Napa Valley Has a New Champagne and Caviar Lounge — and It's From One of the Most Famous Chefs in the Country

Christopher Stark/Courtesy of Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

Caviar lovers, rejoice. Legendary chef Thomas Keller has permanently expanded his Napa Valley restaurant empire with Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge in Yountville, California. Chef Keller originally opened the lounge — just around the corner from his Michelin three-starred French Laundry — as a pop-up restaurant last summer, but due to its popularity decided to make the lounge permanent.

The decadent menu includes plenty of caviar, of course, but it's not as formal as you might expect for a restaurant that centers on one of the world's most expensive foods. Naturally, it exclusively serves Regiis Ova caviar, the chef's own brand, which he opened in collaboration with Shaoching Bishop to ensure a consistent supply of top-quality caviar for his Michelin-starred restaurants.

David Escalante/Courtesy of Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

David Escalante/Courtesy of Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

If you're new to caviar, the lounge is the perfect place to learn. Order the Tasting of Regiis Ova Caviar, which includes five-gram servings of five different types of caviar, each served on a mother-of-pearl spoon. Try them all, find your favorite, and then indulge in a full caviar service.

Already a caviar connoisseur? You'll be delighted with the inventive and unexpected dishes featuring caviar, which are a far cry from traditional fine dining, but just as delicious. There's Tempura-fried Chicken Tenders topped with caviar, French Onion Dip with kettle-fried potato chips and caviar, and even a cucumber salad served on a bed of caviar.

One of caviar's best pairings is Champagne, so the restaurant naturally has an exquisite bubbles program, including top cuvées from Dom Pérignon and Krug. You can even order Dom Pérignon by the glass — a rarity — and there are large-format bottles for groups.

David Escalante/Courtesy of Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

If your dinner plans are already scheduled during your trip to Napa Valley, be sure to stop by before your flight home on Sunday for a decadent prix-fixe brunch. Choose from a garden-herb omelet or soft-scrambled eggs, both served with caviar, side dishes, a Bouchon Bakery croissant, and a glass of Modicum Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine.

The sleek spaces were designed in consultation with legendary designer Ken Fulk and features furnishings from RH Interiors.

Christopher Stark/Courtesy of Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge is open Wednesday through Sunday and reservations are available on Resy.