The 50 best foods to try in Sacramento (2024)

4.7

(510)The 50 best foods to try in Sacramento (1)

4.5

(84)The 50 best foods to try in Sacramento (2)

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$$$$expensive

Restaurant

Californian restaurant

Fine dining restaurant

Wine club

Localis is a laid-back, modern establishment that serves contemporary American cuisine sourced from local ingredients. They offer a variety of dishes, including options for vegans. The restaurant prides itself on using ingredients at their peak and incorporating unique flavors and proteins into their menu. Located in Midtown, Localis stands out among other farm-to-fork restaurants in Sacramento with its creativity, skill, and playful approach to cooking.

Simply put- one of the best dinner experiences we’ve had!We were lucky enough to get Valentine’s Day dinner reservations for the chefs table seating & from the moment we walked in, we were impressed with everything.Staff: very friendly, attentive, 10/10! Every single person made us feel at home and everyone seemed to be happy to be there which is a hard find!Chef Chris & his team were all amazing at there craft. He explained every dish & the whole team was synchronized when putting each dish out. Chris gave a great explanation of each dish & informed us of how he came upon creating each dish etc.We’ve ate at a lot of “good restaurants” but this was something else. Each dish that came out, we caught ourselves saying “this is the best so and so I’ve ever had” my favorite was the octopus. I’ve never had anything like it- cooked with perfection!To me Localis is an experience & not just “dinner”. It is pricey if you’re looking for just dinner but if you do ever want to have a 12 course dinner experience from an Amazing chef & his team, Localis is probably the best place to do it in Sacramento.Will definitely be back again in future! Thank you to the whole staff!

Lovey S — Google review

This is a FUN restaurant. The interior is awesome and the staff clearly loved their job - and they are good at it. The menu was unique and delicious. A few of the courses and pairing were perfectly matched. My only comment/drawback was that’s. Couple courses felt out of place and fell flat. They were still fun - just felt like they didn’t fit but I understood what they were going for. For the very large price tag, I was hoping that there wouldn’t be any of these minor misses . Overall I hope they keep up the good work and congrats on the Michelin star!

Dudley D — Google review

We started coming to Localis during the covid shutdown and would get their takeaway boxes. It was a little bright spot we would treat ourselves to that always seemed to pick us up.We most recently came for my best friends bday dinner and it was a spectacular, unfussy, riotous time. The food was amazing. My hubs doesn’t drink, so he did the non-alcoholic pairings. He really enjoyed them, but some were so rich they were like their own little meal. Just know that going in. I brought a really nice bottle from our cellar (corkage is $50) for me to drink. My bestie’s husband did the high end wine pairing, and it was honestly the best wine paring I’ve tasted at a restaurant (like better than Daniel in NYC, George’s V in Paris).The food was absolutely wonderful. The little veggie trio, the meat trio, a New Orleans roulade, annd so on for the 12 courses… each was excellent, and beautiful. They are small portions and thank god, by the end you’re literally like please no more food!!The service was fun, attentive but not intrusive. The Chef came by a couple times which was a lovely touch.We did the extra caviar course and it’s worth it. Sacramento has excellent caviar and so if that’s your thing, you won’t be disappointed.It’s a pricy evening (dinner for 4 will set you back around $2,000) but perhaps every penny. It’s nice to have another fine dining option in Sacramento. We will keep coming back.Oh, and the banana bread take home was absolutely a wonderful treat the next morning.

Jasmine H — Google review

My wife and I celebrated our anniversary at Localis in Sacramento, and it was an incredible evening. From the moment we walked in, we felt warmly welcomed and knew we were in for something special. The ambiance is both sophisticated and inviting, making it perfect for such a special occasion.Chef/owner Chris has truly created a culinary masterpiece with Localis. Every dish we had was a delightful experience, showcasing his creativity and passion for fine dining. The flavors were exceptional, and the presentation was impeccable. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing our dining experience even further.It's clear that Localis is a labor of love, and it reflects in every detail. We can't wait to go back and enjoy another unforgettable meal. Highly recommended for anyone looking for the best dining experience in Sacramento!

