MICHELIN Guide California 2024: Seven New Stars Shine in the Golden State

Vespertine earns two MICHELIN Stars and Receives a Green Star. 

The 2024 MICHELIN Guide California has unveiled its latest selection, featuring seven new one-MICHELIN Star restaurants and three new two-MICHELIN Star establishments. The full list was announced at a ceremony held Monday night at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay.

Aubergine, Sons & Daughters, and Vespertine are among the newly minted two MICHELIN Star restaurants. Vespertine also earned a Green Star for its sustainable practices. This addition brings the total to 13 two-MICHELIN Star restaurants and 16 Green Stars in California.

Photo Credit: Adahlia Cole & Colin Peck

“California continues to shine bright as we see the culinary scene evolve and highlight emerging talent and cuisines,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “This year, we are thrilled to welcome ten new restaurants to the family of MICHELIN Starred restaurants, in addition to one new Green Star.”

Poullennec praised the selection, noting the variety of culinary offerings that will excite food enthusiasts and reinforce California’s status as a gastronomic destination.

The 2024 edition of the MICHELIN Guide California now includes a total of 85-starred restaurants. Here are the newly starred establishments:

Two MICHELIN Stars:

  • Aubergine (Carmel-by-the-Sea; Contemporary/Californian): Chef Justin Cogley showcases top-quality ingredients with a blend of classic technique and modern presentation.
  • Sons & Daughters (San Francisco; Contemporary): Chef Harrison Cheney offers a minimalist new Nordic-style menu featuring dishes like cured California trout and applewood roasted quail.
  • Vespertine (Culver City; Contemporary): Chef Jordan Kahn’s innovative and visually stunning dishes, such as scallops with passionfruit and smoked mussel cream, reflect a new creative vision.
Photo Credit: Gabriel Carbajal

One MICHELIN Star:

  • Hilda and Jesse (San Francisco; American): This establishment is known for its creative and bold brunch offerings, which combine fine dining techniques with a playful approach.
  • Holbox (Los Angeles; Mexican): Chef Gilbert Cetina serves fresh seafood dishes, including vibrant agua chiles and ceviches, in a casual setting.
  • Kiln (San Francisco; Contemporary): Chefs John Wesley and Julianna Yang emphasize Nordic preservation techniques in a warm, inviting space.
  • Meteora (Los Angeles; Creative): Chef Jordan Kahn’s zero-waste philosophy and live-fire cooking make for memorable dishes in a unique, immersive setting.
  • R|O-Rebel Omakase (Laguna Beach; Japanese): Chef Jordan Nakasone offers a contemporary omakase experience that focuses on seasonality and quality.
  • 7 Adams (San Francisco; Californian): Chefs Serena and David Fisher present a five-course menu that highlights seasonal ingredients with Californian simplicity.
  • Uka (Los Angeles; Japanese): Located within Japan House, Uka features traditional kaiseki dining with seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients.

MICHELIN Green Star:

  • Vespertine (Culver City; Contemporary): This company is recognized for ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, including partnerships with local biodynamic farms and a commitment to reducing waste.
Photo Credit: Laura Mohn

Bib Gourmand:

The Guide also introduced ten new Bib Gourmand restaurants, which offer great food at a great value. These include Cedro Italian Restaurant, Grá, Little Fish, Liu’s Cafe, Lola Gaspar, Mae Malai Thai House of Noodles, Manohar’s Deli Palace, Molti Amici, Pollo a la Brasa, and Quarter Sheets.

Hotels:

The California restaurant selection is accompanied by a curated list of exceptional hotels, ranging from sustainable pioneers like Napa’s Carneros Resort to beachside havens like Surfrider Malibu. The MICHELIN Guide now extends its expertise to hotels, offering a new standard for quality accommodations.

Visit the MICHELIN Guide website or download the free app for the complete list of restaurants and to book hotels.

Related Posts

Santa Monica Landlord to Pay $685K in Tenant Harassment Lawsuit

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The settlement, announced Tuesday, resolves allegations of tenant harassment and discrimination under the city’s Tenant Harassment and Housing Anti-Discrimination ordinances...

Officials Outline Community-Focused Plans for Venice Beach in 2028 Olympics

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Councilwoman Traci Park and LA28 leaders promise local engagement, minimal disruption, and a showcase of the neighborhood’s cultural identity LA...

(Video) Interviews with Rick Caruso and Elyse Walker, with a Dennis Quaid cameo

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

We spoke at the Press Conference to announce plans to reopen Palisades Village Shopping Mall. Actor Dennis Quaid arrives to...

(Video) Shoreside Restaurant Unveiled by Santa Monica’s Shore Hotel

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Guests can expect dishes like the Harris Ranch Prime Filet, along with plates like the California Yellowtail Crudo and Superior...

DoorDash to Award $200K in Grants to Restaurants Affected by Wildfires

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

The funding can be used to cover a range of wildfire-related expenses, including rent, repairs, and payroll DoorDash will distribute...

Thomas Mann House to Reopen in Following Wildfire Repairs: REPORT

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

Though the house remained structurally intact, it underwent months of environmental testing, cleanup, and repairs The Thomas Mann House in...

(Video) Main Street Bars & Restaurants Give a Taste in 10th Annual ‘MAINopoly’ Event

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

The event took place Sunday, May 25, transforming five blocks of Santa Monica’s Main Street into a Monopoly-themed culinary experience...

Friends of Ballona Wetlands to Host Migration Celebration May 31

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

The celebration will feature avenger hunts, a science lab, and native plant sales, offering attendees a chance to engage with...

Sen. Allen’s Wildfire Relief Bills Advance, Targeting Insurance Reform, Firefighting Jobs, and Housing Protections

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

The bills reflect a comprehensive approach to recovery, addressing immediate needs like insurance payouts and long-term strategies like workforce stability...

Malibu Launches 24/7 Armed Patrols to Protect Fire-Damaged Neighborhoods as PCH Reopens

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

City Partners With Private Firm Covered 6 and Law Enforcement Ramps Up Presence In anticipation of the reopening of Pacific...

Volunteer Event to Restore Hillside and Clear Debris in Palisades

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

Organized by local nonprofit Palisades Beautiful, the event will take place near the intersection of Marquez Avenue and Bollinger Drive...

Former Irvine City Manager Tapped as New One For Santa Monica

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

Oliver Chi to take over July 14, pending council approval The Santa Monica City Council announced Friday the selection of...

Ben Affleck’s Daughter Recounts Harrowing Experience During Wildfire, Draws Parallels to COVID Response

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

Affleck, a Yale undergraduate and vocal public health advocate, recalls evacuating to a hotel with her family as flames tore...

Bay Cities Deli Temporarily Closed After Health Violations

May 23, 2025

May 23, 2025

Eleven violation points were attributed to the presence of rodents and insects Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, a popular...

Governor Announces Early Reopening of Pacific Coast Highway After Wildfire Closures

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Major Stretch of PCH Reopens May 23 After Months of Wildfire-Related Closures Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that State Route...