News Summary
California’s culinary scene faced notable changes as Costa Mesa’s sushi restaurant Hana re lost its Michelin star during a recent ceremony. No new stars were awarded in Orange County, while Knife Pleat and R|O-Rebel Omakase retained their one-star rankings. Meanwhile, Providence and Somni achieved three-star ratings, making history in Los Angeles. This year’s event showcased both renowned establishments and emerging culinary talents, reaffirming the fierce competition within the state’s dynamic restaurant industry.
California – The culinary landscape in California experienced significant shifts this week, particularly for Costa Mesa’s renowned sushi restaurant Hana re, which lost its Michelin star status during the annual Michelin star ceremony held at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento on June 25, 2025. Hana re, which first gained its Michelin star in 2019, will no longer hold this prestigious recognition, a reflection of the ever-competitive nature of the restaurant industry.
This year, no new Michelin stars were awarded in Orange County, indicating a lack of recognition for newly deserving establishments in the region. Despite this, two Costa Mesa restaurants, Knife Pleat and R|O-Rebel Omakase, successfully retained their one-star rankings, a testament to their commitment to excellence. Across the state of California, nine restaurants achieved new or upgraded star ratings.
Among the standout winners this year, Providence in Hollywood and Somni in West Hollywood were honored with the prestigious three-star rating, marking a milestone as the first ever three-star rankings awarded in Los Angeles. This recognition highlights the growing reputation of California’s culinary scene, which is now home to a total of eight three-star restaurants, the highest number in the United States.
Michelin Stars as the Benchmark of Culinary Excellence
The Michelin Guide, which is published annually to honor culinary excellence, is often viewed as the gold standard in the restaurant industry. It has been honoring the best dining establishments since it was first published in 1900 and started awarding stars in 1926. The star ratings are awarded based on five key criteria evaluated by Michelin inspectors, which include the quality of products, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef as reflected in the dining experience, harmony of flavors, and consistency between visits.
Evaluation Process
Michelin employs anonymous inspectors who visit restaurants unannounced and pay for their meals to ensure the evaluation process remains objective. The inspector’s experience at these establishments often determines their eligibility for star ratings, emphasizing the importance of delivering an outstanding dining experience consistently.
This year’s Michelin star ceremony not only highlighted luxurious dining experiences but also uncovered extraordinary culinary gems across California. In addition to Hana re’s loss, the ceremony acknowledged a breadth of diverse culinary offerings, especially in the bustling Los Angeles area, which welcomed notable one-star winners alongside the two and three-star establishments.
New Entrants and Other Winners
Among the recognized restaurants in California were Mori Nozomi and Restaurant Ki in Los Angeles, both awarded one star for their exemplary dining experiences. In the two-star category, Enclos in Sonoma and Kiln in San Francisco also distinguished themselves among California’s culinary elite. Furthermore, new entries to the Michelin-rated scene included Lilo in Carlsbad, Silvers Omakase in Santa Barbara, and Sun Moon Studio in Oakland, each receiving one star for their unique offerings.
As the Michelin Guide continues to evolve and assess the state’s dining landscape, chefs and restaurateurs in California will undoubtedly strive to uphold and surpass the high standards associated with Michelin stars. The competition remains fierce as restaurants seek to enhance their culinary practices to secure their place on this prestigious list in the years to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hana re Loses Michelin Star in Costa Mesa
Los Angeles Introduces First-Ever Three-Star Michelin Restaurants
Chef Ross Pangilinan Expands Culinary Ventures in California
Viamara Restaurant Opens to Public at Elwood Club
Costa Mesa Welcomes Il Girasole, a New Italian Restaurant
New Ramen Shop Yakamoz Opens in Irvine, California
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register
- Wikipedia: Michelin Guide
- LA Eater
- Google Search: Michelin star awards 2025
- Daily News
- Google Scholar: Michelin guide California
- Patch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michelin star
- Orange County Register
- Google News: California restaurants
