Discover LA's Newest Michelin Starred and Bib Gourmand Restaurants

Yellowtail & uni ceviche at Holbox in South LA
Yellowtail & uni ceviche | Photo: Holbox

The famed Michelin Guide has returned to Los Angeles with the 2024 California Guide! Announced in August 2024, Vespertine earned Two Michelin Stars and a Green Star, joining Providence, which kept its Two Stars and Green Star for Gastronomy & Sustainability. LA added three new One-Star restaurants: Holbox, Meteora and Uka, for a total of 22.

Michelin stars are awarded based on the following criteria:

  1. Quality of ingredients
  2. Mastery of the cooking
  3. Harmony of the flavors
  4. Artistry of the Chef as reflected in the cuisine
  5. Consistency, both over time and across the entire menu

Of the ten new California Bib Gourmands, seven are in LA, bringing the city's total to 48.

Read on to see how Hayato, Mélisse, Providence and Vespertine earned their Two Stars; and discover LA's newest Michelin-Starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants. Bon appétit!

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NEW: Vespertine ** (Two Stars) + Green Star



"Beginning a new chapter, Chef Jordan Kahn's singular operation emerges from a lengthy hiatus with a renewed creative vision. Situated inside a strikingly futuristic edifice of red steel ("the Waffle"), diners enjoy a tasting menu that is likewise out of the ordinary, moving between floors as the meal progresses. Each dish is visually stunning, with cuisine that is not only daringly inventive (at times downright whimsical), but also marshals finely honed technique and impeccably balanced flavors. as in an artful dish of scallop with passionfruit, ají amarillo, and petals of horseradish tuile, or an "obsidian mirror" of smoked mussel cream with salted plum. The meal ends as strong as it begins, with a mesmerizing dessert that features kaleidoscopic flavors. Together with their sister restaurants, Vespertine works to ensure all ingredients are used in their entirety." - Michelin

 

MICHELIN GREEN STAR: "All of our ingredients are sourced ethically from biodynamic, organic or wild origins; we specifically work with 2 local farms that practice biodynamic farming; all herbs are foraged locally. Wild seafood is sustainably sourced from either indigenous fishing communities or local fishermen; open pasture beef is grass-fed. Our commitment to sustainability also applies to the dining room’s wool carpeting, recycled glassware and wild-harvested ceramic service pieces." — Jordan Kahn

Dungeness Crab Shinjo at Hayato
Dungeness Crab Shinjo at Hayato | Instagram: @kootivemonster

Hayato ** (Two Stars)



"With only one seating per night, this is the kind of destination where a handful of lucky diners are privy to an exemplary culinary spectacle. Many of the courses begin with ingredients that are attractively arranged, then finished before your eyes, and presented by Chef Brandon Hayato Go with detailed explanations. To kick off the kaiseki, the chef serves a small bite, or sakizuke, like chilled, charred eggplant with ginger and dashi. From there, it's a seasonal celebration artistically arranged on vintage Japanese pottery and porcelain collected by the chef. Local corn and sea scallops is transformed into kakiage; bonito is lightly smoked over rice bran straw; and miso-glazed black cod is folded into a luscious rice pot to conclude the meal." - Michelin

Oyster at Mélisse
Mélisse | Photo: Bex Barone

Mélisse ** (Two Stars)



"Chef Josiah Citrin's flagship celebrates a certain kind of fine dining experience that will never go out of style. Slip in through a discreet side entrance to enter the enclosed space within Citrin, a private room that combines a vibe-y underground feel with classic luxury. The kitchen employs bold flavors and decadent sauces, blending French traditions with a bit of contemporary whimsy. The results are both eye-catching and indulgent, from intricate canapés to a knockout dish of duck “Rouennaise,” featuring a decadent sauce made with the help of an antique silver press; on the side, “ducks in a duvet” is a swanky take on pigs in a blanket. Service is engaging and full of charm, down to a wine program offering surprising rarities at a reasonable expense." - Michelin

A5 Wagyu at Providence
A5 Wagyu at Providence | Instagram: @providencela

Providence ** (Two Stars) + Green Star



"Purity and precision are the underpinnings of Chef Michael Cimarusti's California cooking, inspired by flavors from Asia and the Mediterranean. The tasting menu blends 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 seared Alaskan halibut with green beans and geoduck in a bouillabaisse sauce, or the hiramasa sashimi, plated in the shape of a flower, and treated to a tableside pour of basil-infused fumet sauce. The soft-poached egg topped with Santa Barbara uni, breadcrumbs, and Champagne sauce is a Providence signature." - Michelin

 

