I have been lucky enough to have dined at the Kitchen several times. Each experience was different but all amazing. It's a bit tough to get a reservation so you need to plan four months in advance as that's when reservations open up. If you do that, the likelihood of you getting a spot is pretty good, even on a weekend. The food is to die for with multiple courses that changes monthly. Just note that the food is usually paired with a rich sauce but they do check with you prior to your reservation date about any dietary restrictions. My favorite for the spring menu were the steak tartar and oysters served multiple ways. The chefs and staff are engaging and do their job well...my napkin was always folded when I returned if I left my seat. Service was excellent. I did notice that portions seem to be smaller than what they used to be but you won't leave hungry since you can order as much as you want. Also, there's a charge for every beverage, even coffee...they could have been more up front about this as I recall it used to be included. I can't wait to go back. read more

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The Food Though a bit of effort, we were able to get a reservation for the critically acclaimed The Kitchen. We were in time to experience...appropriately enough, Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party'. It starts with a Prelude of small-bite snacks. Which is an understatement, since there was quite an array of snacks. Our favorites were the Spring Rolls and the Cheese Empanadas. Following was Act I with Butter "Bathed" Alaskan Halibut and "Handkerchief" Pasta. Continuing with an Intermission of a variety of Oysters and different sauces. Then it was Act II with Fines Herbes "Gnudi" and Spiced Butter Basted Lamb Loin. Finally, concluding with "Chloe" as dessert, along with an array of other desserts. Needless to say, all the dishes were delicious, my favorite was the Alaskan Halibut. All the desserts were great as well, but that might be my biased sweet tooth. The Miscellaneous The Kitchen is one of the more unique restaurants I've dined at. With its open kitchen concept, it reminds me of Omakase and, by contrast, of my college dining hall. The restaurant can house many guests, and it took a bit of time to seat everyone. The staff were professional and courteous, guiding the guests throughout the dining experience. The chefs were enthusiastic and encouraged everyone to explore the restaurant. All in all, it was a wonderful dining experience. The only nitpick I have is probably the transparency of their drinks. But otherwise, would definitely recommend the unique dining experience. read more

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Lucky enough to have been here for my third visit, this time for my birthday! This is our second time coming since they received their Michelin star, and first time at the new location. It makes more sense here next to their sister restaurant Selland's, and way less sketchy than the old spot behind Taco Bell! The designated spots are nice as well so you're not stuck searching for something along Broadway. For this visit we had the Spring menu. One thing that newcomers should know is that what you see on that course menu is far from everything that you'll receive. Right off the bat, we saw oyster stations set up and they brought us FIVE different appetizers! They were all so delicious but standouts were the beef tartare mini tacos and halibut ceviche. This was followed by an amusebouche, fresh bread, course 1 and 2, an intermission of an oyster trio, course 3 and 4, and SIX desserts!! Wow we were so full after four hours of nonstop deliciousness. The fun part about this place is you can order seconds (or more..good luck finding that at another Michelin) but you truly don't even need it, so don't go too crazy and only request the additional servings on the ones you REALLY love (one time we ordered the gnocchi plate three times). Chef Kelly and Chef Gio and their entire team make this such a memorable meal. We are so lucky to have this Michelin experience here in our own backyard, and it's still our favorite to this day. It's the most approachable Michelin restaurant you could ever get and you're guaranteed to leave full. If you're going to ever splurge on one fine dining experience in your life, this is the one. read more

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This is a Michelin Star restaurant in Sacramento. Reservations needed to be made 3 months in advance . It has excellent service and excellent food . The ingredients are fresh and delicious. Plating are also very nice . Customers can walk around and mingle with the restaurant staffs and chefs . It is a fun and enjoyable experience. I got a special treat time here because of Mother 's Day in May , 2026 . read more

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First off, good luck trying to get reservations. It's nearly impossible. Secondly, come hungry. While this isn't a buffet dinner, you can have as many servings as you'd like. The food - it was whimsical and each bite took me to a new layer of flavor. I felt like Violet Beauregard from Willie Wonka and the Cholesterol Factory. The show - during intermission the chef does a little storytelling and announcements. Like a ringleader of a circus. Knowing what I know, I'll go for the food and pass on the drinks. It's definitely an experience. 8/10. read more

