6 of the Best Rated Michelin Star Restaurants in CA
To die-hard dining aficionados, it is no secret that California offers some of the best opportunities for fine dining in the world. With master chefs from across the globe setting up shop everywhere from Los Angeles to Napa Valley in recent years, the increasing number of California restaurants earning Michelin Stars has made the state an absolute must-visit for elite gourmands. Here are just six of the very best Michelin Star-level restaurants in California, and why visiting them can be a life-changing experience.
1. The French Laundry, Yountville
Called the best restaurant in the world by no less an expert than Anthony Bourdain, Thomas Keller’s flagship Napa Valley eatery is a Michelin 3-star powerhouse that features fine dining options for all tastes and backgrounds. Expect French food with an American twist while you take in the luxury ambiance of this true Napa Valley landmark, but don’t miss out on the wine selection on offer in this remarkable eatery: The French Laundry is notable for its world-class cellars, and no gourmand worth their salt should miss the chance to sample some of Napa’s best wines in these stunning surroundings. A true landmark dining location, everyone should visit The French Laundry at least once in their lives.
2. Atelier Crenn, San Francisco
One of San Francisco’s truly great restaurants, Atelier Crenn offers a luxurious dining experience unlike any other. Whether you’re hobnobbing with Silicon Valley’s tech bigwigs or simply enjoying a romantic dinner for two, Atelier Crenn is a fantastic place to unwind when visiting the Bay Area. Guests at the atelier will love the chance to experience rustic French cooking at its most forward-thinking; in lieu of menus, for example, Chef Dominique Crenn presents each guest with a poem celebrating the evening’s repasts.
3. Manresa, Los Gatos
Once described by Forbes Magazine as the best restaurant in the United States, Manresa offers diners stunning Californian cuisine and stellar wine options in true Napa Valley fashion. Cementing the restaurant’s Michelin 3-star status is a menu drawn from locally-sourced meat and produce; this is farm-to-table dining at an elite level, and no one visiting the area should miss the chance to dine at this world-class eatery. Don’t expect to read a menu before eating, however; guests aren’t told about the foods they’ll be presented with before being served, so allow yourself the pleasure of surprise when indulging in Chef David Kinch’s culinary masterpieces. You’re not likely to forget them anytime soon.
4. Benu, San Francisco
Set in San Francisco’s hip SoMa (South of Market) district, Benu earned its Michelin 3-star rating by blending the cuisines of Asian and American cultures in revolutionary new ways. Heavy on dishes inspired by Far Eastern traditions, menu items can include everything from barbecued quail to Japanese-style dried persimmon. With its proximity to Napa Valley, patrons should sample the restaurant’s excellent cellars; Benu’s resident wine expert Yoon Ha is reputed to be one of the best sommeliers in the business. To those in the know, Benu offers a dining experience that should not be missed by anyone interested in sampling some of the world’s best cuisine.
5. The Restaurant at Meadowood, St. Helena
Set amid the rural splendor of Napa’s hill country, The Restaurant at Meadowood offers diners a truly luxurious dining experience. Like The French Laundry, Meadowood is a Michelin 3-star restaurant with world-class menu options and a Californian sensibility that can’t be beat. Chef Christopher Kostow uses only the finest local ingredients, and diners will delight in dishes that are cutting-edge in both their style and presentation. Since you’re in Napa Valley, you’ll want to sample the restaurant’s extensive wine menu; don’t hesitate to ask the resident sommelier about which wines to pair with some of the restaurant’s key dishes. One of the great luxury eateries in the world, Meadowood is a true dining aficionado’s delight.
6. Quince, San Francisco
Another major force in the California cuisine movement, Quince is one of the Bay Area’s premier restaurants par excellence. Recently awarded its third Michelin Star, Chef Michael Tusk’s eatery is famed for mixing traditional French and Italian dishes with uniquely American sensibilities. Menus change frequently here, so diners should expect a unique array of foods on any given night, but be sure to keep your expectations open when planning your visit: Each season will bring new surprises and fresh regional cooking to this culinary landmark. Truly, no visit to San Francisco is complete without at least one evening spent in these luxurious environs.
For these reasons, California’s Michelin Star restaurants offer dining aficionados a culinary experience unlike any other. Whether you’re visiting famous eateries like The French Laundry or up-and-coming establishments like Benu, savor the opportunity to experience California-style fine dining as it should be experienced. For a memorable night out, it does not get better than this .
