Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Michael Warring in Vallejo

4.7 (70) 8300 Bennington Dr, Vallejo, CA 94591, United States

Categories

Fine dining restaurant
Restaurant
Wine bar

Location on the map

Vallejo, Solano County, California, US

Phone: +1 707-655-4808
Site: http://michaelwarring.com/

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:Closed
Thursday:6–10 PM
Friday:6–10 PM
Saturday:6–10 PM
Sunday:6–10 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.7

70 Reviews for Michael Warring 2024:

Review №1

2023-11-27 01:44:32

Very nice experience for our anniversary. Interesting flavor combinations. Great wine.

Review №2

2021-12-20 01:48:32

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

Review №3

2023-07-01 04:30:04

Outstanding menu, outstanding food paired with great wines. The service was great. Cheers to the chef. I highly recommend this meal for a very special occasion. 34 year anniversary was a great time to celebrate. Thank you Michael Warring. Can I offer a 10++ we loved the evening.

Review №4

2021-05-24 04:40:50

Really nice course meal. Although the portions were small, the flavor and execution was fantastic. Im looking forward to going again some day. Its a small cozy restaurant so dont expect to be able to bring a large party.

Review №5

2022-08-14 17:09:40

Elegant, yet not fussy - delicious. Fabulous wine pairings. You definitely leave full, satisfied and joyful.

Review №6

2023-09-04 16:23:12

Amazing food, served by friendly people in an environment that isnt pretentious. Its a course meal, no ordering. Get the wine pairing.

Review №7

2021-03-07 20:39:59

Words cant describe how amazing this dinner was. Michael and his wife and so friendly and they really go out of their way to create an incredible dining experience. Cant wait to go back. So worth the money.

Review №8

2021-12-19 17:52:10

This is a different kind of dining experience reservation only and no menu be on time they plate at the same time for all guests

Review №9

2021-03-20 03:47:29

Everytime I sit at this amazing establishment its an experience that will blow your mind. The different flavors and dishes will set your palate for an all out amazing trip of awesomeness 👌

Review №10

2022-03-12 05:50:31

My husband & I dined here for the first time and we already cant wait to return with family & friends. The intimacy of a small crowd + front row seat of the kitchen in action, not to mention the 5 star food, made this an experience we will never forget. Each course was unique yet they all worked harmoniously together - we loved the Japanese and French influences throughout, the combination of textures and the balance of flavors. I had a hard time choosing my favorite course. We’ve eaten at several Michelin star restaurants and Michael Warring is definitely a contender!!!

Review №11

2023-05-05 19:24:40

The finest food and wine pairing, flavor profiles were outstanding. We ordered the 14 course food and wine pairing.

Review №12

2021-05-08 04:03:06

We had a fantastic experience at Michael Warring. What a lovely surprise tucked away in Vallejo. Well worth the trip for the tasting menu and wine pairing. We sat at the bar and had a great view of chef Warring creating each beautiful dish, with lovely hills in the background. Thank you for the excellent food and the fabulous service. We cant wait until next time.

Review №13

2023-10-25 05:10:45

At Michael Warring, I had a fantastic dining experience with delicious food and impeccable service.

Review №14

2022-03-31 13:08:34

Asked for very spicy and phew, they certainly made the grade there. The larb was very, very hot, but otherwise kind of bland - not the tasty combination I usually expect. Green curry was very good, very, very spicy and tasty to boot. Will definitely give them another go.

Review №15

2019-12-23 17:29:07

I dont think I have ever enjoyed a dinner more than Michael Warring this past weekend. Food was incredibly delicious and creative, and the intimacy of the small setting where only the chef and his wife are present makes it feel like you are a guest in their home. Very casual vibe, with background music consisting of artists like the Eagles and Tom Petty, and the chef cooking in a t-shirt and jeans. No pretension, just awesome food presented wonderfully.Recommend sitting at the counter where you get an up close view of the chef doing his magic.

Review №16

2017-03-17 11:00:09

This was such an enjoyable experience! We all loved our food. It was beautifully presented, tasted wonderful, and Michael and his wife were very gracious and hospitable. Had the wine pairing with dinner and that only added to the fantastic meal.

Review №17

2021-08-30 15:08:23

Extremely creative cooking in a small (18 seat), beautiful space. It is just Michael and his wife, Ali turning out an amazing 8 course dinner. They also have a week chosen small wine list.

