Discover Sacramento, California's, award-winning culinary scene

Sacramento’s culinary scene has gained recognition for its emphasis on unique dishes, quality ingredients, and innovative pairings. Several restaurants have earned Michelin accolades, maintaining the city’s standing in the prestigious guide.

Kin Thai made a name with its distinct street food offerings. The Kongsitthanakorn family focuses on authentic Thai flavors, introducing dishes like Gui Chai, which are rarely seen outside Thailand. Meanwhile, Localis maintained its one-star status. Chef Chris Barnum-Dann received recognition for his wine expertise, pairing meals with selections ranging from Austrian Riesling to aged French Pinot Noir. Pho Momma impressed with affordable, flavorful pho and spring rolls, earning a Bib Gourmand status. The restaurant, owned by My Le, showcases broths simmered for days and hand-rolled dishes, meeting Michelin’s standards for quality and value.

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Kin Thai By BENJY EGEL

NO. 1: MICHELIN REVEALS 2025 GUIDE. SEE WHICH 13 CALIFORNIA RESTAURANTS MADE THE LIST

These eateries were “too good to keep a secret,” Michelin Guide inspectors said. | Published May 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

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An open tin of Sterling Caviar is ready to provide caviar “bumps” – dollops of the sturgeon roe placed on the space between the thumb and index finger – at the Butterscotch Den in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023. By Paul Kitagaki Jr.

NO. 2: MAKING GOOD FOOD RESPONSIBLY BRINGS PRAISE TO SACRAMENTO-AREA PRODUCERS

Three capital region food producers were honored at this year’s Good Food Awards. | Published June 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Camila Pedrosa

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Napang Kongsitthanakorn holds a plate of Crab Curry at Kin Thai Street Eatery in midtown on June 4, 2025. By DANIEL HEUER

NO. 3: ‘IT’S UNIMAGINABLE’: UNIQUE STREET EATS LAND KIN THAI HIGH ON THE MICHELIN GUIDE

They opened during the pandemic with no name recognition — now Michelin nod has made it a hit midtown. | Published June 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Camila Pedrosa Kat Tran

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The “Snacks and Good Friends” ceviche at Localis includes rockfish, scallop and Dungeness crab with an aguachile of peas, green onions and jalapeño, finished in an avocado-pea salsa with a scoop of frosty avocado sorbet. By Camila Pedrosa

NO. 4: SACRAMENTO’S LOCALIS EARNED MICHELIN MARKS FOR CHEF’S DRINK PAIRINGS, WINE CELLAR

Chris Barnum-Dann took home one of Sacramento’s two new Michelin accolades Wednesday. | Published June 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Camila Pedrosa

Chris Barnum-Dann of Localis received the Michelin Sommelier Award at the Michelin Guide California 2025 Ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center. By JOSÉ LUIS VILLEGAS

NO. 5: SACRAMENTO GETS NEW BIB GOURMAND, LOCALIS CHEF LAUDED FOR PAIRINGS ON MICHELIN’S BIG NIGHT

Pho Momma, the delicious and budget-friendly La Riveria restaurant, elevated on statewide dining list. Here’s what else happened on awards night. | Published June 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Camila Pedrosa Kat Tran

Owner My Le holds a tray of pho with brisket and lean beef, shrimp egg rolls and crispy sausage spring rolls at Pho Momma on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in La Riviera. By PAUL KITAGAKI JR.

NO. 6: 6 CALIFORNIA RESTAURANTS OFFER ‘BEST VALUE FOR MONEY,’ MICHELIN SAYS. SEE WHERE

From a Mexican market stall to a swanky Indian food spot, these Michelin Guide restaurants offer quality dining at affordable prices. | Published July 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.