Culinary Icon Flies Away: Kinglet Closes its Doors Forever

A chapter has closed in Walla Walla’s culinary scene as Kinglet, the acclaimed fine dining establishment, announced its permanent closure. Renowned for its innovative and seasonal tasting menus, Kinglet leaves a void in the hearts and stomachs of patrons who cherished its unique offerings.

The memories of dishes like the melt-in-your-mouth cured salmon with bay leaf foam, the chorizo-crusted scallops with smoked paprika oil , and the decadently tender rack of lamb with eggplant puree will continue to linger. We’ll miss the perfectly balanced flavors, the exquisite presentation, and the sheer artistry that Chef Maximillian Petty poured into every plate. Kinglet was not just a restaurant; it was an experience that tantalized the senses and left diners wanting more. While its physical presence may be gone, the legacy of Kinglet’s culinary magic will undoubtedly be remembered and cherished for years to come.

Kinglet was a James Beard-nominated restaurant opened in 2022 by Chef Maximillian Petty and his wife Jennifer Petty. The restaurant was located in the historic Whitehouse-Crawford building, which was originally built in 1904. The Kinglet serves a tasting menu of hyper-seasonal dishes that showcase the bounty of the Walla Walla Valley. The menu changed frequently, but some of the signature dishes included the Johnny Cake Donut with Dungeness Crab Salad, the Weathervane Scallop Crudo, and the Grilled Pork Rib Chop with Cambozola Black. The Kinglet also had a well-curated wine list that features wines from the Pacific Northwest.

The Kinglet has received rave reviews from critics and diners alike. It has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Bon Appétit, and Food & Wine. The restaurant has also been awarded a number of accolades, including being named one of the “Best New Restaurants in America” by Esquire.

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