The Kitchen Restaurant — Restaurant in Sacramento

The Kitchen is a fun atmosphere and has traditionally been a good experience of fine dining. We’ve been several times but I admit what motivated me to write this review was that our last experience left us with a bad taste in our mouth.

The food was good, but honestly felt uninspired. No question there were a few things that were surprisingly good, but for the most part there really wasn’t much on the menu that you won’t find on various menus in the area. That said, the food was still very tasty and that was not what upset us.

I worked in the restaurant business for many years and dine out frequently, and I believe service can make or break a dining experience. The general service is fantastic and the staff is clearly well trained. What is troubling is the hard press upselling (of drinks) and the lack of transparency. I certainly expect the up charge on drinks and know that I’m going to pay a bit more here than other places. I have no problem with that. But what I don’t expect is for the bar managers to be constantly pushing top shelf drinks and then not giving any sense of what they cost. There was several times throughout the night this happened. I specifically asked for a night cap of cognac, indicating that I did not want anything too expensive. That we didn’t really drink cognac but wanted to try something different. The bar manager arrived saying he brought us two to try.

First, having worked in fine dining, when you tell two people you’re bringing two drinks for them to try you should split each drink in separate glasses so we don’t have to share a glass. Secondly, when somebody says they want something that’s not too expensive, you don’t bring them $130 (small pour) without giving an indication of the cost. The $200 for two small glasses of cognac really just overshadowed the rest of the night. (For the record we liked the less expensive glass more.) This isn’t because we couldn’t afford it, or that the price wasn’t potentially fair for what we were drinking, but because of the lack of transparency. You don’t go to dinner here and expect to pinch pennies, but there is clearly no appreciation for the cost by the bar manager (at least the one working with us). In talking with friends afterwards I’ve learned we’re not the only ones. Perhaps there’s a line because I wasn’t bothered by the upsell into a $55 glass of wine. But I’ve heard multiple stories of people feeling the same.

At the end of the dinner we also paid an additional service fee despite having prepaid this fee when we initially made our reservations. It was weird because the additional amount (22% service fee) was greater than should have been applied to the drinks, but we couldn’t figure out how they reached the number because of the way the bill read. Again, we are not tourists to restaurants so it’s a bit strange that six of us couldn’t figure it out.

All in all this is a great restaurant and I’m happy to have it in Sacramento. And I certainly appreciate the need to make money. I think people would happily spend the money and pay for the expensive booze, but if the feeling is that they’re trying to slide something past you it really takes away from...

I have eaten here before and it never disappoint. Check it out now and you will find that they have earned a Michelin star and is the first restaurant in sacramento to do so. Last time I went I was celebrating an anniversary but this time was to attend a wedding.

When you first pull up, you may be disappointed. It is right next to a coin-OP laundry facility and the head chef even pokes fun at that. The outside isnt really decorated at all and if you did not know, you would probably drive right by it. When you park your car there are signs everywhere to not leave valuables in the car so the mood is a little uneasy from the beginning. However, there is a rent a cop walking around the parking lot while staring at his cellphone to assure you are safe. You will find a door with a few plants near it and when you go inside you will be welcomed with an extraordinary experience.

The decor is a dark palette and dimly lit. There are fresh flowers a d seasonal decorations to accent the facility. The kitchen is right in the middle so you can see a bunch of stuff going on. When you first arrive you will be greeted with small appetizers to set the mood. You can order drinks and discuss any dietary concerns, preferences or allergies. They will accommodate everything and give you extra portions or cook up something on special request. The outside patio is small but elegant and is decorated with an assortment of plants along side a fire place. You can enjoy drinks and oysters while you wait for the courses.

Once service is about to start, the head chef comes out and introduces his staff and lays out the events for the evening. He explains that you can cook and participate and treat the restaurant like it is your friends house. He means it to! The bride got to put on a little cooking demonstration and a more in depth tour of the kitchen and the back area was given. The food is great... needless to say. I don't know if it was this specific menu this time around, or if I am biased, but I preferred the quality and quantity of food before they got the Michelin star. But the food will amaze either way. Maybe there menu was altered and/or shortened to accommodate a wedding party. Last time I went I could barely finish all the courses and this time I requested a bunch of extra food. Either way, the food is amazing.

This place isn't like other Michelin star restaurants. It is about the experience as well as the food. A more relaxed experience. They encourage you to eat with your hands or however you deem fit. They want to make sure everyone is full at the end and encourage you to order more at no extra cost. They only serve one thing... but will take all your dietary preferences and allergies into consideration to make sure you have an enjoyable experience. They even made a keto menu for some people in our group. They encourage you to be loud and boisterous and socialize. It is fun. I...

To eat here, you need to get a reservation. To get a reservation, you needed to have participated in a online stampede at the start of the month when they release the reservations for next month. Tables for 2 are near as impossible as getting Gen-Z teenagers off their phones. Tables of 4 or 6 are far more gettable.

Once you have the reservation, you need to prepare for the meal. The day of your reservation, it is best to starve yourself to work up an appetite; but drink water to expand your stomach. Stop drinking water by 4pm and you can arrive with an empty stomach, ravenous appetite, and full bladder. Their bathroom is classy and elegant so there's an opportunity to pee out the water.

The Kitchen was formerly in the Arden-Arcade area; this new location is attached to the same building as Selland's Market (who owns The Kitchen). Pay no mind to the cemetery across the street, nor the construction office separating the unmarked restaurant from the highway 50.

I've experienced The Kitchen thrice now, and each time, you've had to wait in line. When you get to the front of the line, the person checks your reservation and someone leads you to your table.

The Kitchen isn't your stodgy Michelin-starred restaurant. It's intentionally unpretentious. You get to walk around anywhere, into the kitchen, into the prep area, into the wine cellar. Talk to any person. They welcome you to explore and mingle. They don't turn the tables there's no hurry to get you out of there for the next guest. The ambiance is that of an 80's party music, but not loud enough to disrupt conversation.

This time was the Fall menu. There was Act I, Intermission, and Act II. The food at most fine dining places is art. You eat with your eyes as much as you eat with your mouth. The Kitchen is no different, and every bite is artistry. Who thinks to combine cucumbers, mango, and peanuts? Who thinks to combine jalapeno with pineapple and make it taste like flavorful grass? (Not me, for sure).

But that's the experience with Chef McCown and his team. The peach with candied ginger and lavender on a vanilla frosting... pure genius.

The Kitchen is an amazing experience to be had at least once in life. Your stomach will feel as full as your bank account feels empty.

And it's worth...