Michael Warring

Fine dining restaurant · Vallejo

Michael Warring

Fine dining restaurant · Vallejo

1

8300 Bennington Dr, Vallejo, CA 94591

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Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null
Michael Warring by null

Highlights

Upscale New American dining with intimate seating, expertly paired wines  

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8300 Bennington Dr, Vallejo, CA 94591 Get directions

michaelwarring.com
@michaelwarring

$100+ · Menu

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8300 Bennington Dr, Vallejo, CA 94591 Get directions

+1 707 655 4808
michaelwarring.com
@michaelwarring
𝕏
@mwarring

$100+ · Menu

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reservations required

Last updated

Oct 25, 2025

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@michelinguide

"Vallejo isn’t the first place that springs to mind when you think elevated cuisine, but a seat at this reputed dining counter will have you feeling like you stepped into an episode of Chef’s Table. The space itself is simple and intimate, furnished with a handful of tables and seven seats overlooking the kitchen, so book your spot in advance. It’s a laid-back scene, where the focus remains squarely on the food.Chef Warring, who hails from Napa's esteemed Auberge du Soleil, spins his well-honed skill and technique on pristine seasonal products, and the results are enticing. Think of ocean trout crudo with shaved hearts of palm and kohlrabi microgreens; or perfectly seared sous vide ribeye with sautéed maitake mushrooms." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/california/vallejo/restaurant/michael-warring
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Kevin Bae

Google
A foodie's dream and a true hidden gem - so much so, that even locals we talked to didn't know about this place. The food is delicious and innovative with favorites being the brioche with mushrooms that were so soft and squab with apple jus. It was also overheard that the menu changed constantly, depending on what is in season. Aside from the great food, seeing Michael and his partner work adds to the experience. What usually happens at the back of the restaurant is right in front of you with counter seating. Michael efficiently makes every dish without any wasted movement and his partner always seems to know when the dishes are ready to be served. It seems like a humble family-run business with the quality of a restaurant that you see on the top of lists. If staying around Napa, this is definitely worth a drive out for. Although a little over a hundred per person, a similar experience around Napa Valley would be way more. Definitely coming back if we visit the area again.

Samuel Levis

Google
This was the first in a while mind-blowing culinary experience we've had. The price makes it a special occasion meal. On Thursday night we shared the space with two couples, one of them same day newlyweds! The preset menu had Thursday's date on it, so it seems possible that the menu changes daily.

Piper

Google
We had a seven course meal here. Delicious food with some really interesting flavors. A nice relaxed atmosphere and we had fun chatting with the other dinners. Most folks were dressed in business casual or smart casual. Make sure to arrive on time, they serve everyone at the same time. I can’t stop thinking about the pain perdu with triple cream brie and figs. So good!

Britt Kennon

Google
My brother and I had the pleasure of having dinner here on Sunday, which featured the 7 course menu. The vibe was really chill and laid back. The service was phenomenal and very personable. The flavor of the food was so good, and there was a hint of complexity. We spent time trying to figure out the seasonings or ingredients that made everything so good. For this type of meal, you are getting it at a lesser price than you would in other cities. Definitely try it out.

Shawn Gavne

Google
The most unpretentious high end dining experience in the area. The venue is quaint with seating for about 20. Great choice of music playing softly in the background. I loved the husband/wife team approach. They seem to have the timing of everything really dialed in. They were both very pleasant and took turns serving the guests. The food was very good although the cheese plate with a huge slab of brioche bread was not my favorite course. My favorite dish was the morel with caviar. I also really enjoyed the carbonated pears. I recommend that you give it a shot. I will most likely dine there again.

Luz Everett

Google
We finally had the chance to try the Sunday live fire, but unfortunately our expectations weren’t met. The almond wood–grilled orange chicken rice had great flavor—the peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers were delicious together. However, the biggest disappointment was the lack of chicken and the overall portion size. For $25, the dish felt more like a small appetizer of rice than a full entrée. Very underwhelming.

Don Vu

Google
Really nice course meal. Although the portions were small, the flavor and execution was fantastic. I'm looking forward to going again some day. It's a small cozy restaurant so don't expect to be able to bring a large party.

Rosalee Regalado

Google
My boyfriend and I tried this place last night. I ordered the meal with pairing wine and he did not. This was gormet food all the way! The wine was paired masterfully, and excellent service. 8 course meal so small portions. But if you were to put everything on one plate, it would be alot of food. My favorite was the ribye that had very thin slices of dark chocolate paired with a fabulous red blend-2019 Scarrow. High five! It was an incredible experience
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Blu M.

