Sacramento’s vibrant food scene continues to impress, not just with its recognition as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, but also with its recognition in the prestigious Michelin Guide. Sacramento is home to 16 Michelin-rated restaurants, each showcasing the city’s innovative spirit and dedication to fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, or someone simply seeking a memorable dining experience, here’s our guide to Sacramento’s Michelin-rated restaurants.
Image Courtesy of: The Kitchen Restaurant
Michelin-Starred Restaurants
In the world of dining, there’s no higher honor for a restaurant than a Michelin Star. Sacramento is home to two Michelin-Starred restaurants, each known for their exceptional cuisine and dedication to excellence.
The Kitchen Restaurant
915 Broadway #100
The Kitchen was the first Sacramento restaurant to receive a Michelin star. Led by Chef Kelly McCown, The Kitchen features an open-kitchen setting, allowing you to witness their culinary team in action and fully immerse yourself in a dining experience unlike any other. Prepare to be delighted by The Kitchen’s ever-changing six-course prix-fixe menus, featuring the best seasonal ingredients.
Localis
2031 S St.
Localis is Sacramento’s newest Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Chef Chris Barnum-Dann. This intimate Midtown Sacramento restaurant’s ever-changing tasting menu utilizes the freshest seasonal ingredients to create beautifully presented dishes. Not only does Localis promise an unforgettable evening of exceptional food, but it also offers impeccable service coupled with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Image Courtesy of: Nixtaco
Bib Gourmands
Aside from the stars, the Michelin Guide has also awarded several Sacramento restaurants Bib Gourmands, which acknowledges eateries with “good quality, good value cooking.” These restaurants are perfect for adventurous eaters on a moderate budget.
Canon
1719 34th St.
Nestled in East Sacramento, Canon is a haven for adventurous eaters seeking a blend of familiar flavors and innovation. Led by Chef Brad Cecchi, Canon’s menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients, with intriguing small plates designed to be enjoyed by the whole table.
Frank Fat’s
806 L St.
A Sacramento staple for more than 70 years, Frank Fat’s puts a modern spin on classic Chinese and Asian dishes, offering a unique and flavorful dining experience. No trip to Frank Fat’s is complete without trying their delicious, iconic banana cream pie.
Nixtaco
1805 Cirby Way #12
Located just outside Sacramento, Roseville’s Nixtaco is a haven for taco enthusiasts. Nixtaco is known for its dedication to fresh ingredients and authentic flavors with its delectable selection of tacos featuring a variety of unique meats and homemade tortillas, alongside its extensive salsa bar. When Nixtaco says unique flavors, they really mean it, as they have meat choices such as pork belly, octopus, and bacon.
Yue Huang Restaurant
3860 Truxel Road
This hidden gem in Natomas offers a vast array of dim sum dishes, featuring the traditional flavors of Southern Chinese cuisine. Yue Huang Restaurant’s chefs hail from the Canton province in China, bringing their expertise and creativity to every dish they create. Their dim sum offerings feature the standard array of steamed, baked, and fried delights, including classics like barbecue pork buns, and more unique offerings such as the succulent sticky-rice shrimp balls.
Image Courtesy of: Ella Dining Room & Bar
Michelin-Recommended Restaurants
Sacramento is home to a number of Michelin Recommended restaurants, meaning these restaurants have been recognized by the Michelin Guide for serving food to a high level.
Allora
5215 Folsom Blvd.
This modern Italian restaurant in East Sacramento offers a sophisticated, yet modern dining experience. Allora focuses on fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients as its menu features fresh pasta, local fish, and Italian wines.
Bacon & Butter
5913 Broadway
This Midtown Sacramento brunch spot offers an elevated take on the most important meal of the day. From creative pancakes and waffles to mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches, Bacon & Butter is sure to start your day off on a high note. Their biscuit sandwich is known for being a “must-try” as it features egg, cheese, bacon and caramelized onion layered atop fluffy biscuits, smothered with bacon gravy.
Beast + Bounty
1701 R St.
Beast + Bounty prioritizes local, seasonal ingredients, crafting a menu that features creative Californian fare that changes with the harvest season. A crowd favorite is their juicy half chicken served with beluga lentils, braised baby artichokes, bacon, herbed butter, and bordelaise.
Camden Spit & Larder
555 Capitol Mall
America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital meets uptown London at this downtown Sacramento favorite overlooking Capitol Mall. Led by renowned London-born Chef Oliver Ridgeway, Camden Spit & Larder offers British food with a farm-to-fork flair. Be sure to try the spit-roasted chicken served with whipped potatoes, pearl onions, asparagus and mushroom ragout, bacon, and salsa verde.
Ella Dining Room & Bar
1131 K St.
This upscale downtown Sacramento restaurant’s menu offers creative takes on global dishes. Ella Dining Room & Bar is sure to impress with its signature handcrafted cocktails, eclectic and impressive wine list, and fresh seafood bar. Be sure to try Ella’s world-renowned “White Linen,” featuring a crisp blend of gin, elderflower, simple syrup, cucumber, and lemon served in a Collins glass.
Grange Restaurant & Bar
926 J St.
Located in the heart of downtown, Grange Restaurant & Bar offers a modern take on American cuisine. This sophisticated eatery offers beautifully plated dishes with bold flavor combinations. If you’re able to visit midday, consider trying the Power Lunch, allowing you to try three courses for a reasonable price.
Hawks Provisions and Public House
1525 Alhambra Blvd.
This East Sacramento gastropub-style restaurant’s menu focuses on using the best ingredients from small farms and local purveyors to create a menu full of sharable dishes and entrees.
Mulvaney’s B&L
1215 19th St.
A firehouse in its past life, this historic Sacramento restaurant’s classic and elegant atmosphere, coupled with its menu that changes daily, is sure to leave you coming back for more. Led by Chef Patrick Mulvaney, Mulvaney’s B&L offers fresh, seasonal cooking. If the heirloom tomato and mozzarella is on the menu, don’t hesitate giving this popular menu item a try.
Zócalo
1801 Capitol Ave.
This upscale Mexican restaurant offers a taste of Mexico City with its focus on regional specialties and fresh ingredients. Zócalo’s menu features classic dishes that have been given a fresh and contemporary spin such as their fresh fish tacos that are fried Baja style with just a touch of heat.
Image Courtesy of: Beast + Bounty
Planning your Sacramento Michelin-Rated Restaurant Experience
Given that these restaurants are recognized for their exceptional quality, they tend to book up months in advance. To secure your spot, making a reservation at these coveted restaurants well in advance is highly recommended.
