The prestigious Michelin Guide has expanded its 2025 California edition by including three new restaurants from Los Angeles County, highlighting the region’s continued rise as a global culinary hotspot. The selections, announced on May 14, reflect the diversity and creativity of the local dining scene.
Key Highlights:
- 🍽️ 3 new LA County restaurants added to the Michelin California Guide.
- 🌍 Cuisines range from Japanese omakase to Californian-Mexican fusion.
- 🌟 No new stars yet—these are “New Additions”, a precursor to star or Bib Gourmand status.
- 📅 Final star and Bib Gourmand announcements will come later in 2025.
A Closer Look at Michelin’s New LA Picks
Emphasis on Creativity and Quality
Michelin’s California Guide team revealed the latest round of “New Additions”, which include:
- N/Soto (Mid-City, LA) – A modern Japanese izakaya inspired by traditional small plates and seasonal ingredients.
- Flavors from Afar (Little Ethiopia, LA) – A socially-driven restaurant employing refugee chefs to present rotating global menus.
- Barboza (Downtown LA) – A chic Cal-Mex fusion spot known for its inventive use of local produce and fire-cooked techniques.
These additions serve as a preview of excellence, often leading to Bib Gourmand or Michelin Star recognition in the future.
A Sign of LA’s Evolving Dining Scene
Michelin’s growing attention to LA County reflects a broader acknowledgment of Southern California’s culinary innovation. With diverse chefs, bold menus, and social impact-driven concepts, LA continues to attract global acclaim.
Conclusion
With three exciting new additions to its 2025 California Guide, the Michelin team is once again spotlighting Los Angeles as a dynamic culinary capital. While these restaurants haven’t yet earned stars or Bib Gourmand honors, their inclusion suggests they’re on a promising trajectory for future recognition.