Yelp
One of the best restaurants and eating experiences I have been to. I am lucky to have been twice, once when I turned 16 and again for my 20th. Michael Warring is truly an experience that one will not forget. A small, ambient set up with limited seating, your meal is truly enchanting. When you enter the building, you are assisted immediately with everything. The staff is kind. Each table has a view of Michael cooking for the entire duration of the meal. Truly dinner and a show! A Michelin star meal located in the hills of Vallejo, totally unexpected! This place runs on a prefix menu that rotates daily. I love the Asian fusion that the menus features. It is so creative and fun! And of course delicious. The most recent time I have gone to this restaurant, the menu was unbelievable. Snacks: An amazing, light start to the meal. Caviar donut, tempura maitake mushroom, and kampachi. - I began with the kampachi, such a light and refreshing fish. It burst with flavors of fennel and spice in a gentle way. - Then to the tempura. The maitake was almost meaty and had a delicate crunch, so scrumptious. - THE DONUT. Wow, this bite inspired things for me. The donut reminded me of that from a Chinese buffet. Topped with a large bump of local sturgeon caviar, the sweet and savory combination was unbelievable. After this, I went out of my way to buy caviar to relive this experience at home. Garden Chowder: - This soup was insane. Sad that it was only a few bites. It tasted like smoked meat, and yet it was all vegetable. This was so good I literally picked up my bowl to scoop up every last bit (not very classy, I know. Sue me.) Grilled Ocean Trout: - Both times I have been here I have had a trout course. And both have been exquisite. If I had to describe it simply, it's like salmons smarter, cooler, more attractive cousin. The trout was incredibly tender, nearly buttery. The coins of asparagus with the multitude of sauces dressing the fish sent my taste buds on a journey. Literally writing about this my mouth is watering currently. Again, the plate was clean when this course was complete. Brioche: - The brioche was light, buttery, and airy. Perfectly crisp. Topped with an assortment of mushrooms holding different forms. The morrels were whole, and had fantastic texture. Dusted with porcini powder, this was extremely savory and earthy. Quail: - I have never had quail before and after trying this, I would eat it every day. I will be honest, was a little sad and nervous seeing the tiny bird on the menu. Quails are so cute!! After getting over that, the taste was phenomenal. The texture of quail is like the most tender, juicy chicken thigh you have ever had, but it's the entire animal. The veal jus paired fantastically with this and was a balance to the rich bird. FANTASTIC! Orange Sorbet: - such a needed refreshment from those savory courses. So playful and fun. I loved the addition of carbonated citrus. The sensation is like eating pomegranate seeds that have sat for too long and have fermented. Sizzles in your mouth! Very refreshing and again, you can guess what I am about to say; Plate was cleaned Cheesy Creme Brûlée: - THIS IS IT.THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I HAVE EVER EATEN. It's like Michael himself knew I was going to eat here this night. I love cheese so so much, and creme brûlée is my favorite dessert with no competition. This changed my life. And I am genuinely being so serious. The creme was so rich and creamy. A beautiful vanilla flavor. Perfectly bruleed on top. But that cheese, took the entire show. Wow. WOW. I would eat this every day for the rest of my life if I could. I need this. Just wow. My plate was clean... and then I ate my mom's. I am shameless. Cheesy Creme Brûlée thank you. Treats: - a great end to the meal. 3 final bites. Chocolate ice cream, a beignet, and a canele. - The ice cream was decadent, almost mousse like. Tasted like SwissMiss hot chocolate in a reminiscent way. The beignet was light and airy. It was stuffed with this exquisite salted caramel. Wow, like a gusher. The caramel was rich and dark, truly caramelized. I loved this. - The canele was the right move for the final bite. A clean, simple treat to end this journey of a meal! Balance! I love this restaurant so so much. Everything tastes divine and I really cannot wait to return. All I gotta say is Cheesy Creme Brûlée. YUUUUMMM!
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Josh C.

Yelp
If they where 7 starts I'll put them! Superb! Amazing! We had so much fun. We enjoyed the dinner so so much Everything was delicious, delicate, beautiful. The service is amazing too. We love love love this place
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Erika H.

Yelp
This is like no restaurant you've ever eaten at before. I think it has less than 10 tables. Michael and his wife cook everything right there. The flavors are incredible! The herbs and the sauces and toppings are just amazing. It is a taste sensation. I wish I could bring all of my friends here. Definitely get the wine flight.
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Edith H.

Yelp
Unassuming but the food will surprise you. There is no waiter standing behind you to refill your water or fold your napkin after you get up, the restaurant is plain and reminds me of a strip mall teriyaki restaurant. However Chef Michael Warring and his wife did an exceptional job serving us an amazing dinner (20 total seats in the restaurant). My favorite dish of the night was the black truffle polenta, there was a generous shavings of black truffle and the poached egg mixed with the polenta and truffle worked very well together. The caviar on cheesecake also surprised me, the savory and delicious caviar accompanied the slightly sweet Cheesecake very well. I upgraded to the Japanese wagyu beef, I didn't think the wagyu beef was life changing but the wine pairing with it was so well done. The wine paring was a surprise initially given we ware in CA and so close to the wine country but most of the wine chosen were European but they were carefully chosen to complement the meal. Overall a 5 star for me. The food was delightful, the price point for a 12 courses tasting menu was reasonable, and the wine pairing was really good. I look forward to come back in the future.

Rick S.

Yelp
Sunday evening was our second time at Michael Warring and we enjoyed it as much as our first! We sat at the counter and watched the level of energy expended by both Michael and his wife to create 7 courses for 19 guests! The menu was innovative, artfully assembled, and tasted amazing! I also had the wine pairing which was really fun but glad my wife drove home! A truly fantastic experience!
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Diana M.

Yelp
This is my all-time favorite restaurant! It never fails to amaze me in a wonderful way. You definitely should try it.
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Christina M.