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My goal in life is to have The Kitchen for dinner every other week, or at least once a month because WHAT!!!! This was unlike any other Michelin experience I've had and I was completely blown away. From the staff, the ambience, the food; wow, just WOW. As this was my first time, I took my time taking it all in. Get there early and try all the appetizer/small bites at least once (we went around twice!). I immediately noticed that most parties of 2-3 were seated at the counter and you want to sit here!!! It's a more intimate experience with the chefs and you can see everything better. We were also able to speak to the chefs and ask them questions about what they were preparing; it was nice. While each course is being prepared, it's encouraged to walk around while the chefs are cooking. And while we hesitated, I mustered up the courage to get up. As chefs are playing and cutting, they will offer you a little taste test, for QA of course. They also let you help plate food, which I thought was cool. The food was delicious, but what really impressed me was the dessert course(s)!!! I love a good dessert and wow they went above and beyond! Chocolate mousse, cheese plate, cookies and "milk", macarons, jellies, marshmallows, cream puffs, and madelines to take home. Honorable mention were the herby chips, bread and butter, and olives on the side. Overall, still dreaming of this awesome dinner. Can't wait to be back for a spring or summer menu! read more

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Came into The Kitchen in Sacramento expecting a typical Michelin-starred experience... and left realizing this place throws "typical" completely out the window. The night kicks off with the chef giving a speech that basically sets the tone: there are *no rules*. And they mean it. You're encouraged to get up, walk around, explore the space, and try anything that catches your eye. It felt more like a culinary playground than a fine dining restaurant. The variety was honestly impressive--everything from Asian-inspired bites to fresh raw oysters to Mexican flavors, all executed with care and creativity. After exploring, we were seated for the main portion of the meal--but even that didn't follow the usual script. Dishes were interactive, and we could actually participate in preparing parts of the meal. If we liked something? We could just ask for another one on the spot. That level of freedom and engagement made the whole experience feel personal and super fun. Now for the food itself: while everything was good, it didn't quite hit the same level of boldness and depth I've had at other 2/3 star Michelin spots. Flavors leaned a bit safer than I expected, and I was hoping for something a little more daring or memorable on that front. That said, this is easily one of the most fun and innovative dining experiences I've ever had. The concept alone makes it worth it, and there's so much potential here. I'm really excited to see how they continue to evolve. read more

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You just cannot go wrong with The Kitchen. Is it truly worthy of a Michelin Star? YES! My first time being at the Broadway location and it is so much better than the prior location squeezed behind a Taco Bell. It's truly a culinary experience. We sat at the counter and I preferred that because it seems more spacious and you can see the chefs busily working in the open kitchen. I every course was a work of art. I've always loved their oysters. The steak tartare appetizer really stood out. Note, end of the meal coffee was not included and had to be purchased separately. I swear it used to be included years ago. read more

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Had an amazing time at the kitchen tonight. The service there is always top notch! Best friendly staffs. The restaurant itself is gorgeous! A very elegant and fun place! We had the winter menu tonight. So many great dishes.. I was soooo full by the end of the night. Will post pic and names of dishes as best as I could. Everything I ate I loved! I wish I can have seconds but there was no way! lol so full! A must try atleast once if not many many times over! Highly recommend read more

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Finally writing this review after my visit in May 2024.. The Kitchen Restaurant is easily one of the best Michelin restaurants I've ever experienced. Sitting at the bar you get to watch all the action and interact with the talented chefs. I love that you get to walk around the kitchen and help prep dishes, which makes the experience truly unforgettable. To top it off the food is equally delicious. I think it's time to plan another visit! read more

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I really loved how attentive the staff were and the whole open concept kitchen & using seasonal ingredients. Interior is really pretty too. The appetizers--loved the oysters and loved the fish ceviche. Absolutely delicious. The squash soup was good too. We did the cocktail pairing-- I wasn't in love with all the drinks, some were good and others were not to my liking. The staff saw that and offered to make something else. Food--everything else was ok. I liked the mushroom dish and the crunchy texture. The fish with tangerine did not pair well IMO. The duck and beef was just okay. There were so many desserts and they plated it nicely!! I left with a full belly. I may have not liked every dish, but I really enjoyed the experience & would do it again. read more

