More Michelin stars for Yountville’s French Laundry
Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry retained its three Michelin star rating for the 18th year in a row and added more stars to its galaxy with its fifth Green Michelin Star when the annual “Michelin Guide: California” was unveiled in Sacramento on June 24.
“I’m deeply honored—and humbled—for our team to be recognized with three Michelin stars,” Keller said. “This kind of recognition is never taken for granted.”
The French Laundry is the only restaurant in Napa County with three Michelin stars, the guide’s highest accolade signifying “une des meilleures tables, vaut le voyage ” (“exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”). The Michelin Green stars for sustainable gastronomy were introduced in 2020.
“I want to thank our Chef de Cuisine Ara Jo, General Manager Michael Minnillo, Pastry Chef Jamie Houghton and Head Sommelier Andrew Adelson,” Keller said. “Every day, you show up with focus, care and an extraordinary level of commitment. And to the kitchen, dining room, wine and executive support teams—your dedication and drive to keep evolving—it shows in everything you do.
This was the 125th year Michelin has awarded it stars and recommendations, recognizing excellence in cuisine, service and sustainability.
The only other three-star restaurants in the Bay Area are Atelier Crenn, Benu and Quince in San Francisco, and Single Thread in Healdsburg.
“Awards like this are a reflection of what we did today. Not yesterday, not years ago—today,” Keller said. “And with that comes a quiet responsibility to keep showing up, to keep earning it, one service at a time. One guest at a time.
“That’s the beauty of our profession—it keeps you present,” said Keller. “Thank you to the Michelin Guide for this honor, and congratulations to all the chefs and teams who were recognized this year. It’s a privilege to be among you.”
Napa County restaurants awarded one Michelin star (“high quality cooking; worth a stop”) were Kenzo in Napa, Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford and Auro in Calistoga. There are none with two Michelin stars.
For the full list of 2025 honorees, visit: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en.
