A Michelin star is arguably the most prestigious honor a restaurant can receive, and in 2021 California had more Michelin-starred restaurants—85—than any state in the country. On Dec. 5, the 2022 Michelin rankings for California were revealed. Once again, the Golden State triumphed as the nation’s hub of Michelin-starred restaurants, with a total of 89 honorees (New York comes in second in the standings with 73 Michelin-starred restaurants).
The mood was euphoric at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles where the announcements of which restaurant gained inclusion in the “California Michelin Guide” were made live. In all, 27 California restaurants earned their first Michelin stars or were promoted to a higher star category, with one restaurant, Addison in San Diego, earning three Michelin stars, the highest accolade a restaurant can receive. It’s the first time a restaurant in Southern California reached the lofty heights of three stars, while Northern California is home to six restaurants with three Michelin stars—The French Laundry, Manresa, Quince, Benu, Atelier Crenn, and Single Thread.
“California is a foodie’s dream come true,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the esteemed Michelin dining guide. “There are now 142 three-Michelin-star restaurants in the world, with the addition of the spectacular Addison. It is truly a landmark accomplishment for the Addison team, and they have much to be proud of.”
Alycia Harshfield, executive director of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation, noted that the record number of California restaurants awarded stars in 2022 reflects the resilience of the state’s culinary industry. “It is exciting to see the wonderful restaurant additions to this year’s guide,” she said. “Our vibrant food scene is worth celebrating, especially after such a long and challenging time. Food lovers from near and far have many tasty reasons get out there and enjoy all that California has to offer.”
Adam Burke, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, extolled LA, home to 26 restaurants awarded one or more Michelin stars and 56 Bib Gourmand recipients (affordable, unfussy eateries that may not achieve star status but are deemed by Michelin to be well worth a visit). “Los Angeles is truly a global dining capital and continues to captivate the imagination of the culinary world, offering world-class cuisine from our ever-evolving street food to fine dining in iconic settings,” Burke said. “The many diverse flavors found throughout the City of Angels are a result of the unique fusion of cultures and traditions that call LA home. We are so pleased Michelin has recognized the city’s many talented chefs on a global stage.”
For more about the Michelin rankings and the California honorees, visit the Michelin website.