Yelp
My husband took me here for my birthday and it was amazing!!!! It is a tiny restaurant nestled in the glen cove area and it is a husband and wife duo running the place. There was 1 other party when we were dining which allowed us to have an intimate experience (almost like having a personal chef) The food was unique in flavors and presentation, and came out right on time. This place deserve their Michelin and I could see exactly why they have it. Out of the 7 courses My favorite of the night was the Morell mushroom chowder, wagyu, and celery sorbet. The grilled mushrooms texture had a good bite to them and a beautiful flavor that complemented the creamy chowder. The wagyu was like butter and so delicious. And omg who would ever think of a celery sorbet with carbonated fruit. CREATIVE , delicious, fun and unique. If you are on the fence about trying this place, DO IT! It's worth it in every aspect.
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Gregory P.

Yelp
Always a special night with Michael and Ally. Food and presentation is top drawer, had the wine pairing as well. Can't wait to come back!
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Sandy L.

Yelp
It's a very beautiful intimate fine dining experience right in Vallejo! Thursdays and Fridays are 12 course pre-fixe for $124 pp. For two people that comes out to about $300 after tax and tip and one beverage. Saturday and Sunday are a slightly smaller menu. If you're calling for reservations you must call on one of the days they're open. (Nobody will pick up on a Monday for example.) The restaurant is very small. I'd say it seats about 15 people max. With 7-8 people at the bar. Everything is made right there. You can watch Chef Warring preparing the food. Dinner starts at 6pm. For us it was about 2.5 hours total time. If you're not an adventurous eater this may not be the place for you. If you dislike raw fish or dislike strong smoky flavors. Several of the dishes had those components which I personally loved. The menu changes/is seasonal. I enjoyed everything we had. My favorites from our dinner would be the snacks (caviar panna cotta, uni donut), the brioche bread with corn, the scallop with rice puff, the aged muscovy duck breast over mushrooms, basque cheesecake, and the treats (chocolate ice cream, beignet). I'm not sure there's much worth in saying what I liked specifically since the items may not be available next time. Everything was paced very well. Chef Michael and his wife work so well together. It was seamless. It can be a little cold inside. I recommend bringing a light sweater just in case. They have a coat rack in the corner by the hallway. I really enjoyed this experience and would love to come back for another special occasion.
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Sarah M.

Yelp
We visited Napa back in September and I'm finally getting around to leaving all of my reviews! We stayed in an Airbnb in Vallejo during our trip and I kept seeing Michael Warring pop up as the best restaurant to visit. We were not disappointed! This is by far the best meal/dinner experience we have ever had (literally ever, but just while we were visiting Napa). Since we were only in town for a week, we opted for the Thursday night 12 course menu to get the full experience. We ended up being 15 minutes late due to unforeseen issues trying to ship our wines back to Indiana before leaving the next morning, but we had called ahead and they were incredibly gracious. We were also lucky to be seated at the counter and have an up-close viewing of everything being prepared and plated. Everything we ate was amazing. Literally no words to describe it properly. The plating was beautiful and each course came out on a fun dish. They had a great selection of wines, but I opted for a couple of glasses of bubbles since it was the last night of our trip. Michael and his wife were such a well oiled machine, never bumping into one another, always sort of floating around bringing courses to guests, and keeping everything pristine. The small dining area makes it very intimate and keeps the ambiance light and enjoyable. I would 1000000% recommend dining here if you are able to make a reservation ahead of time. We would love to be able to come back here and dine again.
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Ashley C.

Yelp
Small fine dining restaurant in hiddenbrooke, Vallejo. Reservations required. When we went on a Friday night, there were 12 people in total. Set menu and fixed price. Husband and wife duo that have service well planned and everything timed well. Great service and super friendly. Good experience and recommend at least trying this if you're in the area. Would like to try on a different day with other menu items. Wished it was more entree tastings vs dessert, but everything was still unique and a good experience
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Hiba Z.

Yelp
Cool experience! Came 4 my bday. The price is $94 on a Sunday Food is good. It gets hot inside Try to ask to sit on the front round counter, it's more enjoyable Tips should be calculated on pretax amount
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Donovan T.

Yelp
We've been here twice. In my opinion the price point compared to other high end restaurants is not $$$$. The prices are incredibly fair. The ambiance as others have written could be spruced up. This is a 2 person team that have it down to a science. We like sitting at the counter to watch Chef Warring. I have no clue how he cooks so precise and the kitchen is immaculate. Ali is always moving and so warm and a huge smile. The food is top notch, perfectly prepared and seasoned. I've eaten things here I thought I never would. I cannot emphasize how good the food is here. We will be going back this weekend. Cannot wait. Thank you Ali and Chef Warring! Taylor's
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Richelle J.

