New Michelin Stars Awarded To 8 NorCal Restaurants

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Michelin awarded new stars to eight restaurants in Northern California, instantly landing them on the 'must-try' lists of Southland foodies.

The Michelin distinction marks restaurants that are a worthy destination or detour on any road trip from Sonoma County to Paso Robles.

One of those restaurants was 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.

North of San Francisco

Localis in Sacramento has a tight-knit team of staff that brings warmth to the setting, an inspector said.

" [Owner Christopher Barnum-Dann's] enthusiasm is instantly palpable as he happily explains his inspiration behind particular dishes and even solicits feedback," the Michelin inspector said.

Press in Napa features a modern American dining room that exudes all the vibes of Wine Country. The restaurant boasts the largest collection of Napa wines in the world.

"Chef Philip Tessier is equally inspired by the location, delivering contemporary, Californian dishes such as Kusshi oysters with whipped horseradish," a Michelin inspector said.

A little further north, Cyrus in Geyserville was awarded one Michelin star following its opening after a 10-year hiatus and several false starts just two months ago at the beginning of September.

"Celebrated wine country chef Douglas Keane has returned to the fore with his re-launch of Cyrus in Geyserville," a Michelin inspector said. "Dinner is an ebullient experience that progresses from canapes and Champagne in the lounge, to small bites in the kitchen, and concludes with substantial compositions in the dining room."

San Francisco

A total of four restaurants in San Francisco were each honored with one Michelin star.

Restaurant Nisei has a name that refers to American-born children of Japanese immigrants inspired by chef David Yoshimura, who showcases his heritage in the dishes.

"Dining here is an elegant affair, but there's no risk of stuffiness—the service team is personable and an '80s power ballads playlist indicates that no one is taking things too seriously," a Michelin inspector said.

In the Mission District, Osito is a community-driven live-fire restaurant.

"Chef Seth Stowaway puts his heart, soul, and even his nickname (osito means "little bear") into this rustic, lodge-like spot where live fire cooking takes center stage," a Michelin inspector said. "Warmth radiates from the central hearth and from the supremely hospitable staff."

Traditional Korean tastes are married with a sense of novelty at San Ho Won, also in the Mission District.

"Impeccable ingredients make for dishes of surpassing depth and purity of flavor, whether it be the humble kimchi or a rarefied cut of beef," a Michelin inspector said.

Dedication to craft is apparent at Korean restaurant Ssal, a Michelin inspector said,

"Meticulously prepared seafood shows a dedication to craft, as in black cod partially dried before being grilled to achieve a skin so crunchy it can be heard from across the room," the inspector said. "Desserts end the meal with a feather-light touch, like a sorbet of magnolia berry over green plum granita, garnished with a black sesame tuile."

South of San Franciso

One restaurant south of San Francisco was awarded a star and also distinguished with a green star to recognize its efforts in sustainability alongside providing delicious food.

The Restaurant at Justin in Paso Robles, which serves Californian-style dishes 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.