences found nowhere else.
This guide covers every Michelin star restaurant in Napa Valley, including what to expect, how to get reservations, what you will spend, and how to plan a culinary trip that pairs world-class dining with wine country's best experiences. For a broader trip overview, see our complete Napa Valley travel guide.
Napa Valley Michelin Star Restaurants: The 2026 List
The Michelin Guide California currently awards stars to several Napa Valley restaurants. Here is the complete list of Michelin-starred restaurants in the region, organized by star count.
Three Michelin Stars
The French Laundry — Yountville
Thomas Keller's The French Laundry remains the crown jewel of Napa Valley dining and one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world. Holding three Michelin stars continuously since the guide launched in California, it offers a nine-course tasting menu that changes daily, built around the finest seasonal ingredients from its own garden across the street.
- Cuisine: Contemporary American, French-inspired
- Tasting menu: $390 per person (wine pairings additional)
- Reservations: Released on Tock exactly 60 days in advance at 10:00 AM PT. Tables sell out within seconds.
- Dress code: Business casual to smart casual. Jackets no longer required but appreciated.
- Location: 6640 Washington Street, Yountville
- Tip: Set a reminder for exactly 60 days before your preferred date and be ready on Tock at 10:00 AM sharp. Consider midweek dates for slightly better availability.
The Restaurant at Meadowood — St. Helena
Note: The Restaurant at Meadowood, which held three Michelin stars, was destroyed in the 2020 Glass Fire. Meadowood has since reopened its resort with a reimagined dining program, but the original three-star restaurant has not returned. The resort now offers The Grill at Meadowood, a more casual but still refined dining experience on the grounds.
Two Michelin Stars
SingleThread — Healdsburg
While technically located in Sonoma County, SingleThread is frequently included in Napa Valley dining guides due to its proximity and the overlap between wine regions. Chef Kyle Connaughton's farm-driven cuisine draws from Japanese kaiseki traditions, with ingredients sourced from the restaurant's own five-acre farm.
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired Californian
- Tasting menu: $425 per person
- Reservations: Available through Tock, typically 60 days in advance
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Location: 131 North Street, Healdsburg
- Unique feature: The restaurant also operates as a five-room inn, allowing guests to stay above the restaurant for a fully immersive experience.
One Michelin Star
Kenzo — Napa
Kenzo brings refined Japanese cuisine to the Napa Valley dining scene. The restaurant is part of the Kenzo Estate winery, blending the precision of Japanese culinary tradition with Napa Valley's exceptional produce and wines.
- Cuisine: Japanese fine dining
- Tasting menu: $250-350 per person
- Reservations: Available through the restaurant's website
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Location: 1339 Pearl Street, Napa
Press — St. Helena
Press has earned its Michelin star through mastery of the wood-fired grill and one of Napa Valley's most impressive wine lists, with over 3,000 selections. The restaurant specializes in dry-aged steaks and seasonal dishes that showcase the best of wine country ingredients.
- Cuisine: Contemporary American steakhouse
- Price range: $75-200 per person
- Reservations: OpenTable or direct
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Location: 587 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena
- Best for: Wine collectors and steak enthusiasts
Angele — Napa
Housed in a historic boathouse along the Napa River, Angele offers French-Californian cuisine in one of the most charming settings in town. The restaurant's one Michelin star recognizes its consistent excellence in both food and atmosphere.
- Cuisine: French-Californian bistro
- Price range: $60-120 per person
- Reservations: OpenTable
- Dress code: Casual to smart casual
- Location: 540 Main Street, Napa
- Best for: A refined but relaxed Michelin experience without the formality
The Charter Oak — St. Helena
From the team behind The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak focuses on live-fire cooking and communal dining. Dishes are designed for sharing, with ingredients sourced from local farms and the restaurant's own garden.
- Cuisine: Seasonal Californian, wood-fired
- Price range: $60-130 per person
- Reservations: Resy
- Dress code: Casual
- Location: 1050 Charter Oak Avenue, St. Helena
- Best for: Groups and families seeking a Michelin experience without the white-tablecloth formality
Bistro Don Giovanni — Napa
A Napa Valley institution, Bistro Don Giovanni has served rustic Italian-inspired cuisine with California flair for over 30 years. Its Michelin star reflects the kitchen's dedication to consistency, quality ingredients, and a menu that balances comfort and sophistication.
- Cuisine: Italian-Californian
- Price range: $50-100 per person
- Reservations: OpenTable
- Dress code: Casual
- Location: 4110 Howard Lane, Napa
- Best for: An approachable Michelin meal with vineyard views
Michelin-Recommended Restaurants in Napa Valley
Beyond starred restaurants, the Michelin Guide recognizes dozens of Napa Valley restaurants with Bib Gourmand designations and recommendations. These are worth considering if starred restaurants are booked or if you want excellent dining at more moderate prices.