Yelp
Honestly, I don't even know where to start. Everything here was amazing! I will highlight the ones I have never had anywhere else and it still haunts me in my dreams up to these days. The uni doughnut and basque cheesecake with caviar were amazing! I didn't think caviar and cheesecake can make a great pairing and the uni on the doughnut was unexpected as well. I am not a fan of uni nor caviar because of the pungent taste but these were Cavateli has fresh pasta with poached egg and the soup has a hint of mushroom flavor that was very satisfying. Pluot sorbet and ice cream with flambé pears were orgasmic! The fizzy pluot has a hint of truffle and it was refreshing, the ice cream was made in house and it was the best thus far on my book. For me, the highlight of it all was the cheesy crème brûlée! I dreamt about this and the fantasy of eating it again and again and again. The combination of it all was just ahmazing! I even asked what cheese they used because it was that dyam good! The place occupies about 20 and it's very intimate. The chef and the lady (I think his wife) were lovely and very accommodating. Please be mindful that this place is for experience and not your typical day to day restaurant so expect to be here for a few hours but trust me it is all worth every minute of your time! Much love! Will come back again!!!
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Roxy V.

Yelp
Wow. Just wow. The chef and his wife run this fine dining prefix menu establishment like a well oiled machine. The intimate experience is perfect for a special occasion. The food is prepared in front of you with style and grace. The wine pairing is on point. Each course looks like a work of art almost and too pretty to eat! The flavors take you on one unforgettable experience.
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Madison M.

Yelp
An exceptional dining experience at Michael Warring. From start to finish, every dish was curated with deep thought and intention. Flavors were thoroughly developed and crafted to complement each dish that followed. We went here for their valentine special - $114 per person for 7 courses each. We also opted to bring our own bottle of wine for a corkage fee. Our favorite dish was extremely hard to pick, but my boyfriend settled on the caviar dish and I fell in love with the polenta! Our favorite dessert piece was the pear sorbet with carbonated pears. The pears had an icy, pop-rock like texture when bitten into, with the sabayon offering a sweet reprieve. I will most certainly be back again to experience a meal like this again. While ambiance was standard, the service was just as good as the food. Michael and his wife were kind and incredibly attentive to each guest who dined. I truly don't understand how someone could write a bad review, because this experience was far from what they said.
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Lloyd C.

Yelp
Driving back from Vacaville, we thought someday, we'll try Michael Warring. Well, someday came, as this was a tasting menu from 2021. This review should have been done earlier. Great and unique experience! The restaurant/open kitchen was intimate, clean, well designed. You could see Chef Warring preparing each dish. Nicely decorated, though the seats by the shaded windows still got super hot from the sun beating down on the windows. Unfortunately, that's where I was sitting. The food was delicious! The presentation was alluring, appreciated, and so appealing. The hostess/helper/SO was sweet, helpful, and took great care of you. She patiently explained each dish. Asparagus: sponge cake, nasturtium, goat cheese. Ocean Trout: crispy skin, cherry kimchi, harissa. Agnolotti: radicchio, corn, purslane. Moscovy Duck: morel mushrooms, truffle jus, dark chocolate. Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef (Kagoshima, Japan) $60 add on. Apricot Sorbet: apricot compote, nitro sabayon. Cheese: eligo - goat/cow, detriot st. brick - goat, san andreas - sheep, brioche w/strawberry jam Strawberry Ice Cream: cilantro pastry cream, macerated fruit. Mignardise: salted butter caramel chocolate truffle. Wonderful experience - must try!
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Melissa M.

Yelp
I first heard about this place about a decade or so ago on check please. We finally made it here it did not disappoint. I love the idea that there is one seating and a set menu. When trying new restaurants, particularly high end restaurants, I don't want to choose, just bring me your best and that's what Michael Warring does. He and his wife run a precise restaurant with delicious and beautiful plating, with warm and friendly service all in a non-stuffy atmosphere. The location is a bit odd and out of the way but who cares when the food and service is great. It's not a place for people with dietary restrictions or picky eaters but if you're a foodie or adventurous you will enjoy this. I plan to return.
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Lisa R.

Yelp
Nowhere else I want to spend my birthday phenomenal food that is always pushing me to try new things!

Ann G.

Yelp
Food was amazing. Service was awesome. So fun and very personable. Quaint, casual and charming. Sit at the counter and watch Michael and Ally do their thing. They are a great team.
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Michelle O.

Yelp
Exquisite fine dining experience in an intimate setting in the rolling hills of rural Vallejo. I've had this place bookmarked for years and finally made the trek for a friend's birthday. Michael Warring (the chef/owner) hails from nearby Benicia, attended the Culinary Institute of America, then cooked at Thomas Keller's Bouchon and Auberge in Napa. His masterful French preparation shines through on every dish, accompanied by his partner Ali's wine pairings from Italy, France, Germany and the US. The space itself is small, 20 seats with 6 of those at the counter where you can watch the preparation. The restaurant features a 12 course fixed price tasting menu ($124) on Thursday and Friday and 7 course ($84 with $45 wine pairing) on Saturday and Sunday. We were there Sunday for 6pm service, which last about 2.5 hours, never rushed. We started with a beautiful smoked mushroom chowder, which was topped with edible flowers. Second course was a black cod with quail egg over crispy rice (my least favorite dish as I'm not a fan of sift fish), third course cavatelli pasta (very al dente) with egg and peashooter pasta, fourth course was a perfectly tender rabbit loin with turnips and miso jui (converted me to a rabbit fan), fifth course the palate cleanser celery sorbet with orange kimchee at bottom which came with frozen steam wafting. All portions to this point were very small, no more than four bites each. Next up was the cheese course with a big piece of Texas toast accompanied by four cheeses (and my favorite wine, a German Riesling), ending with a chocolate ice cream topped with toasted marshmallow and salted caramel bottom (husband's favorite). With tip, total was about $160/person, so it's definitely a special occasion meal but honestly less than you'd pay for the same experience in San Francisco and much more casual being served by the chef and his wife. They didn't explain each course like normal chef's table but were happy to answer any questions. Each course was beautifully prepared and delicious and you can tell Michael puts his heart and soul into the restaurant. Highly recommend but know going in it's not large portions and quite expensive.
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
Excellent Anniversary Dinner at Michael Warring in Vallejo. A fantastic Husband and Wife team running the restaurant. Love supporting small business. Food was wonderful, love the Husband &Wife team. The best decoration in the restaurant was in the kitchen next to the Knives.
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Gabby L.