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I can't say enough how amazing the experience was! Every single person I interacted with was so nice and engaging. How this restaurant doesn't have more Michelin stars, I don't know. I just wish I had remembered to take more photos! When the doors open, you're shown to your seats and asked about a drink order. You're then allowed to tour the restaurant... and trust me you want to because appetizers are EVERYWHERE. Of course the food was next level. A friend of mine is a vegetarian and it was awesome to see the food she was given as alternatives. If anything, I was jealous of some of hers! Come hungry because the food just keeps coming! Plus desserts! Once you sit down, the show begins and you get to watch as dishes are being prepared. It's hard to describe, but the environment was so much fun. One of my friends asked a server about process they do to prepare the duck... few moments later he was brought into the kitchen and got to chat with the head chef! I did the mocktail pairing and it didn't disappoint at all! I loved that my drinks were just as beautiful as the cocktails my friends got. Those little details matter! At the end of the night they called out people celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and major milestones for everyone to clap and cheer... including some of their own. I loved that aspect too because it feels like the employees joy and excitement feels genuine and you can see why they enjoy working there. read more

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Amazing experience that everyone needs to try at least once. Fancy food without the fancy bs. Love it!

We loved this restaurant. It was such an amazing experience. The chef was gracious and friendly. You could tell he loved what he did and was happy to share his time with us. The staff were wonderful. The whole place felt electric. You could go anywhere and try anything and they were happy to show you what to do and let you try. The food was incredible. Everything tasted delicious and the presentation was perfection. The whole restaurant was open and inviting and we loved every minute of it. read more

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I've decided that I need to start knocking off things on my bucket list. Dining at the The Kitchen was one of them! My buds and I booked this place two months in advance for a Sunday dinner. It is more than a meal, it is an experience! You can walk throughout and sample goodies in the kitchen. Loved visiting the wine cellar too! The four of us sat at a high top close to the kitchen so we could watch the action. If you are a couple, I would suggest sitting at the counter however. The prix fixe menu consisted of: "OEUFS BROUILLES" Vega Farms Egg, Matsutake Mushroom, Golden Trout Roe, Fines Herbes, Toasted Brioche PAN SEARED DAYBOAT SEA SCALLOP -- Got seconds of this! Golden Potato "Brandade", Tomatillo Bearnaise PAN ROASTED CELERIAC - Delicious! Perigord Truffle, Mirepoix Jus, Truffle Fondue, Ciboulette INTERMISSION - A series of oysters prepared in various ways *Valley Pearl Oyster "On the Half Shell," Hogwash *Valley Pearl "All Dressed" Oyster, Green Strawberry, Lap Xuong, Yuzu *Shigoku Oyster Shooter, Foothill Apple, Celery, Pickled Ginger, Shiso, Gooseberry ACT II DELTA PEAR RAVIOLI Robiola di Bufala, Kabocha Squash, Thyme, Braised Applewood Smoked Bacon PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CURED BEEF "FLAT IRON" California Corona Bean, Sauce "Verte", Saba Green Peppercorn BLACK WALNUT "TORTE" Apple Coulis, Macerated Golden Delicious Apple, Creme Fraiche APRES DESSERT Mignardises One of my favorites was the unlimited oysters. I shamelessly had a dozen on my own. Service was top notch. My friends got me the wine pairing ($135): ACT I NV DUVAL-LEROY Brut Réserve Champagne 2022 CRISTOM Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley 2023 DUMOL Pinot Noir Russian River Valley ACT II 2021 LA SALITA -- One of my faves! I love Nebbiolo from Barolo. Nebbiolo Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2016 CONN CREEK -- Highly recommend Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Valley Mountain District, Napa Valley 2021 RICHARD WALZER Riesling and Chardonnay Kremstal, Austria Yes I will be back! read more

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After all these years as a Sac resident I finally made it to The Kitchen! It was all that I thought it would be and then some. Compared to the various Napa and Bay Area culinary adult disneyland restaurants charging $500 a head, this Michelin star restaurant is a true bargain. The service is top notch and plates are cleared and silverware replaced in a flash. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, and so so accomodating to all our needs. I think I'm hooked, and I'm already plotting on how and when I will come back. If you haven't done so, search youtube for strictly dumpling's visit to The Kitchen. He shows you everything firsthand so I don't have to. read more