Notable Michelin-recommended restaurants include:
- Ad Hoc + Addendum (Yountville) — Thomas Keller's casual spot serving a rotating family-style menu
- Bouchon Bistro (Yountville) — Another Keller restaurant, this French bistro is ideal for a pre- or post-tasting lunch
- Bottega (Yountville) — Michael Chiarello's rustic Italian, one of Yountville's most popular reservations
- Goose & Gander (St. Helena) — Gastropub with serious cocktails and refined comfort food
- Cook St. Helena (St. Helena) — Intimate Italian with a seasonal menu and excellent local wine list
- Tra Vigne Pizzeria (St. Helena) — Casual Italian with wood-fired pizzas, great for families
- Solbar at Solage (Calistoga) — Resort dining with a focus on healthful, seasonal cuisine
- Sam's Social Club (Calistoga) — Relaxed American fare at Indian Springs Resort, with hot springs access
How to Get Reservations at Napa Valley Michelin Restaurants
Securing a table at Napa Valley's top restaurants requires planning. Here is what you need to know.
Reservation Platforms
Most Michelin-starred restaurants in Napa Valley use one of three platforms:
| Restaurant | Platform | Advance Booking |
|---|---|---|
| The French Laundry | Tock | 60 days |
| SingleThread | Tock | 60 days |
| Kenzo | Direct/website | 30 days |
| Press | OpenTable | 30 days |
| Angele | OpenTable | 30 days |
| The Charter Oak | Resy | 30 days |
| Bistro Don Giovanni | OpenTable | 30 days |
Tips for Securing Hard-to-Get Tables
- Book at the exact opening time. The French Laundry releases tables at 10:00 AM PT, 60 days out. Be logged in and ready.
- Try midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings are significantly easier to book than Friday or Saturday.
- Check for cancellations. Tables occasionally open 24-48 hours before the date. Check Tock, Resy, or OpenTable daily.
- Consider lunch. Several starred restaurants offer lunch service with easier availability and lower prices.
- Visit during off-season. January through March offers the best availability at nearly every restaurant.
- Use a concierge. Our concierge service can assist with restaurant reservations and dining recommendations for guests staying at Mayastoga properties.
Best Months for Restaurant Availability
| Season | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Mar | Easiest | Off-season, some restaurants close for renovations |
| Apr-May | Moderate | Spring visitors, but manageable |
| Jun-Aug | Difficult | Summer tourism peaks |
| Sep-Oct | Hardest | Harvest season, book well in advance |
| Nov-Dec | Moderate | Holiday season brings local diners |
How Much Does Michelin Dining Cost in Napa Valley?
Fine dining in Napa Valley represents a significant investment. Here is what you should budget for a Michelin star meal in the region.
Price Comparison
| Restaurant | Format | Food Cost | Wine Pairing | Total per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The French Laundry | 9-course tasting | $390 | $175-350 | $600-800+ |
| SingleThread | Multi-course tasting | $425 | $200-300 | $650-800+ |
| Kenzo | Tasting menu | $250-350 | $150-250 | $450-650 |
| Press | A la carte | $100-200 | — | $150-300 |
| Angele | A la carte | $60-120 | — | $90-180 |
| The Charter Oak | Shared plates | $60-130 | — | $100-200 |
| Bistro Don Giovanni | A la carte | $50-100 | — | $80-160 |
Prices include tax but not gratuity. Tipping 20-25% is standard at Napa Valley fine dining establishments.
For a complete breakdown of trip expenses, including dining, see our Napa Valley trip cost guide.
Budget-Friendly Ways to Experience Michelin Dining
Not every Michelin meal needs to cost $800 per person:
- Lunch service at starred restaurants often costs 30-50% less than dinner
- Bar seating at Press and Angele offers the same kitchen at lower price points
- Bib Gourmand restaurants deliver exceptional food at moderate prices ($40-80 per person)
- Wine by the glass instead of full pairings can save $100-200 per person
- Visit on weeknights when some restaurants offer special prix fixe menus
Planning a Michelin Dining Trip to Napa Valley
Sample 3-Night Fine Dining Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Casual Excellence
- Settle into your vacation rental in Calistoga or St. Helena
- Dinner at Bistro Don Giovanni or The Charter Oak for an approachable first-night Michelin experience
Day 2: Wine Country and Stars
- Morning vineyard visits in St. Helena or Rutherford
- Lunch at Bouchon Bistro or Ad Hoc
- Dinner at Press or Kenzo for your starred experience
Day 3: The Main Event
- Relaxed morning at your rental, perhaps with a private chef breakfast
- Afternoon visit to a reserve tasting room
- Dinner at The French Laundry (if you secured a reservation) or Angele
Day 4: Departure
- Brunch at Solbar before heading home
- Stop at Oxbow Public Market in Napa for artisan food souvenirs
Where to Stay for Fine Dining
Your accommodation choice can make or break a fine dining trip. Driving after multi-course meals with wine pairings is not ideal, so choosing a well-located base matters.
