Where to Eat in California Right Now: Discover MICHELIN Guide's Latest Marvels
Where to Eat in California Right Now: Discover MICHELIN Guide's Latest Marvels
A Gastronomic Odyssey Through the Golden State's Newest MICHELIN-Starred Eateries
West Hollywood Welcomes Amour with Open Arms and Hungry Stomachs
French Flair Meets Asian Zest: Step into Amour, where the dilemma of choosing between indoor charm and outdoor allure mirrors Los Angeles' perpetual sunshine quandary. Beyond its library entrance, Amour unfolds a culinary narrative blending French contemporary with Asian influences, where chawanmushi meets Perigord truffles and trout roe. Their New Caledonia blue prawn carpaccio and an exquisite French-style omelet adorned with caviar echo the meticulous craft behind each dish, culminating in a dulce de leche millefeuille that ties the gastronomic journey together.
Little Fish Casts a Big Net in Los Angeles
Seafood and Beyond: Echo Park's Little Fish, spearheaded by the dynamic duo Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle, transitions from itinerant to permanent, promising breakfast and lunch that defy expectations. With a menu that skews towards the aquatic but welcomes all, their beer-battered Pacific striped bass sandwich emerges as a testament to culinary ingenuity, while the broccoli rabe melt offers a vegetal counterpoint, proving that seafood mastery and vegetable virtuosity can coexist.
Liu's Cafe: A Chinese Gem in the Heart of LA
Culinary Comfort with a Side of Tea: Liu's Cafe captures the essence of a neighborhood haunt destined for repeat visits. Its casual charm, complemented by an array of tender pork wontons and chili oil-drenched egg noodles, encapsulates the warmth of Chinese comfort food. Amidst the bustling kitchen view, a citrus curd tart with fennel salad stands as a beacon of sweet innovation, offering a perfect closure to the savory feast.
Pollo a la Brasa: A Peruvian Sensation in Koreatown
Smoky Delights on the Streets of LA: For over thirty years, Pollo a la Brasa has been staking its claim in Koreatown with its secret-marinated, wood-fired chicken. A sensory delight, the smoky flavors and crispy skin of their signature dish are enhanced by spicy green aji sauce and twice-fried French fries, making the wait for this family-run institution a rite of passage for culinary adventurers.
Quarter Sheets Strikes Gold in Pizza Pantheon
Haute Hipster Pizzeria Perfection: Aaron Lindell and Hannah Ziskin's Quarter Sheets redefines the pizza experience in Echo Park with pan-style masterpieces that justify any wait. Beyond the classic pepperoni, the pimento grove pizza emerges as a bold statement, while the unexpected delight of pastries, especially the Princess cake, showcases Ziskin's dual prowess in baking and pizza crafting.
Sawa: Japanese Edomae Elegance Unveiled
A Hidden Downtown Delight: Nestled in a basement in Downtown LA, Sawa offers an edomae-style omakase that combines traditional simplicity with playful innovation. From the precision of its nigiri to the unexpected charm of its shredded sous vide scallop roll, each dish serves as a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence, rounded off with a memorable soy sauce cheesecake.
UKA: Japanese Contemporary Cuisine Reimagined
A Sleek Escape within Japan House: At UKA, the blend of traditional kaiseki and French influences creates an exquisite dining experience. With fish flown in from Japan and a dedication to homemade bonito and locally sourced ingredients, dishes like grilled abalone and wagyu with red wine jus showcase a harmonious blend of cultures, inviting guests on a culinary journey marked by meticulous attention to detail.
7 Adams: Californian Cuisine's New Benchmark in San Francisco
Understated Elegance, Unmatched Flavor: Serena and David Fisher's 7 Adams stands as a testament to Californian simplicity, offering a five-course menu that's as affordable as it is divine. The sweet and nutty flavors of caramelle pasta, alongside the crisp-skinned black cod, embody the chefs' ability to elevate seasonal ingredients into an art form, with desserts that linger in memory long after the meal concludes.
Funke: Italian Mastery in Beverly Hills
Evan Funke's Triumphant Trio: Housed in an art deco gem, Funke pays homage to the art of Italian cooking with handmade pasta and a menu that draws inspiration from its sister restaurants while carving out its own identity. From focaccia to agnolotti, each dish is a love letter to Italian culinary traditions, culminating in a torta di cioccolato that's as rich in flavor as the restaurant is in ambiance.
Sushi Sonagi: An Exclusive Omakase Experience in Gardena
Weekend Wonders at an Eight-Seat Enclave: Sushi Sonagi offers a rarefied omakase experience, where Chef Daniel Son's mastery and the signature dolsot sekogani highlight a menu rich with tradition and innovation. The anticipation built by limited seatings and the finale of charcoal-roasted sweet potato with sesame ice cream underscore the exclusivity and excellence that define this culinary gem.
In the ever-evolving tapestry of California's dining scene, the MICHELIN Guide's latest additions remind us that the pursuit of culinary excellence is alive and well. From West Hollywood to San Francisco, these establishments not only redefine dining but also celebrate the diverse cultures and flavors that make the Golden State a gastronomic haven. So, pull up a chair, tuck in your napkin, and prepare for a journey that's as rich in humor as it is in flavor—California's culinary stars await.
 | A guest post by
|