The Best Michelin Star Restaurants

As someone who loves eating at spectacular restaurants with THE best food, I knew I needed to create a blog of the best of the best restaurants I’ve had the great fortune to dine at. I have really only been to a handful of Michlin star restaurants but I thought it would be fun to start a running blog of them sharing what’s amazing about eat and what you can expect when you dine with them!

Michelin Stars are not easy to get (or keep), but those that have them definitely deserve them. Follow along below to see The Best Michelin Star Restaurants.

Alinea

If you happen to be in the Chicago area, Alinea Restaurant is one you must try. It has been awarded the best restaurant in the country quite a few times so the more I got into food this was always high on my bucket list. I was beyond thrilled for a recent Birthday when my Dad and step-mom gave me dinner at Alinea as my birthday gift. See more about this once-in-a-lifetime dining experience below! 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Photo Courtesy of Alinea

Lucky me, my Step Mom Linda took me to Alinea as a Birthday Gift!! What a special evening that I will always treasure and remonisse about.

Atelier Crenn

Atelier Crenn has always been a restaurant I’ve dreamed of dining at. For my 2022 Birthday my boyfriend Robert surprised me and took us to Atelien Crenn. What a magical birthday celebrating with my davorite person and at this acclaimed restaurant I had always dreamed of dining at.

This Michelin Star restaurant was created and is owned by Chef Dominique Crenn. Modern French cuisine is unlike no other and is a clear reflection of her French heritage. The setting is extremely small and intimate and of the Michelin Restaurants on the list, I felt as if this was the most laid-back vibe. The service wasn’t as over-the-top luxury and attentive (for example, as you experience at The French Laundry). I loved the food and the experience, however, I felt that after dining once, I may not need to return a second time.

So many unique designs and experiences you are able to have with every course.

All smiles after the most magical birthday dinner with my love, Robert. What a special dinner and a meal I will always cherish.

Cyrus Restaurant

A dream of over ten years for owners Douglas Keane and Nick Peyton, was to create their own fine dining experience, Cyrus Restaurant, in the Alexander Valley. Dedicated professionals have done their part to provide an immersive and extravagant experience for guests. From Sommeliers to Pastry Chefs, you are getting the best of the best when it comes to fine dining in Wine Country. I haven’t visited yet, I am going in November 2022 so I’ll share more after my experience!

See more about Cyrus Restaurant in Geyserville on my blog here.

Photo Courtesy of Cyrus Restaurant

The French Laundry

Anyone who is a foodie or follows the most incredible restaurants in the world has heard about Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry (TFL) located in Yountville, California. I have been fortunate to visit several times (twice to dine with them and a few times to visit a friend who worked there to tour the site and enjoy wine in their garden). The dining experience at The French Laundy is the epitome of luxury and fine dining. I love the formal dining culture in this intimate Napa Valley culinary delight. There is seating on the first floor and second floor. I’ve been fortunate to dine in both areas, and love them each for various reasons. If you’re a group of 8 and are lucky to reserve the private dining room that’s truly like nothing else as you have a view of their private courtyard and truly have the dining room all to yourself. As for the food, it’s divine as is the service and their wonderful wine list. Clearly, I love TFL so much that I went back for a second time to celebrate my 40th Birthday!

See my Behind the Scenes Tour at The French Laundry here.

Me and LEGENDARY Chef Thomas Keller! What a memorable birthday getting to enjoy celebrating at TFL and getting to meet Chef Thomas Keller.

The most amazing Cobb Pinot Noir. This is one of my most favorite Pinot Noir brands and the day I visited Winemaker Ross Cobb was the day prior to my FIRST TFL visit. This was the Pinot Noir on the wine list and it was meant to be. The rest is history!

my friend And Maitre’d Anton welcoming us with Champagne!

Sandy Tran is the amazing pastry chef at the French Laundry and her talent is worth the visit!

Chef David Breeden of The French Laundry is quite amazing and it was great being able to talk with him.

Touring the Wine Cellar with my friend & Sommelier (at the time) Ian

Relaxing in the gorgeous courtyard with a glass of wine!

The private dining room (for groups of 8 or more)

Harbor House Restaurant

For a Valentine’s trip, I had the pleasure of staying at The Harbor House Inn. When you stay at the Inn you also get to dine at their spectacular Michelin-star restaurant. I was beyond excited as I’d heard so many amazing things about both the hotel AND the restaurant. When we dined with them we enjoyed a fabulous 11-course dinner menu.

Although Harbor House Inn & Restaurant is located in Mendocino which is known for its very relaxed, chill, and rural setting there was nothing rural about the dining experience. The service was extremely attentive and knowledgeable yet not stuffy. The dining experience was suburb with unique dishware for each course (selected by Chef Matthew Kammerer),

Check out my blog, The Amazing Harbor House Inn Restaurant to see all of the delicious courses.

Single Thread

Single Thread Farm Restaurant is one of the hottest restaurants in California. I was thrilled when I found out that Healdsburg was the location they selected for this beautiful restaurant. Designed by AvroKO, the interior and exterior are stunning. Rooftop with gardens, fire pits, and views of the Healdsburg square, you have one of the most picturesque settings in Wine Country.

Read more about Single Thread Farm Restaurant on my blog.