Review №18

2019-09-21 04:50:50

My wife and I were just commenting on how Per Se and the French Laundry just werent different enough from one another. Done one and youve done both. But this place is just GREAT! Weve been coming here for the past few years and every meal is different and so inventive. Not to mention that our bill for a food and wine pairing is a third, maybe a forth of what were paying Thomas Keller on special occasions. And while the wine is admittedly not as impressive, the food is just spectacular every time. Do yourself a favor and eat here. Its just wonderful!

Review №19

2018-05-09 22:50:19

Wow. amazing, beautiful tasting menu that changes frequently. I love to watch the precision of this brilliant chef in his open kitchen. incredible. food = art here. I highly recommend the wine pairing! fyi reservations required - call in advance.

Review №20

2019-03-08 19:35:04

Been twice. Once before the remodel for 6 course. Once after the remodel for the new(ish) Thursday night 12 course.If you want to stuff your face, visit a steakhouse. If you are picky, stay home. But if you have an open mind and can appreciate someone who has honed their craft, then this restaurant is well worth your time and money, no matter the commute. Michael and Ali are consummate professionals with not just talent but are clearly putting in the work it takes to produce a 5* product in both food and service. They are knowledgeable, efficient, and welcoming. The food is exciting, balanced, and ever-changing.So pack your lunch this week instead of eating out and spend your money instead on an experience I am sure you will find new and engaging. You might just have your mind (and taste buds) blown!

Review №21

2016-04-15 03:03:33

Oh we had such a wonderful evening at Michael Waring. The food and wine pairings were simply excellent. The chef worked directly in front of us and engaged with us as he created these marvelous dishes. Thank you Michael. We will tell everyone in Kansas about Michael Waring.

Review №22

2017-12-23 16:00:41

My husband and I have been to this delightful restaurant twice. Each time we have had a wonderful time. The multiple courses always seem to start with a sweet/salty tart followed by plates that step from one flavor palette into another. The small courses are thoughtfully crafted and painstakingly plated (often with kitchen tweezers that ensure the perfect placement of an ingredient or garnish). Midway through each meal I feel as though I have traveled to some delectable location and whatever stress I have seems to melt away. At this point simply having a reservation at this little unassuming gem of a restaurant is like having a small blue box from Tiffanys...unwrapped...perched on the fireplace mantle. Each time you think of it the thought of peeking inside lifts the spirits and brightens the moment.

Review №23

2016-10-16 17:50:48

Short review... OMG this place is OFF THE HOOK!The gory details... when we first arrived, I was GRUMPY. It was pouring rain, they have an almost invisible sign, we drove by it three times. It is a restaurant in an office building. Completely lacking in restaurant decor. I was really impressed with how nicely Alli treated us - despite my being a jerk. Except for the size of the steak entree (literally 1.5 cubic inch) I have NOTHING else negative to say.And I have a TON of positive things to say! They only seat 20 people/night. Can you say, unbelievable customer service?! And that means you can be at your table all night long. The set menu, five courses and dessert, was the best food I have ever had. Definitely get the wine - we are probably buying four of the five bottles we tasted. And I dont mean they only gave us small tastes - we got a glass of each wine.The seasoning and combination of flavors was like nothing you could normally find outside a big city. I dont know how Michael creates these INCREDIBLE dishes!If you work for a nice company - you should get them to have a holiday party here. If you want to impress a date - you should bring them here. If you want food that tantalizes your pallet - you should eat here!

Review №24

2021-05-02 02:56:29

We love this place. The unique dishes you will experiment are different than anywhere else. Every time we are here it is a culinary experience indeed. We really missed this place during COVID. We are happy to be back again!

