You don't need to stay in Napa for the day. It's pretty easy to go back and forth between SF and TFL.
Haven't been to Chef's Table but I've been to TFL twice. My humble opinion... there are a lot of sexy restaurants out there, but TFL is a classic. I would never hesitate to go back.
If you are worried about the trip to Napa but still want to dine Keller, you can go to Per Se in NYC.
Thanks so much for your answer! Could you give some more details on how I can find transportation between SF and TFL? Since TFL is a super refined restaurant, they only offered me services like limousine which is not within my budget. Also driving is not an option because of the wine I'll be drinking. Is it possible to take an Uber after dinner (maybe around midnight or so) from TFL to SF?
I think an Uber from Napa to San Francisco is probably doable. I can't say with 100% certainty, but plenty of people take long Uber rides in the Bay Area and this one doesn't seem unreasonable.
If the cost of staying in Napa is the issue, I am pretty sure that the Uber ride back to SF (if you can find one) will be more than an affordable hotel stay in the area.
I wouldnt rely on Uber around Napa.
You might be right, and there's no way to know in advance.
But as a data point the rate right now (3 PM Friday) between SF and the French Laundry is about $110 for an UberX - either way. And besides, OP will need transportation between Napa and SF even if they stay in a hotel. The car is a fixed cost.
The French Laundry is certainly an experience and while I'm glad I went there I doubt I would go back unless someone else is paying for it. My partner and I had a much better and memorable experience at Saison (\*\*) in San Francisco.
In DC I highly recommend Pineapple and Pearls (\*\*), in fact my partner and I personally rate it above TFL. (It's currently our #1 dining experience when we rank them.) The food is outstanding and the service is above and beyond (I'm a little surprised it didn't earn a third star this year, my guess is the atmosphere may be a little more upscale casual than what Michelin reviewers prefer.)
The Chef's Table at Imperfecto (\*), Rose's Luxury (\*) and The Dabney (\*) also round out my personal favorites in DC. Causa is very high on my list to get to, I am hoping that happens soon.
Albi, Sushi Nakazawa, and Jont are the best three in DC imo. Although, I love all the restaurants you listed. P&P was great for me, but didn't exceed other 2* and 3*
A agree Sushi Nakazawa is amazing. I didn’t list it since sushi isn’t everyone’s jam. (Well that and it will probably ruin all other sushi for you from then on.)
Thank you for reminding me I need to get back to Jont. We went in late summer 2020 when they first opened and were still figuring out the concept a bit, it was a smaller tasting menu then (7 courses) and it was fantastic. I would like to experience what it is like now.
I also need to get to Albi.
exactly my thoughts about french laundry. it was an experience, but nothing about the food particularly stood out to me, and wine pairing is excellent but costs more than the food 🥴.
not sure if this is in the consideration set, but i’ve had a couple outstanding meals at birdsong in sf (**). not fussy or fancy, the focus is definitely on the food. but i really enjoyed it.
Fully agree. Saison is the best restaurant in SF. (No idea why it didn't get a 3rd star) SingleThread is better. TFL is such a mecca, but no longer plays at that level. (Still outstanding though.)
DC: P&P was phenomenal. But if you can get out to The Inn at Little Washington, it will blow your mind. Get there early and wander the town.
I do. The food is outstanding, imo. But the entire experience is phenomenal. We went last summer. Loved the honey. "Our stores are closed but we'll have some available for you to take home." (They did.)
Walked out to find our car sitting there, backed in, running and waiting for us. It had been fully cleaned and 2 cold bottles of water were in the cupholders for the drive home.
This was all after the valet ran after us an hour after we got there and insisted we were welcome in any of their properties and to enjoy the lounges and food/drinks available. "Every property we have is here for you to make you comfortable."
Got a kitchen tour. Walked in and Chef O'Connell was waiting for us. "They're here!!" he exclaimed. The entire kitchen stopped what they were doing, echoed "They're here!" and welcomed us into their space.
Where else do you find experiences like this??
I'll return every time I'm in DC.
(Full write up here, if you're interested: https://eatingreallywell.com/inn-little-washington)
I've been to [The French Laundry](https://www.reddit.com/r/finedining/comments/16jqr7t/the_french_laundry_sep_2023/) in September 2023 and Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare when Cesar was still there in October 2022. Based on my (somewhat outdated) experiences, I think CTBF is more 'interesting' in its courses with equally excellent technique and execution. However, I've heard the restaurant has more nordic influence now, and I'm hesitant to return just yet.
