Located in the heart of Napa Wine Country, Yountville is a charming, walkable town most recognized for its highly sought-after culinary offerings. In fact, this foodie destination is widely known as the “culinary capital” of Napa Valley, and that’s not just some fancy tagline. Yountville’s restaurant scene includes glitzy Michelin-starred dining, celebrity chef-owned restaurants, and beloved farm-to-table eateries, with each menu catering to palates as varied as the visitors who flock here. Unsure where to start? We’ve whipped up a guide to spotlight the best of the best, so let’s dig in!

Restaurants / Yountville

French Laundry

If dining destinations had Hollywood Walk of Fame stars, this one would shine the brightest. For over 45 years, Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry has been a top “bucket list” dining destination in Wine Country, where meticulously crafted French cuisine is accompanied by impeccable service and a covet-worthy wine list. The menu changes daily, featuring multiple courses of beautifully presented food that highlights ingredients from local farms and purveyors, including from the restaurant’s own (and very impressive) garden. Dining at The French Laundry isn’t just about the food; it’s a true experience—one that the Michelin team has deemed worthy of Three Stars, over and over again.

Insider Tip

For those of you who follow a plant-based diet, you’ll be happy to know The French Laundry isn’t just a meaty affair. They’ve rolled out the red carpet for veg heads by offering a vegetarian version of their multi-course menu. That’s right, gourmet greens at their grandest! Creative offerings have included such dishes as their “Oyster and Pearls” featuring an onion ragout and poached oyster mushrooms, and garden eggplant parmesan.

Photo courtesy of Yountville.com

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Restaurants / Yountville

Lucy Restaurant and Bar

Lucy Restaurant & Bar, tucked inside the LEED Platinum-certified Bardessono hotel in the heart of Yountville, is an approachable fine dining restaurant oozing with style and “field-to-fork” fare. Specializing in seasonal dishes highlighting the bounty of Napa Valley, Lucy charms hotel guests and locals alike with its diverse breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, featuring such items as house-made granola, chilaquiles, seared Mt. Lassen trout, roasted baby beet salad, and braised beef short ribs. Ooooh, yeaaaah. The best part? Their own culinary garden plays muse, offering up its freshest produce on the daily.

Insider Tip

Have your four-legged companion in tow? Lucy’s got it covered with their “Barkessono” menu of pet-friendly specialties your pup will adore and a Yappy Hour that you’ll love too.

Photo courtesy of Bardessono

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Restaurants / Yountville

Bistro Jeanty

Reminiscent of a traditional bistro in France, Bistro Jeanty has long been considered a favorite among Napa Valley locals, transporting guests on a flavorsome French getaway without leaving Napa. Chef Jeanty, who hails from France’s bubbly haven (aka Champagne), weaves Je ne sais quoi into his menu of beloved French bistro classics, from succulent Escargots to hearty Cassoulet and decadent Entrecôte Frites, each highlighting the bounty of Napa’s seasonal ingredients.

Insider Tip

While you can’t go wrong with something sweet for dessert, you may want to end your meal the traditional French way with a plate of “fromage.” Cheeses are imported from France (though some are sourced locally), and the servers can recommend wine pairings to go with your selection. To that, we say oui oui.

Photo courtesy of Yountville.com

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Restaurants / Yountville

Ciccio

On any given night, this snug Italian haven buzzes with the chatter of both locals and globetrotters alike. And can you blame them? Those wood-fired pizzas and pasta marvels, hot from the oven, don't just satiate; they enchant. With a nod from Michelin as a ``Bib Gourmand`` gem, this family-owned delight goes beyond tradition. Each plate tells a story of the region, with many ingredients handpicked straight from the family’s very own local farm and vineyard. And oh, the menu? It changes every few days to celebrate what’s freshest and in peak season.

Insider Tip

For a vineyard-to-table experience, pair your meal with a bottle of wine from Altamura Vineyards, which was founded by Ciccio’s owners (and Napa natives) Frank and Karen Altamura in 1985.

Photo courtesy of Ciccio

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Restaurants / Yountville

Bouchon

This noteworthy French bistro from, oh you know, that famed Chef named Thomas Keller, is the place to go for seasonal French fare in a cozy, romantic ambiance. Seasons may dictate what’s on offer, but some favorites remain a constant at Bouchon. Whether it's the perfectly roasted chicken or the succulent leg of lamb, they're staples that diners come back for all year long. But wait, there’s more! Bouchon is also known for its raw bar, featuring oysters on the half shell and other seafood delights.

Insider Tip

Be sure to stop by Bouchon’s bakery next door to pick up some freshly-baked treats. Though it started out as a place to bake up one-of-a-kind breads for Bouchon Bistro and The French Laundry, it has certainly earned a spot as a must-visit destination in Yountville, where you can nosh on perfectly baked artisanal breads, pastries, cookies, and quiches, along with simple, yet delectable sandwiches.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

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Restaurants / Yountville

R + D Kitchen

R+D Kitchen is where American favorites get a gourmet upgrade. Think rotisserie chicken taken to the next level, a filet that's more than just a steak, and a smorgasbord of pizza, sushi, and other international culinary delights. Step inside to a chic, dimly-lit ambiance or outside on their airy patio, because R+D Kitchen is the upscale yet laid-back culinary haven you've been searching for.

Insider Tip

The outdoor patio and fire pit area is a fine choice for afternoon drinks, but if the pangs of hunger strike, just note they only offer an abbreviated menu of appetizers and sandwiches. You’ll have to sit inside for the full restaurant menu.

Photo courtesy of Facebook: R&D Kitchen Yountville

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Restaurants / Yountville

Ad Hoc

The French Laundry and Bouchon aren’t Chef Thomas Keller’s only shining stars in Yountville; he also owns Ad Hoc, a casual restaurant that features a family-style four-course menu that changes daily, delighting patrons with its elegant take on American comfort food—think buttermilk fried chicken that’s to die for and uber tender and flavorful pot roast. The lively, contemporary setting is designed to exude the comforts of home (if only the kitchens in our own homes smelled this good), and makes for a welcoming place to sip wine while noshing on house favorites like the sinful lobster mac n’ cheese.

Insider Tip

Ad Hoc has a small take away restaurant named Addendum, Ad Hoc’s “footnote” to the Ad Hoc family. Here, you’ll find boxed lunches and barbecue sandwiches to enjoy in the garden area. Don’t miss springing for the larger sized bucket of fried chicken—trust us when we say you’ll want to enjoy leftovers the next day.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

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Restaurants / Yountville

RH Yountville

At RH Yountville, the trifecta of phenomenal food, captivating art, and stellar design converge in a breathtaking five-building ensemble nestled in downtown Yountville. Featuring a regional menu of timeless classics for brunch/lunch and dinner, accompanied by artisanal wines and craft beers, this design-forward restaurant is a sight to see, complete with indoor heritage olive trees, sparkling chandeliers, and bubbling fountains adorning the indoor/outdoor space.

Insider Tip

RH Yountville is also home to a gallery and a wine vault featuring a curated selection of Napa and Sonoma wines, so be sure to allow for extra time before or after your meal to look around.

Photo courtesy of RH Yountville

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Restaurants / Yountville

Bottega Napa Valley

Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello’s restaurant is the place to go for Italian fine dining in Yountville. The menu features a variety of elevated Italian dishes, each highlighting local, artisanal, and house-made ingredients. To accompany your meal, dive deep into their wine list, where hidden California treasures and quintessential Italian gems await discovery. Just be sure to save room for dessert—the seasonal homemade gelato and sorbets are worth the indulgence. Mangia!