Tony S — Google review

We had a great experience at Localis. My husband surprised me with a wine and dine experience to celebrate being together for 15 years. As soon as we sat down, we were greeted with a congrats glass of white wine which was super unexpected. We ate the seven course meal plan and each dish had a wonderful taste of the season’s freshest flavors. Although the dishes were small and not going to lie we left still hungry, the experience was well worth it!! They even sent us home with two little mini cakes to continue celebrating our anniversary. Overall this was an every once in a while splurge for a special occasion (at least for us) but definitely one we would invest in again!!! Compliments to the chef and staff for being so great and attentive to our experience!! It definitely was a good one!! P.S. if you’re a foodie…the chef won “The Globe”…a Food Network tv show. Cheers! 😁

Alicia B — Google review

Wildly creative and surprising food, delicious combinations of flavor and textures.Friendly and attentive hosts and front of the house as well as great banter with kitchen crew.We sat at the chefs counter for the 12 course tasting menu, and the non alcoholic drink pairing. I highly recommend the NA pairing for even more delicious surprises.

Kevin F — Google review

The tasting menu here is a sensory experience for sure. You'll probably like and dislike some, but all are unique in both their flavors and presentation. I would say this is an experience worth having. My favorite was a trout dish, least favorite was a halibut dish. Normally, I prefer halibut to trout--but these preparations are unique, so you need to expect the unexpected! The staff does a good job of explaining each dish, and for some courses the chef came out himself for a little color commentary on what we were being served. I'm not usually a big desert person, but I really enjoyed the variety of small sweet bites at the end. Also of note, the non-alcoholic pairing is another sensory experience. There are items that I would call more soup than drink, and a lot of unique flavors. Probably more interesting than the wine pairings if you can do without wine. We added the caviar supplement, well worth the extra charge. And, as you might expect, the caviar accompaniments are not the standard ones.

Eric J — Google review

This is a FUN restaurant. The interior is awesome and the staff clearly loved their job - and they are good at it. The menu was unique and delicious. A few of the courses and pairing were perfectly matched. My only comment/drawback was that a couple courses felt out of place and fell flat. They were still fun - just felt like they didn’t fit but I understood what they were going for. For the very large price tag, I was hoping that there wouldn’t be any of these minor misses. I realize these are very personal opinions and I want to stress I am splitting hairs but at nearly $900 for the two of us I feel it’s warranted. Overall I hope they keep up the good work and congrats on the Michelin star!

Andrew W — Google review

I have been to Localis a few times because it is one of the few high end restaurants I actually like going back to experience again.Localis announced a short-term Lord of the Rings menu so we took two nerdy friends with us this time and honestly it was one of the best nights of our lives, with amazing food and great fun!15/10Highly recommend

Robert M — Google review

Chef Chris' 12-course Tasting Menu was exceptional! Each subsequent dish tasted even better than the last. It was difficult to choose a favorite! Chef took us on a journey that reflected the tastes from his many memorable travel experiences. It was a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday!!!

Nadine T — Google review

Believe the hype. Holy schnikeys, this place. Culinary art for the eyes, nose and palate. Chef is an artist. A real passion. 3+ hours. 12 courses. My fave was the Octopus. I suggest that you opt for the black truffle on the wagu course. Oh and definitely the wine pairing. The place is nails. It's so good, I half expected to be wearing a marshmallow vest and a chocolate hat at the end.Edit: 4/19/2023 the spring menu is even better. Lots of Thai inspired dishes. If I had to pick a favorite I really can't. The red duck "curry" and the Congee pork belly dish are stand outs. The Bua Lai dessert is amazing.

William S — Google review

Localis Restaurant's wine pairing experience is nothing short of a masterful symphony. Each course was meticulously crafted to complement the flavors of the dish, and the wine pairings elevated the entire culinary journey to new heights. The sommelier's expertise was evident as they expertly selected wines that enhanced the nuances of each plate, creating a harmonious balance of taste sensations. From delicate whites to robust reds, the wine selection was diverse and catered to a variety of preferences. The knowledgeable staff shared insightful information about the wines, further enriching our experience. Combined with the elegant and intimate ambiance, Localis Restaurant truly delivers a dining experience that is a feast for all the senses. It's no wonder they have earned their Michelin 1-star status. A must-visit for any wine and food aficionado!

