4 Most Exquisite French Restaurants in Napa Valley

 

If you’re dreaming of out-of-this-world French cuisine but aren’t able to make it all the way to France, consider making a reservation at one of the following restaurants in Napa Valley. From a three-Michelin-starred restaurant to a waterfront dining room, here are four of the top French restaurants in Napa Valley.

 

Chef Thomas Keller is the only American-born chef to have three Michelin stars for two different restaurants — and you can dine at them the next time you’re in Napa Valley. Located in Yountville, The French Laundry is well worth a visit for anyone who wants to try Keller’s lauded French cuisine. In the 1990s, while searching for a spot to open a fine French restaurant in the Napa Valley, Keller came across a rustic stone cottage with a small courtyard. Under his visionary leadership, the two-story cottage was transformed into a fine dining restaurant with two separate nine-course tasting menus that change daily.

 

Impressively, none of the French-inspired menus feature the same ingredient more than once. Frog legs on a stick, sea scallops, green tomato tartare, and garden squash lasagna are just a few of the dishes that have previously been served at The French Laundry. Four years after opening The French Laundry, Keller created a second Yountville restaurant called Bouchon that serves French bistro fare. Just steps from The French Laundry, Bouchon offers year-round staples, like roast chicken, leg of lamb, and trout amandine, as well as a seasonal menu and wines sourced from leading Napa Valley and French wineries.

 

Helmed by Bettina Rouas, Angele brings countryside French fare to downtown Napa. Making its home in the historic Hatt Building near the Napa River, Angele offers an indoor dining room and outdoor waterfront dining area. Wines from both Napa Valley and France, cocktail, and beer are available. The seasonal menu lists specials for lunch, dinner, and dessert. Some of the current appetizers are soup du jour, oysters, and artisan cheese; main courses include pan-roasted white sea bass, duck breast, and roast chicken. Offering a formal French dining experience with striking waterfront views, Angele is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or promotion.

 

If you’re in the mood for French bistro fare with a Creole twist, head to Evangeline. Classic favorites, such as steak frites, mushroom risotto, and duck confit, are reimagined with a Southern flair. In addition, Evangeline’s menu includes one-of-a-kind Creole cuisine like gumbo ya-ya and shrimp etouffee. These creative dishes are accompanied by a wine list with vintages from Burgundy, Rhone, Italy, and Napa Valley.

 

If you’re interested in buying a Napa Valley estate so you can have access to world-class vineyards, wineries, and fine dining experiences, contact Yvonne Rich today. With years of experience as Napa Valley real estate agent, Yvonne has a firm grasp on the trends that are affecting the market. She can help guide you through the home buying process to help you find a property that fits your needs.