Discover Exceptional Dining at LA’s Michelin Guide Restaurants
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Michelin Guide recently updated their coveted accolades, citing a wide swath of local eating establishments, many not far from The Pearl. LA currently boasts 25 Michelin Star restaurants, as our city continues to be a magnet for talented chefs and restauranteurs. Michelin also recognizes smaller, diverse, and more affordable restaurants with its Bib Gourmand Awards, a non-starred honor that still carries a lot of clout. And Michelin judges have added a number of “New Discovery” restaurants to their Michelin Guide California selection, including several near Koreatown. Check websites for Valentine’s Day specials.
Michelin Stars
5955 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Two stars. For over a decade, Providence has elevated the standard of modern American seafood restaurants, featuring Chef Michael Cimarusti’s award-winning cuisine in the heart of Los Angeles, and welcomed by one of LA’s legendary hosts, co-owner Donato Poto. Chef Cimarusti is completely dedicated to procuring the finest sustainable seafood—from regional coasts and international waters—and treats those ingredients with uncompromising respect and sophisticated technique.
5722 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
One star. Kali is a small neighborhood restaurant tucked in between Hollywood and Larchmont village. Created by lifelong friends/co-workers Chef Kevin Meehan and Drew Langley, the two had always dreamed about creating a high-end restaurant without pretension. Stripping away all facades of what fine dining should be, Kali focuses strictly on the ingredients, technique, and service, presenting a casual environment that everyone can enjoy. Kali’s menu features local and hyper-seasonal farmers’ market produce, prepared with a contemporary twist and Californian sensibilities.
6602 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
One star. Presided over by Nancy Silverton, Osteria Mozza is a melding of the charm of the rustic past with the sleekness of the thrilling modern. From the moment a diner opens the door on Highland and Melrose Avenues, Osteria Mozza transports them to a comforting atmosphere, alive with the anticipation of a great dinner. From exquisite handmade pasta to grilled beef tagliata to Pastry Chef Shiri Nagar’s rosemary olive oil cakes, Osteria Mozza has a menu that Angelenos can recite by heart: the greatest hits.
Bib Gourmand Awards
3200 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
All Day Baby is a joyful feel-good restaurant, bakery & cocktail bar with the soul of a diner. Chef Jonathan Whitener and Lien Ta opened All Day Baby in 2019 with a fresh coat of red paint on a corner of Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake. The duo also own Here’s Looking At You in Koreatown. All Day Baby illuminates their childhood ties with Southern food and hospitality, coupled with a touch of inspired SoCal-Mexican flair. In 2022, the pair introduced Tet-a-Tet, a modern Vietnamese menu by way of a Latin lens. Tet-a-Tet currently pops up at night at All Day Baby.
1046 S Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Flavors From Afar was born from the desire to use food to share the culinary traditions, cultures, and stories of refugee/asylum seekers with Southern California. Each month, in partnership with the Tiyya Foundation, Flavors From Afar identifies a different refugee/asylum seeker, who works directly with their head chef to create an authentic, restaurant quality menu focused on bringing traditional cultural dishes to their guests. Each featured chef is given the opportunity to hone their culinary skills in a restaurant setting, gaining valuable work experience. They also receive a portion of the sales for the month.
1025 S Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
Serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine, Lalibela believes that food embodies family, community, tradition, culture, and identity. They cook every dish to share their stories, culture, and traditions, and craft every cuisine with love and creativity to make you fall in love, not just with Ethiopian food, but also Ethiopian culture. Your meal is skillfully prepared from fresh ingredients done to perfection. Eat what you love, love what you eat, and share it with your loved ones. Enebla! Let’s eat!
2711 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Pijja Palace is a contemporary restaurant & sports bar offering Indian fusion fare in a comfortable, laid-back, casual atmosphere. The tasty menu includes okra fries with chili seasoning and lemon, a spicy selection of wings, lamb kebabs, green chutney pizza, and pasta with a choice of Northern Makhini, Peri Peri Vindaloo, or White Korma sauce. Finish your meal with a soft serve dessert, such as cookies & cardamon or malted chai.
New Discoveries
3905 W 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Previously of Jungsik and Atomix in New York City, and former chef of Naemo in Los Angeles, Chef Ki Kim has teamed with the owners of Hanchic to open Kinn, a 20-seat restaurant serving a five-course seasonal tasting menu meant to showcase familiar Korean dishes and flavors in reimagined formats. Located in the heart of Koreatown, Kinn highlights luxurious ingredients, refined technique, and a sense of fun. Let’s just say there are black truffles in the bibimbap.
4851 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Saffy’s is brought to you by Ori, Genevieve, Leah and friends, the people behind Bestia and Bavel. Named after Saffron, Ori and Genevieve’s daughter, Saffy’s will transport you to another time and place, while still feeling familiar. A Middle Eastern restaurant, Saffy’s menu is rooted in traditional flavors and executed using modern techniques. In this intimate space, you’ll be greeted by warm and energetic hospitality, flavors and dishes reminiscent of Middle-Eastern home-style cooking, and unexpected takes on classic desserts.
6703 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Created by Michelin Star Chef Jordan Kahn, Meteora is a holistic restaurant experience that takes diners on a multi-sensory journey through nature, creativity, and discovery. Dinner offerings feature elemental and inventive compositions that highlight wild and organic vegetables. grains, seafood, and meats. Chef Kahn means to cast a spell with his highly inventive cuisine, which defies neat categorization, making use of ancient cooking techniques like hot stones and live fire, while utilizing a uniquely modern tapestry of eclectic, global ingredients.
Photo Credits:
Photo #1: Meteora
Photo #2: Providence
Photo #3: Kali
Photo #4: Osteria Mozza
Photo #5: All Day Baby
Photo #6: Flavors from Afar
Photo #7: Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
Photo #8: Pijja Palace
Photo #9: Kinn
Photo #10: Saffy’s
Photo #11: Meteora