List of Michelin-starred restaurants in California

The Michelin Guides have been published by the French tire company Michelin since 1900. They were designed as a guide to tell drivers about eateries they recommended to visit and to subtly sponsor their tires, by encouraging drivers to use their cars more and therefore need to replace the tires as they wore out. Over time, the stars that were given out started to become more valuable.[1]
Multiple anonymous Michelin inspectors visit the restaurants several times. They rate the restaurants on five criteria: "quality of products", "mastery of flavor and cooking techniques", "the personality of the chef represented in the dining experience", "value for money", and "consistency between inspectors' visits".[1][2] Inspectors have at least ten years of expertise and create a list of popular restaurants supported by media reports, reviews, and diner popularity. If they reach a consensus, Michelin awards restaurants from one to three stars based on its evaluation methodology: One star means "high-quality cooking, worth a stop", two stars signify "excellent cooking, worth a detour", and three stars denote "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey".[3] The stars are not permanent and restaurants are constantly being re-evaluated. If the criteria are not met, the restaurant will lose its stars.[1]
The California Guide came about in 2019 as the result of the merger of two other ones; San Francisco and Los Angeles.[4] The San Francisco Michelin Guide was the second North American city chosen to have its own Michelin Guide beginning in 2007. Unlike the other U.S. guides which focus mainly in the city proper, the San Francisco guide included all the major cities in the Bay Area: San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Berkeley, as well as Wine Country, which includes Napa and Sonoma.[5] Michelin published restaurant guides for Los Angeles in 2008 and 2009 but suspended the publication in 2010.[6] In 2019 Michelin replaced the San Francisco guide with a statewide guide which would bring back the Los Angeles market along with the rest of Southern California and included Northern California as well. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires in California, the French tire company's restaurant guide for California took a hiatus in 2020.[7]
2019–2024 statewide lists
[edit]The 2019–2024 Michelin Guides cover the entire state of California.[4][8][9] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires in California, the French tire company's restaurant guide took a hiatus in California in 2020.[10]
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One Michelin star |
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Two Michelin stars |
![]() |
Three Michelin stars |
—
|
The restaurant did not receive a star that year |
Closed | A defunct restaurant |
2008–2018 Los Angeles lists
[edit]![]() |
One Michelin star |
---|---|
![]() |
Two Michelin stars |
—
|
The restaurant did not receive a star that year |
Closed | A defunct restaurant |
2007–2018 San Francisco Bay Area and Wine Country lists
[edit]![]() |
One Michelin star |
---|---|
![]() |
Two Michelin stars |
![]() |
Three Michelin stars |
—
|
The restaurant did not receive a star that year |
Closed | A defunct restaurant |
Notes
[edit]- ^ Le Comptoir at Bar Crenn, specifically has the Michelin star
See also
[edit]- List of restaurants
- List of Michelin 3-star restaurants in the United States
- Lists of Michelin-starred restaurants
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Buchwald, Elisabeth (10 February 2024). "Michelin Guide history: How did a tire company become an elite restaurant rating guide?". CNN. Archived from the original on 20 February 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "How Restaurants Get Michelin Stars: A Brief History of the Michelin Guide". Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. 9 February 2024. Archived from the original on 8 April 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Dixon, Rachel (24 June 2008). "Q&A: Michelin stars". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ a b "MICHELIN Guide California 2019 Selection". MICHELIN Guide. June 4, 2019. Archived from the original on June 4, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ "Michelin Selects San Francisco and Bay Area as North American Guide Destination". PR Newswire. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ Hallock, Betty (June 25, 2009). "Michelin won't be publishing 2010 guides for L.A. or Las Vegas". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 22, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ "Michelin Reverses Course, Won't Issue California Star Ratings This Year". Eater.com. 13 October 2020. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ "2021 California New MICHELIN Stars". September 28, 2021. Archived from the original on December 14, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ "2022 California MICHELIN Stars". December 5, 2022. Archived from the original on April 20, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
- ^ a b "Michelin Reverses Course, Won't Issue California Star Ratings This Year". Eater.com. 13 October 2020. Archived from the original on 19 October 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
- ^ Elliott, Farley (December 30, 2020). "Dave Beran's Tiny, Michelin-Starred Dialogue Closes on November 7". Eater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
- ^ "Two of L.A.'s most lauded chefs are closing their Michelin-starred restaurant and its downstairs bistro". Los Angeles Times. February 6, 2024.
