Los Angeles, CA — The culinary landscape of Los Angeles has reached a historic milestone, with the announcement of the MICHELIN Guide California 2025 selection revealing the city’s first-ever restaurants to achieve the prestigious three-star rating. This landmark recognition shines a spotlight on the burgeoning sophistication and talent within LA’s diverse dining scene. In total, four Los Angeles restaurants were celebrated with new stars in this year’s guide, including the two groundbreaking establishments earning the top honor.
The Apex of Achievement: Los Angeles’ First Three-Star Restaurants
Two distinct establishments are at the forefront of this historic achievement: Providence and Somni. For Providence, a renowned seafood fine dining restaurant located in Hollywood, the 2025 guide marks a significant promotion from its previous two-star status to the coveted three stars. Inspectors highlighted Providence’s exceptional commitment to “purity and precision,” underscoring its mastery of technique and ingredient quality.
Somni, led by the acclaimed Chef Aitor Zabala and situated in West Hollywood, made an even more remarkable entry into the guide, debuting directly at the three-star level. Chef Zabala’s innovative approach was lauded for delivering a “deeply personal” tasting journey, masterfully blending global technique with distinct Spanish influences. The direct conferral of three stars is a rare honor, signaling an immediate recognition of Somni’s extraordinary culinary vision and execution by the MICHELIN Guide inspectors. This dual recognition firmly plants Los Angeles among the elite global cities home to the highest echelon of gastronomic excellence.
Emerging Talent and New Star Recipients
Beyond the three-star accolades, the MICHELIN Guide California 2025 also acknowledged two Los Angeles restaurants with one star, recognizing their distinctive contributions and high-quality cooking.
Mori Nozomi, a dedicated sushi counter helmed by Chef Nozomi Mori, earned a one-star distinction. The guide commended Chef Mori’s expertise, specifically praising the restaurant’s omakase experience and the elegant finishing touches applied to each dish, reflecting a deep respect for tradition and craft.
Restaurant Ki, located in Little Tokyo and overseen by Chef Ki Kim, also received a one-star rating. Chef Kim was further honored with the prestigious Michelin Young Chef Award, a testament to his promising talent and innovative approach. Restaurant Ki was noted for Chef Kim’s skill in integrating Korean flavors with global culinary techniques, creating a unique and compelling dining experience that resonates with both tradition and modernity.
The Broader Culinary Landscape in Los Angeles
The additions announced in the MICHELIN Guide California 2025 significantly enhance Los Angeles’s overall standing in the guide. The city now boasts a total of two three-star restaurants, marking a pivotal moment for its culinary scene. In addition to the two new one-star restaurants, Los Angeles also features over 26 establishments recognized with a Bib Gourmand designation, which highlights restaurants offering high-quality food at a reasonable price point. The 2025 guide specifically added new Bib Gourmand mentions for Komal and Rasarumah, further broadening the spectrum of recognized culinary value across the city.
The comprehensive selection reflects the depth and diversity of dining options available in Los Angeles, ranging from the pinnacle of fine dining to accessible, high-quality neighborhood gems. The formal announcement of these awards occurred as part of the larger MICHELIN Guide California 2025 selection reveal, setting the stage for increased culinary tourism and local appreciation for the city’s gastronomic achievements.
The recognition by the MICHELIN Guide underscores Los Angeles’s evolution into a global culinary powerhouse, capable of competing on the highest international stage. The achievements of Providence and Somni, alongside the emerging talent highlighted by the one-star awards and the Bib Gourmand selections, signal a vibrant and dynamic future for dining in the city.
