Michelin Guide Adds 10 SoCal Restaurants Worth The Drive

CALIFORNIA — The Michelin Guide this week added 10 Southern California restaurants serving everything from chicken liver mousse to dumplings and curry puffs.

This Michelin distinction celebrates restaurants worthy of a road trip destination, and its seal of approval draws foodies from far and wide.

Here’s the list of additions announced by Michelin last month with inspector notes from the restaurants:

Cento Pasta Bar — 4921 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles

This West Adams Italian restaurant from Chef Avner Levi has a "great laidback vibe," and a stunning courtyard, Michelin inspectors note.

"The menu leans Italian-contemporary, with selections including antipasti, mole-braised ossobuco made with yogurt-marinated lamb, but as the name suggests, pasta takes center stage," according to Michelin. "A gorgeous twirl of beet pasta in a beet and brown butter sauce with poppy seeds is finished with a quenelle of whipped ricotta for a dish that is both beautiful and delicious. Desserts are equally tempting. "

Cobi's — 2104 Main St., Santa Monica

Quirky, unique decor hints at the charming meal to come, according to Michelin.

"Discover Thai and Malaysian delights along with other influences on this broad Southeast Asian menu. Start with dumplings, satay or curry puffs, those crispy triangular shells filled with curried split peas and potatoes sided by pickled onion and tamarind ketchup. From there, pick a curry or a wood-grilled main dish such as grilled prawns in a ginger and yellow bean sauce."

Don't stop there, however, when you get the chance, the Cobi brunch is a must, inspectors note.

Dear Jane's — 13950 Panay Way, Marina del Rey

Overlooking the marina, Dear Jane's knows a thing or two about serving seafood.

"This spot pours it on with large portions and over-the-top flourishes (caviar makes a regular appearance) while keeping things grounded with strong cooking. Shrimp Louie, done tableside, is sized to share, as is the wedge, which brilliantly subs in vinaigrette in place of creamy dressing. Blackened salmon with a rich parsley and caper sauce is perfectly cooked, and lemony potatoes are a nice accompaniment."

Perhaps best of all, Dear Jane's celebrates the Janes that have come before with its signature cocktails such as the Goodall or the Austen.

Dunsmoor — 3501 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles

At Eagle Rock's Dunmoor, it's all about comfort from the vibe to the food.

"With embers glowing, flames snapping and smoke billowing, two ferocious ovens serve as the twin hearts and hearths of this Glassell Park hot spot. Much of the Southern-inspired menu must pass through them — oysters, cornbread, rib eyes and pork chops. Nearly everything here offers some kind of hearty, no-nonsense kind of comfort."

Juliet — 8888 Washington Blvd., Culver City

Chic and known for its wine pairings this French restaurant dazzles.

"This gorgeous space has a contemporary French aesthetic with as much seating outdoors on the posh patio as indoors. The open kitchen buzzes all day, but dinner is where this team shines. Oysters, tartare or tuna carpaccio could kick off the meal, but the mousse au foie de volaille, with its delicate tart filled with chicken liver mousse, toasted hazelnuts and an apple gelee, is an auspicious beginning

Villa's Tacos — 5455 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles

It takes a lot to serve a taco that stands out in this town, but this Highland Park chef, who got his start serving meals out of his grandmother's house does just that, Michelin notes.

"The signature queso taco is instantly recognizable, built on a blue corn masa tortilla stacked with refried beans, onion, cilantro, guacamole, cotija cheese, crema and a melted skirt of Monterey Jack," according to Michelin inspectors.

Kaori Sushi — 133 W. Chapman Ave., Fullerton

According to Michelin, this delightful sushi restaurant is hidden in a nondescript open-air mall. All the flavor is saved for the food.

"An entire menu is dedicated to the restaurant's well-regarded "rolls," but stick to the classic sashimi and nigiri to savor slices of fish like golden eye snapper; thick saba sitting over shiso and rice; beautiful toro sided by wasabi; or a delicious duo of ika topped with yuzu kosh," Michelin advises.

Poppy & Seed — 350 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim

Perched in the Anaheim Packing District, the Poppy & Seed serves up Southern flair.

"Poppy & Seed epitomizes the SoCal lifestyle with a lounge and bar nestled inside a greenhouse, and outdoor dining surrounded by citrus trees, herbs and flowers," inspectors note. "As the setting hints, the focus is on organic, sustainable and locally grown (as well as raised or caught) ingredients."

Taira Sushi & Sake — 8851 Garden Grove Blvd., Ste.113, Garden Grove

Here Michelin fell in love with the ambiance as much as the food.

"Young duo Chef Ben and Ayako Sato have penned a love letter to Japan here, where great care is paid to details (the menu is written by hand nightly) and warm hospitality makes everyone feel welcome," inspectors note.

Michelin recommends the "kanpachi slightly seared and served with a sprinkle of rock salt, lemon and yuzu."

Artifact at Mingei — 1439 El Prado, San Diego

Located across from the giftshop at the Mingei International Museum, the food at artifact at Mingei is a work of art, too.

"Like the museum itself, the culinary offerings are proudly eclectic and international, ranging from carefully pleated rock shrimp gyoza with a yuzu-flavored dashi, to lamb kibbeh with quinoa tabbouleh," Michelin inspectors note.

Click here to read the full Michelin Guide reviews.