Where family legacy meets modern American artistry, Valette Healdsburg transforms seasonal Sonoma County ingredients into extraordinary culinary narratives within the very building where Chef Dustin Valette's great-grandfather once operated a bakery. This Michelin-recognized destination represents the full-circle return of the Valette family to their ancestral home, creating Healdsburg's most compelling fine dining experience.

Founded in 2015 by Chef Dustin Valette and his brother Aaron Garzini, this contemporary restaurant honors both heritage and innovation. Dustin, a Culinary Institute of America graduate with experience at Michelin-starred Aqua and Napa's Bouchon, brings decades of West Coast culinary mastery to his hometown venture. The restaurant's Michelin recognition and Wine Spectator Award of Excellence validate Valette's position among California's premier dining destinations, while Dustin's 2023 'Champion of the Industry' award underscores his influence on Healdsburg's evolving culinary landscape.

Valette's modern American cuisine showcases the region's exceptional bounty through dishes that surprise and delight. Signature presentations include seared scallops beneath squid ink puff pastry, enhanced by caviar-flecked champagne beurre blanc poured tableside, and Peking-spiced duck breast atop forbidden rice with tamarind sauce. The menu structure offers flexibility from casual bar bites to immersive multi-course tasting menus, accommodating both spontaneous visits and special celebrations. Seasonal sourcing drives every plate, with Dustin's relationships with local farmers ensuring peak-quality ingredients define each dish. The restaurant's commitment to craftsmanship extends to housemade charcuterie, prepared using a vintage Berkel slicer gifted by an admiring colleague.

The intimate dining room balances rustic charm with contemporary sophistication, featuring hand-hewn furniture crafted from 750-year-old redwood and distinctive dandelion-inspired light fixtures against concrete walls. Horseshoe-shaped banquettes create cozy conversation spaces while maintaining the open, welcoming atmosphere. Service reflects the family-run philosophy, with knowledgeable staff guiding guests through complex flavor profiles and wine pairings. The beverage program showcases Dustin's dual passion as chef-vintner, featuring his own Valette Wines alongside carefully curated small-production bottles from acclaimed Sonoma and Napa collaborators including David Ramey and Bob Cabral.

Reservations at Valette require advance planning, particularly for weekend dining and the coveted tasting menu experiences. The restaurant's intimate scale and Michelin recognition make it one of Healdsburg's most sought-after tables, where every meal becomes a celebration of Sonoma County's agricultural artistry and the Valette family's culinary vision.