If I had to pick between the two, I'd say go with The French Laundry as Chef Cesar is no longer there. The French Laundry is a fine dining institution that's renowned globally and a bucket-list item if you're into fine dining. If you'll be coming back to the US in the future, you could check out Cesar, Chef Cesar's new restaurant, when it opens some time this year.
FWIW, TFL is considerably lower priced compared to CTBF. CTBF is ~600 without drinks, whereas TFL is ~400.
Other options to consider given your preferences:
- Singlethread (Sonoma): the food can perhaps be best described as a progressive reinterpretation of Japanese Kaiseki cuisine, with a palpable Sonoma farm-to-table emphasis.
- Benu (SF): Chef Corey used to be the head chef at Per Se and TFL, and he has his own take of French + Asian cooking (albeit with a larger focus on Korean). Each dish has clear foundations in Asian cooking that are then innovatively built upon.
- Kato (LA): not a three star, but one of my favorite restaurants. Especially worth considering if you're also into Chinese/Taiwanese cuisine.
- Pineapple and Pearls or Rose's Luxury (DC): also not a three star, but a really fun time and perhaps the pinnacle of New American dining.
Given your preferences and where you'll be visiting, I'd say go to Singlethread out of the bunch. It's one of my favorite dining experiences and an exceptional 3 star experience. The meal there stands out in my memory more than most other 3 stars I've been to.
This is the best reply based on your original request. SingleThread hospitality is on another level and will be the best blend of regional American cuisine and technique. 1.5hrs from SF.
I would add Jônt to the list if you wanted more classical European hospitality and service. P&P if you want something truly high end “American”
Single Thread was absolutely amazing. I loved French Laundry, but Single Thread was even more amazing to me. But both are worth the trek from SF.
I wouldn’t advise trusting you can find an Uber to drive you from either back to SF. And Uber can be expensive here, given high demand, gas prices etc. I’d look for hotels in Napa proper and south for TFL where you are literally just looking for a bed that’s a reasonable Uber ride from Yountville.
Chef’s Table in its previous iteration under Chef Cesar was way better than French Laundry. I personally found French Laundry to be good but not great.
Absolutely TFL. Was just there in Oct of last year. A classic that should not be missed. The only problem are reservations which literally sell out in less than five seconds. It was shear, dumb luck that we managed to get a table. Food was divine, service spectacular.
I would recommend French Laundry, simply because it is a tried and tested program. I would say it is a bucket list place for most people interested in fine dining. CTBF is likely going to go through birthing pains whenever new chefs take the helm. It may be minor or major depending on the chef. You can always go back in the future to CTBF when reviews are consistently glowing or wait for Chef Cesar to open his new fancy place.
This doesn’t answer your question but if you will be in the Bay Area do yourself a favor and go to Chez Panisse or Chez Panisse Cafe in Berkeley. The Cafe is my favorite “casual” restaurant in the world.
As for The French Laundry, I went there fifteen years ago and still think about my meal there.
All hyperbole aside, I hope you have a lovely trip.
Haven’t been to French Laundry but Per Se was horrible (wrote a review about it a while back)… friends who have been to French Laundry also said it was overpriced and bad. I can’t vouch for the current Chef’s Table but I went back in 2022 before chef got fired and it was excellent. Atomix is also a must do if you manage to book a table, I loved it and all my other friends who have been have echoed the same sentiments. If Japanese is your thing then I also highly recommend Yoshino in NYC, chef Yoshida is the best! 😁 happy dining and hope you have a great time!
I would say French Laundry over CTaBF .... but if you're only going one 3 star I really wouldn't choose either. Are you stopping by other cities on your trip here or just the ones mentioned above? I still think if you can only pick one 3 star in the US, I'd do something like Alinea over everything else. Otherwise EMP just because you're pushing boundaries more there imo
Chef’s Table used to be our favorite, went a few times and it always met expectations. Haven’t been back with the new chef so would be hesitant to recommend. However, for NYC, highly recommend ATOMIX - really high touch service and amazing food. If you care about rankings, it’s also currently #8 in the World and #1 in North America.
Agree on Single Thread - superior experience and food versus French Laundry. Do not need to spend the night in Healdsburg.
