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 unforgettable.
Anna Travels
Glen Ellen Star: small, stunning, and exactly what you need.
This little boutique spot may look unassuming, but it delivers serious flavor with soul. I came in on a warm evening, not super hungry, and ordered the gazpacho with fresh bread as my main—and wow. It was everything: cool, vibrant, layered with just the right balance of acid and sweetness. The bread? Warm, crusty, soft inside—melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
It hit every note:
Light but satisfying
Simple but elevated
Comforting without being heavy
And because it was so perfectly portioned, I had room for dessert, which was absolutely worth it. (They rotate their desserts, so trust the pastry chef—you won't go wrong.)
Why I’ll be back:
Inventive but grounded seasonal menu
Intimate, stylish interior—perfect for a relaxed dinner
Friendly staff who clearly care
Thoughtful portions that leave room for indulgence
And that gazpacho… I’m still thinking about it
Glen Ellen Star is the kind of place that quietly wins your heart. Not overdone. Not trying too hard. Just beautifully done food in a space that feels like home—if your home had a wood-fired oven and a pastry wizard in the back.
b strz
Fantastic meal and a highlight to our trip to Sonoma valley. We loved the upscale service and food while enjoying the quaint and welcoming ambience of Glen Ellen. The wood fire grill acts as a central element to the dishes, which provides a crazy level of flavor depth. We enjoyed the roasted snap peas, Wagu steak, Prawns with bisque, and summed up the fantastic meal with a Persian love cake. The wine selection was extensive, which met my expectations given the location in the heart of Sonoma. We enjoyed our dinner from the Chef’s counter, which was memorizing watching the chefs execute each dish perfectly. Highly recommend dining here if you enjoy a nice meal with quality sourced ingredients.
Thian Jong
This restaurant is such a gem! Everything is on point, definitely worthy of the Michelin guide status! See photos of the amazing dishes. The service is outstanding!
Miranda Pan
We were in Glen Ellen for a mini getaway and stumbled upon this gem of a restaurant—Glen Ellen Star. Everything we ordered was incredible: the pizza pie, steaks, and branzino were all cooked to perfection. The standout for me was the pizza, honestly the best I’ve ever had (and I love pizza, so that’s saying a lot). The crust, the cheese the tomato sauce, everything was spot on. On top of that, the service was fantastic, friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!
Nick Yannopoulos
A 5-star experience across the board. The food was excellent - some standouts include their take on street corn, a lovely watermelon salad, and the wagyu steak.
What really bumped up the experience at Glen Allen Star was the service. They were exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable, and excited about their food. There was a baby in our party, and they were super accommodating and excited to have a little one dining at their restaurant.
Their wine offerings were lovely, and ending the meal on their various ice creams was fun and delicious.
Casey Pearce
this was a great restaurant with great gluten free options. I love the blankets they offer in the outside seating.
Viviana Chaparro
Wow. What an amazing and memorable meal. Wagyu and Campanelle pasta were incredible! Definitely recommend!
Craig Wilson
I’ve given this a lot of thought, but I feel it’s important to provide feedback on what could have been a much more enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, the service felt amateur and unpolished, which was surprising for a Michelin-rated restaurant. While I understand and appreciate the laid-back California vibe, this came across more like a poorly trained chain restaurant, with what seemed to be a high staff turnover and students working on their breaks.
The food, however, was the biggest letdown. While I enjoyed the beets and rigatoni, the overcooked Brussels sprouts and lackluster wagyu beef fell far short of expectations. Even the famed sourdough bread was underwhelming.
In hindsight, I wish I had opted for a pizza and a single glass of wine—I imagine that would have been more satisfying. Instead, I spent $500 on an experience that, unfortunately, stands out for all the wrong reasons.
Adam Thompson
Excellent. Whether in the main building, on the more casual patio, or in the more secluded dining room, you can't go wrong! A phenomenal, unique wine list to pair with the positively limited and flawlessly executed menu. The SRFarms wagyu Denver-cut steak was riveting!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sourdough Bread, American Wagyu
Unforgettable dinning experience from start to finish.
