Los Angeles has made history with its first-ever restaurants receiving three Michelin stars. This prestigious recognition highlights the city's culinary excellence and elevates its dining scene.
For the first time in Michelin’s history, the global dining guide awarded three stars — the highest rating possible — to L.A. restaurants.
Historic Michelin Guide Announcement for Los Angeles
On Wednesday night, the Michelin Guide made a groundbreaking announcement for Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in the culinary landscape of the city. For the first time in its history, the prestigious dining guide awarded three stars—the highest possible rating—to not just one, but two restaurants in Los Angeles. This recognition underscores the city's growing reputation as a culinary destination.
The Significance of Michelin Stars
The Michelin Guide, renowned for its rigorous evaluation process, publishes its California Guide annually, showcasing the finest dining establishments across the state. Michelin stars are awarded on a scale of one to three, with one star indicating “high-quality cooking, worth a stop,” two stars denoting “excellent cuisine, worth a detour,” and three stars representing “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” While several Los Angeles restaurants have previously received two stars, this year, Providence and Somni have ascended to three-star status, becoming the only two restaurants in California to achieve this honor in 2025.
Recognition for Young Talent
In addition to the star awards, the Michelin Young Chef Award was presented to Ki Kim, the chef of Restaurant Ki located in Little Tokyo. Kim's restaurant also earned a single star, highlighting his remarkable culinary skills. His journey has not been without challenges; he faced mental health struggles during the closure of his first restaurant, Kinn. However, he made a triumphant return with a modern Korean tasting menu introduced last year. At the awards ceremony held in Sacramento at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, Kim was commended for his “exhibited leadership and dedication to the craft.”
Bib Gourmand and Sustainability Awards
The 2025 statewide guide also honored 123 restaurants with its "bib gourmand" awards, which recognize establishments offering “good food at a moderate price.” Furthermore, the guide introduced green stars to acknowledge restaurants that implement sustainable practices, reflecting a growing trend towards environmental responsibility in the culinary world.
Emotional Moments at the Ceremony
As the awards were presented, the owners of Providence, Michael Cimarusti and Donato Poto, appeared visibly stunned while accepting their accolade, sharing a heartfelt moment with the iconic Michelin Man mascot. Meanwhile, Somni's chef, Aitor Zabala, made a memorable entrance by removing his suit jacket onstage and donning chef's whites, embracing the celebratory atmosphere. He took the time to hug every chef who received the coveted three-star rating, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the culinary elite.
This year's Michelin Guide announcement not only highlights the exceptional talent within Los Angeles but also sets a new standard for culinary excellence in the region. With the addition of two three-star restaurants and a focus on sustainability, the guide continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of the dining scene in California.