Farm to Table Restaurants in Sacramento

Ranking the Top 7 Farm to Table Restaurants in Sacramento

If you think Sacramento is just a government town, you haven’t looked at the menu. Read on while we rank the top 7 best farm to table restaurants in Sacramento. Officially designated as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento sits squarely in the middle of the most productive agricultural region in the nation. With over 1.5 million acres of active farmland surrounding the city, “eating local” here isn’t just a trendy marketing slogan—it’s a way of life that has defined the region for over a century.

For foodies visiting California, this means access to ingredients that were likely in the soil just hours before hitting your plate. The culinary scene here has exploded in quality, recently catching the eye of the prestigious Michelin Guide, which has awarded stars and “Bib Gourmand” status to several local favorites. But with new spots opening constantly, how do you choose where to spend your dining budget?

In this guide, we are cutting through the noise to rank the best farm to table restaurants in Sacramento. We’ve judged these spots not just on their food, but on their genuine commitment to California grown seasonality, their relationships with local farmers, and the overall dining experience.

Whether you are looking for a Michelin-starred tasting menu or a casual patio lunch, here are the top 7 spots that define the Sacramento dining scene.

What Makes a Restaurant “Farm to Table” in Sacramento?

Before we dive into the ranking, it’s important to understand that in Sacramento, “farm-to-table” (or “farm-to-fork”) is a strict standard. While many restaurants across the U.S. use the label loosely, Sacramento chefs often source their ingredients from within a 50-mile radius.

The best restaurants here don’t just order from a generic distributor; they have personal relationships with the farmers at the Sunday Farmer’s Market under the freeway—one of the largest certified farmers’ markets in the state. When dining at these establishments, you aren’t just getting fresh food; you are supporting a local ecosystem that values sustainability and the Slow Food movement, which prioritizes good, clean, and fair food for all.

Criteria for this Ranking: To earn a spot on this list, each restaurant had to meet three specific requirements:

  • Menu Seasonality: Does the menu change frequently based on the harvest?

  • Transparency: Do they explicitly name the local farms they partner with?

  • Culinary Excellence: Is the execution of the dishes worthy of a travel detour?

The Top 7 Ranking

1. The Kitchen Restaurant (The Michelin Experience)

  • Vibe: Theatrical, interactive, and undeniably high-end.

  • Location: Arden-Arcade (915 Broadway)

  • Price: $$$$

If you only have one night in Sacramento and the budget allows, The Kitchen Restaurant is the undisputed king of the hill. As one of the first restaurants in Sacramento to earn a Michelin Star, The Kitchen completely reimagined the dining experience.

This isn’t a stuffy, quiet fine-dining room. It’s a dinner party. You are encouraged to get up, walk around, talk to the chefs, and even wander into the walk-in freezer (where they often hide treats for guests!).

Why it ranked #1: The Kitchen is the purest example of “Farm-to-Fork” because there is virtually no gap between the chef and the guest. Executive Chef Kelly McCown creates a multi-course demonstration dinner based entirely on what is available that specific week. You aren’t just eating a meal; you are watching a performance where the ingredients are the stars.

  • Must-Try Experience: The menu changes monthly, but their intermission “Sushi” or seafood course is legendary.

  • Pro-Tip: Reservations here are incredibly competitive. You will need to book months in advance, so plan your trip around this reservation.

2. Mulvaney’s B&L (The Local Icon)

  • Vibe: Historic, warm, and community-focused. Housed in a converted 1893 firehouse.

  • Location: Midtown (1215 19th St)

  • Price: $$$

If The Kitchen is the special occasion destination, Mulvaney’s B&L is the heartbeat of Sacramento’s dining scene. Chef Patrick Mulvaney is not just a cook; he is a local celebrity and advocate who has helped shape the region’s culinary identity. The “B&L” stands for Brown & Loe, the name of the historic firehouse the restaurant occupies, which lends the space a rustic, welcoming charm that feels quintessentially Sacramento.

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Why it ranked #2: Consistency and connection. Mulvaney’s menu is hyper-seasonal, often printed daily with the current date stamped at the top. The relationship between the kitchen and the fields is so tight that Chef Mulvaney is known for having farmers drop off produce directly at the back door mid-service. They also champion a “zero-waste” ethos, utilizing every part of the animal and vegetable.