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Another top-notch experience here at The Kitchen! This Autumn menu was absolutely delicious, and I loved the combination of flavors. The service was impeccable, the wine pairing for the standard wines was wonderful. I got to sip some of the reserve wine pairing from my friends, and that one was wonderful too. Such a beautifully designed interior, beautifully laid out tables, and wonderfully knowledgeable staff. I'll see you in 2 years for my regular 24-month visit! Can't wait. read more

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Oh my and wow! This is the first time my husband and I have EVER had this type of experience or even stepped foot into a Michelin starred restaurant : ) so this might be a long review.... what a marvelous time. This restaurant is very open and modern. All members are so inviting and hospitable. Everyone we encountered made our group feel special. After we were seated at our table (there were six in our group) we had the same servers come by throughout our experience. There were a few of us with allergies (tree nuts/raw or undercooked meat) and all were accommodated with delicious alternatives even though this was a fixed menu dinner. My husband and I had our meal with the cocktail pairing. All parts of the meal from the small starters, all courses were beyond belief! There was nothing we didn't like! Some of the favorites were: salmon wrapped in perilla leaves, home made potato chips, mushroom bisque, flat iron steak, and the desserts? AMAZING. All the cocktails complemented the food items perfectly. There were two "showy" ones-one with vanilla fog and one Smokey one. All were delicious! Can't keep raving enough for this experience. Hope everyone has the opportunity to try this just once. (Took too many pictures to post them all) read more

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This was such an amazing dinning experience. It was really interactive. We were able to explore the entire restaurant, including the kitchen area where the staff were serving appetizers. There is a full bar to purchase alcoholic beverages. In addition to the cocktail pairing, I also ordered a side car and espresso martini, which were amazing. I love that we were able to request additional servings of the dishes that we liked. Definitely worth the price and I will absolutely dine in again. read more

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Our dinner at the Kitchen on 5/6/2026 was the funnest dining experience my wife and I have ever had. Of course the food is remarkable, and there was so much of it. The staff made this one of the most enjoyable dining experiences. They operate in finely tuned rythm to curate an experience unlike any other. Going back with friends in July. Go. You will not regret it, and I highly recommend the craft cocktail pairing! read more

First time here and woah is it an experience. It's not just about the food- it's an entire event. Super fun! The venue itself is much smaller than I expected but this allows for mingling with the other tables as well. Everyone working last night was super eager to answer any question we might have and were truly looking to make our experience the best it could be (shoutout to Aria though- she truly went above and beyond!) Loved that there were still peaches on the menu! Wish the ceviche had an option without peanuts so my bf could've tried it as it was a fan favorite of the night. I also didn't know I liked oysters until last night (idk what I've tried in the past!). Favorite dish of the night was the heirloom tomato tarte with the prosciutto I absolutely loved the vanilla cake with the peach puree for dessert, the marinated olives were up there as well and the rosemary focaccia so much good food. my friends and I had a blast celebrating my bday! I would warn you in getting a beverage pairing- it is A LOT of fluid. Next time, I would stick with just 1-2 drinks from the bar instead. The flowers in the women's bathroom were absolutely stunning. Overall, an amazing night. Come hungry. read more

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Getting reservations for this restaurant is just as bad as concert tickets, but completely worth it. You should definitely show up when doors open to take advantage of all the appetizers they have around the restaurant. Watch the chefs prep and interact with them. The food kept coming and had me wanting more with every dish. Chef Gio knows how to entertain a crowd as well as he can cook. There are assigned tables but if you can, definitely try for a counter seat so you can watch all the cooking and prepping up front. The music was a little loud but not loud enough that you can't have a conversation with the person next to you. One of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The menu changes often so just get in when you can. read more

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Just celebrated my birthday here last week and it was an amazing experience as always. This is my second time coming here and it still felt new and exciting. The minute you enter those doors your transported to a beautiful place elegant but not intimidating very welcoming staff and it feels like they are ready to have a good time!!! All the courses didn't disappoint and learning how they are sourced and where they are from was just so extra!! It wasn't just going out to dinner it was a 3 hour grand show! read more

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Wonderful night. Food was absolutely amazing. Staff was attentive, making sure everything was in tip top shape. Water was refilled. Utensils were replaced constantly with each dish. You could eat to your hearts desire. The atmosphere was fantastic. This was my second time visiting the kitchen and there will be many more. If you haven't tried it yet, please do so now. Only suggested I have is about parking. Maybe consider valet. There was no parking so we had to park a couple blocks away, in the residential area. read more

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From the opening of the doors to the take home baggie of madeleines this was a wonderful experience. The energy is electric and contagious and inviting. The Chef Kelly was hilarious and walked around greeting everyone individually encouraging people to live a little and lean in to the experience. The food is good enough to stand alone and get five stars but the interactive atmosphere truly is what makes it stand out. I went back to the pastry chef and he gave me a treat that wasn't even on the menu. I made a cocktail (badly) at the bar and my husband helped plate the food. We enjoyed every dish even the ones that kept us wondering what in the actual world we were eating. My husband did the cocktail pairing and it was worth every penny! Our friend did the mocktail pairing and that was equally delicious. I love how attentive the staff was and nobody ever seemed inconvenienced one bit by the guests. I also loved how I could ask for seconds of the things I loved even an hour after being served the dish!!! I hope I have the joy of going back soon! read more

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This place has one of the coolest dining concepts I've ever experienced. You're welcomed in with an assortment of appetizers and then invited to walk around the kitchen, chat with the chefs, and even help do the dishes if you want (no takers on that one)! The service was incredible--everyone worked seamlessly as a team, making the whole evening feel personal and interactive. We dine out often, and this easily ranks as one of my all-time favorite experiences. Every bite was packed with flavor, and I genuinely can't pick a favorite dish--each course was just as impressive as the last. I hear the menu changes with the seasons, and I can't wait to come back and try them all!! read more

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8/28/2022 my first visit at their old location. Apparently I never finished this review sheesh. 4/5 st I have to first start off by saying this was honestly one of, or possibly, the best dining experiences of my life. With that being said, it was also a bit of a let down in that I had something very specific in mind through word of mouth. So back to it, this was an amazing dining experience for me. When they say you can go into the kitchen and do anything, it almost sounds a bit of an exaggeration but for all intents and purposes it's true. The evening starts off with sort of a free roam of the kitchen, if you so desire, while waiting for the dinner to start. They essentially provide an interactive demonstration dinner experience. They have an open kitchen design to allow for the maximum visualization of everything that's going on for every table. When dinner started, they did a short into of how the night would go and shortly after they began serving our first courses. Every course was so creative and to be honest some of the dishes confused my palate initially. Not in a bad way but just in a way that they may not have experienced before. About half way through the dinner they have an intermission where you are free to roam the kitchen once again. During this time the staff were preparing little bites to try as well as platters of oysters that are essentially all you can eat. During this time we wandered the kitchen and made our way to the freezer where a woman invited us to try some freshly made ice cream and a yuzu sorbet that wasn't on the menu for the night. After the intermission the oysters were served and they began preparing the next round of dishes. Again when I sat you are free to come into the kitchen I mean it. You want to help out in the kitchen? They will put you to work. I'm a pretty shy guy so I never would go up and do that on my own. But thankfully one of my very outgoing friends got me to go up there with him and we even helped to finish garnishing one of the dishes. The night ended with desserts but the thing that may have stood out to me the most was probably the chocolate chip cookies. Anyways it's at this time of the night where you are free to also ask for seconds of other courses. Unfortunately they told us that they ran out of everything. So essentially they weren't fully prepared to offer the full experience that night. It was more of disappointment because I had known that it's basically an all you can eat fine dining experience. That being said, I won't knock them too hard as this was such a great dining experience. Side note they offer seasonal menus and drink pairings to go with them. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants of all time. Visit 2 up next... PS: unfortunately it keeps crashing when I try to upload my videos, but I'll give it another shot read more