Tung H — Google review

Can't say enough about this beautiful place. We have gone multiple times over the last few years. The staff are professional and very friendly as well as fun. Chef Chris is incredible. As a chef and as a person. The food menu changes every 5ish weeks. I have never been disappointed. Highly highly recommend! Chefs counter is where it's at if you want a fun experience with the staff and see how the food is plated.

Michaela G — Google review

Incredible experience that we can’t wait to repeat. The food was un-pretentious, delicious, and beautifully presented. The beverage pairings were perfect! Highly recommend the non-alcoholic pairing too since each one was so unique and went beautifully with all the courses.Their menu changes every 5 weeks which is partially a bummer only because we have favorites we want to get again, but also fantastic since it will give us new things to try.Everyone was very nice and fun to talk to - Ashley, Zach, and Justin were awesome. We have nothing but wonderful things to say about Localis. See you guys next month!

STEPHANIE M — Google review

I saved up all year so me and my partner could go here for our anniversary in Feb. and let me just say it was so worth it. We did the chef’s counter experience and it was incredible. Everything from the vibes to the food to the exceptional service were unmatched to any dining experience I’ve ever had. The owner was incredibly attentive and always listening in even when we didn’t know it to make sure they could curate the experience with everything we needed. I mentioned to my partner that I don’t like truffles because of a bad experience I had in Italy and the executive chef/owner was like “YOU NEED TO TRY GOOD TRUFFLES!!” And comped me like $100 worth of truffles just so I could experience them how they were meant to be.And of course the food was unlike anything I’ve ever had. Every dish was utterly unique, balanced, and of the utmost quality!!! I can safely say I had never had any one of the 12 courses before in my life. And of course the wine pairings were delectable. They even sent us home with some delicious artisanal instant coffee and homemade banana bread for the next morning. I found myself grinning big as I sipped on the coffee and tasted the passed-down-through-family recipe of the banana bread. I wasn’t sure if I’d be full because the servings are small but man was I stuffed!!! I felt so satisfied and it was worth every penny. My new goal in life is to get a job that pays well enough that I can go there like once a month.Hands down the most amazing dining experience I think I’ll ever have.

Clare M — Google review

This was my second time here. I decided to treat myself for my 50th birthday, and a beautiful lady chanced into my life a couple weeks before my reservation. They were able to squeeze her into. Last year had been the single best meal I'd ever had. That's now been outdone. I'm sure the company helped, as did the Lord of the Rings theme, Every detail was perfection, and lovingly and thoughtfully crafted. Chris and his team do an incredible job, without it ever feeling pretentious. Hopefully I'll be back, but this one will be very hard to beat!

David M — Google review

Not just fine dining, but fine humans bringing us along on their creative journey. Chef & Sommelier Chris and his magnificent team are behind the counter, right there with us, assembling dishes, telling us faraway travel stories, laughing and dreaming, pouring sauces and love on waygu tartare, activated charcoal fried cod, duck-stuffed shish*to pepper, or local sturgeon. The drink pairings -with or without alcohol- are not an optional gustatory boost to Localis's exceptional cuisine, they are the companions de rigueur. We bite, we sip, and foods and liquids dance a frenzied tango in our mouth:the sweet acidity of a Champagne demi-sec mellows down a black garlic chili fish sauce, the red fruits of a Brouilly dissolve in briny trout roe, a black truffle shrub exfoliates a delicate chicken breast, a goat cheese tartlet lends its tartness to an Austrian fortified wine. They are accomplice in a night of delicious transgressions where unnamed flavors break in our palate, violate our expectations, explode and burn and seduce and tear, and sign the crime scene with a satisfied smile on our face. Encore for Chris, former musician and rising star in California's food scene.

