In January 2024, Scratch Restaurants Group brought its distinctive culinary vision to Healdsburg, unveiling a new outpost within The Matheson on Healdsburg Plaza. This debut marked an exciting milestone for the acclaimed husband-and-wife chef duo, Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee, whose innovative approach has garnered a devoted following.
At the heart of the experience is a meticulously crafted 17-course omakase-inspired tasting menu, adored by both A-list celebrities and food enthusiasts. The intimate 10-seat sushi speakeasy invites guests on a journey of flavors. From Phillip’s inventive nigiri creations to Margarita’s signature dessert, Sushi by Scratch delivers far more than a meal—it’s a culinary performance designed to captivate the senses.
An Elevated Arrival
The experience begins even before diners take their seats. Guests are encouraged to arrive up to 30 minutes early to enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and a canapé service on the covered back patio, where tables overlook a sculptural fountain. A delicate “cannoli” of crisp nori cradling Spanish bluefin tuna tail tartare, avocado mousse, and ikura serves as a tantalizing prelude. This is soon followed by an elegant chawanmushi, a savory custard enhanced with shiro dashi, brown butter-sautéed maitakes, and a luxurious option for caviar.
The Intimate Setting
As a server slides open the door to the sushi bar, diners are ushered into an intimate space where their places are marked with chalk-written names. Chef de Cuisine Willer Larreal Perez, who previously led Sushi by Scratch in Los Angeles, stood at the center, orchestrating the evening with two chefs and a beverage server. Chalkboard signs behind them list the proteins featured in the evening’s lineup.
Tradition is upheld with a warm hand towel provided for diners, as utensils are absent. Each meticulously crafted piece of sushi is designed to be savored by hand, including a dish of pickled ginger subtly concealing pickled cucumber and shiitakes—a delightful palate cleanser between courses.
A Symphony of Flavors and Pairings
Each nigiri course delivers an unexpected harmony of flavors. Highlights include the Roasted Bone Marrow nigiri, delicately seasoned with soy sauce, sea salt, and freshly grated wasabi root, followed by a crispy Unagi fried in the rendered marrow fat, enhanced with poblano yuzu kosho, soy sauce, ponzu, and lemon.
To complement the meal, guests can choose from an array of thoughtfully curated beverage pairings:
- Sake Pairing: Six pours of premium Japanese sake
- Beverage Pairing: A mix of three sake pours, two micro cocktails, and one Japanese beer
- Wine Pairing: Six premium wine pours
- Whisky Flight: Six pours of premium Japanese whisky
The experience concludes on a high note with Chef Margarita’s Matcha Bon Bon, a dessert as visually striking as it is delicious.
Expanding Horizons
Healdsburg marks the third California outpost for Sushi by Scratch, following its acclaimed locations in Los Angeles and Montecito. With other destinations in Miami, Austin, Seattle, Chicago, and Montreal, the group continues its expansion into North America’s most vibrant culinary hubs.
Details & Reservations
Priced at $185 per person (excluding tax, service charges, and optional add-ons), this exclusive experience is available Wednesday through Sunday and has three nightly seatings (4 pm, 6:15 pm, and 8:30 pm). Reservations, released monthly on Tock, are essential to secure a seat at this sought-after sushi speakeasy.
Sushi by Scratch is more than a meal—it’s a culinary narrative, skillfully blending artistry, innovation, and tradition into an unforgettable dining experience.