- ^ "Curtis Stone to close Maude next month and replace it with Pie Room". Los Angeles Times. August 7, 2024.
- ^ Balla, Lesley (2021-04-12). "'It Always Comes Back': Josiah Citrin on the Upcoming Restaurant Boom". Resy | Right This Way. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
- ^ Kang, Matthew (2020-08-04). "José Andrés Restaurants the Bazaar and Somni Will Close Inside SLS Hotel Due to Contract Termination". Eater LA. Archived from the original on 2020-12-13. Retrieved 2021-02-05.
- ^ "Star-winning Taco María is closing this Saturday. 'It's not the end,' chef says". Los Angeles Times. 2023-07-25. Retrieved 2023-08-04.
- ^ "Trois Mec, Ludo Lefebvre's tasting menu restaurant, has closed permanently". Los Angeles Times. 25 July 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-12-13. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
- ^ "Michelin-Starred Avery is Closing Permanently This Fall". 11 October 2023.
- ^ "Bistronomie by Baumé on California Avenue closes its doors after 13 years of luxury French food". 17 August 2023.
- ^ "San Francisco Bay Area's Michelin Stars Announced for 2019, Again". Eater. June 3, 2019. Archived from the original on June 4, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Elliott, Farley (2019-06-03). "Here are all of LA's new Michelin-starred restaurants, from Somni to N/Naka". Eater LA. Archived from the original on 2022-11-25. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ^ "The 2021 MICHELIN Guide California Celebrates Five New two MICHELIN Stars and 22 New one MICHELIN Star Awards". Michelin Guide. Michelin North America. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ^ Avalle, Alma (December 6, 2022). "A Full List of California Restaurants That Kept, Earned, or Lost Michelin Stars in 2022". Bon Appétit.
- ^ "California 1 Star Michelin Restaurants". Archived from the original on 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
- ^ "All 25 of L.A.'s Michelin star restaurants, updated for 2022". Time Out Los Angeles. Archived from the original on 2023-01-04. Retrieved 2023-01-04.
- ^ Goldstein, Li (July 19, 2023). "The Full List of California Restaurants That Kept, Earned, or Lost Michelin Stars in 2023". Bon Appétit.
- ^ "The Full List of California Restaurants That Kept, Earned, or Lost Michelin Stars in 2023". Bon Appétit. 2023-07-19. Archived from the original on 2023-07-19. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ^ "Michelin just released its 2023 starred restaurants in California — with a new star in L.A." Los Angeles Times. 2023-07-19. Archived from the original on 2023-07-19. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ^ "Here Are the 2024 Michelin Star Winners in the Bay Area". 6 August 2024.
- ^ "All the 2024 California Michelin Guide Stars". Michelin Guide. 2024-08-06. Retrieved 2024-08-06.
- ^ Scattergood, Amy (May 24, 2011). "Bastide Closes: This Time For Good". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Rodell, Besha (December 4, 2014). "Hatfield's to Close at End of Year". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on December 4, 2017. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Snyder, Garrett (February 1, 2016). "Farewell to Joe's Restaurant, One of Venice's Last Remaining Dining Icons". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Odell, Kat (February 10, 2014). "La Botte in Santa Monica Done, "Next Chapter" To Come". Eater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on September 17, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Scattergood, Amy (January 12, 2011). "Ortolan Closes". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on October 15, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Hallock, Betty (May 13, 2010). "David Myers' culinary empire in flux". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 8, 2022. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Gold, Jonathan (May 25, 2012). "Counter Intelligence: Ración is Basque country". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on December 2, 2017. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Elliott, Farley (August 7, 2018). "Legendary Italian Restaurant Valentino to Close After 46 Years in Santa Monica". Eater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Balla, Lesley (November 9, 2007). "Breaking: Michelin Stars Are Out". Eater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on May 30, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ Balla, Lesley (October 20, 2008). "Michelin Results Are Out: No Three Stars, Providence Ups to Two, New One Stars Added". Eater Los Angeles. Archived from the original on June 20, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- ^ "A Wine Country Dining Icon Closes in Yountville". 3 October 2018.