  • Must-Try Dish: The menu changes daily, but if you see their House-Smoked Salmon or any handmade pasta dish, order it immediately.

  • Best For: A classic dinner date where you want to feel like a local, not a tourist.

3. Localis (Creative & Modern)

  • Vibe: Intimate, artistic, and precise.

  • Location: Midtown (2031 S St)

  • Price: $$$$

While Mulvaney’s looks to the past for inspiration, Localis looks to the future. Under the guidance of Chef Christopher Barnum-Dann, this spot has earned its own Michelin Star by turning local ingredients into edible art. The dining room is small and centered around a U-shaped chef’s counter, offering guests a front-row seat to the precision of the kitchen team.

Why it ranked #3: Localis ranks high for the “adventurous” eater. This isn’t just farm-to-table; it is “micro-seasonal.” The flavors are bold, often combining Sacramento Valley produce with techniques and spices that surprise the palate. The tasting menu here is a narrative journey, often inspired by the chef’s personal memories or specific ingredients peaking that very week.

  • Must-Try Dish: The Octopus. While the garnish changes with the season, Chef Barnum-Dann’s preparation of octopus is widely considered the best in the city—tender, smoky, and perfectly charred.

  • Pro-Tip: Book the Chef’s Counter rather than a standard table. The interaction with the team explains the “why” behind every ingredient on your plate.

4. Canon (East Sacramento Gem)

  • Vibe: Stylish, approachable, and boasting one of the best patios in the city.

  • Location: East Sacramento (1719 34th St)

  • Price: $$$

Tucked away in East Sacramento, Canon has quickly become a favorite for locals who want Michelin-quality food without the formality. Recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand (which signifies excellent food at a good value), Canon is designed for sharing. The aesthetic is modern and airy, with a large outdoor space that captures the relaxed spirit of the Sacramento lifestyle.

Why it ranked #4: Canon excels at making vegetables the hero. While they serve excellent meats, Chef Brad Cecchi has a knack for transforming humble farm ingredients into complex, crave-able dishes. The menu is formatted as “small plates” and “large plates,” encouraging groups to order a variety of textures and flavors. It is the kind of place where you can go for a casual Tuesday dinner or a celebratory Friday night out.

  • Must-Try Dish: It might sound simple, but their Potato Tots with mole sauce are legendary in Sacramento. Pair that with whatever seasonal vegetable platter is currently on the menu—it will change your mind about what a “side dish” can be.

  • Best For: Group dinners where you want to try a little bit of everything.

5. Ella Dining Room & Bar (Elegant Downtown)

  • Vibe: Sophisticated, bustling, and visually stunning with its white tablecloths and rustic-chic decor.

  • Location: Downtown (1131 K St)

  • Price: $$$$

If you are looking for the “power lunch” spot or a place to impress a client, Ella Dining Room & Bar is the answer. Part of the renowned Selland Family Restaurants (a dynasty in Sacramento food), Ella is the polished, upscale older sister to their more casual concepts. Located just blocks from the State Capitol, the dining room is a masterpiece of design, featuring hundreds of reclaimed shutters lining the ceiling and walls.

Why it ranked #5: Ella manages to be massive and bustling while still maintaining strict sourcing standards. They are masters of the “Farm-to-Fork” philosophy on a larger scale, proving that you don’t need to be a tiny 10-seat restaurant to serve local integrity. Their raw bar is arguably the best in town, and their cocktail program is equally seasonal, using local fruits and herbs in their syrups and infusions.

  • Must-Try Dish: The Roasted Bone Marrow is a staple that rarely leaves the menu for good reason. For an entrée, their Pan Seared Scallops or the local Ribeye are consistently flawless.

  • Best For: Business meetings, pre-theater dinners, or a sophisticated night out near the Golden 1 Center.

6. Grange Restaurant & Bar (Hotel Chic)

  • Vibe: Urban, lofty, and energetic.

  • Location: Downtown (926 J St, inside The Citizen Hotel)

  • Price: $$$

Hotel restaurants often get a bad reputation for being generic, but Grange Restaurant & Bar breaks the mold entirely. Located inside the historic Citizen Hotel, Grange has been a cornerstone of the farm-to-fork movement in downtown Sacramento for years. The space feels big city—high ceilings, large windows looking out onto J Street, and a distinct “buzz” of activity.