Yelp
My 5 times visiting this is my review. I love how they go by appointments. Ambiance is super cute just enough to serve 18-20 people per reservation. If you seat at the bar, you are able to see chef cooking through our entire dining time. They offer seasonal menu few extra options. Good pricing and great wine pairing. Pretty filling compared to other tasting palaces. Downside is Not much for vegan. They can get pricy when you add wine pairing and upgrades for extra meats / replacements protein. They won't celebrate birthdays or any anniversary since it's only running by husband and wife. Located inside Hiddenbrooke area without a big sign so many people can miss it. But it's next to Thai/sushi restaurant. Great for family not so much for younger kids since they don't offer special menus for kids. Great for haven't tried this place yet.
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Crispy T.

Yelp
I was shocked at how bad this place was after reading such high reviews. I went with my husband to celebrate my birthday. When we walked in the first thing I noticed was the overwhelmingly disgusting smell that was some combination of alcohol that had spilled on the floor mixed with a dirty mop they had used to clean it? Also the music was blaring and they were playing some awful mixes all night. They have no taste in music, creating a nice ambience or decorating. The tables were too close together and left no room for privacy. The wine pairing was awful. Some wines were so sour, some were bland, others were too sweet and they mixed whites and red. I felt sick by the end of it. The food ranged from ok to disgusting. The first dish was overly sweet and rich, some caviar with chocolate. Then slimy flavorless dumplings with mushroom sauce. Then there was a rubbery, flavorless tempura. The noodle dish was disgusting. The noodles were barely cooked and with an almost raw egg on top. The chicken confit was a horrible texture and overly chewy. The ice cream with kimchi was a horrible idea and I could already feel it churning in my stomach. Was this a competition to make the most disgusting pairings you could think of? I don't know what the hype is about with this place. He feels like a con artist trying to show off his cheap quality food with fancy technique but even if you have a slightly good palate you can tell that all his flavors are off. SO off. I gave my husband most of my food and wine to finish because I felt like I was going to throw up and he will literally eat anything.... Uptight, stuffy, pretentious and downright not good food.

Marcia P.

Yelp
A table of drunken people were loud and obnoxious. The chef didn't interact with customers at all. He was rushed and it would have been nice to have a more conversant atmosphere. Food was so so......frequently there wasn't a sufficient amount of an ingredient to be able to add to the flavor profile. Some strange flavor combinations ex: shredded sharp cheese with crème brûlée? I wish him continued success but for us the expense wasn't worth the experience
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Phil D.

Yelp
Amazing flavors. I was only disappointed on one of the nine courses. I think the chef and his wife are way overworked in delivering out 20 plates per multiple course meals. Maybe the interior decor could be updated or freshened up. It is a little tired. (I'm being critical) I'd come back again.
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Jasmine T.

Yelp
Absolutely phenomenal experience. Unlike anything I've ever had! We came here to celebrate our anniversary and had no idea what a treat we were in for. Michael Warring has perfected everything about his craft and it shows. We got to sit at the bar and have a front row seat of the chef in his zone! It was amazing to watch him create such delicious masterpieces. I would never in a million years think celery sorbet would be so good but it actually ended up being one of our favorite dishes of the night. I could tell Michael put time and special consideration into making sure each dish was nothing less than perfect in taste and presentation. I can't even describe how delicious everything was! You truly have to experience it for yourself! It was $84/person with the option to add wine pairing for $45 and wagyu beef for $45. It was well worth every penny and I cannot wait to go back.
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Brenda C.

Yelp
This review is long overdue. I discovered this restaurant in 2018 and fell in love immediately. I still talk about meals I had years ago (sunflower ice cream!). The menu is creative, food delicious, and the service is impeccable. It is an intimate space. I love chatting with first timers and watching their experience. That said, even though I now have "my spot at the bar," each experience is new to me. When I lived in the Washington D.C. area, Jose Andres' Zatinya was my spot. I didn't think I would find a replacement, but now I can confidently say Michael Warring is that replacement. Vallejo is lucky to have this restaurant.
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Stacey H.

Yelp
Vallejo's hidden gem! Michelin recommended and has been on my bucket list for several months and my husband treated me on my birthday to a nice dinner at Michael Warring. They only have one seating per evening and the restaurant seats approximately 30 people so be sure to make a reservation early. We sat up at the bar and had arguably the best seats in the house! We got to watch the husband and wife team put together each course which is such a fun experience. They run a prefix 7 course menu for $84 on Saturday and Sunday and 12 course menu for $124 on Thursday and Friday. They also have the option for wine paring which I thought was worth it. The menu changes with the season to provide the freshest ingredients and will be different each time you go. The night we went we thoroughly enjoyed each dish and the thoughtfulness behind composition, texture, and flavor.