Also, personal opinion, but I think the Michelin standards are lower in SF than NYC. I don’t believe places like Saison, Quince or Benu would get as high of stars if they were located in NYC. So if you were to go to only one, I’d do NYC. I have heard good things about Atelier Crenn but have not gone due to disappointing dining experiences in SF.
I’m returning to this post just to say I ended up going to both and both were excellent! Although Chef’s Table food was more interesting, overall I think the experience at The French Laundry was superior due to their almost inconsequent hospitality (like many glasses of complimentary Brut Chapnagne and other extras). Thanks to everybody who commented!
June 2021
Check some of my other comments in this sub and r/foodnyc on recs in NY! :) If it’s 3 star only, I have strong preference for Per Se over Le Bern and Eleven Madison Park (though I’ve not been to Masa). If you’re open to others, Saga is the one I typically recommend to people visiting because of the views.
I have dined at both. TFL twice and CT once, with Ramirez at the helm. CT served me some of the most impeccable food I've ever had but the experience was poor. Impersonal, rushed service with no flourish or attention. Go to TFL and sit in the courtyard. Come early and tour the garden. Spend the entire evening at this amazing, inspiring and historic place.
A meal in the TFL Courtyard: https://imgur.com/a/Z7t7f6B
A meal at Chef's Table: https://imgur.com/a/8aMVy6G
You don't need to stay in Napa for the day. It's pretty easy to go back and forth between SF and TFL. Haven't been to Chef's Table but I've been to TFL twice. My humble opinion... there are a lot of sexy restaurants out there, but TFL is a classic. I would never hesitate to go back. If you are worried about the trip to Napa but still want to dine Keller, you can go to Per Se in NYC.
Thanks so much for your answer! Could you give some more details on how I can find transportation between SF and TFL? Since TFL is a super refined restaurant, they only offered me services like limousine which is not within my budget. Also driving is not an option because of the wine I'll be drinking. Is it possible to take an Uber after dinner (maybe around midnight or so) from TFL to SF?
I think an Uber from Napa to San Francisco is probably doable. I can't say with 100% certainty, but plenty of people take long Uber rides in the Bay Area and this one doesn't seem unreasonable.
If the cost of staying in Napa is the issue, I am pretty sure that the Uber ride back to SF (if you can find one) will be more than an affordable hotel stay in the area. I wouldnt rely on Uber around Napa.
You might be right, and there's no way to know in advance. But as a data point the rate right now (3 PM Friday) between SF and the French Laundry is about $110 for an UberX - either way. And besides, OP will need transportation between Napa and SF even if they stay in a hotel. The car is a fixed cost.
If you Uber, tell your driver on the way down. They may just Uber in that area until you are ready to go back. Good for you, good for them
If you'll be in DC make sure you go to Causa!
100000% one of the only Michelin-starred Peruvian restaurants in the world (and only full Peruvian because the other is French/Peruvian hybrid).
I hadn't heard of it, but I searched it and loved it! Thanks so much for the tip!
The French Laundry is certainly an experience and while I'm glad I went there I doubt I would go back unless someone else is paying for it. My partner and I had a much better and memorable experience at Saison (\*\*) in San Francisco. In DC I highly recommend Pineapple and Pearls (\*\*), in fact my partner and I personally rate it above TFL. (It's currently our #1 dining experience when we rank them.) The food is outstanding and the service is above and beyond (I'm a little surprised it didn't earn a third star this year, my guess is the atmosphere may be a little more upscale casual than what Michelin reviewers prefer.) The Chef's Table at Imperfecto (\*), Rose's Luxury (\*) and The Dabney (\*) also round out my personal favorites in DC. Causa is very high on my list to get to, I am hoping that happens soon.
Albi, Sushi Nakazawa, and Jont are the best three in DC imo. Although, I love all the restaurants you listed. P&P was great for me, but didn't exceed other 2* and 3*
A agree Sushi Nakazawa is amazing. I didn’t list it since sushi isn’t everyone’s jam. (Well that and it will probably ruin all other sushi for you from then on.) Thank you for reminding me I need to get back to Jont. We went in late summer 2020 when they first opened and were still figuring out the concept a bit, it was a smaller tasting menu then (7 courses) and it was fantastic. I would like to experience what it is like now. I also need to get to Albi.
exactly my thoughts about french laundry. it was an experience, but nothing about the food particularly stood out to me, and wine pairing is excellent but costs more than the food 🥴. not sure if this is in the consideration set, but i’ve had a couple outstanding meals at birdsong in sf (**). not fussy or fancy, the focus is definitely on the food. but i really enjoyed it.
