Michelin stars awarded to 8 restaurants in LA County

The full 2022 Michelin Guide California was revealed Monday, Dec. 5 at a ceremony in L.A.’s Petersen Automotive Museum. Eight stars awarded to restaurants in Los Angeles County, with five restaurants retaining their two-star rating.

This is the third year Michelin has released its state-wide guide; the first was released in 2019. Due to the pandemic and wildfires, the guide did not issue any stars, Bib Gourmand ratings, or Plate recommendations in 2020.

Before 2019, Michelin had not rated restaurants in Los Angeles for nine years after pulling out of the city.

Michelin previously teased restaurants featured on its “new discovery” list and restaurants that received a Bib Gourmand rating leading up to Monday’s reveal.

“The diversity and abundance of dining opportunities in California sets this state apart from all other destinations in the world,” said Erika Diprofio, Associate Vice President of Global Brand Adventures for Michelin.

Here are the 2022 Michelin Guide California new star recipients along with inspector notes for L.A. restaurants:

Los Angeles

715, Chef Siego Tamaru (one Michelin Star): “Originally from Osaka prefecture, Chef Seigo Tamura came to the U.S. with dreams of becoming a pro basketball player. Thankfully for Los Angeles, the only points he’s scoring are with diners savoring his sushi. Together with his younger brother, the two have followed in their sushi chef grandfather’s footsteps. They source all seafood from Japan and age larger fish, such as tuna, in-house. Their blend of Hitomebore and Koshihikari rice is distinctive, and while Edomae-style sushi dictates using red vinegar for the rice, they add a little bit of sugar in a nod to their Osaka roots.”

Camphor, Chefs  Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George (one Michelin Star): “Headed by uber-talented Chefs Max Boonthanakit and Lijo George, Camphor plates seriously good French fare with a sprinkle of spicing from Southeast Asia. Creative cocktails, including the refreshing Saint-Germain, complete the experience. Bubbling hot rigatoni stuffed with artichokes, Swiss chard and Comte delivers one satisfying bite after the next, and steak au poivre arrives resting in a pool of perfect sauce.”

Citrin, Chefs Josiah Citrin and Ken Takayama (one Michelin Star): “Although located in the same building as Chef Josiah Citrin’s sister restaurant Mélisse, in lieu of its sibling’s tasting menu-only format, the offerings here afford more choice, with a modest prix-fixe alongside à la carte options. Chef Ken Takayama’s cuisine sends forth signature combinations of French technique with an abundance of California’s seasonal produce, focusing on updated takes on classically rooted flavors with modern, global touches.”

Gwen, Chefs Curtis Stone and Gareth Evans (one Michelin Star): “During the day, this enticingly arranged butcher shop sells humanely raised meats from local partner farms. By night, Gwen opens into a glowing dining room showcasing the same upscale cuts à la carte and on its multicourse tasting menu. Named for their beloved grandmother, this collaboration between Chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke conjures Art Deco glamour with crystal chandeliers and a roaring fireplace. The menu is concise and stars house-made charcuterie and wood-fire grilled steaks.”

Hatchet Hall, Chef Wes Whitsell (one Michelin Star): “This cool Culver West spot is a delight, thanks to the talented team behind it and Chef Wes Whitsell’s work in the kitchen. This is open-flame cooking, rendered with a Southern twang and seasonal focus thanks to an abundance of local product. Rolls and biscuits should not be missed, while vegetable-based items, like collard greens with smoked turkey, speak of quality ingredients and delicious balance. Nuanced flavors and creativity unite in the likes of kampachi collar and pork belly. In short, there’s no going wrong here.”

Kato, Chef Jonathan Yao (one Michelin Star): “Chef Jonathan Yao steers the ship at Kato, deftly drawing from his Taiwanese background to create contemporary food that is at once simple and complex. He is unafraid of change and often tweaks the menu based on availability or just his own whim. No matter, since you’re in for a consistently creative and often quirky experience. The dishes (some of which are made by a local artisan) are as elegant as they are inventive.”

Manzke, Chefs Walter and Margarita Manzke (one Michelin Star): “This eponymous fine dining concept from Walter and Margarita Manzke is in the same building as their more casual Bicyclette Bistro. Here, you’ll settle in for a 10-course tasting menu boasting a contemporary style that blends French techniques with Californian influences and Asian notes. Ingenuity is everywhere. The vintage cocktail program is a unique delight and a highly recommended start to any meal here.”

Sushi Kaneyoshi, Chef Yoshiyuki Inoue, (one Michelin Star): “This clandestine (read: frustratingly difficult to find) sushi counter is in the most unexpected of places, but step inside this serene, minimalist showpiece and be transported to Japan. Great care is taken with every detail, whether it’s the quality of ingredients or the artful plating — some of the pottery is even handmade by Chef Yoshiyuki Inoue. Highlights include stunning seared ocean perch tucked between a sheet of crisp nori, West Coast oyster braised in soy and served warm, and slightly smoked prawns coated in a lush egg yolk and soy sauce.”

Others

Caruso, Chef Massimo Falsini, Montecito (one Michelin Star)

Cyrus, Chef Douglas Keane, Geyserville (one Michelin Star)

Localis, Chef Chris Barnum-Dann, Sacramento (one Michelin Star)

Nisei, Chef David Yoshimura, San Francisco (one Michelin Star)

Osito, Chef Seth Stowaway, San Francisco (one Michelin Star)

Press, Chef Philip Tessier, Saint Helena (one Michelin Star)

The Restaurant at Justin, Chef Rachel Haggstrom, Paso Robles (one Michelin Star)

San Ho Won, Chefs Corey Lee and Jeong-In Hwang, San Francisco (one Michelin Star)

Ssal, Chefs Junsoo and Hyunyoung Bae, San Francisco (one Michelin Star)

One restaurant, Addison in San Diego was awarded a star, making it the only three-star Michelin restaurant in Southern California.

Fifty-three restaurants retained their one star award, and twelve retained their two star awards, including five in Los Angeles — Hayato, N/Naka, Providence, Mélisse and Sushi Ginza Onodera.

California also contains 11 of 13 Michelin Green Star restaurants in North America, an award given to restaurants at the forefront of sustainable practices. Two restaurants, Caruso’s in Montecito and The Restaurant at Justin in Paso Robles, were added this year. Chi Spacca and Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles were previously awarded Green Stars.

The full guide for all restaurants recognized in California can be found here.

Other notable awards:

Exceptional Cocktail Award — Manzke (Los Angeles)

Sommelier of the Year Award — Vincent Morrow, Press (Saint Helena)

Young Chef Award — Chef David Yoshimura, Nisei (San Francisco)

Related Articles