I’ve often joked with Chef Kyle Connaughton that he has nothing left to win but, as it turns out, I was wrong. SingleThread, long a beacon of culinary excellence and sustainable fine dining, has now achieved the ultimate accolade. Located in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, CA this Three MICHELIN starred restaurant and MICHELIN Key Inn has been named the #1 restaurant in the world by La Liste, the prestigious global guide. This recognition places SingleThread at the pinnacle of haute cuisine, cementing its reputation as a leader in American and global gastronomy.
A Farm-to-Table Masterpiece in Sonoma, California
SingleThread is the brainchild of Chef Kyle Connaughton and his wife, Katina Connaughton, the restaurant’s head farmer. Together, they have created an immersive farm-to-table dining experience that seamlessly blends culinary artistry with the agricultural bounty of Northern California. The restaurant’s ethos is deeply rooted in sustainability, with many ingredients sourced directly from the Connaughtons’ five-acre farm. The restaurant’s accolades are numerous. In addition to its three Michelin stars, SingleThread holds a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainable practices. This dedication to reducing waste and supporting local artisans has made it a model for the future of fine dining in Northern California.
The Vision of Chef Kyle Connaughton
Leading SingleThread’s kitchen is Chef Kyle Connaughton, whose culinary journey is as inspiring as the dishes he creates. After honing his craft in world-renowned kitchens like Michel Bras and The Fat Duck, his time studying traditional kaiseki cuisine in Japan profoundly influenced his cooking style. Today, he masterfully marries Japanese precision with the local flavors of Sonoma County, California.
Connaughton’s approach is rooted in storytelling. Each menu at SingleThread is a curated journey through the seasons. Beyond the plate, he is a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture, working with his wife Katina to ensure their operations have a positive impact on the environment.
La Liste’s 2026 Ranking: A Historic Achievement for a Top US Restaurant
La Liste released its 2026 ranking and named California’s SingleThread the #1 Restaurant in the World.
(La Liste)
La Liste’s 2026 ranking named SingleThread the #1 restaurant in the world. La Liste is renowned for its data-driven approach, combining reviews from hundreds of global publications. This year, ten restaurants shared the title of World’s Best Restaurant, highlighting global innovation.
Among the honorees, SingleThread and New York’s Le Bernardin were the only U.S. restaurants to achieve the top global position, underscoring the creativity in American haute cuisine. This honor shines a spotlight on the restaurant’s exceptional food and its celebration of Northern California’s agriculture and hospitality.
The full list of La Liste’s 2026 World’s Best Restaurants includes:
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Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl
Reflecting on this monumental achievement, Chef Kyle Connaughton said: “We are incredibly proud of the whole team… It’s a huge honor, especially to be coming from France, which is such a culinary epicenter. To have Healdsburg and our region of Sonoma County recognized amongst some of the great cuisine cultures… comes with such a sense of pride for not only SingleThread but our whole community of farmers, artisans, and craftspeople.”
Looking Ahead
As SingleThread celebrates this historic achievement, the Connaughtons remain focused on their mission. This honor is not an endpoint but a motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of gastronomy. With its unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability, SingleThread restaurant is poised to inspire future generations.
In the words of Chef Kyle Connaughton, “This honor is a reflection of the incredible team… It’s a celebration of our region and a reminder of the power of food to connect us to the land, to each other, and to something greater.”