Yountville is the epicenter of Napa Valley Michelin dining, home to The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Ad Hoc. Several restaurants are within walking distance of each other.
St. Helena puts you near Press, The Charter Oak, and Cook St. Helena, plus walkable to downtown shops and tasting rooms. Browse our St. Helena vacation rentals for properties in the heart of wine country dining.
Calistoga offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere with excellent restaurants like Solbar and Sam's Social Club, plus the added benefit of hot springs and mud baths to recover between meals. See our Calistoga vacation rentals for luxury properties with full kitchens.
A vacation rental provides distinct advantages for a fine dining trip: space to relax between meals, a kitchen for light breakfasts and snacks (saving your appetite for the main events), and enough room for groups traveling together. Many of our properties offer concierge services to help with restaurant reservations and private chef arrangements.
What to Wear
Napa Valley Michelin restaurants lean more casual than their European counterparts:
- The French Laundry and SingleThread: Smart casual. Collared shirts and closed-toe shoes for men. No shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear.
- One-star restaurants: Most accept smart casual to casual attire. Dress for the occasion without overdressing.
- General rule: When in doubt, aim for polished but comfortable. Napa Valley's dining culture values relaxed elegance.
Beyond the Stars: Napa Valley's Dining Culture
Michelin stars tell only part of Napa Valley's culinary story. The region's food culture extends to:
- Farm-to-table pioneers: Many restaurants maintain their own gardens and source from local farms within a 50-mile radius
- Wine-food pairing expertise: Chefs design menus to complement specific wines, creating experiences unique to wine country
- Seasonal menus: Expect menus to change frequently, reflecting what is at peak in Northern California's generous growing season
- Culinary events: Napa Valley Restaurant Week (January), BottleRock's culinary stage (May), and Flavor! Napa Valley (November) offer unique dining experiences throughout the year
For couples planning a food-focused trip, our romantic getaway guide includes dining recommendations paired with wine tasting and accommodation suggestions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michelin star restaurants are in Napa Valley?
Napa Valley currently has approximately six to eight Michelin-starred restaurants, depending on how broadly you define the region. The exact count shifts with each annual Michelin Guide update. The French Laundry in Yountville holds three stars, while several restaurants in Napa, St. Helena, and Yountville hold one star each. SingleThread in nearby Healdsburg holds two stars and is often included in Napa Valley dining guides.
What is the best Michelin star restaurant in Napa Valley?
The French Laundry is widely considered the best Michelin restaurant in Napa Valley and one of the finest in the world. However, "best" depends on what you seek. For a more intimate, farm-driven experience, SingleThread is exceptional. For steak and wine, Press is unmatched. Angele offers the most charming atmosphere, and The Charter Oak provides the most relaxed Michelin experience.
How much does a Michelin star meal cost in Napa Valley?
Expect to spend $80-160 per person at one-star restaurants ordering a la carte, or $450-800+ per person at the top tasting-menu restaurants like The French Laundry and SingleThread (including wine pairings, tax, and tip). A comfortable middle ground exists at restaurants like Press and Kenzo, where a full dinner with wine typically runs $200-400 per person.
Do you need reservations at Michelin restaurants in Napa Valley?
Yes, reservations are essential at all Michelin-starred restaurants in Napa Valley. The French Laundry requires booking exactly 60 days in advance and sells out immediately. Other starred restaurants are more accessible but should still be booked 2-4 weeks ahead, especially for weekend dining during harvest season (September-October).
What should I wear to a Michelin restaurant in Napa Valley?
Napa Valley Michelin restaurants are generally more relaxed than their European counterparts. Smart casual is appropriate at most establishments, meaning collared shirts and closed-toe shoes for men, and comparable attire for women. The French Laundry and SingleThread expect slightly more polished dress. Avoid shorts, flip-flops, and athletic wear at any starred restaurant.
Can I bring children to Michelin star restaurants in Napa?
Policies vary by restaurant. The French Laundry and SingleThread generally do not accommodate young children due to the length and formality of the tasting menus. One-star restaurants like Bistro Don Giovanni, The Charter Oak, and Angele are more family-friendly. Always call ahead to confirm and discuss any dietary needs.
When is the best time to visit Napa Valley for fine dining?
January through March offers the easiest restaurant reservations and often features special winter menus and events like Napa Valley Restaurant Week in January. Harvest season (September-October) is the most exciting time culinarily, with menus built around peak-season ingredients, but reservations are the hardest to secure. For the best balance of availability and seasonal cuisine, visit in April-May or November.
Planning a fine dining trip to Napa Valley? Browse our luxury vacation rentals for the perfect home base between Michelin-starred meals. Our concierge team can assist with restaurant reservations, private chef experiences, and customized dining itineraries. Contact us to start planning.
Related reading:
