Glen Ellen Star

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.

This was the highlight of our trip to Sonoma. The restaurant's service was great and the food was exceptional. I wish I had more time in the area so we could try everything on their menu - everything was delicious!

What a gem! Lovely dining room, unpretentious, excellent and smooth service. The food was phenomenal and worth the price point. Would absolutely return when in town - that “almond joy” chocolate mousse dessert alone is worth an encore.

For our anniversary, we had the most incredible dinner at Glen Ellen Star in Sonoma. Seriously, every dish was pure perfection, and the staff was so friendly, professional, and welcoming. We were lucky enough to snag seats at the Chef's Counter which made the evening even more special – watching the culinary magic unfold was a show in itself! If you're ever in Sonoma, you NEED to experience 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.

We had a superb meal here with excellent friendly service! I highly recommend sitting on the chef’s counter, it was exciting to watch the chefs work their magic and also very nice to chat with the other local diners. We started with the chicory mixed salad with buttermilk dressing, which was very refreshing and it really helped to open the appetite. Then I had the wood roasted whole but deboned Branzino, which was very fresh and unexpectedly sweet from the brown butter sauce. It’s so creamy and very tasty, nothing like any Branzino I have tasted before. My husband had the cocoa pork shoulder which was subtly spicy and surprisingly light. We also had the wood roasted cauliflower which was so yummy, nutty and fruity with the tahini sauce, hazelnuts and pickled raisins. We were full after but I will highly recommend not skipping the dessert, the brown sugar cake with apple was amazing, I am still dreaming about it!

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!

Being from Sonoma County, and having had this place on my list to go to for years, I was thrilled to dine here tonight and it was 100% what I expected and more. We had a large group, and had a pre-fixe family style menu and our group had the Most wonderful time. Each dish got rave reviews, especially the Wagyu and Branzino. But the surprise at the end was the ice cream - homemade and in little containers - each flavor so amazing. Magical night! Thank you so much!

===TL;DR=== - Truffle pizza - Snake river farms american wagyu zabuton - Wood fired whole branzino - Cabernet - Dessert ===TMI=== What a wonderful and lovely restaurant in this area. Though, personally it was hard to find parking. However, if you're lucky, you can score a spot at their mini lot located at the side of the restaurant. Came here with reservation and that was a good choice because many people hovered over the host outside. Inside was very warm, woody, and cozy - saw this when I used their restroom inside lol. Sat outside at the front patio and it was such a vibe with the grass underneath your foot. Personally, not sure if I'm used to Japanese Wagyu or not but their American Wagyu was too chewy for my liking. Felt like I had to do extra work for what should be a good cut of meat. The presentation and flavor were ok. I liked the green garlic hash brown tho. Truffle pizza is where it's at!! Crispy where it should be with cheesy pulls and that truffle aroma - delightful. Come here, grab a glass of wine and let the clock tick away.

You're in CA deciding between Glen Ellen Star for $5-$10 more per plate or a cheaper option (about 20% less). Go with Glen Ellen Star. That's coming from a frugal guy at heart. Glen Ellen Star earned the 2024 Bib Gourmand Michelin Recognition, highlighting high-quality food at a reasonable price. After dining here, I can confidently say they've earned it. The food is outstanding--evident in how it looks, tastes, and costs. While not every dish floored me, every one had something special that made me say, "wow"--whether it was the flavor, texture, or creativity. Appetizers * Sourdough focaccia: As a bread snob and sourdough baker, this fell flat. A good focaccia should have a thin, crisp crust, a fried bottom, and a pillowy crumb with some chew. This felt more like a tender Italian roll. That said, the za'atar flavor was excellent (I'll be borrowing that idea). At $14-$15, it felt overpriced and should be complimentary given entrée prices. * Dungeness crab arancini: Crispy, cheesy, and served with a delicious sauce. If there's an arancini special, get it! At $18-$20 for three pieces, it's pricey but worth it. * White Pizza ($30): A 12" pizza with white sauce, smoked mozzarella, Swiss chard, maitake mushrooms, egg yolk jam, and Calabrian chili. It was a flavor and texture revelation. The egg yolk jam was phenomenal, and the creamy sauce packed flavor. My only gripe: the crust lacked chew and elasticity, and the edges were crunchy rather than crisp. Still, I'd get it again for the flavor alone. Entrées * Chipotle Glazed Chicken ($41): Served with wild rice pilaf, butternut squash mole blanco, roasted delicata squash, and pomegranate salsa. The chicken was slightly overcooked, but the mole added moisture and richness. The crispy skin was a highlight, and the dish felt cohesive. Very filling--worth recommending. * Cocoa Lumache with Pulled Pork ($38): Cocoa pasta with braised Kurobuta pork shoulder sugo, cavolo nero, cherry tomatoes, and crispy sunchokes. The cocoa flavor was subtle but interesting. My dish was light on pork, though my father-in-law's was loaded. The crispy sunchokes added texture and kept the dish from feeling monotonous. It was filling and a great value overall. The staff is friendly and professional, and the space, while cozy, has ample seating on one side. Parking might require some street spots, but it's manageable on the quiet street. Overall, I left impressed. The meal introduced me to new flavors, textures, and ideas. It sounds cheesy, but It was an inspiring experience for someone who loves cooking at home. Thank you, Glen Ellen Star.

If I rate solely on music, it was the top playing my 80's playlist. So thank you! The place has limited seating so Resy reservations are recommended. The main dining room and bar seemed comfortable if not crowded to some (and may be loud depending on crowds). We ended up in the covered outdoor tables versus outdoor patio counter due to our booking. With the cool weather, they provided heaters and even blankets so that's a nice touch. We started off with a Cream of Parsnip soup. It was creamy and I didn't care for the hazelnuts with a soft crunch that I didn't think helped. The Savarin cheese tortellini was a nice touch. The special Short-rib tortellini was flavorful but cooled down more quickly seated outside. The Whole Branzino was disappointing with the mash spread overtop the whole fish and overpowering the fish itself. Some may take issue with the fish head, but I'd take a baked or crispy skin fish over the baked potato version of the fish. Service was pleasant but not overly accommodating. The table beside suggested the dish would be accompanied by bread for dipping to sop up the sauce next time, and the server just said then order them both. Humor your patrons sometimes. Mixed bag. YMMV. Enjoy!

Just came here for the first time tonight and loved it immediately. The service was great and it's a really cute location. We had the cauliflower which was delicious and the foccacia was amazing with the house butter. We order the pizza to start and then had the wage, pasta and fish. A personal critique would be the pizza needed a touch of salt but not a bit correction at all. Over all amazing and can't wait to go back to try the other dishes. We also had the quince dessert which was soooo good!! Definitely recommend!

Birthday celebrations! Glenn Ellen Star's country charm wrapped us in warmth. Very welcoming and the patio is cute and cozy! The service was impeccable and attentive , making us feel right at home. The fresh menu truly shines, showcasing the best of local ingredients. A must-try appetizer is the Brussels sprouts with brown sugar bacon marmalade--sweet, savory, and absolutely addictive! And don't miss the heirloom tomato panzanella, featuring Mike's tomatoes & cucumbers, house-pulled mozzarella, and pickled red--each bite burst with flavor!

This place was recommended by a patient of mine. Let me just say CHEFS KISS! If I could come back daily for that pasta dish in the middle I would. The pizza was divine design! Service was excellent, took my onion allergy very serious. Ambiance was classy, sophisticated, and well balanced. Don't skip on their ice cream.

KenScale: 7.75/10 Visit: December 2023 What does a satisfying dinner in a California wine country look like? A meal at Glen Ellen Star, which my wife Jun and I visited on the second evening of our Sonoma trip last year, would be fairly close to that representation. The restaurant, away from the more heralded towns like Healdsburg and Sebastopol in the Sonoma wine country region, has the kind of cozy cottage charm that makes you smile. It's not the most upscale setting, but perfect for a low-key dinner where you don't feel forced to order an expensive bottle of wine. More importantly, the food at Glen Ellen Star, leveraging the wood oven in the kitchen, was mostly delicious. Jun and I were still somewhat recovering from the disastrous flight delay to the Bay Area, so we managed to order perhaps fewer dishes at Glen Ellen Star than we would've liked to get a full scan of the restaurant's menu but I think we chose wisely considering the circumstances. The cauliflower was a very good appetizer with a surprisingly spicy kick from salsa amarillo, especially with Peruvian corn kernels sprinkled that added a nice crunchy texture. Our server highly recommended sourdough and it was indeed tasty when dipped on house cultured butter with Hawaiian black sea salt. Glen Ellen Star also has a handful of pizzas on the menu, and if you are in need of a pie, you could do well with a red sauce pie with salami and Calabrian chili honey; we didn't end up finishing the pie that night and it was still delicious after we ate it in our hotel the next day. For a main dish, wood fired whole branzino was another pleasant gem; we'd had some fantastic branzino dishes before, but the use of Mexican mole sauce was quite ingenious. Getting a reservation is not terribly difficult but the dining room was fully packed during our meal so I do suggest booking your spot in advance if possible. If you can, try to grab a seat at the counter in front of the kitchen with the wood oven where all the magic is happening. On Wednesdays, Glen Ellen Star has a so-called "Neighborhood Night" menu with a three-course tasting menu at an affordable price range. The restaurant, not surprisingly, has an expansive list of California wines, many from lesser-known producers (I was excited one of my favorite California boutique producers Ceritas on the list). The friendly and attentive service of the staff added to the country charm of our dining experience. If you are looking for a delicious and hearty meal in the Sonoma area without breaking the bank, Glen Ellen Star is a very solid option to consider.

After two days vacationing in glen Ellen, my honey and I are sold on the food quality and artfulness of the chefs and local business owners here. Glen Ellen star boast a diverse, but well curated menu that utilizes fresh local ingredients and provides a laidback experience with upscale flavors. We were treated to a seat at the chefs bar, where we got to watch three masters of the art create our food with care and attention. The cauliflower and heirloom tomato salad were to die for, and our pasta dishes, a good serving size not leaving us terribly comatose after the elaborate meal. The servers were prompt and quite friendly, although the restaurant was incredibly busy for a Monday evening. They do have a parking lot, but if you're staying in town, it's about a 5 min walk from the main center. Treat yourself to a visit!

The service is really good, everyone we interacted with inside of the restaurant was really nice. Our waiter was super knowledgeable about all the dishes. The branzino was excellent, I have a weird thing about ordering a whole fish because I always feel like it's looking at me, but I got over it and it was so worth a shot, and I liked the unique flavor. The Waygu was excellent as well, but definitely needed better side accompaniment. My complaints are as follows: The side dishes could use a little improvement, also dessert menu could be improved and also the menu was limited but other than that it was so good and we would definitely be back. Last but not least, Please get better seats for the Chefs Counter . All in all, They definitely deserve the Michelin Bib Gourmand rating they have Note: the restaurant is very loud and tight quarters inside I suppose due to its popularity. I also liked that we were able to charge our car directly across the street.

Very special place for a cozy dinner with friends. Reservations are a must do. Wood fired smells and friendly servers add to the ambiance. Vegetable dishes are particularly unique and delicious. Next time we will try the pizza.

This is one of my favorite spots in Sonoma! The food here is always spot on and I always have a hard time choosing what to order. You cannot go wrong with their pizza! The crust has an incredible flavor and is so crisp and light! I love their pizza with the egg yolk jam! We have tried several of their pasta dishes as well and have been excellent! One was a rabbit ragu type sauce and was fantastic. If you're in the area, definitely check this place out! Warning though, their parking lot is quite tiny! I recommend just finding parking on the street.

Came for our anniversary dinner and couldn't have been more pleased. Service was impeccable. They even gave us a cute anniversary card and complimentary rose' to start us off. As for the food we ordered the brussel sprouts, tomato cream pie pizza and the wagyu steak. The brussel sprouts were tasty but felt a little undercooked. They did have a generous amount of pancetta though. The pizza was absolutely delicious and the crust was perfect. Loved that the crust was firm, but not overly chewy, even after cooling down. The steak was tender and so flavorful that it could have been eaten on its own. However, I still appreciated the sauce that they added. Highly recommend this restaurant if you're in the area.

Last evening, my husband and I celebrated our anniversary with our first visit to glen ellen star (but not our last)! What a memorable experience. The menu was so creative. We could not choose a favorite course, from the starters of brussel sprouts with bacon marmalade, gazpacho soup with cantaloupe bits, and crispy pork belly with figs. The whole fish branzino was boned and filled with yummy whipped potatoes and topped with an intriguing sauce including green olives and dates! This paired so nicely with a Dehlinger Chardonnay. We shared the cozy brown butter cake with apples, caramel and cream. Loved our table for two but on our next visit we'll opt for chef's counter and watch the chefs in action!

My son's favorite spot to dine in the Napa Valley area. Pros- the food, everything is delicious! The atmosphere- open kitchen (highly recommend sitting at the counter!), the staff- everyone is awesome! I went over my Napa Valley restaurant list with a few of the cooks and chef, they gave me a few new spots to try! Cons- parking can be tight. The first time we came, we were at the hotel around the corner (kinda), second time I had to drive far (it's that tasty! And yes, kid is spoiled!) and was lucky enough to get a spot in the lot, but it's not big and there are two great places to dine (here and Fig Cafe), so something to be aware of. The ice cream, while it's delicious, it's expensive for the amount! And the flavors change, also something to keep in mind!

We went to dinner tonight with a guft certificate from our sweet and generous daughter. To begin, we shared a tomato panzanella salad ans hise made focaccia bread with tomato butter. For main course we share a whole oven-roasted deboned Branzini with sides of corn and roasted cauliflower. For dessert I got a chocolate fudge affogato and Shirley got a small dishbof house made chocolate fudge ice cream. We sat at bar so we had an excellent view of the activities in open kitchen. Food and service were excellent. Can't wait to return or try their new restaurant called Stella in Kenwood.

Glen Ellen Star is a must visit when in Sonoma/Glen Ellen area! It's a casual yet elegant dining experience for anyone who loves food! They specialize in wood-fire cooking technique that bring out amazing flavors in their dishes. The menu features pizzas and vegetables and main dishes that pair well with Sonoma and Napa-focused wine selection. My friend and I ordered the rigatoni pasta and a white sauce pizza. Both were very flavorful and absolutely delicious! Be sure to make a reservation before dining here as it is quite popular and there isn't a ton of seating. Seating options include chef's counter where you can see everything happening right in front of you as well as the dining room and outdoor seating when weather allows. I sat in the dining room during my visit and enjoyed the experience.

Restaurant (nearly) lives up to the hype! Nearly because it's a solid restaurant with uniquely separated smaller dining rooms serving delicious food, but not one that will completely blow your mind. 4.5 stars would be the appropriate rating, but will round up to 5. Appreciate the farm to table dishes and they actually mention on the menu which ingredients came from the farm that day! Definitely make a reservation on weekends or holidays, otherwise you'll be stuck waiting.

It's hands down an excellent restaurant. I love the intimate and relaxed vibe with extremely delicious food that delivers. We had the roasted cauliflower, wagyu meatballs and a separate dish of rigatoni in a pumpkin Casio e Pepe sauce. OMG the latter two were phenomenal. We were so stuffed we opted for a pear and ginger spice sorbet (made in house ) and it was fantastic. I don't think you can go wrong with any dish here and they told us they change the menu quite often. I can't wait to go back!

Let's start with the billing issue. My credit card was charged $147.05, but my actual bill was only $67.05, plus an $8 tip. I'll be reporting this incorrect charge to my credit card company since I've never had a restaurant make such a mistake before. As for the pizza, it was the worst I've ever had. The bread was burned and not properly made, the sauce was sour, and the cheese and basil were tasteless. It didn't resemble a good Italian pizza at all. Paying $30 for a small 12-inch pizza of such poor quality is outrageous. To be fair, this pizza shouldn't cost more than $10. Finally, the restaurant itself was disappointing. The space was cramped, with no decent view, and people were seated near the bathroom in a crowded area. I don't understand why anyone would find it appealing. I've attached pictures for your reference.

It was an enjoyable meal. I started with roasted golden beets, which didn't turn out the way I expected but were quite good and unique. The wood roasted whole branzino was flavorful with crispy skin. A dinner is never complete without dessert - save room to try their house made ice cream, which was my favorite.

Beautiful evening! Another fantastic meal... We had the Brussels sprouts, white pizza with squash and finished with the strawberry shortcake! This place does an amazing job, the menu is varied and seasonal, the service is great! Nice interesting wine list too! If you're in Glen Ellen, CA give them a try. They have online reservations through Resy.com and are a consistently great option in wine country!

My husband and I *have* to eat here anytime we're in Sonoma/Glen Ellen. We even ate here twice the last weekend we were in Glen Ellen. The service is always friendly and the menu changes quite frequently, so there's always something new to try. The hard part is deciding what to order! We've had everything from the various roasted veggie starters, the bread (always the bread!), soups, pastas, pizzas, the whole fish, and the beef (the wagyu zabuton was particularly delicious), and the vanilla bourbon ice cream. We love sitting at the counter to watch the action in the kitchen. It's nice to find an approachable place in wine country with fantastic food and service. We'll always come back :)

We were excited to try this cute restaurant with a wonderful hostess at the podium to greet us. We actually arrived earlier than our reservation time and luckily were able to get seated out side where they turned on the propane heaters. Staff were pleasant and very busy busting empty plates and delivering food in and out of the door next to us. The loaf of baked bread was good as was the roasted head of cauliflower but neither of them wowed me. Hubby had the lamb ragu pasta. I tried a bite. I actually liked my pea shoot pesto over rigatoni better but again neither were memorable. And the lamb was not that flavorful. They were both decorated with pretty nasturtiums. The dessert was our biggest disappointment. It was a flourless cake but showed up as a blob of chocolate pudding with whipped cream on top. It really didn't taste that great. The bathroom is in the next building where there. Is bar dining and the dish washer is. The space is very crowded. The unisex single bathroom has funny signs. .

Visited from out of town and really wanted to get that farm-to-table experience in Sonoma, so we splurged a little bit at Glen Ellen. We reserved a spot at the chef's table and got to chat with such friendly people. This is definitely a date night spot! We ordered: - Brussel Sprouts (4.5/5): These were to die for, the brussel sprouts were so crispy on the outside and had that perfect char. There was a generous portion of bacon. 0.5 off because it's pretty heavy for an appetizer and a bit greasy feeling after a couple bites. - Red sauce, hobbs salami, red onion, calabrian chili honey, basil pizza (4/5): Wow that's a bit of a mouthful. Crust was thin, light, and perfectly cooked. I think it was just lacking a bit in balance -- I was really looking forward to the chili honey but I think it made the pizza too sweet. - Brick Chicken (5/5): Perfectly tender and everything needed to redeem a dry chicken's reputation. Had an amazing night here and hope to be back soon!

We went to this place by chance. I met this very nice lady on the plane to Santa Rosa & she mentioned she worked here. So we decided to take our grandson there for dinner. You definitely have to make reservations because this place seems to be very popular. I'm not a super foodie so don't know too much about fancy places. But we had a great experience. Food was amazing. Everything tasted wonderful. Even our little guy loved it! I'm not gonna lie, it is pricey. I think it's because of the awards this place has gotten. Also, they have great service. It was casual feel with a fine dining service. Then I found out the gal I met was a chef there! Chef Kelly was amazing and so sweet! She even took the time to visit with us. Definitely try the cauliflower & corn appetizers! And the octopus was pretty yummy too. All the dishes were great and their pastas are so delish! I am definitely going back.

Incredibly expensive, very disappointing. Drafty, loud impersonal space. We ordered the fish which was stuffed with mashed potatoes so in reality the actual fish content was rather sparse. It came with no vegetables, bread or any small salad. Just a couple of olives on top. Something was definitely missing from the flavor/entire meal. If one had ordered a side of vegetables, it would have cost 20 dollars more. The pizza left a lot to be desired. Dry. A very thin tomato sauce reminiscent of tomato paste in a tube. Once again, a few things would have made the experience much more welcoming: better, softer or no music, heated indoor facility, bread and olive oil on the table. A small salad coming with the meal. We did not dare order the dessert for fear of being even further more disappointed.

Took an impromptu weekend away to Sonoma last weekend and was recommended to try Glen Ellen Star by at least three people. Turned out it was just a couple doors down from our BNB! We were grateful to squeeze in a last minute reservation on a Sunday night. The host was really friendly and knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the menu. Our server, Greg, was also super personable and gave great recommendations on the food and wine. We had a view of the kitchen, and was amazed at how efficiently the team worked to prepare these beautiful dishes! Overall, it was a wonderful experience and would definitely come back. The menu is unique and changes seasonally.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to eat here. Our dinner was absolutely phenomenal. We tried about 7 different things between us and there isn't one thing we wouldn't order again. The service was warm and friendly and the restaurant itself is cute and intimate in a lovely setting (it's Glen Ellen, after all). We ordered: Smoked sturgeon salad with fried saltines: great flavor and a wonderful way to start the meal The sourdough: wow! Other this. If you think a good loaf of bread is a magical thing, you need this. Tomato cream pie with Aleppo pepper: sounds simple but the flavors were complex. Crust was perfect. Chewy, crispy and supple all at the same time. Rigatoni: With porcini, wild mushrooms and Point Reyes Truffle Toma. Pasta was perfectly al dente and flavor was earthy and decadent. Brussels sprouts with brown sugar bacon marmalade: I generally prefer my Brussels with a bit of caramelization but the bacon brown sugar goodness made up for it. Wood-fired cabbage with ssamjang marinated tofu: the star of the show. Flavors were on point. Smokey good cabbage. Pickled carrots for acid. Marinated tofu "scallops" were full of flavor. The biggest surprise of the night. Flourless chocolate cake with garam masala ganache and bay leaf chantilly: This was so good. It was more like a dark chocolate custard than a cake and the spice from the garam and herbal qualities is the cream just rounded everything out. It was basically a big pile gooey crack. I cannot recommend this place enough.

Okay hear me out, my colleague (and friend, ofc!) once recommended this place to us and kindly gave us a gift card here ~2 years ago as a wedding gift and we finally redeemed this! Better late than never, eh? It could be worse, I could've accidentally deleted the email whenever I go through my annual digital mailbox purge... Almost time again, innit? We ordered the following: - Freshly baked sourdough with black mission figs & rosemary. This was highly recommended by my colleague and I couldn't agree more! The outside was very crispy and inside was super fluffy and moist from the olive oil and the figs had a nice flavor. The cultured butter with olive oil and and sea salt were a nice touch. We also dipped the bread in the marinara sauce from our other starter, 10/10 would recommended - Wagyu meatballs in marinara sauce: the meatballs were tasty, but I didn't think they tasted any different than other meatballs I've had. The marinara sauce was probably the best part - Brussels Sprouts with brown sugar bacon marmalade: mmm delicious, with sooooo much bacon! This can be a bit salty if you're not scooping the right ratio of bacon bits to brussels sprouts, as the bacon and marmalade are quite rich. Would definitely recommend this to share even for a party of 4 - Cacio e' pepe white pizza with 5g perigord black truffle: very rich and flavorful, so much umami in every bite from the thin truffle shavings! My partner said it was the best pizza he's ever had in the stateside as it's very savory without being salty! Pretty tough contender imo, the crust had the perfect crunch to it and optimal inner to outer crust ratio. We did end up taking half of the pizza, realizing that may have over ordered for two people... But I'll be damned, the menu descriptions sounded so good (ingredient word salad, NBD). Wonderful service - we didn't wait too long for the food to come out, and the pacing was perfect. The evening did get quite chilly by sunset, but luckily all seats for the outdoor tables had clean blankets to keep your legs warm and a personal electric heater that was table height. The bathroom is super zen as well - smells like eucalyptus oil? - and I appreciate that there are small towels to dry your hands or face from all the olive oil you inhaled ;) Glen Ellen Star definitely lives up to the hype my colleague built up and I'm excited to come back the next time we're in Sonoma!

Food-Michelin star for many years, for a reason. All I need to say. I ordered the margarita pizza and added the 5g of black truffles to it. I have never ate a $50 pizza but it was worth every bite. I had the Cab by the glass (sorry I don't remember the name. The waitress told me she didn't have many by the glass wines and this was sine of them) to accompany it and it was a match made in heaven. We also ordered the whole Branzino. It was as if the fish was plucked from the water, cooked perfectly in the wood fire oven and the chef just waived a magic wand. Simple , yet so delicious. Service- top notch. They know their operation. Ambiance- we sat at the chefs counter and I loved it. It was so relaxing watching the team make amazing dishes then being able to see the patrons reactions to the food. I felt privileged to have that opportunity. Will definitely be back as it is only an hour drive from my house.

Service was great, food was good... personally missing depth of flavors (sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitter, umami) from aromatics and spices. For example, pizza sauce tasted like crushed tomatoes and also topped with honey, both on the sweeter side and brussels sprouts were sweet as well, the salt of the bacon helped a bit. Daily bread and the beet dish tasted more complex and balanced; herby, creamy and earthy. I was hoping for a birthday meal to remember since I've waited a long while to finally get there. We selected a pizza that what was told to us was the crowd favorite. I was underwhelmed, it was missing umami and salt. Garlic, crushed peppers and parmesan cheese would have helped but I don't think you should have to add anything to a $30 pizza. Dessert was the redeeming factor, Maple bourbon ice cream and the rice pudding were very delicious! The service is truly what is outstanding here and use of fresh farm ingredients. Side note when making a reservation: The alley bar is not described as high top against wall. We thought we were going to be sitting at a bar. Uncomfortable seating and very breezy on a cold day. I would not recommend this for anyone elderly or ADA. Not enough room for full course meal, maybe appetizers and drinks, just dessert, or walk ins only. Kitchen passing food through window right next to us did not feel like a 5 star Michelin dining experience.

Date of Visit: 7/8/2023 This is our second visit to the Glen Ellen Star located in Sonoma. Just walkable distance from the lovely Japanese Onsen style resort, Gaige House, so it was a great dining option for those who stayed there. Glen Ellen Star was opened in 2012, and has been awarded with Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2014, all the way until the most recent 2022 Bib Gourmand list. We made a same day reservation on Resy, which was not too difficult to make. Highly recommend the chef table seating, that you can see the chefs baking and seasoning all meat and seafood and pizza. 2021 Failla Pinot Noir $80 We got a bottle of the Failla Pinot, which was a great supplement to the meal. Brentwood corn, kewpie mayo, cotija, pulla chile powder $18.5 We ordered the Brentwood corn as the appetizer, and asked the chef to put the mayo on the side. The sweet corn has a great matching taste with cotija and chile powder, creating this sweet and spicy flavor. Wood fired whole branzino $47 My favorite dish is the whole branzino. Decorated with mole verde, baby turnips, cipollini onions, puffed wild rice & tajin butter. The fish was very fresh and not too salty, which was a great pair with the wine. House made lumache pasta with braised duck sugo $36 The colorful presentation of this lumache pasta caught our eyes when served. The pasta has duck sugo, divina tomatoes, torpedo onions, corn butter, and basil pistou on top. 2017 Benziger Sunny Slope Vineyard Three Blocks Cabernet $17 Got another glass of the Cabernet Sauvignon to pair the main course when we finished the bottle. House made ice creams and sorbets $7 We both got the house made ice creams for dessert. My husband got the vanilla maple bourbon flavor and I got the strawberry rosé sorbet.

The brick chicken was really, really tasty. The cauliflower app was really good, too. The lime really takes it up a notch. But the truffle pizza was really, really underwhelming (for $55! ouch!). It had little aroma, which is not what you want from anything truffle. Service was perfect. The menu was wholly unreadable. It was not easy trying to figure out what exactly each dish was. Not just the descriptions of items, but the entire formatting of the menu was weird and disjointed. Parking is horrific, be aware. Only a few spaces behind the building, and some parking directly across the street. But it can still be dicey finding parking even on the street.

I really enjoyed dinner here, the restaurant is quaint, lively, modern, yet very personable. I love that their menu serves seasonally inspired dishes that are mostly cooked in their very hot wood fire oven. Glen Ellen Star is a wonderful restaurant to celebrate special occasions, we went for our anniversary dinner here and felt special, since the moment we checked in. We reserved seats at the Chef's Counter and my oh my - that was fun! I enjoyed watching how in sync the chefs were. Chef's Counter seating is similar to bar seating, yet elevated - you'll enjoy every moment of it. All the dishes we had were flavorful and cooked to perfection - oven roasted veggies and their sourdough are a must! Also, the wood fired fish and wagyu zabuton were not only tender and delicious but the presentation of these dishes ignite all your senses the moment your receive them. Reservations were easily done via their website.

Headed for dinner here after wine tasting in the area. We were greeted by the hostess with warmth and seated quickly. The food was pretty wonderful I have to say! The Brussels sprouts with the brown sugar marmalade and the cauliflower were exceptionally delicious and full of flavor. Hard to pick a favorite between the two but I have to say the cauliflower sizzling in its own cast iron pan was a particular revelation. We continued our meal with an order of their sourdough with butter and olive oil which, though tasty, didn't stand out in my mind as much as folks have lead me to believe. The tomato cream pie on the other hand, well that was pretty sublime! It sounds like nothing special, but it is truly remarkable and tasty with a perfect crust. There was a rabbit pot pie on the menu that night which, if available on the menu when you dine here, I cannot recommend enough-it was one of our favorite dishes of the night for sure. My only real disappointment was the wood fired baby artichokes with Rancho Gordo beans. The beans were not cooked through and almost inedible as a result. Finally, for dessert, we had the flourless chocolate cake with garam masala ganache. The combination helped to cut the richness of the chocolate cake overall which was a lovely surprise. The coffee was solid to boot which is actually saying something because I feel like this is often an afterthought at many restaurants. Easily made a reservation online through Resy, service was good, not necessarily exceptional.

One of my favorite restaurants in Sonoma and worth planning ahead to snag a reservation to happily feed that rumbly in the tummy! While all menu items are delicious, I found they really do vegetables especially well and we always make sure to order the roasted cauliflower and pizzas! It's normally very busy but we've found the service to be polished and attentive every visit. They have a very large, heated, covered outdoor space that is also pet friendly so our doggie always enjoys being able to join us. There is a small parking lot and street parking.

My daughter had bought me a gift certificate for the Glenn Ellen Star on Father's Day and we finally used it last night. She had always wanted to try the food but had never gotten around to it. It was our first time as well. Shouldn't have waited so long. The compact restaurant is very inviting from outside and cozy inside and you can watch the chefs in action from anywhere in the small main dining room. We had the Cauliflower and Broccoli and Sourdough for "starters" and all were very good and uniquely prepared for such ubiquitous items on menus. The Celery Root soup turned out to be one of the main highlights; a "must have." Again, unique and inventive. Two of us had the Wagyu beef and it was fantastic but even the smallish portion was too much for one sitting as it was so rich and we were full from the starters. Same with the Wild Boar and Pasta dish which was also excellent; we need more Wild Boar on menus in the area. Half the entrees went home for lunch today. We will be returning to try their Pizza which while expensive looked great for those near us ordering it. Service was first class and for most this would a special event restaurant but you can choose wisely from the varied menu to make it more accessible price wise should you go more often. Yet another great Sonoma County restaurant worth trying.

I'm sad it's taken me 11 years to come here. What a shame to have missed out on so many opportunities for deliciousness! However, I'm glad we went recently to celebrate my guy's birthday and put an end to that. I was able to make a reservation in the morning for chef's counter that evening which was great. It was a Monday so likely why it was flexible at the 11th hour. When I checked later in the day it was booked so I felt glad we got in. I've heard veggies are king here; I'm always hearing about the fire oven roasted veggies that rotate within the menu. We opted for a tried and true classic, brussel sprouts with caramelized bacon bites. Generous portion of beautifully roasted sprouts and beautifully meaty diced bacon, not so small they got lost but not so large they overwhelmed. Honestly I could have tried any of the veggie options! We opted for the fire roasted whole fish which was branzino that night - delicious! It's funny with the bacon the veggies were actually quite rich so the fish was a wonderful counter balance to offset that richness but still provide luscious flavors to enjoy. Beautifully complex, buttery fish, pop of flavor from the olives. Just lovely. We finished the meal with the coconut panna cotta with yuzu caramel - wow! If this is on the menu get it! Absolutely lovely spur of the moment kick off to birthday week for my love. Thanks for helping kick it off right! Service was impeccable, waitstaff was friendly, it was fun to watch at the counter the action in the kitchen. Price point is perfect. All around I'm glad we've been now we know the gem that this place is to add to our rotation!

Glen Ellen Star... My absolute Go To spot when I'm at my favorite winery in the area, Mayo Winery! First off this place is very busy, so I would recommend a reservation if you don't want to wait. If you don't mind waiting, they'll get you a cocktail while you wait. Even the bar is reservation and not first come first serve so keep that in mind. This place is always delicious and wonderful! I've never had any complaints when eating here! I fully enjoy the atmosphere and the staff is magical. A husband a wife team run the establishment and simply crush it! The food is so amazing. Every time I leave with a smile and a full happy belly. So if ever in the area. Be sure to give this spot a try!