We were delighted by a mixture of wild mushroom on our pizza that included lobster mushrooms and maitake. I was taken by the surprise the intense umami after sampling these for the first time. Each bite craved a second.
Our pasta had a dollop of light cream above a savory and hearty tahini sauce. Middle eastern spices invited warmth. The composition of flavors felt like a symphony in my mouth.
Our server was friendly and attentive, suggested we have their house made maple bourbon ice-cream. It was the perfect decision to conclude our dining experience.
We left with the biggest smiles, and talked about dinning again on our walk back to the hotel. Best of all, we didn't break the bank.
Fresh delicious food served with skill and passion at reasonable prices. Glen Ellen Star has earned a place in my heart. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pizzas, Vanilla Maple Bourbon Affogato
Richard Phillips
Their Wednesday night Neighbor Night offers unique (that night only) off menu culinary experiences with free corkage. This evenings smoke sturgeon salad and cocoa pasta with kurobuta pork was exceptional and it perfectly matched to our Saint-Emillion red wine. The service is exceptional and you feel like family. Definitely worth the trip if you are local on Wednesday nights.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin Leventhal
The service was quick, the food was phenomenal and there was a lovely selection of wines to choose from! We were celebrating our honeymoon and the server brought champagne to the table before we even ordered. How thoughtful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pizzas, Sweet Salami and Tomato Pizza
Valerie Favrebonvin
While the cuisine at Glenn Ellen Star was undeniably exceptional, I was disappointed and found unacceptable the restaurant's practice of asking guests to vacate their table prematurely to accommodate subsequent diners. While I understand the practice oftable turnover, this approach seemed to contradict the refined culinary experience that the restaurant strives to provide. The guests should be able to enjoy fully savor their dining experience without feeling rushed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Diomar Jesús Pérez Piña
The truth is, very good food, it's a shame that they ripped us off by charging us an excessively high bill, including things we hadn't ordered and charging additional service, taking advantage of the fact that we had 2 extra wines. You should be careful if you visit this place.
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 unforgettable.
Glen Ellen Star: small, stunning, and exactly what you need.
This little boutique spot may look unassuming, but it delivers serious flavor with soul. I came in on a warm evening, not super hungry, and ordered the gazpacho with fresh bread as my main—and wow. It was everything: cool, vibrant, layered with just the right balance of acid and sweetness. The bread? Warm, crusty, soft inside—melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
It hit every note:
Light but satisfying
Simple but elevated
Comforting without being heavy
And because it was so perfectly portioned, I had room for dessert, which was absolutely worth it. (They rotate their desserts, so trust the pastry chef—you won't go wrong.)
Why I’ll be back:
Inventive but grounded seasonal menu
Intimate, stylish interior—perfect for a relaxed dinner
Friendly staff who clearly care
Thoughtful portions that leave room for indulgence
And that gazpacho… I’m still thinking about it
Glen Ellen Star is the kind of place that quietly wins your heart. Not overdone. Not trying too hard. Just beautifully done food in a space that feels like home—if your home had a wood-fired oven and a pastry wizard in the back.
Fantastic meal and a highlight to our trip to Sonoma valley. We loved the upscale service and food while enjoying the quaint and welcoming ambience of Glen Ellen. The wood fire grill acts as a central element to the dishes, which provides a crazy level of flavor depth. We enjoyed the roasted snap peas, Wagu steak, Prawns with bisque, and summed up the fantastic meal with a Persian love cake. The wine selection was extensive, which met my expectations given the location in the heart of Sonoma. We enjoyed our dinner from the Chef’s counter, which was memorizing watching the chefs execute each dish perfectly. Highly recommend dining here if you enjoy a nice meal with quality sourced ingredients.
This restaurant is such a gem! Everything is on point, definitely worthy of the Michelin guide status! See photos of the amazing dishes. The service is outstanding!
