Valette

If you enjoy shouting at your dining companions over upscale California cuisine, Valette will deliver exactly the kind of volume level you're looking for. The dining room can get seriously loud, but fortunately, the service is friendly and efficient enough to keep the night moving smoothly despite the noise. The meal started as a bit of a mixed bag. The burrata and focaccia arrived looking the part but was sadly lacking in actual flavor. Things turned around with the steak tartare, which was genuinely delicious, though the portion size was small enough to make you wonder if it was designed for a toddler. If you're looking for better value in the starter department, the lamb appetizer can actually be upgraded to a full entree portion, or you can opt for the gem salad, which was very good. For the mains, the duck was a sizable and well-enjoyed portion, and the NY strip arrived perfectly cooked to temp. It comes with a horseradish sauce that you can honestly take or leave—the meat itself has enough flavor that the sauce is entirely optional. Whatever you do, make sure to save room for dessert because the pastry department is carrying its weight. The "Not a Snickers" bar is absolutely amazing and worth the trip alone. If you prefer a less sugary end to your evening, the carrot cake comes with a sour cream element that gives it a nice, unexpected kick. It’s a solid spot, provided you bring your earplugs and skip the bread course.

From the moment we arrived, Valette had us. The restaurant is stunning — a beautifully designed interior that flows seamlessly into a gorgeous outdoor dining area. We knew immediately this was going to be a special night. We went all in with the chef’s prix fixe menu, and it delivered from the very first bite. Warm, homemade dinner rolls — fragrant with thyme, garlic, and chili flakes, served alongside pillowy whipped butter — set the tone perfectly. We loved them so much we asked for a second basket without a moment’s hesitation. The Sonoma County Organic Salad that followed was nothing short of a revelation: crisp Little Gem lettuce, Pioneer Micro Herbs and edible flowers, beautifully shaved vegetables, whipped fromage blanc, and a Green Goddess dressing that tied it all together with effortless elegance. Perfection is the only word for it. For our entrées, the Petrale Sole Meunière was a masterclass in refined, soulful cooking — the Costeaux sourdough croutons, potato fondant, haricot verts, and caper beurre noisette working in perfect harmony. And the pork porchetta with nduja? Cooked flawlessly, bold, deeply satisfying, and utterly memorable. We paired the meal with the Valette Rosé of Pinot Noir, which has instantly earned a place among the finest rosés we’ve ever tasted — vibrant, nuanced, and a dream with every course. Dessert brought the ItsNotA ‘Snickers Bar’ and the Almond Frangipane, both executed brilliantly and the ideal sweet finale to an extraordinary meal. Valette isn’t just a great restaurant — it’s our new favorite dining destination, full stop. We’ll be back, again and again.

An incredible dining experience. We came here for my wife’s birthday. The staff was always attentive and intentional, and we even got a visit at the table by Mr. Valette himself to welcome us. We chose to do the coursed meal with wine pairing. As you should if you want the best Valette can offer you! Everything we got on the menu was divine. We chose to get different sets of dishes on each course (so we can taste each others dishes!) and we did not regret it. There was never a time we wanted to swap plates because they were always a hit. The wines paired very well and ended with a delicious port wine for the dessert course. Overall, I think this is the place to beat in Healdsburg for a fine dining experience without the Michelin star stuffiness.

This is a quaint little place in Healdsburg. What really stood out was the service. Our waiter presented the food. He was very meticulous and thoughtful in his craft. This has become a forgotten Art 🎨 in the food industry.

This was a tremendous experience. Food was top notch — so delicious and creative. The scallop dish blew us away. Really what was most special was the service. Jacob - our server - was awesome. So attentive and kind. We will 100% be returning. Run don’t walk here. Sorry my pics are bad — food was great (pictured: Duck, scallop dish)