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SingleThread Farms Opens First International Restaurant in Kyoto

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/21 .. ens-first-international-restaurant-in-kyoto.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, January 21st 2026 at 3:16 GMT by Food & Wine
      Locales: UNITED STATES, JAPAN

Kyoto, Japan - January 21st, 2026 - SingleThread Farms, the celebrated California institution renowned for its unwavering dedication to farm-to-table dining, has officially inaugurated Sonoma Kyoto, its first international venture. The new restaurant, nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, represents a significant expansion for the Michelin-starred farm and restaurant group and underscores their commitment to sharing their unique culinary philosophy with a global audience.

For years, SingleThread Farms in Healdsburg has captivated diners with its hyper-seasonal tasting menus sourced almost entirely from its own farm and meticulously chosen regional producers. The success of that model, built on a profound respect for ingredients and a deep connection to the land, has now blossomed across the Pacific.

Sonoma Kyoto isn't merely a transplant of the California experience; it's a carefully considered adaptation, thoughtfully blending SingleThread's core values with the rich tapestry of Japanese culinary traditions. While the original SingleThread proudly showcases California's bounty, Sonoma Kyoto does the same for the region's seasonal Japanese produce. This localization is critical to the restaurant's identity. The tasting menu, a hallmark of the SingleThread experience, showcases the freshest ingredients procured from nearby farms and producers, ensuring an authentic and dynamic culinary journey throughout the year.

Leading the charge in the kitchen are chefs Eiji Murata and Kenji Namiki, a dynamic duo bringing together a wealth of experience and a shared passion for honoring traditional Japanese techniques. They are responsible for translating SingleThread's ethos into a distinctly Japanese flavor profile. Early reports suggest a menu that balances innovative techniques with time-honored preparations, promising an exciting exploration of Japanese seasonality.

"We've always had a deep connection to Japan and its culinary traditions," explains Kyle Nelson, SingleThread's culinary director. This sentiment highlights the long-standing appreciation for Japanese culture and cuisine that has been a guiding force behind the expansion. The decision to open in Kyoto specifically wasn't arbitrary; Kyoto, a city steeped in history and renowned for its refined aesthetic and culinary heritage, felt like the perfect fit for SingleThread's values.

Staying true to the SingleThread model, Sonoma Kyoto also maintains its own on-site farm. This commitment to self-sufficiency and hyper-local sourcing allows for unparalleled freshness and enables the kitchen to highlight the peak of each season's offerings. Diners can expect a level of ingredient quality and traceability that has become synonymous with the SingleThread name.

The opening of Sonoma Kyoto marks a pivotal moment for SingleThread Farms. It's more than just a new restaurant; it's a testament to the growing global interest in sustainable, farm-to-table dining and the power of culinary exchange. As the restaurant finds its footing in the vibrant Kyoto food scene, it is poised to introduce a new generation to the SingleThread philosophy while simultaneously learning and evolving from the rich culinary landscape of Japan. Reservations, understandably, are highly sought after, reflecting the immense anticipation surrounding this unique culinary collaboration.