MICHELIN GREEN STAR: "Providence pushes the boundaries of sustainable seafood practices by committing to using only wild-caught, sustainable products. Our rooftop garden shortens our supply chain and improves the neighborhood's biodiversity. We have a hive of bees to pollinate our crops and keep the bee population healthy in the surrounding area. We have also worked with our purveyors to find high-quality products packaged in glass or metal, instead of plastic." — Michael Cimarusti

NEW: Holbox * (One Star)



"Its namesake is a Caribbean island just off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, but this beloved counter, located inside the Mercado La Paloma, is a distinctively Angeleno phenomenon. Chef Gilbert Cetina, who previously cooked with his father at neighboring stall Chichen Itza, draws from Mexican coastal cuisines in dishes whose simplicity belies remarkable flavor. Spectacular quality seafood of unassailable freshness leaves an impression, whether in electrifyingly vibrant aguachiles and ceviches, excellent tacos served on house-made heirloom corn tortillas, or skillfully grilled lobster—a panoply of exceptional house salsas gilds the lily. The frequently changing menu offers no shortage of delights, and a tasting menu, offered by reservation only on Thursdays and Fridays, is hotly sought-after." - Michelin

NEW: Meteora * (One Star)



"This whimsical, immersive space is a touch otherworldly, with its tangled greenery, moody lighting, and trance-y soundtrack, but guests will be happy to fall under its spell when they taste Chef Jordan Kahn’s singular cuisine. Primal live-fire cooking combines with a zero-waste ethos and a treasure trove of sustainably sourced wild and organic ingredients to create dishes that are as memorable as they are delicious. Charred yam with a buttery sauce accented with smoked trout roe and grilled hazelnuts is more than the sum of its parts, and a dish of raw scallops with a vivid macadamia nut leche de tigre, banana, and crunchy kombu manages to both surprise and delight. Drinks, from cocktails made without refined sugars, to wild-harvested herb teas and single-origin coffees, follow the same compelling ethos." - Michelin

NEW: Uka * (One Star)



"Chef Yoshitaka Mitsue and Chef Shingo Kato (both formerly of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations) and two waiters take great care with the details at this sleek hideaway nestled within Japan House at the Ovation Hollywood. Here, the fish is sourced from Japan and flown in twice weekly, then cured or aged in-house. Products are sourced locally for the best quality. It's all part of the kaiseki dining experience at Uka, where guests are invited to savor six or nine courses. Most of the menu leans traditional, as in the kabutamushi, a dumpling made with shredded turnip and filled with Japanese sea bream, while French influences make their way into dishes like grilled abalone with a butter ponzu sauce and wagyu with a red wine jus and miso butter sauce." - Michelin

n-naka
n/naka | photo: Zen Sekizawa

n/naka * (One Star)



"Wrapped in neutral tones, this serenely understated room offers one of LA’s most warm and graceful dining experiences. Chef Niki Nakayama presents her interpretation of a modern Kaiseki meal, drawing upon Japanese tradition while at the same time following her own path, offering an intricate procession of seasonally inspired courses that show a uniquely Californian influence. The menu begins with a sip of house-infused sake and small bites, winding through delicate aromatic broths, sashimi courses and heartier fare like grilled fish accented with sansho pepper. The only dish to never leave the menu, an artful twirl of al dente spaghetti dressed with tender abalone, pickled cod roe and black truffle, exemplifies Chef Nakayama’s unconventional approach." - Michelin

Ama Ebi (Sweet Shrimp) at Sushi Ginza Onodera in WeHo
Ama Ebi (Sweet Shrimp) at Sushi Ginza Onodera | Instagram: @sushiginzaonoderala

Sushi Ginza Onodera * (One Star)



"Sushi Ginza Onodera has several outposts in Asia and the U.S. This West Hollywood outpost is a hive of activity; one that comes with a hefty price tag, though their strictly enforced no-tipping policy helps. The pacing can feel quick allowing little time to revel in the experience of this omakase. Delights abound in the array of courses, starting with morsels of braised octopus soaked in soy sauce and dressed with yuzu kosho; or an earthenware cup of chawanmushi topped with caviar and uni. The nigiri are a clear highlight here, revealing excellent quality product such as pen shell calm, cherry blossom salmon, and Hokkaido uni. The signature matcha and coconut panna cotta is a delectable finale." - Michelin

Bib Gourmand

Bib Gourmand - named after Bibendum, the Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group - recognizes friendly establishments that serve great food at moderate prices.