Review №25

2017-03-21 17:34:27

Michael Warrings seems almost out of place here in Vallejo. The food is on par with the top stops in Napa and San Francisco. Certainly the setting is a little odd - a mini strip mall out at Hiddenbrooke. I am certain that many people drive right past it on their first trip.They only take reservations, dont bother showing up without one! Many of his dishes need hours to prepare (often using Sous Vide). Do yourself, and everyone else, a favor and show up on time. He uses a large variety of ingredients in most dishes, and they require plenty personal touches to get right. If you show up late you will be out of sync with the other diners and you will all have to wait a bit longer for food, and Michael will have to rush to get everything prepared. It certainly will not feel as relaxed in the restaurant if you are late.They also cannot make substitutions, it is a small place with very customized food. If you are a diner that expects the chef to change his meals to fit your tastes this restaurant is not place for you. If you are the type of diner that is delighted by tasting amazing food prepared in unique and unexpected ways you will not be disappointed.If you have read this much of the review you have noticed that I have not posted much detail about the food. The simple reason is that it is different every time. One last note - I have never seen a chef use tweezers as much as Mr. Warring. He has a large selection of them!

Review №26

2018-09-24 16:46:09

Michael & Ali Warring earned a 4-1/2 in my book, but review websites dont offer that option. Why 4-1/2? A 5 has meaning if it is given only to, say, the best 10 restaurants in the world.Michaels imagination and skill are outstanding, as are Alis efficiency and friendliness. The clean simplicity of their venues design and its rural scenery allow guests to focus on Michaels prep and his & Alis plating performance -- for that is what it is, and it IS fun.We found the timing excellent, the courses uniquely tasty and in perfect portions, the platings visually colorful, balanced, and intriguing, and the overall dinner completely satisfying & enjoyable. Wine pairings were well-selected, and Ali simply but fully explained each dish and each pairing.You MUST make a reservation: there are only 19 seats between the bar and the one larger and several small tables -- and those are carefully programmed to accomodate the slightly over-lapping 6pm and 7:30pm seatings! You can ONLY reserve by telephone, and only between 10am - 4pm Wednesday thru Sunday.We look forward to our future visits to Michael & Ali. Its a pleasure to enjoy their table.

Review №27

2018-11-10 05:04:37

Quite possibly the worst meal of my life. 9 courses of food at no more than two bites each for a whopping $118. Overly salted, foul flavored dishes over three hours left me hungry and annoyed. Topped off by the rude waitress, this was definitely an experience I’ll never forget. For that price tag I expect a LOT better.

Review №28

2016-06-02 07:47:08

Becoming a yearly visit at Michael Warrings. Finely skilled local Chef @ Vallejo that sits 15 max every 2hrs. personally plates and explains each ingredient of every course. Highly pleasant to the taste- every bit. He is a chef and is into Quality planned menu. Good job.

Review №29

2012-10-12 20:06:40

My Second Visit to Michael Warring RestaurantI pleased to say that my second trip to Michael Warring equaled the experience of my initial visit. Elated by my first visit two months ago, I returned this time with another couple, to see what Michael Warring was going to offer. I am pleased to say, the second meal was no less memorable than my first.The fresh greens, at the beginning of the meal, were much the same as during my prior visit. The salty Champagne Vinaigrette was an excellent accompaniment to the bitterness of the greens.The roasted loin of long & bailey pork with the Danvers carrot, rouge vif detampe, and green beans was outstanding. The searing on the pork was amazing.We had been looking forward to the pineapple upside down cake with pineapple guava ice cream, and salted caramel with anticipation. The ‘cake’ component was indefinably delicious. Was it a scone? Was it a biscuit? Nothing in any of our memories could classify why the inside was so light, while the outside had a firm crunch. Michael’s version of pineapple upside down cake ranks in my top ten desserts of all time.I came to the conclusion that while I tend to be a protein with heavy sauce guy, Michael’s unsullied, elegant food satisfies my spiritual pallet.

Review №30

2015-11-30 08:17:33

My experience here was nothing short of phenomenal.This is my new favorite restaurant. If you die before getting to eat at Michael Warrings restaurant, you have truly missed one hell of a culinary experience.Michael Warring is a true genius. His ability to construct unique flavors has transformed my outlook on food. His attention to detail and dedication to providing breathtaking dishes is truly inspirational.While his menu changes daily, here is my description of the menu I was fortunate enough to have eaten from.The apple pie soup blended unique flavors that provided a perfect start to an incredible meal. The hamachi that followed was refreshing and palate cleansing. The agnolotti pasta dish included a generous serving of foie gras and black truffle. Just when I thought the meal could not get any better, Michael brought over his pastrami. This pastrami took chef Michael more than a week to brine and cook. His cheese cart was anything but ordinary. The brioche doughnut with coffee cardamom soil was the flawless finish to a brilliant meal.If I could eat here everyday, I would.tl;dr Inspirational food, beautiful presentation, and quality service.

