Are you a foodie looking for the ultimate culinary experience in California? Look no further! The Michelin Guide has released its 2021 California edition, awarding 68 restaurants with coveted Michelin stars. From fine dining to casual fare, California offers a range of Michelin-starred restaurants worth adding to your bucket list.
Here's your guide to some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in California:
The French Laundry, Yountville
One of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in California and the US, The French Laundry boasts three Michelin stars. Chef Thomas Keller's restaurant is known for its seasonal tasting menus made from locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is a true treat for the senses, offering a luxurious dining experience with exquisite dishes such as Oysters and Pearls and Butter-Poached Lobster Tail.
Atelier Crenn, San Francisco
Atelier Crenn is a three-star restaurant by Chef Dominique Crenn, who's known for her artful and inventive dishes with a focus on seafood. The restaurant's tasting menus are a gastronomic adventure, with a variety of seafood dishes ranging from sea urchin and oysters to salmon and scallops. Atelier Crenn is a true culinary experience that will transport you to a new realm of taste and presentation.
N/Naka, Los Angeles
N/Naka is a two-star restaurant located in Los Angeles. Led by Chef Niki Nakayama, who is known for her innovative take on kaiseki cuisine - a traditional multi-course Japanese dining experience. At N/Naka, each dish is an artistic expression that highlights seasonal ingredients and minimalist plating. It's a culinary journey worth taking for food connoisseurs and newbies alike.
Hayato, Los Angeles
Hayato is a one-star restaurant located in Los Angeles. Chef Brandon Go's restaurant channels traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and focuses on the art of omakase dining. Hayato's menu changes daily based on fresh and seasonal ingredients, and features dishes such as sea urchin with yuzu kosho and Hokkaido scallops with black truffle and sudachi.
Kato, Los Angeles
Kato, a one-star restaurant located in Los Angeles, is a small, unpretentious eatery that serves Asian-inspired dishes with a modern twist. Chef Jon Yao's tasting menu features dishes such as the beloved Smoked Eel with a crispy pork belly that will awaken your taste buds.
Maude, Beverly Hills
Maude, located in Beverly Hills, is a one-star restaurant that changes its tasting menu each month to focus on a different seasonal ingredient. Chef Curtis Stone's menu is a unique culinary experience with beautifully presented dishes such as figs and foie gras and shaved black truffle pasta with Parmesan cream.
SingleThread Farms, Healdsburg
SingleThread Farms, located in Healdsburg, is a three-star restaurant that also operates as a farm and inn. Chef Kyle Connaughton's menu creates an amazing culinary experience from farm-to-table, with a strong emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant is a true sensory journey, transporting guests to the magical world of farm-to-table cuisine.
Final Thougts
Whether you're a Michelin-starred restaurant aficionado or simply looking for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience, California has something for everyone. With its abundant fresh produce, ethnic diversity, and celebrated chefs, California is a must-visit destination for foodies from all around the world. So why not book a table at one of these Michelin-starred restaurants and let your taste buds take you on a gastronomic journey of a lifetime.
