Michelin Guide Restaurants: California
- Jennifer Chung
- Jun 26, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 9, 2024
The Michelin Food Guide is renowned worldwide for its culinary expertise. This guide gives any reader the ability to curate a gastronomic odyssey like no other, regardless of where in the world one may live. Presenting a refined selection of exquisite dining establishments, it guides food enthusiasts to new and exceptional culinary experiences. From local hidden gems, to Michelin-starred restaurants, this guide captures the essence of culinary mastery for anyone to view and enjoy and will be sure to leave you with a memorable experience. Here is a link to the guide:
Outside of its 1, 2, and 3-star rating system, Michelin offers a food guide of recommended establishments for every taste and budget. Here are some of the recommendations we have found using the guide that we have tried so far:
Republique (Los Angeles):
Republique in Los Angeles is a vibrant restaurant that offers a blend of culinary excellence with a hint of architectural grandeur. Located in a historic building once owned by Charlie Chaplain, it offers a unique dining experience that is guaranteed to leave you craving more. The interior is something to marvel at, and you can choose a seat in what once was an outdoor courtyard. We have only been here for breakfast, so for now, I can only speak for their breakfast selection. Regardless, their breakfast dishes are spectacular and worth the drive to LA all by itself. My favorite breakfast dish is the potato pancake, which is topped with smoked salmon and a poached egg. They have phenomenal pastries, including a passion fruit bar with coconut lime foam that I think about at least once a week. I have not seen a dish here that did not look appetizing, and everything I have tried so far has been a delight.
Habana (Costa Mesa):
Located in an unexpecting corner of Costa Mesa, CA, the Lab Anti-Mall is an Orange County hipster haven. With trendy shops and edgy décor, this is a unique place to shop, eat, and even take some photos. Habana is a Cuban cuisine restaurant located inside The Lab that offers a unique experience and is definitely worth a stop in for a date night.
First impressions are always important, and stepping into Habana left me pleasantly surprised: it looks a lot bigger on the inside than it does from the outside. I thought the interior was beautifully done, leaving a warm and rustic vibe to the entire place. It was elegantly decorated, yet comfortable, and the music was that perfect level where you could still hold a conversation across the table, but weren't overhearing the tables next to you.
After we were greeted by our server, we were brought out a small complimentary glass of sparkling rose. I thought this was a nice touch, and a great way to start off the experience before looking over the menu.
We both ordered different cocktails, which were tasty and cute, but not honestly memorable in any way if I am being completely honest.
(Pictured: Papaya Chicken Salad and Paella.)
The food, however, left me extremely pleased. We ordered the papaya chicken salad and the paella. Both were portioned well, presented beautifully, and offered great flavor. I would come back just to have the paella, personally.
Habana, overall, was a lovely experience and I would go back for dinner sometime again soon. In the evenings, a lot of the shops at The Lab were closed. If you were looking to shop around, maybe head to Habana for lunch or an early dinner to make the most out of your time there.
HiroNori Craft Ramen (Irvine):
Rating: Bib Gourmand
Having several locations in California including Irvine, Tustin, and Orange, Hiro Nori Craft Ramen boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand rating. We chose to try the location off of Michelson in Irvine, since this was the closest to us.
Their service was quick and efficient, and their ramen was simple yet thoroughly satisfying. The broth was flavorful without being too salty, and the noodles had a wonderful chewy texture that I find myself looking for every time I dine out for ramen. The interior is nothing special, but I find that is just the ramen shop vibe, for the most part.
(Pro Tip: There is a 9/10 chance you will need to wait for seating. There is a bar next door called Center Hub. They even have a drink on the menu called the Hiro Nori waitlist. It was the perfect location to have a beer and wait for a table to open up for us.)
El Mercado Modern Cuisine (Santa Ana):
Being from south Orange County, I have never known Santa Ana as a happening spot for anything except going to court and the county jail. However, over the last decade or so, downtown Santa Ana has really blossomed as a cool and trendy place to hang out for the weekend. Located in downtown Santa Ana is El Mercado Modern Cuisine, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well-decorated the surrounding area was since the last time I had visited. The area is absolutely flourishing with trendy new bars and restaurants. Once seated inside, however, the atmosphere is calming and romantic.
The cocktails were beautifully presented and exceptionally good. The one I ordered came with a watermelon chamoy lollipop. After this experience, I believe that if all cocktails came with a lollipop, the world would be a better place. Honestly, this would be worth a stop just for the cocktails!
The food was also exceptionally good, at least what we tried. I wanted to note that all of the tortillas in the 3 taco plate I ordered were handmade to perfection, and each taco stood alone and offered its own unique flavor. This is definitely one of those places I would like to go back to just so I can try something new.
Jeune Et Jole (Carlsbad):
Rating: One Michelin Star
Dining at a Michelin Star restaurant requires its own review, you can view it here:
Oliver's Osteria (Laguna Beach):
Oliver's Osteria in Laguna Beach was an absolute delight for Italian food - a cuisine I am honestly extremely picky about. Many of the items are a delightful fusion of traditional Italian flavors, but many with a creative twist. Each dish we chose were beautifully presented, and I would have to say that their pasta dishes were a standout. The noodles and gnocchi were all house-made and included rich, flavorful sauces; both dishes we ordered were full of exceptional flavor. One thing to note was that there is limited indoor seating, but they make up for it with a large tented area that is comfortable and made it feel as if you were indoors anyways. Oliver’s Osteria is a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional Italian cuisine in the South Orange County area, and it is a perfect spot for a date night.
(Pictured: Tomato burrata pasta and gnocchi.)
Kettner Exchange (San Diego):
Kettner Exchange in San Diego is an absolute culinary gem of a find! From the moment you step in, you're greeted by a stylish and trendy ambiance that is honestly impressive. The rooftop patio offers breathtaking views of the city, making it an ideal spot for a memorable dining experience.
(Pictured: Rooftop area and interior of Kettner Exchange.)
The cocktail selection is impressive, with creative concoctions that are both visually appealing and delicious. It's a perfect place to unwind with friends or enjoy a romantic evening with a loved one. They had wonderful seating options for groups of various sizes, making everything seem stylish and comfortable as well.
Their menu was a delight, featuring a diverse range of dishes with unique twists, everything that we happened to try was delicious and surprisingly well-portioned. Not only were the flavors exceptional, but the presentation was top-notch. Whether you're a seafood lover, a meat enthusiast, or a vegetarian, Kettner Exchange has something to satisfy your taste buds and go beyond what you would expect from a normal restaurant.
(Pictured: Hot Oil Seared Salmon, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, and Spicy Shrimp.)
The service was also beyond attentive and friendly, adding to the overall enjoyable dining experience. The staff took time to write a card for my boyfriend's birthday, and brought out a dessert without me having to ask (most restaurants do not read your reservation requests, just FYI!) I was so impressed by our overall experience here.
Do keep in mind that it can get busy, especially during peak hours, so making a reservation in advance is recommended. Overall, Kettner Exchange is a must-visit in San Diego for foodies and those looking to enjoy a sophisticated and chic atmosphere for any occasion. The combination of delectable food, stunning views, and impeccable service make it a standout restaurant in the city's vibrant culinary scene. This was a great Michelin recommendation!
Bell's (Los Alamos):
Rating: One Michelin Star
Dining at a Michelin Star restaurant requires its own review, you can view it here:
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