Review №31

2015-06-03 10:59:48

Do I have good reasons for a 1 star review of an acclaimed restaurant? Well, you judge.The restaurant is in a standard retail storefront of a small shopping center. It has no atmosphere at all. If you plan to have a romantic date, this is one of the last places you would want to go. Everyone can hear everyone elses conversation unless you whisper. Its obvious obvious that this place was chosen because the rent is cheap and nothing was done to make it an inviting atmosphere.We reserved by phone and were told the only time open was 6:30pm. From S.F. you can plan on 90 minutes to get there during the dinner hour. It was a long drive and traffic was bad; we arrived 25 minutes late. There were exactly eight other people in the restaurant; it was more than half empty. The fixed tasting menu has four very small courses plus cheese and dessert. We were told that the first course, a salad, had been served and that the chef did not want to prepare it for us now because it would interrupt his concentration.We were also told by Mrs. Warring that there were three seatings in an evening, that each seating had a window of two hours, and if service did not start promptly and follow the schedule, the next service would be disrupted. Although I was upset about not receiving the first course, I sighed and accepted this reasoning. (It was only after the meal ended and I paid that I found out that there were no other seatings this evening and that Mr. and Mrs. Warring were anxious to close the restaurant and get home early.)Still under the illusion that there would be two more services that evening, I ordered a glass of an excellent red and received approximately 3 ounces, if that much. I asked if that was a standard pour and was told yes by Mr. Warrings wife, who was quite coldly and unsmilingly providing the waitress duties. Servers of course range from those who smile and are obviously happy with their work to those who hate their job and see you, the customer, as a problem that is ruining their day. Unfortunately, Mrs. Warring is a perfect example of the latter. Each time she passed by our table the few drops of wine in my glass became a few degrees cooler.The promise of great food, of course, is the main reason that one drives an hour and a half and pays high prices to eat in a shopping center. I cant comment on the first course. But the second course was a small one-inch cube of raw fish with a few bits of something and a 1/4 teaspoon of sauce drizzled over the fish. Perhaps a super-taster with a very dense system of taste buds and a nose for every nuance could appreciate the subtlety of the dish, but it was lost on me. The one bite of fish was excellent. The rest of the dish was all promise and no delivery.The third course was some kind of raw meat cut into five one-inch cubes. Tough and stringy is a perfect description of the quality of the meat. Almost impossible to cut and about five minutes to chew each cube. I suppose this was a strategy to extend the dining time given the miniscule portions. The chef would then have more time to prepare the cheese plate for the patrons.The cheese plate had three local cheeses. Mrs. Warring seemed very proud to announce that one of the cheeses had been aged for six months. Given that the week before in Bologna, Italy, I had tasted a three-cheese plate of Parmigiano aged 21, 24, and 36 years, I was not terribly impressed.Dessert was fine.When I paid, a little before 9pm, I noticed Mr. Warring cleaning and closing the kitchen. Of course, they charged me for all the courses even though they refused to serve the first course. Of course I will not be back. But as a warning to you, there are so many other excellent restaurants in the Bay Area and the wine country, why run the risk of an unpleasant experience, a server who doesnt like serving, a long drive, a high price, and a snob-attitude. Spend your money someplace else where you have a much better chance of having a great time!

Review №32

2017-03-17 05:35:06

I had a nice breakfast. Waffle, egg, sausage and coffee. I really liked the coffee. The egg was cooked perfectly to order, and it wasnt dripping in grease... which is good. The sausage was average, and I liked that it was caseless link style. The only thing I wasnt fond of was the waffle.

Review №33

2017-08-25 05:41:09

Michael Warring (and his partner and wife, Ally) have brought some incredible food to this corner of the Bay Area. You can go twice as far for twice the price (hello Napa and Sonom!) and still not get the amazing food and thoughtful, heartfelt service. Make your reservation soon / this place is about to be discovered! And they deserve the fame and notoriety that is eventually coming their way.

Review №34

2016-08-05 19:55:22

Thank you both so much for another wonderful meal. Each time we take friends with us for the first time they marvel, as we do, at the imagination and perfection that go into everything that comes to our table.We hope more and more people discover you,Warmly,Suzanne and Michael Ziegler

Review №35

2017-12-11 04:27:04

Fantastic experience. Great to watch the chef at work, and the food was spectacular. Its amazing that we have this available here in Vallejo. If youre in the area, just go. You wont regret it.

