Thomas Keller Superstar chef and unofficial mayor of Yountville, Thomas Keller reigns over The French Laundry, the bistro and bakery Bouchon, and his casual offshoot Ad Hoc, known for its cult fried chicken nights. Here, the Napa powerhouse shares his favorite local spots.

Asian-Inflected Fine-Dining: Redd

“In Yountville, Richard Reddington’s Redd, is a wonderful restaurant,” says Thomas Keller of the sleek New American spot designed by New York architecture firm Asfour Guzy. Reddington fuses his experience at Masa’s and Jardiniere in San Francisco with the region’s ingredient-driven principles for dishes like pork belly with soy caramel, and Sonoma duck with stone-fruit mostarda jus.

Best Italian: Oenotri

“Oenotri in downtown Napa is a great, simple restaurant that I like a lot,” says Keller. “Great pizzas and great salads.” Chefs Curtis Di Fede and Tyler Rodde change their menu almost every day, channeling southern Italy’s respect for pizza and vegetables. They often combine both, as in a pie topped with wood-oven–roasted cauliflower. Defying local tradition, former French Laundry sommelier Sur Lucero mostly focuses on Italian wines.

By Alex Vallis
Courtesy of Food and Wine

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