Introducing Chef Mark Dommen: A Culinary Force Joins Hestan Napa
At Hestan Napa Restaurant, excellence in the kitchen begins with the chef. We are honored to welcome Chef Mark Dommen as Hestan’s Chef in Residence. A Michelin-star talent, Napa Valley local, and longtime leader of San Francisco’s celebrated One Market Restaurant, which closed its doors In June 2025, after 32 years. We asked Chef Mark to share why he’s particularly excited to work with Hestan.
Several factors inspired my decision to join Hestan Napa Restaurant. First and foremost, I’ve had the privilege of knowing Stanley Cheng for 25 years and hold deep respect for the Hestan brand. Additionally, this role offers a unique opportunity to work with world-class cookware and top-tier commercial appliances. It’s every chef’s aspiration to work with the very best, and having the opportunity to work with Hestan products is truly a dream realized. It aligns with my professional goals and culinary standards. After many years of commuting into the Bay Area from my home in Napa, I think my family is also very excited with this opportunity that allows me to be closer to my home and community.
Excellence Meets Heritage
With more than 20 years of experience, Chef Dommen honed his craft under some of the world’s most revered culinary masters, including Hubert Keller, Gray Kunz, David Burke, and Jean-Louis Palladin. These classical influences instilled in him a foundation of technique and precision that continues to shape his cooking today. When asked how these experiences have helped shape his craft, Chef Dommen explains:
The opportunity to work alongside so many great chefs throughout my training provided the foundation for the chef I am today. From mastering techniques, understanding flavor and balance to discovering new ingredients, each chef played a meaningful role in shaping both my culinary approach and my leadership style.
Chef Mark Dommen’s Hestan Napa Restaurant tasting menu will take the format of 5-6 courses, with bold signatures like Liberty Farms Duck, Grilled Flannery NY Strip, and Day Boat Scallops, showcasing the finest purveyors of Northern California. Elevated by seasonal touches such as Roasted Fig Salad and a decadent Basque Cheesecake, the menu blends Napa Valley’s bounty with Michelin-starred artistry.
Michelin-Star Leadership
During his tenure as Executive Chef at One Market Restaurant in San Francisco, Dommen led the kitchen to earn a Michelin star from 2008 to 2012. His leadership garnered widespread acclaim, with glowing reviews from the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as the title of “Rising Star” from StarChefs.com. His achievements cemented One Market as one of the Bay Area’s most celebrated dining destinations and established Dommen as one of California’s most influential chefs. We asked Chef to indulge whether we’ll see re-imaginations of classics like his Dungeness crab with green apple water and jalapeño sorbet, Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with dandelion persillade, or Smoked Tasmanian trout mi-cuit.
At Hestan, my commitment to using the finest ingredients will not change. The menu will be driven by locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, with a strong emphasis on the produce grown in and around the Napa Valley, executed with refined, classical techniques. The legacy of One Market will continue with my culinary philosophy. At Hestan Napa, the more intimate setting allows for a greater focus on the details. An ideal that aligns seamlessly with the Hestan brand’s commitment to excellence. Guests can expect a more elevated experience, with thoughtful dishes that complement the outstanding wine portfolio of Hestan Vineyards.
Seasonal, Ingredient-Driven Style
At the heart of Chef Dommen’s philosophy is a deep respect for seasonal California produce. His cooking elevates simple ingredients through the lens of classic French and European technique, lending to the menu dishes that are as thoughtful as they are flavorful. This ingredient-driven approach will take center stage at Hestan Napa Restaurant, where every menu will celebrate the local bounty of Napa Valley and surrounding regions paired beautifully with award-winning Hestan Vineyard wines—crafted at the hands of acclaimed vintner Thomas Rivers Brown.
Home-Grown Inspiration
Beyond the professional kitchen, Dommen is a true Napa Valley resident. At home, he tends to a sprawling backyard garden and outdoor kitchen, where he grows everything from herbs and heirloom tomatoes to figs and burdock. These homegrown harvests inspire his creativity and connect his food to the land around him. Now, that same passion for cultivating flavors will lend richness and authenticity to the wine-pairing menus at Hestan Napa Restaurant. His ability to honor tradition while embracing innovation makes him the perfect steward for Hestan Napa Restaurant, where we merge Michelin-caliber cuisine, Napa Valley terroir, and Hestan’s chef-driven innovation in cookware.
The Future of Hestan Napa Restaurant
As Chef Dommen leads our kitchen, guests can expect menus that are seasonal, locally inspired, and perfectly paired with Hestan Vineyard wines. His arrival is more than a culinary milestone—it’s a celebration of Napa Valley, of Hestan’s uncompromising commitment to craft, and creating the highest quality products and experiences for epicurean enthusiasts.
Join us at Hestan Napa Restaurant during your next visit to wine country.
For bookings and more information visit: hestanculinary.com/pages/hestan-store
