News Summary
Hana re, a renowned sushi restaurant in Costa Mesa, has lost its Michelin star status, as announced during the Michelin Guide California Ceremony. This marks a decline for the establishment that first received the star in 2019. While no new stars were given to restaurants in Orange County this year, other local venues maintained their one-star rankings. The loss reflects the competitive nature of the culinary industry, underlining the high standards set by Michelin inspectors and the impact of such evaluations on a restaurant’s reputation and success.
Costa Mesa – Hana re, a sushi restaurant located in Costa Mesa, has lost its prestigious Michelin star status as announced during a ceremony on June 25, 2025. This marks a notable shift for the popular dining establishment, which was awarded its Michelin star in 2019 and successfully retained it until this year.
The announcement came during the Michelin Guide California Ceremony, held at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento. The ceremony not only highlighted the loss for Hana re but also celebrated other local culinary achievements. Notably, two Costa Mesa restaurants, Knife Pleat and R|O-Rebel Omakase in Laguna Beach, managed to retain their one-star rankings, indicating that they continue to meet the high standards set by Michelin inspectors.
Significantly, no new Michelin stars were awarded to restaurants in Orange County this year, marking a challenging year for the region’s dining scene. Overall, nine restaurants across California received new or upgraded Michelin star ratings, but none were from Orange County.
Among the highlights of the event was the recognition of two restaurants in Los Angeles that achieved Michelin’s top three-star rating: Somni in West Hollywood and Providence in Hollywood. This is a historic milestone as it marks the first time Los Angeles hosts three-star restaurants—an indication of the evolving culinary landscape in the city. With these new additions, California now boasts a total of eight three-star restaurants, the largest number in any U.S. state.
Impact of Michelin Ratings
The Michelin star system, which categorizes restaurants into a three-tier ranking, is held in high regard within the culinary world. A single star signifies high-quality cooking, two stars reflect excellent cooking deserving of a detour, and three stars represent exceptional cuisine worth a journey. The loss of a Michelin star can profoundly affect a restaurant’s reputation and financial performance, often leading to decreased customer traffic and altered perceptions of quality.
Culinary Evaluation Standards
Restaurants are evaluated by Michelin inspectors based on five specific criteria: the quality of products used, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the chef’s personality reflected in the dining experience, harmony of flavors, and consistency observed during multiple visits. These stringent standards contribute to the credibility of the Michelin ratings and their impact on the restaurant industry.
Historical Context of the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide has a longstanding history, with its first publication dating back to 1900. Originally created to encourage driving and explore France, the guide has evolved significantly and now includes restaurants in multiple states across the U.S., including New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas. Over the years, it has established itself as a benchmark for culinary excellence and dining experiences.
The recent announcement indicates that while certain establishments have maintained or improved their Michelin ratings, others, such as Hana re, face challenges in retaining this coveted recognition. This fluctuation serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the culinary industry and the constant pursuit of excellence required to meet Michelin’s rigorous standards.
As 2025 progresses, the culinary community in California continues to adapt and innovate, while both diners and restaurants keep a close eye on the Michelin Guide’s evaluations, recognizing the significant influence these ratings hold in shaping the gastronomic landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Los Angeles Introduces First-Ever Three-Star Michelin Restaurants
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Costa Mesa Sushi Restaurant Hana re Loses Its Michelin Star
- Patch: OC Restaurant Loses Michelin Star Report
- Mercury News: Coming Tonight – Michelin Star Reveal for California Restaurants
- Wikipedia: Michelin Guide
- Google Search: Michelin Star Impact on Restaurants