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Why it ranked #6: Grange is proof that volume doesn’t have to sacrifice quality. They have consistently served as a training ground for some of the city’s best chefs. The menu highlights the best of the Central Valley with a slightly more rustic, American approach than the fine-dining precision of The Kitchen. It is the perfect bridge between a steakhouse and a farmer’s market.

  • Must-Try Dish: Their Leafy Green Salads are deceptively simple but incredibly fresh, often sourced from a single local farm. For a main, the Grange Burger is often cited as one of the best in downtown.

  • Best For: Travelers staying in the city or a stylish breakfast/brunch that beats any chain.

7. Magpie Cafe (Casual & Honest)

  • Vibe: Laid-back, bright, industrial-modern, and very “Sacramento.”

  • Location: Downtown / Midtown (1409 R St)

  • Price: $$

Rounding out our list is Magpie Cafe, a spot that feels less like a restaurant and more like an extension of the local agriculture scene. Located in the vibrant R Street Corridor, Magpie started as a catering company and grew into a brick-and-mortar favorite because the food was just that good. The atmosphere is casual—you won’t find white tablecloths here—but the ingredient quality rivals the most expensive spots on this list.

Why it ranked #7: Magpie ranks here because it makes farm-to-table accessible. You don’t need a reservation months in advance or a corporate expense account to eat here. They are deeply committed to “slow food” and have a cult following for their ability to let ingredients taste like themselves. It represents the everyday application of the Farm-to-Fork ethos.

  • Must-Try Dish: The seasonal BLT (when tomatoes are in season) is a religious experience for locals. Also, do not leave without trying a Carrot Cake Cookie—they are famous for a reason.

  • Best For: A high-quality lunch, a casual dinner with friends, or a solo meal at the bar.

Practical Tips for Dining in Sacramento

Eating your way through the Farm-to-Fork capital is a joy, but a little planning goes a long way, especially for the high-end spots.

  • Reservations are Essential: For The Kitchen and Localis, you cannot just walk in. You often need to book 1-2 months in advance. Most other spots on this list (like Ella and Mulvaney’s) can be booked a week out, but weekends fill up fast. We recommend using OpenTable or Tock to secure your spot before you arrive in the city.

  • Navigating Parking: Downtown and Midtown Sacramento are generally walkable, but parking can be tricky during peak hours. If you are driving to Ella, Grange, or The Kitchen, your best bet is to use a garage. The city’s SacPark system allows you to reserve spots in advance. For Canon (East Sac) and Magpie (Midtown), street parking is usually easier to find—just watch the meter times!

  • Dress Code: Sacramento has a “California Casual” vibe. You will see jeans at almost every restaurant on this list. However, for The Kitchen, Ella, and Localis, business casual is the norm. It’s a great excuse to dress up, but you don’t need a tuxedo or ballgown to fit in.

  • Embrace the Menu Changes: Don’t get your heart set on a specific dish you saw on Instagram three months ago. The beauty of these restaurants is that if a crop isn’t ready or a storm delayed the harvest, the menu changes. Trust the chef—they are swapping ingredients to give you the best flavor possible.

Conclusion

Sacramento has truly earned its title as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. It is one of the few places in the U.S. where the distance between the farm and your table is measured in minutes, not days. Whether you are splurging on the theatrical experience at The Kitchen or grabbing a perfect BLT at Magpie Cafe, you are tasting the distinct terroir of the Central Valley.

The best part? This list is just the beginning. The city is full of hidden gems, breweries, and coffee shops that all share this same commitment to local quality.

We want to hear from you: Have you eaten at any of these farm-to-table spots? Or did we miss your favorite local gem? Drop a comment below and let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the farm-to-fork capital of the world? Sacramento, California, was officially designated as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital in 2012, highlighting its location amidst the world’s most productive agricultural region.

Is farm-to-table dining expensive? It varies. While places like The Kitchen ($$$$) are a splurge, spots like Magpie Cafe ($$) and Canon ($$$) offer the same high-quality local sourcing at a much more accessible price point.

Do these restaurants accommodate vegans and vegetarians? Absolutely. Because these restaurants focus on produce, chefs like Brad Cecchi at Canon and Patrick Mulvaney at Mulvaney’s B&L are experts at creating plant-forward dishes that are just as satisfying as the meat options.

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