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I have delayed this review for quite some time. I'm not a long drive right now and I can now give my thoughts We went with the party of six other friends and my wife and I were celebrating our 16th year anniversary. We have been having fomo for not being able to get reservations to come to the kitchen for years and this year we finally were able to get in! The new venue on Broadway is beautiful. The service was excellent. All of the staff was great. It was a different dining experience to say the least. I wish it was explained more for someone who's first time being there. When you get in everybody is out and about. It's kind of chaos. They have these hors d'oeuvre stations all around the restaurant and you kind of have to walk around and discover them. I asked the staff and they said yes. This is normal. Just walk around Aunt. Eat and do whatever you want. Go do the dishes if you want. They said the kitchen is your playground The hors d'oeuvres were really good. We had a Vietnamese spring roll. Tiny bite size piece was fresh and very spring tasting. They had another oyster station with a guy shucking fresh oysters. Those were really good in the middle. There was a ceviche station which was all of ours favorite dish the entire night. At the end of the night we asked them if they could make us the ceviche again and they did. It was excellent My wife got the cocktail pairing which added quite a lot to the bill. However, it was worth it because all of the cocktails were excellent and presentation was outstanding By the time we got to the desserts we're overly full but those were good as well. There was also an intermission where you get up and I think they had the charcuterie which was okay now on to the the bad. This is why I was so conflicted in writing my review because I didn't want to believe it. Prior to going to the kitchen for our first visit, we heard from a friend that the food was really salty and I did not believe them because how could this this award-winning renown restaurant fundamentally mess something up like that? The food being too salty never! Well, Never say never! The main dishes were all extremely salty for my taste and five out of the six people in our group. I do not know how you can mess that up unless you have no taste buds. I think we paid about $700 for my wife and I and I was not expecting that. We were super disappointed to make things worse, the head chef was saying how fun their restaurant is and how boring the French laundry was in comparison to the kitchen. I did not like him publicly disparaging another restaurant so loudly and publicly. That was not a good look, especially when your food was not excellent. If I had walked away from the kitchen that night super impressed then I wouldn't think twice about him disparaging the French laundry instead. It left a bad taste in my mouth literally and figuratively I talked to one of my friends and he just went to the French laundry and he said it was the best meals he ever eaten. So now I need to go to the French laundry and forget about the kitchen. read more

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The service was exceptional, the food and atmosphere was amazing!! It was definitely an EXPERIENCE, that will carry many fantastic memories. read more

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You must book reservations ahead of time. We were on the waitlist and received an email with an opening so we took it. It was a much waited dinner reservation. As soon as we entered, we were greeted with appetizers. The chef introduced himself and his staff and makes you feel welcomed like family. You feel like you are at your family's home and are welcome to walk around, try, converse with the chef and cook, even clean dishes if you choose. From start to finish it was such an amazing experience. We were there for about 4 hours and loved every minute. I love trying new foods so if this sounds like you, you have to experience this. You can eat until your heart is full. The open space is beautiful with a good amount of seating where it's not too big where it gets too loud but not small n where it's cramped. In the center, they have a live kitchen where they prepare dinner. All the staff was great, welcoming, and attentive. Service was 10/10! I highly recommended this place. read more

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Such an amazing experience. The atmosphere was absolutely stunning. The staff and service were quick and attentive. The food was the best part. Several courses and delicious. I couldn't choose a favorite as they were all so delectable. read more

The Kitchen Restaurant - Oysters - New American Near Me - Sacramento, California

We went here for our one year anniversary and had a wonderful time. I had high hopes and expectations and most of them were met. The vibe and ambiance is perfection from start to finish. The music is energetic and the atmosphere is casual yet warm. Right from the start you're greeted by numerous people, from the managers, the servers, to the head chef. My favorite part was getting to walk around and help ourselves to appetizers before the dinner party even began. Everything from the appetizer menu was delicious. Our actual courses were decent. Not the most amazing things we have ever tasted, but hearty and satisfying. This is the main reason I have to give this restaurant four stars. I've been to fine dining and Michelin restaurants before and felt there is often a thematic element or thought behind the experience you'll have with each bite. It was not very clear if there was one here. The people who brought us our food were at times rushing through telling us what each plate was, and at times difficult to hear due to the music/background noise. This was disappointing because there were several dishes in which we weren't quite sure what we were eating (some of the menu descriptions were not incredibly user-friendly in terms of ingredients, which is totally ok if at some point explained). The menu felt a bit all over the place, from multiple scallops to four oysters , two with the same exact sauce, a ravioli with bacon under it, a mushroom with (delicious) truffle, and a piece of steak, I was definitely full, but felt like maybe it a bit of a random selection of food I had just eaten. It was odd, that after the main course, right before grabbing dessert we were told to grab a cheese plate which had lack-luster presentation. I hate to be negative to be negative because going here was a dream come true. I just had very high expectations and was slightly let down by the menu. So let's end on a positive note- the staff was incredibly friendly, and helpful. They were generous with their time when we walked around the kitchen and asked questions about preparation methods and whatnot. The attention to detail when it came to refills, removing plates or folding our napkins was something of royalty, and made you felt taken care of. It was truly a memorable night, and I was full for the next two days! read more

