Yountville, California - One of the Best Cities for Foodies

It's hard to find anyone who loves great food and hasn't heard of the widely acclaimed French Laundry restaurant, but chances are that many don't know exactly where it is. French Laundry isn't located in San Francisco, it's located in the trendy town of Yountville in the Napa Valley. It's a great city for foodies as there is a selection of fine eateries, a number of which have received Michelin Stars, reserved for the finest restaurants in the world.

The Thomas Keller Group
Famed chef Thomas Keller has three restaurants in Yountville. The French Laundry is the most famous as it's been honored with three Michelin Stars. They serve dinner every night, but book up so fast that they allow reservations a year in advance. The nine course tasting menu is not for the budget minded as it runs about $300 a person. Two menus are presented each day (one is vegetarian) and the dishes are never repeated so you are assured a unique experience.

ad hoc also has a different menu every day, but it's a bit more low key. It is only open five days a week and the four course dinner is around $50 a person (without wine). The food is more American style (think Lamb Sirloin and Buttermilk Fried Chicken) than French. If you don't get a chance to dine-in, ad hoc offers a picnic style lunch to go Thursday-Saturday for under $20.

The final Thomas Keller restaurant in Yountville is Bouchon Bistro and it is quite unlike the others. It is an a la carte menu in a room so packed you can barely move, but you won't care when you taste the food, which has received a Michelin Star in recognition. It's all French with an abundance of seafood. Blink and you will think you are eating the French Onion Soup and Fromage (cheese) in a Paris cafe. Best of all, the prices on the large menu Bouchon Bistro - which also has a bakery next door - vary greatly so you can enjoy it on any budget.

etoile
It seems to make sense that the makers of fine wine are experts in fine dining. That's exactly what you will find at etoile, the restaurant at Domain Chandon Winery, which received its fifth consecutive Michelin Star in 2011. It is actually the only restaurant of this caliber within a winery of the Napa valley and the French menu is prepared to pair perfectly with the Domain Chandon sparkling and still wines. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with tasting menus available.

The food in this restaurant is wonderful (the Duck is a must), but be prepared to spend at least $50 a person for dinner and an appetizer or dessert - without wine. If your budget is tight, you can still enjoy the wine and the beautiful view with at their Tasting Lounge, with dining inside and out.

Bardessono
You won't find glitz or fancy French tablecloths at Bardessono, but you will find fresh, local dining with a contemporary flavor. This restaurant is inside one of the newest and greenest (they're Leed Platinum certified) hotels in Napa. The menu changes seasonally and will highlight fresh vegetables and herbs from the hotel' gardens (take a walk through the path, the smell is wonderful). In addition to the focus on vegetables, fruits are intertwined in many of dishes, but everything is made fresh and they are flexible about making changes.

The restaurant at Bardessono is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a dining room inside and a patio outside that puts you in the middle of the contemporary and relaxing setting of the hotel. Prices are reasonable and many menu items are available in half portions.

For more information on Yountville and the town's top restaurants, visit their official website.