Southern California celebrates two new three-star triumphs, while Northern California adds two two-star gems and five others in the state earn one new star.
A fresh wave of culinary talent has earned a place among California’s Michelin elite, as several new restaurants receive prestigious stars in the 2025 guide. For the first time ever, Los Angeles boasts two three-star establishments — a historic achievement for the city’s dining landscape. Chef Michael Cimarusti’s revered seafood destination, Providence, finally secures its long-anticipated spot at the top, while Chef Aitor Zabala’s intimate modern Spanish concept, Somni, stuns the industry with a three-star debut.
Northern California also celebrates notable elevations. Enclos in Sonoma enters the scene with two stars, and Kiln in San Francisco moves up from one to two stars — a testament to its evolving culinary excellence. In addition, five other restaurants across the state have earned their very first Michelin star, bringing California’s total number of one-star venues to 65. Michelin’s anonymous inspectors based their selections on five key criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of technique, harmony of flavors, the personality of the chef expressed through the cuisine, and consistency across the entire menu.
Here’s the complete list of California’s newly starred restaurants for 2025:
Three Michelin Stars
Providence (Hollywood; Seafood cuisine)
Since its debut in 2005, Providence has embodied a philosophy of purity, finesse, and seasonality under the leadership of Chef Michael Cimarusti. Over the years, his approach to California seafood has evolved into a sophisticated expression of both classic and contemporary technique. The multi-course tasting menu highlights pristine, sustainably sourced seafood — often wild-caught from American coastal waters — paired with refined sauces and precise plating. Standout dishes may include a delicate tart layered with lobster mousse and box crab in a rich crab beurre blanc, or perfectly roasted monkfish served with cauliflower and black truffles. Beloved house specialties, like the uni-soft poached egg or the salt-baked Santa Barbara spot prawns, elevate the experience for those seeking an indulgent upgrade.
Somni (West Hollywood; Contemporary cuisine)
After a period of reinvention, Somni re-emerges with renewed vision under Chef Aitor Zabala and his devoted team. Nestled discreetly near Santa Monica Avenue, the serene, minimalist interiors — accented by pale woods and an artistic nod to its Spanish roots — set the stage for an intimate culinary journey. The tasting menu unfolds as a series of highly curated small plates, each crafted with precision, creativity, and a nod to tradition. From bold bites like mussel escabeche and vibrant gazpacho to inventive creations such as shiso tartare tempura, every course balances flavor and texture with finesse. With the kitchen and service teams moving in seamless harmony, Somni delivers an experience that feels both personal and elevated — a dream turned delicious reality.
Two Michelin Stars
Enclos (Sonoma; Contemporary cuisine)
Tucked inside a beautifully restored 1880s Victorian on the Stone Edge Farm Winery estate, Enclos invites diners into an elegant, immersive experience. Chef Brian Limoges curates a seasonal tasting menu that fuses global influences with refined technique, all grounded in ultra-local produce from the estate’s own farms. Subtle nods to his New England heritage appear throughout the meal — such as a whimsical lobster tartare croustade or a delicate clam custard reminiscent of classic chowder. Desserts dazzle just as much, with creations like sorrel ice cream adorned with pomegranate and lime-infused edible leaves. Exceptional hospitality completes the sense of quiet luxury.
Kiln (San Francisco; Contemporary cuisine)
Located in a converted warehouse, Kiln delivers a compelling blend of Scandinavian inspiration and contemporary Californian style. Spearheaded by Chef John Wesley and GM Julianna Yang, the restaurant offers a tasting menu centered on traditional Nordic preservation methods — including fermentation, drying, and curing — reimagined with modern precision. Inventive bites like puffed beef tendon crisps set the tone, while more composed dishes such as squab glazed in burnt honey with truffled jus reveal classical finesse. The space feels both industrial and intimate, while the warm, knowledgeable service enhances every step of the journey.