Fantastic find from the Michelin Guide. Our dinner was fantastic. Reasonable corkage fee for your wine country finds. Salads a little small. Protien servings are significant and tasty. Cooked to perfection. Sauces were tasty, but not overwhelming. Apple cake dessert was stupendous.

Very good in every way but not "excellent". The service was very good. seated with a reso immediately. We had the artichoke appetizer. It was tasty but $22 for a $3 artichoke--really??? The pasta with lamb and the scallop special were both very good and priced at normal Mich star price. Overall a nice place with good service and food

I'm a local fan and the Star has been my go to family celebration place in the valley. Wife's birthday dinner on the 30th was my first negative food experience. Service was very good, price seemed a bit higher topping a $120. each and my food taste flat. I ordered salt and Parm cheese to make the pasta better to my taste. Others in my party felt OK but the overall experience was lacking. We have better places, at that price point, to celebrate special occasions. The Star is a good place but I was disappointed.

Great food but the location of and line for the bathroom gives me anxiety, mainly for the staff. It was a charming place in a charming area in general. There was an incredibly loud table next to us that I would've loved to be told to quiet down but I know that's not necessarily something a restaurant can do. I really enjoyed the bread (despite not liking olives) and butter, pasta, and branzino. The chicken had a good crispy chicken but was a bit dry in the center as chicken breast tends to be. Didn't love the carrots because they were pickled but that's personal preference. The olive oil cake was delicious and I liked the crisp edges. Would've liked more strawberries than rhubarb.

What a treat! Couldn't get a reservation until 9:00 and we know why! We tried the brussel sprouts and cauliflower for starters and they were both fantastic. We also got the bread with the pesto and butter. All are a must get. We were not super hungry so we shared the chicken. Would have loved to try other dishes and dessert but the pants only stretch so much! Can't wait to go back!!

My wife and I just moved to California recently and in our ventures across the state far and wide we stumbled upon our perfect date-night Restaurant. And that's saying a lot because we value our date nights tremendously-- since we've had kids. And we're kind of huge foodies too. It only goes to show how exceptional the food at Glen Ellen Star is. Chef Ari and his wife Erinn formed Glen Ellen Star over a decade ago. In fact, it just turned 13 and it has been a bumping establishment in the neighborhood since. It's attracted the Michelin guide, Food and Wine and a whole plethora of prestigious spectators across the United States including the New York Times as of recently. What is it about Glen Ellen star that brings home the gold medal? For one, it's small, tightly ran and loved by its employees. When you see the amount of admiration that a staff puts into their restaurant, you can almost guarantee the best of quality. The menu changes frequently and the cooks have nothing but extraordinary, creative flare when it comes to utilizing local ingredients. They even have their own farm. CDC Bryant Minuche holds a cool and collected demeanor when running the pass-- something you get to witness firsthand since the kitchen is as open as it can get and right in your face as you walk through the doors. And the food. OMG, the food. First off, the pizzas are incredible and one of the reasons I can say this with confidence is their pizza passes the "hold" test. And no, I'm not referring to picking up a slice of pizza to see if it flaps. If anybody tells you that's the test of a good quality pizza... They're stupid. The test lies within how long it stays delicious after it's come out of that oven. And with Glen Ellen-- we're up to a week. Yes, a week. We literally brought a pizza home that we couldn't finish and were snacking on that thing for seven whole days. It stayed just as outstandingly delicious as it was when it came out of the oven. Their Wagyu steak is exceptional, their pastas are all freshly made, and as home cooking as it gets-- sauced up and glittered with beautiful edible flowers. And then the desserts. While we were there, we were fortunate enough to have the strawberry shortcake-- strawberries were in season... They did have a chocolate blackberry decadence, which was to die for. And then, of course, you can't leave Glen Ellen Star without a small cup of their house-made ice creams. All these things you wouldn't suspect from a Michelin rated restaurant but they're there. And they are Glen Ellen all stars.

Warm welcoming host and very nice server but the worst pizza and salad ever. Soggy and burnt crust. Excited for the greens from their garden but the main flavor in the salad was salt. Was hoping to have a lovely meal on a date night in Glen Ellen but left embarrassed that I spent $68 on such a terrible meal.

Outstanding quality and service! Enjoyed the fish, lamb and chicken dishes with a terrific pizza and salad starter. The Nebbiolo suggestion for pairing was spot on. We finished with the Olive oil cake with strawberry and rhubarb dessert! A must stop!

I was truly looking forward to a stellar meal at Glen Star however that did not happen. The restaurant, service and overall ambiance lived up to expectations. The food unfortunately did not. Our server was so polite and gracious as she made recommendations which we took to. To not go through each dish and what was lacked in each...let's just say the flavor profile of the dishes was just not what we thought. My chicken tasted as it if was not roasted throughly and had no flavor. We all agreed that the Brussels were the best thing during our meal.