Loren B.

Yelp
It is my first time at a fine dining tasting menu. The restaurant is spare inside, not luxurious. It is in a strip mall. The chef and his wife are all the staff and there are 18 seats, six at a counter, eight at two tops, and one four top. The wife served everyone efficiently, but not warmly. Overall the food was uninspiring to me. For example the chicken course was lacking in flavor and was uninteresting. The three appetizers at the beginning, including the caviar on cheese cake, were very good. For the price I should have found something thrilling among the items but I did not. Some items were very good, some were nothing special. Perhaps my expectations were too high, considering the price. I know that it is reasonable as tasting menus go, but still dinner for two with a single glass of wine was about $360 with tip.
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James L.

Yelp
Who would have thought there is this high end restaurant in Vallejo. A 2 person run restaurant with the chef being the the chef, line cook, and sois chef all in one. The service was on point and amazing how they do all of it. There is only one seating time when we went..6pm and there is only room for 16 people. Everyone is served the same thing and wine pairing and additional items extra. The food and presentation were amazing as well and my fav dishes were the sea scallops and the apple sorbet. The apple sorbet was very innovative which the description had kimchi orange and I was like, that is interesting. When I took the first bite, I was not sure about it then I was so intrigued and loved it. It was a weird combination but worked so well. I think the noodle dish was probably my least fav as it lacked a punch. Overall, a great experience and definitely would be back. How they run the whole restaurant with such precision is amazing in itself.
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Liann A.

Yelp
Such a hidden gem located in Vallejo/Hiddenbrooke area. If you're looking for a nice intimate fine dining spot, Michael Warring is the place. It's located in the small little shopping area right in the beginning of Hiddenbrooke off 80. Open Thursday-Sunday, I believe Thursday they have 12 courses and on Sunday they have 5. Reservations are a must and they fit up to 20 people at a time. It's only the chef Michael Warring and his wife who does all of the table service. I opted for the wine pairing and I loved it! People are weary of smaller items like this but I was very satisfied at the end of my meal and wasn't ridiculously full. So many flavors and combinations. We had an option to upgrade our squab to A5 Wagyu beef which I wish I did but it was all still good! We started off with the Apple Chowder, Striped Bass, Noodle dish, squab- pigeon family, was very gamey for me, persimmon sorbet with kimchi, cheeses with brioche, vanilla ice cream, and finished off with apricot truffles. I loved the starters, the apple chowder and striped bass really set the tone along with my wine pairings. The wine alone was also good, one Of the last pours was the Dolcetto from Piedmont, Italy and we really enjoyed that alone. We came here with a group of 3 originally and was able to add one an addition that day. I didn't feel rushed or overwhelmed so I would say it was a great meal to catch up with people over. We were there for about 2.5 hours in total and it was a small enough space to where you could watch everything be prepared in the open concept kitchen. They have gift cards here so it's a perfect place to gift for someone. I'd highly recommend and can't wait to make reservations to come back!
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Julie B.

Yelp
Exquisite is the only word that comes to mind. My husband took me here for my birthday. I had been talking about this place for a while. I had heard so many great things about it, somehow we never made it in. It's hard to describe this place, it's upscale dining in a very cozy simple environment. Like having a private chef prepare a meal for you at home. They only serve wine. For non drinkers they have sparkling water and regular water. I had a few glasses of the Cabernet. It was excellent. It is possible to do the wine pairing with dinner but I don't drink white wine so I passed on that but my husband and daughter did the pairing and the both enjoyed it. Starters: caviar + chocolate praline Steak tartare + beignet Shima ahi tartlet + rosehip puree 2) Pumpkin chowder + oyster mushroom fritter+ custard 3) Foie gras + peas shoots brioche, Asian pear jam 4) white sea bass+ dashi, bbq fermented apples/pears 5) cavatelli, plankton emulsion, black truffle oatmeal streusel, egg 6) Snake River farm pork belly, black trumpet mushrooms, cauliflower Or Japanese A5 Waygu for additional $ Dessert: persimmon & blood orange sorbet+ cheesecake donut, Meyer lemon ice cream I loved all, but least favorite was #5. Michael came by the table to serve one of the entrees and he seems very nice. This is not your every day type of dining. First off it's pricey: $124 pp You can sit by the kitchen area and watch as Michael creates the magic. Definitely bring someone you love here.
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Katharyn W.

Yelp
Finally tried this place out on April 16th! This little restaurant is a hidden gem in Vallejo. The service was really friendly, kind, quick, and attentive, even though there was one chef (Michael Warring himself ) and a server. The vibe inside is really nice, small, and is not too loud. I'd say there were under 20 people in the restaurant at the time! The food was amazing! Everything was really rich in flavor, and even the meats melted in your mouth. My personal favorites of the night were the tuna, smoked mushrooms, and the wagyu beef. I also got the wine pairing, but it's not pictured. This place is pricey but is totally worth it if you want to try a fancy meal locally!
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A. C.