- ^ "Bay Area stars fail to make Michelin cut / French Laundry is lone restaurant to win top rating in guide's S.F. edition". SFGate.com. 3 October 2006. Archived from the original on August 28, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "More Michelin stars fall on Bay Area". BizJournals. Archived from the original on October 27, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "MICHELIN GUIDE SAN FRANCISCO, WINE COUNTRY 2009 ANNOUNCED". Food Fashionista. October 2008. Archived from the original on October 27, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "39 Bay Area restaurants get Michelin stars". SFGate.com. 20 October 2009. Archived from the original on October 9, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "Michelin Guide Bay Area 2011: Meadowood elevated to three stars, Chez Panisse loses its star". SFGate.com. Archived from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "Bay Area Restaurants Shine in 2012 Michelin Guide" (Press release). BizJournals. Archived from the original on October 27, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "Michelin Stars for 2013 Announced: Atelier Crenn Gets Two, SPQR Earns a Star, Fleur de Lys Loses Theirs". Grub Street. 23 October 2012. Archived from the original on October 27, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "Michelin releases 2014 San Francisco Bay Area Guide: Quince, State Bird Provisions shine". SFGate.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "Here Are the 2015 Michelin Stars for San Francisco; Benu and Saison Both Get Major Upgrades". Grub Street. 21 October 2014. Archived from the original on September 29, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "The 2016 San Francisco Michelin Guide's Big Winner Is David Kinch's Manresa". Eater. 20 October 2015. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "Six Bay Area Restaurants Now Have Three Michelin Stars, As Many As New York". Eater. 25 October 2016. Archived from the original on December 15, 2020. Retrieved October 26, 2016.
- ^ "San Francisco Bay Area's Michelin Stars Announced for 2018". Eater. October 25, 2017. Archived from the original on October 26, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
Bibliography
[edit]- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2007. Michelin Travel Publications. 2007. ISBN 978-2-06-712084-6.
- Michelin Guide Los Angeles 2008. Michelin Travel Publications. 2008. ISBN 978-2-06-712990-0.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2008. Michelin Travel Publications. 2008. ISBN 978-2-06-712985-6.
- Michelin Guide Los Angeles 2009. Michelin Travel Publications. 2009. ISBN 978-2-06-713708-0.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2009. Michelin Travel Publications. 2009. ISBN 978-2-06-713707-3.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2010. Michelin Travel Publications. 2010. ISBN 978-2-06-714694-5.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2011. Michelin Travel Publications. 2011. ISBN 978-2-06-715336-3.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2012. Michelin Travel Publications. 2012. ISBN 978-2-06-716529-8.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2013. Michelin Travel Publications. 2013. ISBN 978-2-06-717693-5.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2014. Michelin Travel Publications. 2014. ISBN 978-2-06-718697-2.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2015. Michelin Travel Publications. 2015. ISBN 978-2-06-719411-3.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2016. Michelin Travel Publications. 2016. ISBN 978-2-06-720298-6.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2017. Michelin Travel Publications. 2017. ISBN 978-2-06-721237-4.
- Michelin Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2018. Michelin Travel Publications. 2018. ISBN 978-2-06-722092-8.
- Michelin Guide California 2019. Michelin Travel Publications. 2019. ISBN 978-2-06-724129-9.