Michelin-winning Molti Amici restaurant in Healdsburg suddenly closed

Molti AmiciThe North Bay’s newest restaurant to receive a coveted award Michelin California Apron Gourmand awardIt announced that it would close completely on Sunday.

“As of November 3, 2024, Molti Amici is permanently closed,” the restaurant’s Facebook page read. “We thank our community, patrons, and employees for the continued support.”

The restaurant was scheduled to be open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, but calls to its phone number went unanswered.

Jonny Barr, listed on the website as owner and chief executive of Molti Amici, confirmed the closure to The Press Democrat in a text message, saying “it’s true” but “there’s no context.”

Barr said he turned Molti Amici operations over to restaurant CEO Jason Cutrer over the summer and has since moved out of state.

“I suggest you reach out to Jason as I have no further information,” Barr texted.

The Press Democrat was in the process of reaching Cutrer Sunday evening.

The announcement follows two reports in The Press Democrat in July detailing alleged embezzlement at the restaurant. It was unclear Sunday whether police were continuing to investigate the allegation. Cutrer and Barr said the issue was resolved because the claim was retracted.

The closing represents a dramatic turn of events for the restaurant. The Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction is given to restaurants that serve good food at reasonable prices, and Molti Amici was the only new restaurant in the North Bay to receive this award in August.

He joins Ciccio (Yountville), El Molino Central (Sonoma), FolkTable (Sonoma), Glen Ellen Star (Glen Ellen), Khom Loi (Sebastopol), Ramen Gaijin (Sebastopol), Stockhome (Petaluma) and Valley (Sonoma). all retained Michelin Bib Gourmand honors.

Other winners keeping their stars in 2023 new California Michelin GuideIncluding SingleThread (3 stars), The French Laundry in Yountville (3 stars) and Harbor House in Elk (2 stars). Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford), Auro (Calistoga), Cyrus (Geyserville), Kenzo (Napa) and Press (St. Helena) maintained their single-star status.

This is an evolving story. Check back for updates.