California restaurant ranked as the top fine dining restaurant in the U.S.

This California restaurant is on many people's bucket lists. Winner of many awards in the restaurant and wine categories, they have also been awarded the Michelin Guide's highest rating of three stars. Keep reading 'California restaurant ranked as the top fine dining restaurant in the U.S.' to find out why you should add it to your bucket list and travel there soon.

Zan on Unsplash

Tripadvisor users vote on their favorite travel experiences worldwide. A category for North American restaurants is included. Two California restaurants made it into the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice awards 2021 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the United States. We took a closer look at the No.1 favorite restaurant in the United States and why you should go there.

Recently, we featured some of the Top 25 Beaches in the United States as voted by travelers on the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice awards 2021. Four California beaches were voted in the Top 25 beaches in the United States. Did you miss this series? Read these next -

* This California beach is one of the top 3 beaches in the United States.

* Another California beach makes it in the Top 25 beaches in the USA.

* This Florida Beach is the No. 1 top beach in the United States.

The top fine dining restaurant in the United States

Ranking in at No. 1 (and 24th in the world), The French Laundry in Yountville, California, is a restaurant on many people's bucket lists. Travelers and Californians alike voted this restaurant into the No.1 position.

Chef Thomas Keller traveled to Yountville, California, in the early 1990s and fulfilled his bucket list dream by setting up a culinary destination specializing in fine French cuisine.

The Tripadvisor award is not the only award his establishment has been honored with. Along with receiving the "Outstanding Restaurant Award" from the James Beard Foundation and the "Wine Spectator Grand Award" since 2007, the French Laundry has been awarded the Michelin Guide's highest rating of three stars.

The recently renovated Napa Valley restaurant is housed in a historic building dating back to 1900. Just to view the gorgeous architecture is a reason to travel there. Options for dining include dining in the historic dining room or the courtyard. There are also private dining options available.

Here's what travelers have to say about their experience at The French Laundry

"It was the most amazing travel experience to have dinner at The French Laundry... The night was like a beautiful dream. The food was super fresh and the way it was presented there is no words to make it justice. This was our daughter's Anniversary gift for us and an unforgettable experience. The end of the night was with a visit to the kitchen which was the perfect ending!!" - 603maritzap, Tripadvisor, 2020.

"Just incredible! Delicious food courses served in elegant pottery and plates. Custard in the egg shell, sweet oysters, 6 deserts after the meal! Beautiful truffles sent home with book in their food purveyors. Impeccable and humble service. We enjoyed 5 hours of JOY!" - Melanie N, Tripadvisor, April 2021.

So how much does dining at this highly awarded restaurant cost?

Prices start from $350 per person (service included) for appetizers and nine courses. There are two tasting menus: the Chef's Tasting (this includes oysters, caviar, halibut, duck, black truffle, prime rib of lamb, Japanese wagyu, Dungeness crab, and a selection of desserts.) and the Tasting of Vegetables.

The wine starts from $18 a glass and includes bottles from the world's major grape-growing regions including California. Besides featuring the most famous producers, they also feature hard-to-get cult wines and little-known gems.

Additionally, The French Laundry offers a spirits program that includes scotch and other rare spirits and a unique cigar collection at the end of the meal.

"After previously having the joy of dining at The French Laundry, it is a thrill to say that on our most recent visit, the experience was better than ever! The meal was absolutely exquisite in every way. The "supplements" were truly incredible — well worth the splurge." - Herbert1952, Tripadvisor, 2020.

So it may sound expensive, but this highly praised travel bucket list experience can be compared to a similar expense spent on skydiving or hot air ballooning, a concert, or other travel activities. After all, you only live once, and you deserve to try the No. 1 restaurant in the United States.

The French Laundry, 6640 Washington St, Yountville, California.

Hot air balloon over hills, Napa Valley, California.Sebastien Gabriel on Unsplash.

Have you traveled to the French Laundry? Do you have a favorite fine dining restaurant that you think is better? Or do you think it is a waste of money to spend so much on a meal that can buy you 5 meals at a moderate restaurant? We would love to know your thoughts. Please kindly share in the comments.

Read these Trending travel stories next -

This beach in San Diego, California, is one of the top beaches in the United States.

The top 3 Los Angeles seafood restaurants with sea views.

This California beach is one of the top 3 beaches in the United States.

Four-star and five-star hotels in San Diego, California, are offering poolside escapes for locals and non-guests.

Thanks to everyone for following us. We have traveled to over 25 states in the U.S. and lived in 3. (including California). Our goal is to give you ideas on interesting & fun things to do, get more adventure and travel in your life, and improve your lifestyle. Please follow us for more articles like this.

Follow me to see more articles like this.

...

Follow