We were in Glen Ellen for a mini getaway and stumbled upon this gem of a restaurant—Glen Ellen Star. Everything we ordered was incredible: the pizza pie, steaks, and branzino were all cooked to perfection. The standout for me was the pizza, honestly the best I’ve ever had (and I love pizza, so that’s saying a lot). The crust, the cheese the tomato sauce, everything was spot on. On top of that, the service was fantastic, friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!
A 5-star experience across the board. The food was excellent - some standouts include their take on street corn, a lovely watermelon salad, and the wagyu steak.
What really bumped up the experience at Glen Allen Star was the service. They were exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable, and excited about their food. There was a baby in our party, and they were super accommodating and excited to have a little one dining at their restaurant.
Their wine offerings were lovely, and ending the meal on their various ice creams was fun and delicious.
this was a great restaurant with great gluten free options. I love the blankets they offer in the outside seating.
Wow. What an amazing and memorable meal. Wagyu and Campanelle pasta were incredible! Definitely recommend!
I’ve given this a lot of thought, but I feel it’s important to provide feedback on what could have been a much more enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, the service felt amateur and unpolished, which was surprising for a Michelin-rated restaurant. While I understand and appreciate the laid-back California vibe, this came across more like a poorly trained chain restaurant, with what seemed to be a high staff turnover and students working on their breaks. The food, however, was the biggest letdown. While I enjoyed the beets and rigatoni, the overcooked Brussels sprouts and lackluster wagyu beef fell far short of expectations. Even the famed sourdough bread was underwhelming. In hindsight, I wish I had opted for a pizza and a single glass of wine—I imagine that would have been more satisfying. Instead, I spent $500 on an experience that, unfortunately, stands out for all the wrong reasons.
Excellent. Whether in the main building, on the more casual patio, or in the more secluded dining room, you can't go wrong! A phenomenal, unique wine list to pair with the positively limited and flawlessly executed menu. The SRFarms wagyu Denver-cut steak was riveting!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sourdough Bread, American Wagyu
Restaurantji Recommends
Unforgettable dinning experience from start to finish.
We were delighted by a mixture of wild mushroom on our pizza that included lobster mushrooms and maitake. I was taken by the surprise the intense umami after sampling these for the first time. Each bite craved a second.
Our pasta had a dollop of light cream above a savory and hearty tahini sauce. Middle eastern spices invited warmth. The composition of flavors felt like a symphony in my mouth.
Our server was friendly and attentive, suggested we have their house made maple bourbon ice-cream. It was the perfect decision to conclude our dining experience.
We left with the biggest smiles, and talked about dinning again on our walk back to the hotel. Best of all, we didn't break the bank.
Fresh delicious food served with skill and passion at reasonable prices. Glen Ellen Star has earned a place in my heart. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pizzas, Vanilla Maple Bourbon Affogato
Their Wednesday night Neighbor Night offers unique (that night only) off menu culinary experiences with free corkage. This evenings smoke sturgeon salad and cocoa pasta with kurobuta pork was exceptional and it perfectly matched to our Saint-Emillion red wine. The service is exceptional and you feel like family. Definitely worth the trip if you are local on Wednesday nights.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service was quick, the food was phenomenal and there was a lovely selection of wines to choose from! We were celebrating our honeymoon and the server brought champagne to the table before we even ordered. How thoughtful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pizzas, Sweet Salami and Tomato Pizza
While the cuisine at Glenn Ellen Star was undeniably exceptional, I was disappointed and found unacceptable the restaurant's practice of asking guests to vacate their table prematurely to accommodate subsequent diners. While I understand the practice oftable turnover, this approach seemed to contradict the refined culinary experience that the restaurant strives to provide. The guests should be able to enjoy fully savor their dining experience without feeling rushed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
The truth is, very good food, it's a shame that they ripped us off by charging us an excessively high bill, including things we hadn't ordered and charging additional service, taking advantage of the fact that we had 2 extra wines. You should be careful if you visit this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
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