New Michelin Stars Awarded To 11 SoCal Restaurants

LOS ANGELES, CA — Michelin awarded new stars to 11 restaurants in Southern California, instantly landing them on the 'must-try' lists of Southland foodies.

According to Michelin, the distinction marks restaurants that are a worthy destination or detour on any road trip from Paso Robles to San Diego.

Two of those restaurants were also awarded Green Stars by Michelin, an annual award that recognizes restaurants that are at the forefront of the industry for sustainable practices.

"They hold themselves accountable for both their ethical and environmental standards, and work with sustainable producers and suppliers to avoid waste and reduce or even remove plastic and other non-recyclable materials from their supply chain," Michelin said.

San Diego

The San Diego restaurant with the highest number of stars awarded was Addison with three Michelin Stars. The restaurant focuses on contemporary and Californian-style food.

"Chef William Bradley's standard-setting dining room is exceedingly ambitious and his team is cooking world-class ingredients with exceptional skill, leaving you hungry for more," a Michelin inspector said. "The tasting menu is marked by glorious presentations and enhanced by the harmonious application of global flavors."

Los Angeles

A total of eight restaurants in Los Angeles were each honored with one Michelin star.

Camphor, which plates a delicious Fench fare with Southeast Asian spices, hums with activity with diners and the kitchen both excited to be there, a Michelin inspector said.

Citrin applies a French technique to seasonal Californian produce to provide updated takes on classic flavors and add a global touch.

Los Angeles steakhouse Gwen operates as a butcher shop during the day and transforms into a top-notch restaurant during the evening.

"During the day, this enticingly arranged butcher shop sells humanely raised meats from local partner farms," a Michelin inspector said."By night, Gwen opens into a glowing dining room showcasing the same upscale cuts à la carte and on its multicourse tasting."

Hatchet Hall features open-flame Southern-style cooking that features an abundance of local products.

"Rolls and biscuits should not be missed, while vegetable-based items, like collard greens with smoked turkey, speak of quality ingredients and delicious balance," a Michelin inspector said.

Contemporary cuisine at Manzke in the city provides a ten-course tasting menu that mixes a variety of flavors to provide a unique experience.

Chef Seigo Tamura at 715 came from Osaka with hopes of playing basketball professionally but now provides Los Angeles with delicious sushi.

Detail-oriented and handmade dishes shine at Sushi Kaneyoshi, which are highlighted by quality ingredients and artful plating, the inspector said.

Kato's chef Jonatha Yao draws from his Taiwanese background to craft creative and quirky dishes, an inspector said.

" Chef Yao is unafraid of change and often tweaks the menu based on availability or just his own whim," the inspector said.

North of Los Angeles

Two restaurants north of L.A. were awarded one star, respectively, and both were also recognized with green stars for their efforts in sustainability alongside providing delicious food.

Caruso's in Montecito was one of these restaurants that were rewarded. The restaurant serves Californian-style food and focuses on regional products with a seasonal prix-fixe.

"Santa Barbara bluefin tartare, garnished with thinly sliced Taggiasca olives and dots of tofu aioli along with a creamy almond granita, takes a familiar ingredient and transforms it into something original," a Michelin inspector said.

The other restaurant rewarded was The Restaurant at Justin in Paso Robles, which also focuses on Californian cuisine. The restaurant sources its own product from its 150-tree orchard, edible flower fields, vegetable and herb gardens and apiary.

"Imagine dishes like asparagus with a soft quail egg, blood orange and duck prosciutto or artichoke tortellini with truffle and peas," a Michelin inspector said.

The entire selection of 18 restaurants honored with Michelin stars throughout California can be found on the company's site.