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DINNER & A SHOW! The Kitchen Restaurant in Sacramento puts on a SPECTACTULAR dining experience! If you're lucky enough to get a reservation, it's probably a few months out and you have time to plan & prepare! This Michelin-starred theatrical production lasts 4 hours! As soon as everyone is seated the doors are locked and the show begins... but this is YOUR SHOW! Chef Kelly McCown has deviated from traditional fine dining and made the patrons/audience the STARS! This is YOUR kitchen! You can walk around, watch the chefs prepare the food, sample it as they are making it, ask questions, even help! You can start with dessert , have as much of anything - 2nds, 3rds, 4ths, 5ths+, special requests, they love to cater to creativity! Chef Kelly McCown has great jokes but he is not the only main character. Every member of the cast - chefs, servers, waiters, hosts- hilarious, awesome, they do not miss a beat! The food is just as phenomenal as the service , the menu changes weekly, but the commitment to excellence stays the same! - If you are dining here, take your time, take it all in, and enjoy yourself & company...Thank you for an unforgettable experience! I hope I'm lucky enough to do this again! read more

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With only two established Michelin Star restaurants in town this one stands out far and above from the other! The staff are warm and inviting, the food is incredible! Like literally have as much as you want, if you love it... have another! The ambiance is fun, and the atmosphere is lively! Literally, if you don't have something to celebrate to excuse the price justify it by celebrating life and culinary artistry! You will not be disappointed. read more

We celebrated a friend's birthday here and I had no idea what the experience was going to be like. They only have one seating a night and it is very popular, so booking a reservation is like waiting for concert ticket sales at the beginning of each month. They have a seasonal menu which rotates four times a year with the seasons. I actually enjoyed not knowing what to expect, but if you don't care for surprises, here is what I thought: I loved the atmosphere. When you first walk in, it's like being at the after event of a wedding - wandering around snagging hors d'oeuvres and occasionally chatting up the servers. They encourage you to walk through the kitchen, and you kind of have to do that to get all the bites. Every server tells you about the food and is happy to answer questions. We sat down to get our first appetizer and the chef made his first of many appearances. He got the crowd going and told people that he wanted people to be loud and have fun. You're allowed to go into any of the areas (kitchen, fridge, wine room), talk to any of the staff, take pictures/videos, and even ask to cook if you want to. The other cool thing is that if you like any part of the tasting course, you can ask for as many repeats as you want. We all liked the scallop course and got that 3 times! We also asked for oysters multiple times. I could nitpick on a few of the food items like the spring roll having a rather thick skin and the ravioloni being on the salty side. But overall, the food was very tasty and the quality of ingredients was excellent. If you want a memorable fine dining experience that feels like a party, The Kitchen is the place for you. I've been to a few other fine dining spots with no regrets, but The Kitchen is one of the few that I want to revisit in the future. read more

