The Michelin Guide has set the culinary stage in California by introducing an exciting lineup of 15 new restaurant discoveries from the Bay Area, Central Coast, and Southern California. This announcement precedes the highly anticipated release of the Michelin stars later this year, which rates the best dining establishments.

Culinary Highlights

This year’s selection features a diverse array of dining experiences, highlighting the creativity and skills of chefs throughout California. Notable mentions include:

• A seasonal tasting menu in Oakland emphasizing Californian ingredients.
• A popular Cantonese eatery in San Francisco that earned the title of Esquire magazine’s restaurant of the year for 2024.
• Innovative Southern and French cuisine in the Bay Area.
• Creative sushi offerings in Los Angeles.

Distribution of New Discoveries

Among the 15 restaurants recognized, the geographical distribution is as follows:

• Four establishments are in San Francisco.
• One is located in Oakland.
• Two are situated in Wine Country.
• One represents the Central Coast.
• Seven are in the Los Angeles area.

These restaurants are noted as “New” on guide.michelin.com.

A Look Ahead: Michelin Stars and Awards

As chefs await feedback from the Michelin inspectors, the possibility of these restaurants receiving Michelin stars or Bib Gourmand honors—awarded for offering excellent food at reasonable prices—remains uncertain. The Michelin Guide will unveil its star ratings later this year.

Continued Excellence in California Dining

The previous summer saw California reaffirm its status as a premier dining destination. At a ceremony held in Half Moon Bay in 2024, the Michelin Guide International upheld the acclaim for all six three-star restaurants in the state and awarded 13 with two stars and seven with one star, totaling an impressive 85 starred establishments statewide.

Featured New Discoveries

Here are the newly discovered culinary gems along with insights from the Michelin inspectors:

BAY AREA AND WINE COUNTRY

• Sun Moon Studio, Oakland: A hidden gem, this intimate spot offers a seasonal tasting menu that showcases Californian ingredients creatively.
• Four Kings, San Francisco: A vibrant Cantonese restaurant known for its contemporary take on traditional dishes.
• Prelude, San Francisco: Chef Celtin Hendrickson-Jones delivers a menu with hearty flavors and a refined touch, drawing influence from his Southern roots.
• The Wild, San Francisco: Features ingredient-driven cooking highlighted by a central hearth for a unique dining experience.
• Verjus, San Francisco: Celebrated for its French-inspired dishes and excellent seafood, served in a chic wine bar setting.
• Table Culture Provisions, Petaluma: This cozy restaurant offers a tasting menu that fuses Californian and classic French techniques.
• Enclos, Sonoma: An opulent dining experience that marries global flavors with techniques rooted in New England cuisine.

CENTRAL COAST

• Stationaery, Carmel: A popular brunch spot known for inventive takes on American favorites, also serves dinner with enticing options.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

• Bar Etoile, Los Angeles: A wine-centric restaurant featuring product-driven dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients.
• Kusano, Los Angeles: Offers nigiri-forward sushi with a focus on quality and simplicity.
• Mori Nozomi, Los Angeles: Known for its edomae-style sushi, this intimate sushi counter emphasizes hospitality and local ingredients.
• Rasarumah, Los Angeles: A unique blend of Chinese-Malaysian cuisine with a variety of shareable plates.
• Restaurant Ki, Los Angeles: A New Korean tasting menu featuring innovative dishes influenced by diverse culinary traditions.
• Seline, Los Angeles: An adventurous tasting menu known for its theatrical presentations and diverse flavors.
• Tomat, Los Angeles: Focuses on seasonal, shared plates and highlights local produce, particularly during nighttime service.