The MICHELIN guide was born in 1899 with the founding of the famous tire company by the same name. The guide has remained a fixture in the culinary and travel industries in the century since. MICHELIN currently reviews more than 30,000 establishments across three continents.
Over 200 restaurants in the United States have received one or more MICHELIN stars. 44% of those restaurants are here in California, a testament to our state’s exceptional cuisine. A handful of our amazing clients have earned the prestigious distinction of earning MICHELIN stars and recognition!
Discover eight of Block Ice’s Northern California clients that have been recognized by MICHELIN.
Three Stars - SingleThread, Healdsburg, CA
The MICHELIN Guide only awards the exclusive three-star rating to a small selection of the finest restaurants. Only six restaurants in California have earned the coveted three-star rating.
SingleThread is located in Healdsburg, CA in the middle of Sonoma Wine Country. SingleThread has earned an incredible three-star rating from the MICHELIN Guide. What’s more, the eatery also received top ratings for exceptional comfort and a green star for sustainability.
Chef Kyle Connaughton, who trained in Japan, leads the kitchen. Fresh local food is provided by the farmer and co-owner Katina Connaughton. MICHELIN raves about SingleThread’s pumpkin tartare with Dungeness crab, smoked Ora King salmon with Arctic char roe, and Japanese cheesecake.
One Star - The Highest Quality Cooking
MICHELIN awards one star to restaurants with exceptional cooking. A MICHELIN star reflects a restaurant’s commitment to its cuisine. Establishments are judged based on the quality of their ingredients, mastery of flavor and technique, the personality of the chef in their cuisine, value for money, and consistency.
The Kitchen
Block Ice client The Kitchen became Sacramento’s first MICHELIN-starred restaurant back in 2019. It has held that coveted ranking ever since.
This local favorite, led by chef Kelly McGowan, creates a dining experience that feels like a celebration. Guests enjoy an eight-course meal, during which they are encouraged to get up, walk around, explore, and even ask for seconds as they sample their way through a menu that changes monthly.
Reviewers were delighted by the Santa Barbara spot prawns, butter-poached tenderloin, and caramel pudding.
Localis
In 2022 Block Ice client Localis became the second Sacramento restaurant recognized with the coveted MICHELIN star.
The menu at Localis is carefully sourced by Chef and Owner Christopher Barnum-Dann. Barnum-Dann crafts a delectable seven or twelve-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons. MICHELIN raves about dishes like the potato rosti with uni mousse and “The Dish That Made Us,” an octopus tentacle atop polenta with preserved lemon and brown butter. Their whimsical dishes pair well with an innovative wine list.
Diners at this Sacramento restaurant can enjoy their meal inside or on the covered patio.
Press
Located off Highway 29 in wine country, MICHELIN-star-winning restaurant Press dazzles St. Helena with contemporary California cuisine and wonderful Wine Country vibes. Not only is the cooking of Chef Philip Tessier award-winning, but Press’s Wine Director Vincent Morrow also earned MICHELIN’s prestigious Sommelier of the Year award.
The MICHELIN guide praised Press’s Kusshi oysters with whipper horseradish, the citrus-cured snapper, and the white truffle risotto. Finish your meal with chestnut-cognac ice cream over coconut whipped cream and a cocktail served over clear Block Ice.
Bib Gourmand - Nixtaco, Roseville, CA
The Bib Gourmand is an award MICHELIN gives out to restaurants that serve incredible cooking for a good value. Bib Gourmand restaurants offer the best value for your money according to the famed guide.
Nixtaco in Roseville is one of the lucky local restaurants recognized with the Bib Gourmand. This Block Ice client is a taqueria offering big flavor. MICHELIN highlights the outstanding salsa options, blue corn tortillas, and the vegan elote tacos with peanut-chipotle aioli. The guide also raves about the star anise honey-glazed pork belly tacos.
MICHELIN Recommended Restaurants - Recognition of a Good Meal
MICHELIN’s recommended restaurants don’t yet have a Star or Bib Gourmand, but nevertheless serve excellent food that’s worth a visit. This recognition replaces the MICHELIN Plate, a term that has been phased out. This rating recognizes restaurants that “simply serve good food” using only the freshest ingredients and careful preparation. This rating has been awarded to four Block Ice clients.
The Grange
The Grange, found on the first floor of Sacramento’s Citizen Hotel, was recognized for exceptional cooking and comfort.
MICHELIN praises the restaurant’s farm-focused menu, highlighting the creamy broccoli-arugula soup and Mojo pork loin spread.
Ella
Ella, a local favorite located in Downtown Sacramento, dazzled MICHELIN with its comfortable interior and tasty eats. The guide describes the restaurant as “equal parts rustic and refined,” praising the creative menu and extensive wine pairings.
Looking for a cocktail? MICHELIN recommends Ella’s house Gin and Tonic. The G&T is one drink on Ella’s exceptional cocktail menu, many of which are served over our favorite ice!
Beast + Bounty
Beast + Bounty earned MICHELIN’s nod for its fresh, creative Californian cuisine. Enjoy favorites such as the pickled fritto misto with pink beet aioli, or a tasty half-chicken with zucchini puree and baby squash.
Reviewers loved the Tobacco Road cocktail, Beast + Bounty’s new take on the Old Fashioned. The drink is infused with white smoke and served over clear Block Ice.
The MICHELIN Guide recognizes restaurants and chefs that rely on creativity and the finest ingredients to create exceptional dining experiences. From Napa Valley to Sacramento, Block Ice is proud to be featured by restaurants and bars that pair their cuisine with exquisite cocktails.
Have you tasted a meal at any of these MICHELIN-recognized restaurants? Share with us on social media!