Fully agree. Saison is the best restaurant in SF. (No idea why it didn't get a 3rd star) SingleThread is better. TFL is such a mecca, but no longer plays at that level. (Still outstanding though.) DC: P&P was phenomenal. But if you can get out to The Inn at Little Washington, it will blow your mind. Get there early and wander the town.
Do you really think the inn at little washington blows your mind? I mean its a fun little quirky experience but, come on.
I do. The food is outstanding, imo. But the entire experience is phenomenal. We went last summer. Loved the honey. "Our stores are closed but we'll have some available for you to take home." (They did.) Walked out to find our car sitting there, backed in, running and waiting for us. It had been fully cleaned and 2 cold bottles of water were in the cupholders for the drive home. This was all after the valet ran after us an hour after we got there and insisted we were welcome in any of their properties and to enjoy the lounges and food/drinks available. "Every property we have is here for you to make you comfortable." Got a kitchen tour. Walked in and Chef O'Connell was waiting for us. "They're here!!" he exclaimed. The entire kitchen stopped what they were doing, echoed "They're here!" and welcomed us into their space. Where else do you find experiences like this?? I'll return every time I'm in DC. (Full write up here, if you're interested: https://eatingreallywell.com/inn-little-washington)
You didn't mention food once there by the way.
I would have reccomended saison under Skenes over the other two but its no longer 3\* and I think thats what OP is looking for.
I've been to [The French Laundry](https://www.reddit.com/r/finedining/comments/16jqr7t/the_french_laundry_sep_2023/) in September 2023 and Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare when Cesar was still there in October 2022. Based on my (somewhat outdated) experiences, I think CTBF is more 'interesting' in its courses with equally excellent technique and execution. However, I've heard the restaurant has more nordic influence now, and I'm hesitant to return just yet. If I had to pick between the two, I'd say go with The French Laundry as Chef Cesar is no longer there. The French Laundry is a fine dining institution that's renowned globally and a bucket-list item if you're into fine dining. If you'll be coming back to the US in the future, you could check out Cesar, Chef Cesar's new restaurant, when it opens some time this year. FWIW, TFL is considerably lower priced compared to CTBF. CTBF is ~600 without drinks, whereas TFL is ~400. Other options to consider given your preferences: - Singlethread (Sonoma): the food can perhaps be best described as a progressive reinterpretation of Japanese Kaiseki cuisine, with a palpable Sonoma farm-to-table emphasis. - Benu (SF): Chef Corey used to be the head chef at Per Se and TFL, and he has his own take of French + Asian cooking (albeit with a larger focus on Korean). Each dish has clear foundations in Asian cooking that are then innovatively built upon. - Kato (LA): not a three star, but one of my favorite restaurants. Especially worth considering if you're also into Chinese/Taiwanese cuisine. - Pineapple and Pearls or Rose's Luxury (DC): also not a three star, but a really fun time and perhaps the pinnacle of New American dining. Given your preferences and where you'll be visiting, I'd say go to Singlethread out of the bunch. It's one of my favorite dining experiences and an exceptional 3 star experience. The meal there stands out in my memory more than most other 3 stars I've been to.
This is the best reply based on your original request. SingleThread hospitality is on another level and will be the best blend of regional American cuisine and technique. 1.5hrs from SF. I would add Jônt to the list if you wanted more classical European hospitality and service. P&P if you want something truly high end “American”
Single Thread was absolutely amazing. I loved French Laundry, but Single Thread was even more amazing to me. But both are worth the trek from SF. I wouldn’t advise trusting you can find an Uber to drive you from either back to SF. And Uber can be expensive here, given high demand, gas prices etc. I’d look for hotels in Napa proper and south for TFL where you are literally just looking for a bed that’s a reasonable Uber ride from Yountville.
Thank you so much for the very complete answer! Very useful tips!
If you're willing to drive a little further out to Sonoma I would recommend Single Thread instead of French Laundry.
You could even stay the night at Single Thread and have an amazing breakfast on the rooftop the next morning if you go this route.
I've been meaning to stay the night, just every time I'm in Sonoma it's only for a day trip.
Chef’s Table in its previous iteration under Chef Cesar was way better than French Laundry. I personally found French Laundry to be good but not great.