One Michelin Star
Lilo (Carlsbad; Californian cuisine)
A hidden gem with just the right touch of elegance, Lilo offers an intimate dining experience that begins outdoors with curated small bites before transitioning to its cozy indoor setting. Chef Eric Bost crafts a seasonal tasting menu that reflects artistry and precision, with standout plates like dry-aged Japanese kinmedai served over a geoduck and bone marrow ragout, or a rich 40-day aged ribeye layered with preserved mushrooms, seaweed, and classic bordelaise. The menu cleverly pivots to dessert midway through, introducing inventive treats such as orgeat ice cream with celery root flakes and Ossetra caviar, followed by refined finales like hoja santa–infused sweet cream gelato brightened with finger lime.
Mori Nozomi (Los Angeles; Sushi/Japanese cuisine)
Mori Nozomi offers an unforgettable omakase experience, reserved for just eight lucky diners per seating. Helmed by Chef Nozomi Mori, this intimate sushi counter combines world-class ingredients with warm, attentive service. Fish is flown in fresh from Japan, while local produce plays a key role in the supporting dishes. Each course is carefully balanced — from delicate chawanmushi with ginkgo to expertly crafted nigiri — and no detail is overlooked, including the imported Japanese ice used in the five-course tea pairing. The experience closes with a handmade mochi and freshly whisked matcha, offering a tranquil and graceful finish.
Restaurant Ki (Los Angelese; Korean Contemporary cuisine)
Tucked behind an unmarked door, Restaurant Ki is a ten-seat culinary hideaway that blends Korean traditions with global creativity. Chef Ki Kim’s tasting menu starts with refined snacks like truffle rice and kimchi wrapped in seaweed, or tender octopus served in a bold gochujang cream. Highlights continue with dishes such as charred snap peas with trout roe and tuna, or a silky perilla-seed pasta topped with winter truffle. Mains include inventive takes like roasted squab with foie gras-infused sauce, and dry-aged beef paired with beet jus and bone broth. A playful mushroom ice cream sandwich brings the experience to a surprising and satisfying close.
Silvers Omakase (Santa Barbara; Sushi/Japanese cuisine)
With an ultra-exclusive setup and rotating menu, Silvers Omakase redefines intimate fine dining. Chef Lennon Silvers Lee curates a personalized omakase experience featuring Japanese rice milled in-house and an impressive selection of seafood sourced both locally and from Japan. Guests are welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine before being seated for a synchronized service. Expect a thoughtful sequence of dishes including seasonal sashimi, delicate nigiri such as hamachi and bluefin tuna, and signature uni rice topped with crunchy masago. The meal winds down with a refreshing house-made sorbet, closing the experience on a bright note.
Sun Moon Studio (Oakland; Californian cuisine)
Quietly tucked away in Oakland, Sun Moon Studio has become one of the region’s most sought-after reservations. Chefs Alan Hsu and Sarah Cooper bring fine-dining pedigree to this small-scale project, delivering a constantly evolving tasting menu that champions local ingredients. Dishes are minimalist yet expressive — think Dungeness crab with yuzu butter over tofu, or wild mushroom medleys alongside bright citrus accents. Hand-crafted bites such as savory egg tarts topped with salmon roe or pillowy steamed buns filled with Taiwanese sausage showcase their creativity. The experience is unpretentious yet polished, offering a true celebration of California’s culinary bounty.
Michelin Green Star
Providence (Hollywood – Seafood Cuisine)
Alongside its Michelin stars, Providence in Hollywood has also earned the coveted Green Star for its commitment to sustainability. Chef Michael Cimarusti’s philosophy goes beyond exceptional seafood — the restaurant is deeply rooted in ethical sourcing and environmentally responsible practices, setting a high bar for sustainable fine dining in California.
Sons & Daughters (San Francisco – Contemporary Cuisine)
San Francisco’s Sons & Daughters embraces a full-circle approach to sustainability. The team partners with eco-minded local farmers, fishers, and ranchers to source high-quality ingredients. An in-house dairy program produces their own butter, crème fraîche, cheese, and yogurt. Even the aprons, tableware, and wooden elements are crafted by local artisans, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to responsible sourcing and community collaboration.
