Bistro Jeanty

“In every day French life, it is the Bistro that is woven into the daily pattern of meals and celebrations. The Bistro is that little neighborhood restaurant where they know who you are, greet you warmly, and serve you satisfying foods that change with the seasons and define regional homey French cuisine.” Philippe Jeanty

Jeanty was born in the Champagne region of France, his father worked for the great Champagne house of Moet & Chandon and Moet is where the young Jeanty got his first culinary job. He came to California in 1977 with the first team from Epernay, France to open the Chandon Restaurant in Yountville. In a year’s time he was made executive chef. The next twenty years of accolades, awards, and praise from customers and critics proved that Jeanty was one of America’s finest chefs. His creative style introduced new flavors and dishes to the thousands of diners at Chandon during this time.

In 1997 Jeanty decided to create a bistro where he could recreate all those favorite foods of his childhood and opened the doors of Bistro Jeanty in April of 1998.

Today, in a town known for its excellent restaurants, Bistro Jeanty is a stand-out earning a Zagat food rating surpassed only by the venerable French Laundry.

The menu includes bistro classics like Soupe a l’Oignon, Pike dumplings with lobster sauce, Escargots, Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, Sole Meunière and Cassoulet, all expertly prepared and presented. I had a Quiche Lorraine that was the best I ever had. Splurge on the Crêpe Suzette for dessert. The mostly French wine list is fairly priced and has some interesting  choices.

Charming inside dining room and a terrace under a canopy outside for nicer weather.

ROMANTIC QUOTIENT: Outside terrace is more intimate than the dining room

WHAT OTHERS SAY

Wine Spectator Award Winning List

Francophiles declare Philippe Jeanty’s “iconic bistro” a “real star” in Yountville, where “consistently delicious”, “very traditional French countryside” meals are delivered by a “very agreeable” staff in a homey setting that’s “très charmant”; all-day hours and a communal table make it ideal for dropping by “on the way to Napa” or “after a long day of wine tasting”, particularly on the patio that “overlooks the vineyards.” ZAGAT