For over 40 years, 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. Founded by Chef Thomas Keller, the menu at this three Michelin star restaurant changes daily, featuring multiple courses of beautifully presented food that highlights ingredients from local farms and purveyors.

Insider Tip

For those who follow a plant-based diet, The French Laundry offers a vegetarian version of their multi-course menu. Creative offerings have included such dishes as roasted mushroom “schnitzel” and smoked tomato and burrata caprese.

Photo courtesy of Yountville.com

Bistro Jeanty has long been considered a favorite among Napa Valley locals. Chef Jeanty, who comes from the Champagne region of France, has created a menu featuring beloved French bistro classics, such as Escargots, Cassoulet, and Bourguignon, highlighting ingredients that change with the seasons. Reminiscent of a traditional bistro in France, Bistro Jeanty offers simple yet delicious food in a warm, inviting setting that will surely transport you to the French countryside.

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.

Photo courtesy of Yountville.com

Lucy Restaurant & Bar, located at the LEED Platinum-certified Bardessono hotel in the heart of Yountville, is an approachable fine dining restaurant known for its modern aesthetic and garden-inspired “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, slow-cooked porchetta sandwich, roasted beet salad, and braised short rib Osso Bucco. In keeping with their emphasis on local production and sourcing, many of the ingredients are grown in the restaurant’s own culinary garden. Starting this summer, Lucy guests will be able to enjoy a seasonal family-style supper every Thursday, featuring a first course, salad, entrée, sides, and dessert for $50.

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.

Photo courtesy of Bardessono

This one Michelin star French bistro from Chef Thomas Keller is the place to go for seasonal French fare in a cozy, romantic ambiance. Though selections change a few times a year, favorites such as roasted chicken and leg of lamb are served year-round. 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 one can enjoy artisanal breads, pastries, cookies, sandwiches, and quiches.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

R+D Kitchen specializes in elevated versions of American favorites like rotisserie chicken and filet, as well pizza, sushi, and other globally-influenced dishes that are all sure to please. Dark and modern inside with a spacious outdoor patio, R+D Kitchen is a go-to for locals and tourists looking for an upscale yet relaxed place to enjoy a gourmet burger and fries.

Insider Tip

The outdoor patio and fire pit area is a fine choice for afternoon drinks, but if you want food, 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

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 and pot roast. The lively, contemporary setting is designed to exude the comforts of home and makes for a welcoming place to sip wine while noshing on house favorites like lobster mac n’ cheese.

Insider Tip

Ad Hoc has a small take away restaurant named Addendum, a “footnote” to the Ad Hoc family, which normally offers boxed lunches and barbecue sandwiches to enjoy in the garden area. Until it reopens, you can order food to take home. We suggest 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

Spectacular food, art, and design intersect at the restaurant at RH Yountville, a five building compound 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 heritage olive trees, chandeliers, and fountains adorning the indoor/outdoor space.

Insider Tip

RH Yountville is also home to a gallery, barista bar, and 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.

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, accompanied by an extensive wine list showcasing smaller California producers and regional Italian gems. Just be sure to save room for dessert — the seasonal homemade gelato and sorbets are worth the indulgence.

Insider Tip

Take a look at their shop next door for cooking accessories, housewares, and unique dips and sauces.

Photo courtesy of Facebook: Bottega