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After nearly a decade in Sac, we finally had the opportunity to dine at The Kitchen, which we've long treated as our "holy grail" restaurant in the area. I'm not too cool to say we've been SO excited for this reservation for months, counting down the days as if they were to Christmas. I'll condense this as much as I can, but full disclosure: this is going to be a verbose review. We arrived promptly at 6:30 to a small line outside the doors and were ushered in party by party, which made even seating feel intentional and special. At our table we were greeted by a warm, knowledgeable server who congratulated us on our anniversary and explained that appetizers were scattered throughout the restaurant. He encouraged us to explore, and we happily dove in. We started with a bright, punchy rockfish ceviche, followed by a delicious portabella mushroom dish over avocado crema on a dough I didn't catch the name of. Then came unbelievable wedges of Asian pears candied in brandy or armagnac and dipped in (I think) sesame seeds. Fresh oysters on the half shell rounded things out. Returning to our seats, we found fresh dill & jalapeño kettle chips and marinated olives waiting. This opening round set the tone for an exceptional evening. Next, who I believe was the head chef gathered our attention to explain the rest of the meal to the dining room. He was an extremely personable guy who clearly cares deeply for his work and fellow restaurant staff. He explained that this wasn't a stuffy high-end dining experience, but rather a family-dinner kind of vibe. He went on to say that the entire restaurant was at our disposal--going so far as to offer the opportunity to learn how to shuck oysters in the back, which I actually ended up taking him up on. (It was rad.) Finally, I'll get into the courses. I also got the cocktail pairing, which I can't recommend enough. Each drink was so perfectly complementary to the meals that they felt like a necessary extension of the dishes. The mocktails were equally impressive. Course 1: Scallion potato rosti with Tsar Nicolai caviar, lemon, and bergamino di bufala. Cocktail: Sensory - Vodka, raspberry aperol, Sauvignon blanc, vanilla fog (my nickname in high school.) I've disliked caviar in the past, but here it beautifully complemented the sauce. A strong start. Course 2: Seared dayboat scallop with potato brandade and tomatillo béarnaise. Cocktail: Traveler - Gin, grand cru, Riesling, citrus, apricot-basil cordial. One of the standout dishes of the night. The single-sided sear, crispy potato, and rich béarnaise were flawless, and the cocktail hit all the right notes. Course 3: Pan-roasted celeriac with Périgord truffle, mirepoix jus, truffle fondue, and ciboulette. Cocktail: Diamond - Tequila, blood orange, grapefruit, cinnamon. This was my favorite dish and pairing of the night. The dichotomy of textures were perfect, and the cinnamon-tequila combo blew my mind. Intermission: Three astounding oyster preparations--an enormous surprise since I was convinced I hated oysters. A Valley Pearl on the half shell, an "all dressed" oyster with green strawberries, lap xuong, and yuzu, and an oyster shooter with apple, celery, pickled ginger, shiso, and gooseberry. All spectacular. The Hogwash mignonette tied them together beautifully, and I now have the recipe on my to-do list. Course 5: Delta pear ravioli with robiola di bufala, kabocha squash, thyme, and applewood-smoked bacon. Cocktail: Clarified - Rum, coconut water, pomegranate, oats, pineapple. We haven't eaten red meat in nine years but chose to experience the menu as-is. The thick cuts of bacon were like giant lardons, incredibly rich and balanced by a fugue of sweets and savories in the decadent sauce. The raviolo was perfect, and the cocktail was wonderfully strange in the best way. Course 6: Parmesan Reggiano-cured beef "Flat Iron" with corona beans, verte sauce, saba, and green peppercorn. Cocktail: Style - Japanese whiskey, smoked Carpano Antica, Benedictine, cranberry bitters. I usually dislike whiskey, but this ruby-red drink was delicious, and the its suspended rosette in the ice cube was stunning. The steak, my first in nearly a decade, was expertly prepared and absolutely worth the exception. Dessert: Champurrado - Gianduja mousse with dulce de leche, guajillo dentelle, blue masa cake, and avocado. Rich, decadent, and texturally perfect. One of the best desserts I've ever had. Final bites: A selection of mignardises: an awe-inspiring cream puff, two cookies, a pressed pear jelly, a cranberry marshmallow, and macarons--served with Temple coffee and the perfect end to the night. All in all, it was the best meal of our lives, both in food quality and in the uniquely warm, thoughtful way the restaurant operates. We can't wait to return next season and try everything new they create read more

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Be prepared for an event as this isn't just an ordinary restaurant. And be prepared to pay a lot of money! It's more like a house party. The chefs invite you to walk around the entire kitchen and watch what they're doing, ask questions and even take a taste. One thing to know is that it's pretty loud in there, so if you have hearing issues like I do, you might be less comfortable. The bar type tables are pretty tall for short people. But the food was stupendous. There are a lot of creative combinations of foods and the presentation is stunning. There is a lot of staff at the restaurant, and they're always cleaning your place setting. The atmosphere is wonderful, like being in someone's fancy house. We had so much to try, and it was pretty much all good. read more

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