Discover LA's Newest Michelin Starred and Bib Gourmand Restaurants

"As has been the case since opening in 2005, purity and precision are the underpinnings of Chef Michael Cimarusti's California cooking, and his cuisine has grown even more impressive over the years. The tasting menu blends global inspiration and classic technique with a modern sensibility, and sources the freshest and most sustainable seafood, often wild-caught from American waters. At no point during the meal will you doubt its impeccable quality, especially while savoring dishes such as a tart of lobster mousse and box crab set in a crab beurre blanc, or roasted monkfish with cauliflower and shaved black truffles. Longstanding signatures like the soft-poached egg with uni and breadcrumbs or salt-roasted Santa Barbara spot prawns make for luxurious add-ons." - Michelin

"Chef Aitor Zabala and his dedicated team have awakened Somni, Catalan for "dream," from a long sleep and have fashioned this revamped iteration as a distinctly personal and unique dining experience. Tucked away just off Santa Monica Avenue, the dining room's soothing, creamy palette with light wood and glass is marked by a colorful bull's head from the original spot, hinting at the Spanish-inflected cuisine. A procession of small bites is meticulously arranged and endlessly creative, sating diners with an abundance of rich flavors and textural interplay (think mussel escabeche, gazpacho, or the iconic shiso tartare tempura). All the while, the kitchen and service teams are in lockstep as they create and serve these arresting dishes." - Michelin

"A note of elegant simplicity pervades the experience at this minimalist eight-seat counter, overseen by Chef Nozomi Mori and her streamlined, adroitly hospitable team. The unassuming space and soft-spoken service serve as a backdrop for an artfully prepared omakase that highlights purity and refinement. The lack of superfluous embellishment puts the spotlight on exceptional seafood (flown in several times a week from Japan) accented by seasonal produce from the Santa Monica farmer’s market. Beginning with a perfectly silky chawanmushi with gingko nut, attention to detail sets the meal apart, spanning the exquisitely intricate knifework and finely tuned shari in a piece of squid nigiri, through to the matcha skillfully prepared by Chef Mori in a graceful final flourish." - Michelin

"In the bustling Mercado La Paloma, Chef Fátima Juárez runs this little stall specializing in corn. Heirloom varieties sourced from Mexico and nixtamalized in-house form the heart of the menu. A quesadilla lined with squash blossoms and sweet corn bound with melty quesillo earns top marks. Golden-fried plantain balls set in a smoky black mole is another accomplished winner. From tlacoyas topped with cactus to tacos lined with short rib, be liberal with the salsa for extra punch and power." - Michelin

"Expect to be greeted with an array of sambals as well as Malaysian classics on Chef Johnny Lee's Chinese-Malaysian menu. Don't let the slightly higher price point steer you away, as these large plates are designed for sharing. Pork jowl or chicken satay skewers start things off right, as do ulam bendi with charred okra, and steamed eggplant with sambal and dried shrimp. There are plenty of main dishes to choose from, but beef rendang in a rich and creamy curry accompanied by a buttery roti is a sure thing. To finish, look no further than the cendol sundae with coconut and pandan ice cream with pandan jelly noodles, red bean, gula melaka syrup, and toasted buckwheat." - Michelin

"Vin Folk is the kind of place you want to come again and again. The staff is friendly and welcoming; the ambience is just right—both indoors and out—and the offerings are widely appealing. Chefs Kevin De Los Santos and Katya Shastova bring a breath of fresh air to Hermosa Beach with their menu of shareable, globally minded dishes. Whether it's the mussels tart, a riff on a pot pie with flaky pastry and seafood in a warm fennel cream, or the half Jidori chicken that's a favorite for the whole table, there's something delicious to be had. End on the perfect note with goat cheese fromage blanc with diced pear and honey buckwheat granita. It's a popular spot, so plan ahead and make reservations." - Michelin