Yelp
I am going to "cut to the chase" early...this place is a GO! I read reviews prior to going to this restaurant and I saw that people were saying some negative things... we did not experience any of them. This wonderful culinary experience is provided by a husband and wife team, who definitely put so much effort into making sure their guests have a wonderful dining experience. I will tell you that I was anticipating a 12 course menu, but they did not have it that night. In hindsight, I am very happy because the seven course meal my wife and I experienced was plenty of food, and the quality and presentation was outstanding! Some people talk about this restaurant being in a strip mall, who cares! The food was nothing short of outstanding. The chef and his wife are very nice people with no ego. I interacted with both of them during the evening. They are both genuine and they type of people you would want to hang out with. Lastly, I saw two individuals that took pride in their business. The food was some of the best I have ever had, and Chef kept the kitchen EXTREMELY clean during our experience. We are repeat customers after tonight!
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LJ H.

Yelp
Definitely a place to take your special someone for a very special occasion. The food tasting along with wine pairings was a perfect match. Service was great and felt very personable. The place was very clean and had a romantic ambiance. I really hope Michael gets a Michelin Star! Well deserve
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Rebecca L.

Yelp
Oh my...what a hidden gem in the area! I've been wanting to come here for a few years and I finally did it. The restaurant is small and holds about 20ish patrons per service per day. It is in the corner of a small shopping center. No major signage, but the name on a window. Thursdays is when they do the extended menu for $124 not including wine pairing which is an additional $72. Get there early if you want to sit at the counter to enjoy a front row seat to watch chef work his magic in his open concept kitchen. Service lasts about 2.5-3 hours so plan for that. Props to Chef Michael for his modern take on cooking and his wife servicing all the tables. My favorites from this meal were the gazpacho, tuna, chawanmushi and miso blondie. The canapés aka one bite wonders were a good start, but the pluot gazpacho really got the foot of the ground for the start of the meal. The nectarine kimchi needs to be packed and sold to go because even though it was not the focus of the plate (tuna), it was the highlight to me. I saw the menu and when it said miso blondie I was impatiently waiting for dessert. The caramel on the blondie was silky smooth and the blondie itself was crumbly and delectably chewy at the same time. They made me a returning patron. This is an affordable fine dining experience that leaves you with a full and satisfied taste buds. Come try this place out!

Emily K.

Yelp
We got a New Year's Eve meal kit to prepare at home. It came with instructions on how to prepare each part of the meal. The kit included -Tsar Nicoulai Estate Caviar, chowder, creme fraiche, brioche -Filet Mignon, hen of the woods mushrooms, potato gratin, truffle jus -Dark chocolate torte, chantilly cream, salted caramel, candied pecans Everything was delicious and easy to prepare!

Racquel M.

Yelp
Everything was excellent! It's a small restaurant, only seats around 15-20 people. Theres only one seating time per day. It can be difficult to get reservations. You have to call during the days they are open, and book probably 6 weeks in advance. I now want to go back all the time lol.
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Heather M.

Yelp
A very special dinner @michaelwarring This Michelin recognized hidden gem is located in a strip mall in Vallejo's Hiddenbrook community. The husband and wife team run this very tiny restaurant (seats 20) Thursday- Sunday and reservations can be made 1 month in advance. Thursday and Friday they offer and 12 course tasting menu and Saturday/Sunday a 7 course tasting menu. The 7 course is $84 (with the option to switch the pork for Wagyu beef for an additional $48) and portions are small but you leave satisfied. wine pairing are $45. There is one dinner seating and the kitchen is open to the dining room. This is a place for food lovers and those who love to cook! It was amazing seeing Micheal prepare each dish with such intensity, care, and precision. Every dish is a work of art! The first course was a garden chowder- squash custard with pomegranate, greens, and shiso. I loved the smokey flavor of the thick soup on the plate. Next was a perfectly double- fried tempura prawn over a bed of leeks and heirloom tomatoes with black truffle. This dish also had a smoke to it as Micheal used a mini "green egg" to create the flavor. I did wish for one more prawn on this dish because it was so good. Next was my second favorite dish- black truffle polenta with a soft boiled poached egg, cauliflower, and veal jus. This was elevated comfort in a bowl! It reminded me of a dish I had in Tokyo- simple and yet so refined. The wagyu beef was AMAZING! So full of flavor! Served with sunchoke and mushrooms. The pork loin was also good (although I was looking forward to duck which is usually on the menu). My FAVORITE dish of the night was a surprise- the intermezzo sorbet course. Dry ice made the presentation of the Apple sorbet with sabayon and apple kimichi something special. The kimichi with the sorbet blew my mind!! So good and innovative. Next was the cheese course with a piece of toasted brioche that was so perfect. Finally pluot ice cream with dark chocolate, meringue, and salted Carmel. This place is an amazing find- reasonably priced fine dining locally! My only regret was that I didn't talk up the chef at the end- So many questions! Don't miss this place!
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Robin B.

Yelp
A must do if you are in anyway a foodie. Who is #MichaelWerring? Get here before he blows up. We were treated to a 12 course amazingly delectable culinary experience. 10 courses paired with amazing wines. Some grapes o had never heard of. One sitting of 16 a day and the Werrings do the thang. Michael came from Auberage in Napa. We watch all the preparation. It was a whole vibe and a must do. Every course including the 3 deserts made me tingle. I watched as patrons tasted each and said the same thing I did - wow what the hell. Thank you #michaelwerring.
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Sallie P H.