Olivier C — Google review

Second time I’ve had the pleasure of dining at Localis and it didn’t disappoint! The drinks are quite creative, tasted delicious, and there are some fun mocktail options as well. The amuse-bouche is spot on fantastic. The fancy French onion dip flavors were out of this world. The Ron: Chasing Stars, Restaurant Intense, and the Here a Tar, There a Tar, Everywhere a Tartare were also amazing and I savored every bite. We went with a few friends and one of them got the vegetarian menu. She was amazed at the flavors and definitely enjoyed every dish. The fire roasted octopus was very enjoyable, and I don’t eat octopus 😄By the time dessert came around, I could absolutely say I was stuffed and couldn’t eat more. We experienced the chefs table dining and it was fun to be so close and watch all that was happening to prepare each course.Definitely a memorable experience and I’m sure we will be back again 😍

Kristi B — Google review

Their menu changes every month so I can't speak for every menu, but the Thai tasting menu I had was amazing, and I am sure that is reflected with all their menus. This place is a nice cozy spot in the corner of a block, and sitting at the chef's counter, you get to witness the show while sipping on a nice co*cktail. I am so glad there is this fine dining option in the Central Valley, and while expensive as Michelin Stars are, I have no regrets and had a wonderful time at this place.

Harvey — Google review

This was my first time here and definitely not my last! This is a very impressive restaurant. The service is outstanding and a good match for the quality and creativity of the food.In addition, the mocktail beverage pairings were some of the most creative I've ever experienced. That said, a few of the mocktail pairings ended up just being savory accompaniments to the meal. While they were delicious, and that's fine, sometimes you just want something more beverage-y. All said though, they were astounding!The food was insanity...and I mean that in the best way possible. The mix of colors, smells, textures and flavors was glorious and showed the artistic talents of the chef(s) while also ensuring the taste was the main goal.The service was impecable. From the friendliness, helpfulness and attentiveness, to the timing. Really impressive.The whole experience was just over 3 hours for our table and it flew by and was exciting throughout.I can't wait to see what else this restaurant will do on their way to earning more Michelin stars!

George K — Google review

Wish I could give this place 6 stars!!My fiancé and I came here to celebrate our engagement and his 30th birthday. We were so excited, but also admittedly a little intimidated by the prospect of our first fine dining experience. We had no reason to be intimidated at all!! The food was absolutely scrumptious, the staff were so kind and fun to talk to, and the vibes were immaculate. They accommodated our dietary restrictions flawlessly. Every single detail, from the background music to the silverware, felt intentional and curated. I think everybody should have a meal like this at least once in their lives. We will never forget it!

Hannah P — Google review

Without question the most beautiful dining experience. If you decide to go to Localis make a reservation for the Chef's counter. It brings you up close and personal to all of the chefs. The 12 course meal was a sure delight and the wine pairing was spot on. I felt like I was a member of this family at Localis and was treated as though I was a queen. Chef Chris/Owner had so much great knowledge of what he prepares and he was very personal right along with every one of his staff members. Don't consider the cost, just know that the experience is worth it and you are too. Every item on the menu was delicious 😋

Marian L — Google review

Came for my brother's birthday dinner, LOVED everything. Highly recommend the non-alcoholic drink pairings, if you don't drink alcohol like me. I've never had so many cool drinks in my life. I didn't manage to get pictures of all the plates, but the Oktoberfest spread was so delicious, with house-made bratwurst and pretzel bites with butter and apple butter. Delicious. Thanks to Chef Barnam and the rest of the crew!

TatiAnna T — Google review

Unbelievable experience at the chefs counter here at Localis. The Winter is Coming menu from 1/2024 was a truly special treat for the palate, with the focus on citrus being especially unique in my experiences eating at Michelin rated restaurants. I loved the attention to detail that was given to the presentation of each dish, along with the creative approach to blending the various flavors together into easily consumable bites that covered every ingredient. The chefs counter experience was also really special, and the a la carte co*cktails and beverage pairings were both amazing as well. This place stands out as a star in a city still developing a fine dining scene and I definitely believe in this team of talented chefs to keep Localis on the shortlist of best restaurants in NorCal well into the future. Highly recommend!

Varun K — Google review

SOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOD! It was my partner's birthday and we brought his parents for their first fine dining experience. They loved sitting at the counter and interacting with the Chef Chris. We did the mocktail pairing and wagyu supplemental. Everything was delicious! If you are into fine dining, you must go! Highly recommend! Thank you for making Middle Earth taste amazing!

Luna T — Google review

2031 S St, Sacramento, CA 95811, USAhttps://localissacramento.com/(916) 737-7699

The 50 best foods to try in Sacramento (2024)

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