Restaurants & Bars

3 NorCal Restaurants Awarded Michelin Stars

From Nordic-inspired dishes served in a warehouse to Californian cuisine in a teeny eatery, the new picks showcase the region's variety.

Somni in West Hollywood is one of two California restaurants that earned three-star ratings from Michelin this year.
Somni in West Hollywood is one of two California restaurants that earned three-star ratings from Michelin this year. (Somni via Michelin Guide)

Michelin bestowed three Northern California restaurants with star ratings this week as part of its recognition of culinary excellence across the region.

In total, Michelin awarded star ratings to nine California restaurants at the Michelin Guide California Ceremony on Wednesday. Two — both in Los Angeles — earned Michelin's highest three-star rating. Seven eateries earned two- and one-star ratings, including three in Northern California.

“Tonight marked a momentous evening for California and its culinary community,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide. “Our anonymous Inspectors discovered extraordinary culinary gems to highlight in this year’s selection, including two new Three-Star restaurants."

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Michelin's California Guide is published annually. Earning a Michelin star is the gold standard for restaurants — two stars are even better and three puts a restaurant in a rare category of culinary experiences that Michelin deems "worth a special journey."

Here's a rundown of the Northern California winners announced Wednesday:

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Enclos — Sonoma (Contemporary)
Two Stars

"Concealed inside an 1880 Victorian on the Stone Edge Farm Winery property, once inside this glittering workshop, guests enter a rarified realm. An opulent tasting menu marries global flavors, refined technique, and exceptional ingredients, including produce sourced from their two farms, all shot through with subtle nods to Chef Brian Limoges's New England roots."

Kiln — San Francisco (Contemporary)
Two Stars

"Industry veterans Chef John Wesley and general manager Julianna Yang have combined their talents at Kiln, where the warehouse space is warmed by personable service and the kitchen delivers artful creations. The tasting menu leans Nordic, highlighting preservation techniques like curing, drying and fermentation in dishes whose simplicity is belied by intricate techniques and compelling flavor combinations."

Sun Moon Studio — Oakland (Californian)
One Star

"A slightly clandestine air still prevails outside this inconspicuous little spot, but the secret is out: the handful of seats inside are hotly in demand. Chefs Alan Hsu and Sarah Cooper have both worked in some of the country's most celebrated kitchens, but here channel their talents on a more intimate scale."

Michelin also awarded two restaurants with Green Stars, which honor restaurants that are pioneers in sustainable gastronomy.

Browse the full Michelin California Guide at Michelin's website.

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