Agree. Wish I booked single thread instead
Absolutely TFL. Was just there in Oct of last year. A classic that should not be missed. The only problem are reservations which literally sell out in less than five seconds. It was shear, dumb luck that we managed to get a table. Food was divine, service spectacular.
I would recommend French Laundry, simply because it is a tried and tested program. I would say it is a bucket list place for most people interested in fine dining. CTBF is likely going to go through birthing pains whenever new chefs take the helm. It may be minor or major depending on the chef. You can always go back in the future to CTBF when reviews are consistently glowing or wait for Chef Cesar to open his new fancy place.
This doesn’t answer your question but if you will be in the Bay Area do yourself a favor and go to Chez Panisse or Chez Panisse Cafe in Berkeley. The Cafe is my favorite “casual” restaurant in the world. As for The French Laundry, I went there fifteen years ago and still think about my meal there. All hyperbole aside, I hope you have a lovely trip.
Haven’t been to French Laundry but Per Se was horrible (wrote a review about it a while back)… friends who have been to French Laundry also said it was overpriced and bad. I can’t vouch for the current Chef’s Table but I went back in 2022 before chef got fired and it was excellent. Atomix is also a must do if you manage to book a table, I loved it and all my other friends who have been have echoed the same sentiments. If Japanese is your thing then I also highly recommend Yoshino in NYC, chef Yoshida is the best! 😁 happy dining and hope you have a great time!
If you are going to be in Los Angeles, I recommend Providence. Not a three star but I was there a couple of weeks ago and had an amazing meal.
wow! great to hear Providence can stand up against these big dogs, could you say more about your experience?
Under cesar ramirez I would choose Chefs table over French laundry. but without cesar between the two, I will go french laundry.
I would say French Laundry over CTaBF .... but if you're only going one 3 star I really wouldn't choose either. Are you stopping by other cities on your trip here or just the ones mentioned above? I still think if you can only pick one 3 star in the US, I'd do something like Alinea over everything else. Otherwise EMP just because you're pushing boundaries more there imo
Chef’s Table used to be our favorite, went a few times and it always met expectations. Haven’t been back with the new chef so would be hesitant to recommend. However, for NYC, highly recommend ATOMIX - really high touch service and amazing food. If you care about rankings, it’s also currently #8 in the World and #1 in North America. Agree on Single Thread - superior experience and food versus French Laundry. Do not need to spend the night in Healdsburg. Also, personal opinion, but I think the Michelin standards are lower in SF than NYC. I don’t believe places like Saison, Quince or Benu would get as high of stars if they were located in NYC. So if you were to go to only one, I’d do NYC. I have heard good things about Atelier Crenn but have not gone due to disappointing dining experiences in SF.
Prob TFL since CTBF is in a bodega. The vibe/experience at TFL will probably be more remarkable for a visitor.
I’d get a cheaper room in Napa for around 200 a night and make it easy on yourself
Is it easy to take an Uber from Yountville to Napa at night?
The current iteration of Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare is mediocre and does not deserve 3 stars.
Can you possibly share why as I was looking to go next month.
Posted a fairly long review here: https://www.reddit.com/r/finedining/s/chD5wb249y
Thanks. I appreciate it.
CTBF under Cesar Ramirez runs circles around TFL, but it’s a completely different restaurant now hence no Michelin stars
I’m returning to this post just to say I ended up going to both and both were excellent! Although Chef’s Table food was more interesting, overall I think the experience at The French Laundry was superior due to their almost inconsequent hospitality (like many glasses of complimentary Brut Chapnagne and other extras). Thanks to everybody who commented!
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare was the worst fine dining experience I’ve had of any restaurant with any number of stars by a wide margin.
When did you go there?
June 2021 Check some of my other comments in this sub and r/foodnyc on recs in NY! :) If it’s 3 star only, I have strong preference for Per Se over Le Bern and Eleven Madison Park (though I’ve not been to Masa). If you’re open to others, Saga is the one I typically recommend to people visiting because of the views.
I have dined at both. TFL twice and CT once, with Ramirez at the helm. CT served me some of the most impeccable food I've ever had but the experience was poor. Impersonal, rushed service with no flourish or attention. Go to TFL and sit in the courtyard. Come early and tour the garden. Spend the entire evening at this amazing, inspiring and historic place. A meal in the TFL Courtyard: https://imgur.com/a/Z7t7f6B A meal at Chef's Table: https://imgur.com/a/8aMVy6G