Review №36

2014-07-25 02:31:16

Drove 24 miles based on comments on web. Was told $69 per person, one menu no substitutes. Empty place, duh. Duck pate main course. Wish i knew the plan BEFORE driving 24 miles!! Found my meal elsewhere in Napa.

Review №37

2023-04-28 22:05:48

Food was exceptional!! Every bite was a delight!! Thoroughly enjoyed everything!!!

Review №38

2018-01-08 03:52:31

Michael has a skilled and inventive hand with flavor (the hamachi and foie gras course was astounding) and his wife Allie does a great job with front of house. This food would easily cost double in SF.

Review №39

2016-08-07 10:22:48

Phenomenal--Our first time was on July 30th to celebrate my daughters birthday and we were amazed! An incredible experience for our family.

Review №40

2020-11-06 21:10:43

Amazing food and wine pairings. Truly a great experience. Did leave a little hungry though even after 7 courses.

Review №41

2017-02-23 10:20:15

Good crispy PIZZA - CUT IN SQUARES - Always a local HOME TOWN FAVORITE ! Unique pizza with a local flair, it is tasty and always fresh - and freshly baked on order !

Review №42

2016-06-26 00:55:35

Awesome dining experience. Chef is very creative and his wife runs the front of the intimate restaurant with grace. A must try!

Review №43

2021-03-06 04:29:50

Wonderful experience. Very intimate experience with amazing food. I highly recommend visiting if you have the chance. You will not be disappointed.

Review №44

2017-03-26 06:43:25

Such an amazing dining experience every time. The unique flavors make his style an art. Must try!

Review №45

2015-11-13 06:26:06

Good set menu and very generous wine and beer pairings. Odd location, but worth the visit if you are nearby.

Review №46

2019-05-27 17:21:59

Great food, value and attention to detail. Love the intimacy of the restaurant, will definitely be coming back soon

Review №47

2016-12-11 17:22:14

This was probably our 5th or 6th time back and they always surprise us with something different. The noodle course was beyond words. Thanks so much for doing what you do.

Review №48

2017-09-09 19:38:39

Good food. Good service. Clean and Modern décor. Enjoyed our lunch. Maria is awesome.

Review №49

2022-05-28 04:41:23

Great food and great service. Won of the best places I have eaten at.

Review №50

2019-01-12 20:41:39

Have not tried this place yet but based on reviews i purchased a gift certificate for some friends to try. for Vallejo this place looks pretty special...

Review №51

2022-06-20 03:19:45

What a wonderful experience. Delicious food and kind customer service.

Review №52

2022-12-23 16:50:13

Amazing hidden gem! Great experience

Review №53

2015-12-30 02:21:17

My husband and I have eaten all over the world, and this was the finest meal we have ever had.

Review №54

2015-09-13 23:22:05

One of my favorite chefs. Food was imaginative and delicious

Review №55

2022-04-01 02:26:47

Amazing dinner experience! Highly recommend 🥂

Review №56

2018-12-07 06:04:42

Amazing food; great value for the quality.

Review №57

2016-09-15 03:06:56

Sublime! Mystical fusion...Timor to Penang a la Alsace.

Review №58

2021-11-19 06:36:53

Extraordinary meal and wine pairing！

Review №59

2018-04-29 15:34:28

The food is amazing and this place is one of a kind

Review №60

2016-11-11 15:12:01

Great food!!I want to go back again and again!!

Review №61

2016-12-09 19:56:56

Wonderful experience....looking forward to next time.

Review №62

2021-04-26 04:31:24

The food experience is amazing!!

Review №63

2016-08-11 15:46:26

Poke Gym

Review №64

2020-04-12 07:41:30

Been here 4 years in a row.

Review №65

2019-06-17 04:15:43

Best restaurant in the north bay

Review №66

2021-02-27 06:09:35

Simply delicious!

Review №67

2019-03-22 15:44:01

An epicurean experience.

Review №68

2017-07-02 06:58:17

Hella tasty.

Review №69

2019-11-10 20:42:11

World class.

Review №70

2016-01-09 08:53:29

Excellent!!!