Primary image for Grá

Grá



"There's a welcoming vibe at this hip spot where the focus is on natural fermentation with sourdough pizza, seasonal pickled vegetables, and fermented drinks such as tepache. Grá has indoor and covered patio seating, but all eyes will be on the cooks preparing pizzas in their wood-fired oven. It's all about the thin and crispy sourdough crust with high quality toppings. Classics like pepperoni will always rule, but hard hitters like stracciatella and prosciutto with basil and a drizzle of coffee-infused honey are worth noting. While pizza is certainly the scene stealer, don't ignore their salads or appetizers, including grilled maitake with pickled green peppercorn and agretti in a flavor-packed broth. For dessert, go for the soy-sauce caramel sundae or chocolate tart." - Michelin

Little Fish



"Once itinerant, Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle now welcome guests to their Echo Park location where they share space with a mini market. Come for breakfast or lunch—both are delicious. As their name suggests, the menu is seafood-focused, but steak and vegetarian offerings are also on offer. Mornings are met with items like fish tartines and fish and mushroom congee, while lunch features heartier sandwiches like their signature fried fish. The beer-battered Pacific striped bass is tender and sweet, then topped with American cheese, kewpie mayo and dill pickles on a potato bun for a midday meal that is as satisfying as they come. Not a fan of fish? The broccoli rabe melt with kabocha squash spread, provolone piccante cheese and chili garlic is a standout." - Michelin

Primary image for Liu's Cafe

Liu's Cafe



"Liu's Cafe is just the sort of casual spot you'll come to again and again. Arrive early, as seats fill quickly, then order at the wood counter, where you'll get a sneak peek into the bustling kitchen. You'll also spy their selection of pastries, which definitely shouldn't be overlooked. Order the house-made pork wontons for a tender, tasty treat, and be sure to get the extra egg noodles to soak up that wonderfully kicky chili oil. Braised pork belly rice is another dish of pure comfort, and no matter what you have, everything is complemented by a pot of tea, such as the milk oolong. Finally, the pastries grab attention from the very beginning and closing out with a dessert like the citrus curd tart with shaved fennel salad is everything you want it to be." - Michelin

Primary image for Mae Malai Thai House of Noodles

Mae Malai Thai House of Noodles



"Just a short walk from their original food stall, this restaurant's strip mall digs are simple but it's a comfortable, welcoming spot with a tempting menu to boot. As the name suggests, their specialty is noodles, particularly boat noodles with a thick, intense broth and your choice of pork or beef, noodle type, and spice level. Fret not if you can't decide, as the bowls are small and ordering two or more varieties might just be the perfect compromise. Don't skip out on their stir-fried dishes, such as the boldly spiced chili holy basil with ground pork, bell peppers, and green beans. For dessert, choose from coconut ice cream or kanom tuay, a two-layer custard featuring a green layer infused with fresh pandan leaf, and a white layer with coconut." - Michelin

Primary image for Manohar's New Delhi Palace

Manohar's New Delhi Palace



"Manohar's Delhi Palace is a mainstay thanks to their delicious Punjabi cuisine, and there's a welcoming vibe about this place, where the waitstaff is especially friendly and attentive. Indicative of its north Indian focus, the food here leans on the milder side, so don't expect an onslaught of spices. Order à la carte or go all in on the tandoori dinner but be sure to get an order of the samosas, fried to a perfect crisp with that comforting filling of potatoes and peas. Chicken tikka masala features a generous amount of tender and juicy chicken that's skewered and seared before being added to the vibrant sauce. For dessert, the gulab jamun is a clear winner." - Michelin

Primary image for Pollo a la Brasa

Pollo a la Brasa



"Peruvian in Koreatown? You bet, at least at this family-owned and run spot that has been at it for more than thirty years. Expect a casual neighborhood restaurant that's a touch warm on the inside from the heat of the live-fire cooking. All of the chicken is cooked over a wood fire that you can smell a block away and delivers smoky meat with a crispy skin that's marinated with their family secret. While there are a few options on the menu, make sure that you order the chicken by itself, or choose from their sides, but don't skip their twice-fried French fries and consider ordering a second container of their spicy green aji sauce. The wait times can be a bit long, so call ahead for take-out or wait patiently." - Michelin

Quarter Sheets Pizza

Quarter Sheets Pizza



"Aaron Lindell and Hannah Ziskin's Quarter Sheets Pizza has nailed that haute hipster vibe with its casual styling and vinyl and cassette collection. The word is out on this Echo Park spot, so expect a wait, but one bite of their inch-thick, pan-style pizzas makes it all worth your while. Baked to order, they're prepared with flavorful sauce and quality ingredients. Pepperoni is a classic choice, or opt for the pimento grove, a vodka sauced pizza topped with olives, 'nduja and cheese. And, while you might not expect to get serious pastries at a pizza shop, don't leave without trying at least one of Hannah Ziskin's pastries. There are a few offerings that rotate often but the signature Princess cake is a staple that's worth every bite." - Michelin