Localis - Sacramento, California

Amanda Stevenson

I hesitated leaving a partial negative review but this restaurant is a Michelin rated fairly costly restaurant and I really expected more. First I’d like to say the service was top notch. The restaurant was comfortable, nothing fancy. Presentation of food was on point! Really where I thought they fell short was the overall lack of flavor in their food. It was extremely underwhelming. I have been to Michelin rated restaurants on multiple Continents and several Countries so this wasn’t my first go round. I was just very unwhelmed with each course. The variety was there but the taste wasn’t. The portions are comically small. It’s a bite or two at most. Honestly the dessert was probably my favorite part and after 10 plus courses we left not hungry but certainly not full.

Riana Murphy

We trusted them to feed us well and they delivered beyond expectations.

My husband and I paid our fist visit to Localis last night to celebrate his birthday. Chef Christopher Barnum-Dann and his team absolutely blew us away with more than just the food and drinks that were prepared. The energy, ambiance, and his team's attentiveness to us and the dishes made the whole evening one to remember.

A few days prior to our visit a staff member, Fiona, reached out to inquire about dietary restrictions and our occasion for visiting. I informed her that we had no restrictions, however I am currently pregnant. Upon hearing this, she informed me about some items on their menu that I had the option of requesting a substitution for which I found very kind. Our conversation was pleasant and had me looking forward to our visit.

Once we arrived, we were seated at the Chef's Counter to enjoy the Fall Celebrations menu. The 10 course meal encompassed celebratory meals from around the world with the Chef's take on them.

I have no words to describe what it was like to watch the chefs work to prepare our dishes. They functioned so efficiently maintaining such a calm demeanor while engaging in conversation with us. I admire their focus and attention to detail.

Now, regarding the food. Every dish on the menu had ingredients my husband and I typically don't enjoy. However, our minds were completely changed last night. Each course was thoughtfully constructed and had such depth in flavor. We found ourselves saying countless times, "I would love to have this again".

It was difficult to pick our favorite courses by the end of the night. My stand out dish was by far the Kwanzaa: Kamaru, The Feast of Faith.

This dish was a deliciously tender braised lamb shank, coffee roasted carrots, confit kohlrabi, with a lamb and coffee demi-glace poured over. They also provided a side of jollof rice and collard greens. If there was one dish I could learn to make, it would be this. It was the best thing I have ever tasted, I savored every minute of it. It was so good, I didn't even get the opportunity to snap a picture for this review because I was excited to dig in.

I could go on and on about each course and write a miles long review detailing each dish and my experience but I think I would hit the character limit.

Thank you Localis, to all of your chefs and servers, we look forward to enjoying another meal with you in the future!

Kevin Morris (Borris)

Amazing place we learned about in Germany of all places, while in town for Octoberfest where we randomly had dinner at same table with Chef Chris Barnum at a huge beer garden named Augustiner Biergarten. Learning of his passion for finding food ideas and menus while traveling made us put this restaurant on our very short list of places to visit.
We made it 12 months later and all six of us that got to experience this 10+ course meal will be talking about it for some time. It was a unanimous 10/10 from each of us. The detail and story behind each course blew us away. I really loved how he brought his travel and tastes from Argentina to our meal. We did not make it in time for the Germany spread but now we each have already talked of going to visit Argentina to further explore this range of food.
Service was quick and professional with Chef coming to table to share deeper meaning and inspiration behind certain dishes.
Learning that even down to dinnerwear we were served many courses on had detailed background to it just added to experience.
You will see in pictures that extreme detail was paid to each course creating a memorable night of taste bud heaven. Each round had history, taste and technique in plating you only see in finest of restaurants.
Having been to many Michelin Star restaurants I am confident in placing Localis at the top of my restaurant list. Chef Chris and his crew treated us like royalty when we could have just been the next table of 6. This told me he has a vision and expectation to give his guests a memorable experience and that is just what we had.
10/10 across the board for sure. I will let the take home suprise be just that but even it has been a hit and very delicious. I am confident you will enjoy each an every round during your time at Localis and can not help but become obsessed with the stories and passion that goes into your meal.

Sojin Lee

This is our second visit. The concept was Southern Italy! Always great food. I am very impressed with Chef Chris's passion and creativity for food. The Caprese salad in small bowls was our best dish. The homemade mozzarella cheese, tomato Gelee and sorbet were amazing in every bite. The prawn rissoto and four flavor pasta were also great. The affogato dessert that Chris said was delicious for breakfast, lunch or dinner was also great. I would definitely try the Argentinean menu that starts in November. We will be back. Oui!!

Tony Subia

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!

STEPHANIE M

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!

Harvey

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 cocktail. 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.

Marsha

WOW! Localis is by far the best restaurant my husband and I have been to.

Chef Chris and his team created magic that evening. The entire team had such a friendly and professional vibe. The experience was perfect. And of course, the food… wow the food.

Before eating at Localis, the concept of a Michelin star restaurant is only something that I hear on TV. Previously, I have eaten at other fine dining places but not Michelin star places like Hells Kitchen in Las Vegas, The Stratosphere LV, Gordon Ramsay’s Pub and Grill, The Smokedoor in Lake Tahoe, etc. I now understand why a Michelin star is such a big deal. I mean, it was flavor perfection explosion in every bite. The presentation was also perfection. We were so full. We decided this is by far, the best restaurant.

A note about the portion and wine pairing: I am a small person and this was my first 12 course meal. So, for me personally, it was a LOT of food. I didn’t think that would happen because I always imagined that with a small portion each time, I would have plenty of room. That was not the case! I started to be very full at course 6 haha. If you’re like me and don’t eat too much, maybe don’t get the wine pairing because it could be a lot! The chef was so nice and told me that for next time, I need to eat a bigggg breakfast so my belly can expand and be ready for dinner. Will definitely do that next time.

Our experience lasted from 8pm to 11pm. Parking was relatively easy to find. We got street parking a few minutes away. There are also garages near by. I highly recommend sitting near all the chefs to see the action!

Great job Localis!