Yelp
Finally went here last night with my daughter and friend for my birthday. The restaurant is in a very small shopping area in Hiddenbrooke , and for those who say it is a strip mall, I respectfully disagree. The restaurant seats around 20 people for one seating. It is minimalist in decor because the star is the food and the chef and server. We were there on a weeknight which entails a 12 course tasting menu with optional wine pairings. Background music never overshadowed conversation which was lovely. Chef Micheal prepares the food and plates it in an open kitchen which was fascinating to watch. Once everything is plated all the patrons are served. The food is a work of edible art! The portions ( it is a tasting menu, remember? ) are quite small but hey, 12 courses! By the time I made it through 4 1/2 courses, with paired wine, I needed a break. They graciously boxed what I couldn't eat although I managed to eat the sorbet and gelato when they arrived. The brioche, polenta with poached egg and truffle, and the duck confit were very rich and ended up being boxed ( had them for lunch and dinner today, yum ) but the wine pairing helped balance the richness. The whole experience was wonderful. The service was excellent, every dish was explained, and they went above and beyond to accommodate my daughter's nut allergies. An elegant experience in Vallejo!
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Jan F.

Yelp
Michael Warring has been on my list for years. We went for my birthday on Sunday August 20, my actual birthday. We had reservations in the city. but because of the crime we changed them. We chose to sit at the bar so we could enjoy watching the magic happen. Michael and his wife (I'm sorry I didn't get her name, or don't remember it) worked very hard the entire meal. We had a good time and I'm giving three stars because I had high expectations that were not met. I've been to several restaurants that only offer a fancy prix fix menu so I knew what to expect. I'm not going to go through all the courses. I've included a picture of our menu that night, as well as the food. The kimci in the sobet course didn't work. The flavors didn't go together. The cheese course didn't work for me either. I don't think the bread was the right choice for that dish. Overall we had fun, the food was good, but it was not worth $400.
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Patrick J.

Yelp
We went to Michael Warring for an anniversary dinner. We were impressed. If you are looking for a big steak or a stunning outside view, then this is not the place. If you want an incredible one of a kind tasting experience then this exceeds expectations. Also, Michael is cooking in front of you which is kind of neat. The flavors of the food from start to finish were amazing. The wine pairing was also very generous. The price was very reasonable for this kind of meal.
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Farrah F.

Yelp
This is a different kind of dining experience it's reservation only. Where you see the chef making and plating the dishes. They serve everyone just about at the same time for all guests. Ambiance is small and intimate. We both had wine pairings with our course meals. The food was good and it was carefully prepared with fresh ingredients available/in season. Had a lovely time here and I'm glad we got to check it out.

Kathleen H.

Yelp
We recently ate at Michael Warring in Vallejo for my husband's birthday and had the best meal of our lives! Every course was so unique, full of amazing flavors and was meticulously and artistically plated by Chef Warring who used special tweezer-looking tools and chopsticks to achieve the beautiful look. We asked to sit at the counter so we could watch the prep and plating of each course, which was an experience in itself. After the meal Michael graciously agreed to a photo with us; a treasured reminder of our very special eveining! The wine parring was generous and enough for two to share, especially since there were five wines served. Our server (Michael's wife) was super cheerful, helpful and efficient. We loved the entire experience of eating at Michael Warring!
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Thao H.

Yelp
The inside was cozy. There were 16 guests on the night I went. There was only the wife and the husband (chef Michael) serving us. The food was more on the healthy side but quite salty. My favorite was shima aji. The most fascinating dish was plum kimchi and sorbet; fun to eat but gave me an upset stomach. The price was decent, and the ingredients were fresh.
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Rue M.

Yelp
A special date night experience we had eating our way through 9 courses of explosive, seasonal and meticulously prepared flavors - see photos and clips for menus details. There is one seating each evening they open, and about 20 people can sit at one time in their small corner unit of the mini strip retail area, located inside the gate of the Hiddenbrook neighborhood - still in actual Vallejo! This is meant to be an experience so do plan accordingly and with guests you know will enjoy the same. We moved our way through the menu over a leisurely three hours. I recommend sitting at the bar area as we did, where you have full view of the kitchen as each meal unfolds; curated and plated before serving. But be clear, the kitchen activities are not geared for your entertainment. The sous chef appears then disappears after quietly prepping ingredients and by the third course, leaves for a lovely, focused duet of the husband and wife owners/chefs and the food. They each rotate plating and delivering courses to each party in the top - so no guest table is always first or last to be served. While initially you just might wonder if you will be full, near the end of the courses, my husband and I were not sure we could take in another bite! The meal was so completely satisfying, and a feast for the eyes too. Wine pairings are available optionally for a separate charge, yet we were fine will a bottle a sparkling water that kept our focus on the food. Reservations are a must and best about a month or more in advance.

Rebecca A.

Yelp
Blown away! Food was amazing, well thought out and adventurous! I ate a few things that were delicious, but I'd never thought I'd try. Just so cozy with all the focus on food. Loved the wi e pairings too! Not your run of the mill selections. We'll make this an every few months date night!