Best walnut oil, according to chefs
Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Rosa Jackson, David Lebovitz, Susan Herrmann Loomis, Roland Passot and 5 more. Recommendations come from completefrance.com, davidlebovitz.com, sfgate.com and foodgal.com.
Oils & Vinegars · The ranking
- 1Top pick
Huilerie J. Leblanc Walnut Oil
Chosen by- Rosa JacksonFood writer, Les Petits Farcis
Also chosen by- David Lebovitz · Cookbook author · ex-Chez Panisse source ↗
- Susan Herrmann Loomis · Cookbook author & cooking teacher, On Rue Tatin · France source ↗
Toasted Burgundy and Périgord walnuts, stone-milled by the Leblanc family since 1878. Jackson: “when I can buy only one I make it walnut, the most versatile of them all.” David Lebovitz and Susan Herrmann Loomis both single out Leblanc as their nut-oil maker.
- 2
La Tourangelle Roasted Walnut Oil
Chosen by- Roland PassotLa Folie
- John CarrollCookbook author
- Mark DommenOne Market
- Donna KatzlCafe for All Seasons
- Quinn HatfieldChef, Hatfield’s · Los Angeles
Won the San Francisco Chronicle’s blind tasting with 89/100, and all five chefs said they would buy it: “Toasty flavor — the best of the lot; the finish is pure and nutty.”
- 3
Fresh Vintage Farms Pure Cold-Pressed Walnut Oil
Chosen by- Carolyn JungFood Gal · ex-San Jose Mercury News
Cold-pressed in Turlock, California, from the family’s own walnuts. Jung found “a lovely roasty taste.”
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Questions, answered
- What is the best walnut oil, according to chefs?
- MyTastr’s top pick is Huilerie J. Leblanc Walnut Oil, chosen by Rosa Jackson (food writer, Les Petits Farcis). Toasted Burgundy and Périgord walnuts, stone-milled by the Leblanc family since 1878. Jackson: “when I can buy only one I make it walnut, the most versatile of them all.” David Lebovitz and Susan Herrmann Loomis both single out Leblanc as their nut-oil maker. Source: completefrance.com ↗
- What are the other top picks for walnut oil?
- No. 2 is La Tourangelle Roasted Walnut Oil, chosen by Roland Passot (La Folie); John Carroll (cookbook author); Mark Dommen (One Market); Donna Katzl (Cafe for All Seasons); Quinn Hatfield (Cortez). No. 3 is Fresh Vintage Farms Pure Cold-Pressed Walnut Oil, chosen by Carolyn Jung (Food Gal; ex-San Jose Mercury News). Each card above links to the original source.
- How does MyTastr choose these picks?
- Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.
The tasters behind this ranking
- Rosa Jackson
- David Lebovitz
- Susan Herrmann Loomis
- Roland Passot
- John Carroll
- Donna Katzl
- Mark Dommen
- Quinn Hatfield
- Carolyn Jung