Enclos (Sonoma – Contemporary Cuisine)
At Enclos, sustainability is seamlessly woven into every aspect of the dining experience. The restaurant sources organic ingredients from nearby culinary gardens and practices regenerative farming techniques. It operates as carbon-negative and energy-independent, with fallen trees repurposed into chopsticks and trays. Preservation and fermentation methods ensure minimal waste, making Enclos a model for environmentally conscious gastronomy.
Special Awards
Other awards handed out include:
- Exceptional Cocktails Award to the bar team of Eylan in Menlo Park
- Sommelier Award to Chris Barnum-Dann at Localis in Sacramento
- Outstanding Service Award to Nick Peyton at Cyrus in Geyserville
- The coveted Young Chef Award, sponsored by Sysco, went to Ki Kim at Restaurant Ki in Los Angeles
Here is the complete updated 2025 list of all Michelin-starred restaurants in California:
3 Stars (8)
- Addison (San Diego)
- Atelier Crenn (San Francisco)
- Benu (San Francisco)
- *Providence (Hollywood)
- Quince (San Francisco)
- Single Thread (Healdsburg)
- *Somni (West Hollywood)
- The French Laundry (Yountville)
2 Stars (14)
- Acquerello (San Francisco)
- Aubergine (Carmel by the Sea)
- Birdsong (San Francisco)
- Californios (San Francisco)
- Commis (Oakland)
- *Enclos (Sonoma)
- Harbor House (Elk)
- Hayato (Los Angeles)
- *Kiln (San Francisco)
- Lazy Bear (San Francisco)
- Mélisse (Santa Monica)
- Saison (San Francisco)
- Son’s & Daughters (San Francisco)
- Vespertine (Culver City)
1 Star (65)
- 7 Adams (San Francisco)
- 715 (Los Angeles)
- Angler SF (San Francisco)
- Auberge du Soleil (Rutherford)
- Auro (Calistoga)
- Bell’s (Los Alamos)
- Camphor (Los Angeles)
- Caruso’s (Montecito)
- Chez Noir (Carmel by the Sea)
- Citrin (Santa Monica)
- Cyrus (Geyserville)
- Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura (Beverly Hills)
- Gwen (Los Angeles)
- Heritage (Long Beach)
- Hilda and Jesse (San Francisco)
- Holbox (Los Angeles)
- Jeune et Jolie (Carlsbad)
- Kali (Hollywood)
- Kato (Los Angeles)
- Kenzo (Napa)
- Kin Khao (San Francisco)
- Knife Pleat (Costa Mesa)
- Le Comptoir at Bar Crenn (San Francisco)
- *Lilo (Carlsbad)
- Localis (Sacramento)
- Madcap (San Enselmo)
- Meteora (Los Angeles)
- Mister Jiu’s (San Francisco)
- *Mori Nozomi (Los Angeles)
- Morihiro (Los Angeles)
- n/naka (Los Angeles)
- Nari (San Francisco)
- Niku Steakhouse (San Francisco)
- Nisei (San Francisco)
- Nozawa Bar (Beverly Hills)
- O’ By Claude Le Tohic (San Francisco)
- Orsa & Winston (Los Angeles)
- Osteria Mozza (Los Angeles)
- Pasta|Bar (Encino)
- Plumed Horse (Saratoga)
- Press (Saint Helena)
- Protégé (Palo Alto)
- R|O-Rebel Omakase (Laguna Beach)
- *Restaurant Ki (Los Angeles)
- San Ho Won (San Francisco)
- Selby’s (Atherton)
- Shibumi (Los Angeles)
- Shin Sushi (Encino)
- *Silvers Omakase (Santa Barbara)
- Six Test Kitchen (Paso Robles)
- Soichi (San Diego)
- Sorrel (San Francisco)
- Ssal (San Francisco)
- State Bird Provisions (San Francisco)
- *Sun Moon Studio (Oakland)
- Sushi Inaba (Torrance)
- Sushi Kaneyoshi (Los Angeles)
- The Kitchen (Sacramento)
- The Progress (San Francisco)
- The Restaurant at JUSTIN (Paso Robles)
- The Shota (San Francisco)
- The Village Pub (Woodside)
- Uka (Los Angeles)
- Valle (Oceanside)
- Wakuriya (San Mateo)
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