Glen Ellen Star — Restaurant in Sonoma

I honestly have no idea how this place earned Michelin stars. Michelin seems to have lowered the bar for American restaurants. When one thinks of Michelin one thinks of the best of the best, the pinnacle of experiences. In my opinion Glen Ellen Star was definitely not the pinnacle. It felt like a bunch hype and not much foundation. The staff are nice, the food is ok, and the space isn't relaxing or enjoyable. We had high hopes and were met with mediocrity at best. The food was enjoyable but lacking in interesting flavors, the pasta offering was watery with no structure of the sauce. Not sure what they were trying to go for in the pasta but it was all over the board. The pizza was good but at $30 it should have been mind blowing. The bread was good but over salted and it was hard as a rock and we could barely touch it because it was so hot because the bread is reheated in a 600 degree pizza oven. The service was spotty and not very personal and attentive. It felt like there was a mandate to turn the seats as quickly as possible and push to order wine to get the cost of the meal up. Not really sure what the hype is about this restaurant. In watching the other customers there was what appeared to be a lot of agitation and not people being comfortable and relaxed in the space. It was as if the hype around this restaurant required them to force themselves to have a good time even though they were clearly not enjoying the experience. Well the people that work there were nice the service wax jarring. Our server would pop in for the quickest of moments and then runoff to another table as quickly as possible. When we were asked how things were there really didn’t seem to be a real interest in wanting to know what our experience really was. When we got the bill we noticed a non-cash charge on the bill. At no point did anyone advise of such a charge. If a business has to be so petty as to charge for using a credit card then maybe their business model is flawed. I have never been to a Michelin restaurant that charged a fee for using a credit card. That is so not what a Michelin stared restaurant does. If you cannot absorb the overhead of your business maybe raise prices. This is just de claasse. Not extraordinary just a little better than ordinary in my book. Extremely disappointed, would not recommend and...

This was one of my worst dining experiences for quite some years and I do go out a lot with family and friends to well rated restaurants. We tried for months to get reservations at the Star, and we are located in Glen Ellen, but it is difficult for them to make space for more than 4 people. Understandable giving the small place. Anyway, it worked for 8:30pm for 6 in August. We all looked forward to it, because we finally succeeded and were eager to learn what the buzz is all about this restaurant!!!!!! Reception was great but our 1st disappointment came when they did not provide any cocktails. Ok pretty sure they do not have a license for hard liquor, but unusual for a restaurant of this level .I then looked at the beer and wine menu, which very strange items. No beer that I would even recognize and I do know a lot of beer companies in Sonoma County. Decided for a can (no draft beers available) of an for me unknown beer brand based on beer style preference and it was terrible quality. Ok, ordered another one but it was as bad. The server suggested an IPA, but I did not order that one because the price for a little can (12 oz) was $16, yes for a small can of IPA. They have IMWO mostly low know brands on their List so they can get away with the high charges. That is ok if it tastes good. Their selections do not!! (I also tried 1 glass of wine with the same negative result. So now about the food: They are very proud of their fresh bread and butter and looking at the menu at home we were all excited for that. But what a pity, when ordered we're told that they are out of that. The waitress told us we could have some Sourdough pizza instead and put butter on it!! Oh My! Sorry, but that really killed my dining mood. I could go on and on about the Brussel spouts, the $16 salty salad that was difficult to find on the plate and how slow their service was, took the waitress 20+ minutes after seating to say hello to us...In the middle of the dinner we had friends leaving, having enough of the food and service. One thing...The Pizza is good. Go for that only! Despite all the negative I did leave a nice tip but will never return nor recommend the Glen Ellen Star to anybody!!!! The place is highly overrated, pricey and not worth to waster your well...

Glen Ellen Star is, without question, one of the most outstanding Michelin-rated restaurants I have ever experienced—and its star is well-deserved. Nestled in a quaint cottage warmed by a wood-burning oven, this restaurant emanates intimate charm while delivering bold, creative Californian cuisine.

The evening began with Brentwood corn, a vibrant reimagining of Mexican street corn that arrived with sumptuous roasted kernels, a whisper of cotija, and a spicy chili-lime finish—a truly phenomenal start. Next, the Frog Hollow stone fruit plate delighted with seasonal peaches and nectarines, fresh and to-the-point, brightened by a subtle chile kick that lingered just enough to keep you coming back for more.

For the main courses, we started with the wood-fired whole branzino—Mediterranean in inspiration and expertly deboned tableside. The moist, flaky fish was presented on a board and accented with smoky char, herbs, and seasonal accompaniments—truly visually stunning and decadently delicious. The seafood segment continued to shine with the Cajun-style halibut special, served in a cozy, nuanced broth swirling with potatoes and sausage. The interplay of spice, texture, and broth was expertly balanced—so much so that not a drop remained.

Then came the showstopper: the Yuzu poppy‑seed cake, a recent addition to their dessert offerings. The cake’s tender crumb, tangy lemon curd, and jewel-bright blackberry compote made this dessert truly unforgettable. And just when I thought it couldn’t get better, the house-made vanilla bourbon ice cream arrived—served in a charming cup, rich and luxuriously smooth with a mellow boozy warmth and velvety texture.

Complementing each dish was a thoughtfully curated wine list and craft beer selection that elevated the flavors on the plate and enhanced the cohesive dining narrative. Our wine guide was both attentive and informative, creating a seamless flow from appetizer through dessert.

For its artistry, warmth, and consistent excellence, Glen Ellen Star has firmly secured a place at the top of my Michelin-starred list. I’m already counting the days until Stella, their upcoming Italian-inspired sister location, opens. This is Napa dining done right—balanced, inspired, and...