Los Angeles Celebrates Historic Michelin Star Wins at 2025 Ceremony

SACRAMENTO, California — Two restaurants in Los Angeles made history at the 2025 Michelin Guide California ceremony by each receiving three Michelin stars for the first time ever. The awards were announced on June 25 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, where chefs and restaurateurs statewide gathered.

Providence, located in Hollywood, and Somni, based in West Hollywood, are the only two restaurants in California to achieve this prestigious status this year. Michelin stars are awarded based on the quality of ingredients, preparation techniques, and overall dining experience.

Michael Cimarusti, chef and owner of Providence, expressed his excitement for the recognition: “This is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to sustainable seafood.” Providence, which has been part of the Michelin Guide since its return to Los Angeles in 2019, celebrated its 20th anniversary this month.

Somni, meaning “dream” in Catalan, showcases a new tasting menu crafted by chef Aitor Zabala. This restaurant reinvented its previous iteration, which had lost its Michelin stars in 2020. “We aim to create a unique dining experience, and this validation motivates us to keep pushing our culinary boundaries,” Zabala said.

The ceremony saw other notable changes; two more restaurants, Enclos in Sonoma and Kiln in San Francisco, were awarded two stars. Furthermore, five restaurants across California were given their first Michelin stars, contributing to the state’s total of 65 starred establishments.

A noteworthy moment occurred when the Michelin Guide accidentally released a video beforehand that revealed the three-star status of Providence and Somni. The initial release was quickly taken down, adding to the ceremony’s buzz.

Not every restaurant retained its stars: Sushi Ginza Onodera and n/naka, both previously holding two stars, lost one each. This points to the highly competitive environment of Michelin ratings, which continues to adapt as the culinary scene evolves.

The Michelin Guide also awards Bib Gourmand distinctions to restaurants offering good food at moderate prices, along with green stars for sustainable practices. California now holds the title for the most green stars in North America, with 17 awarded this year.

This year’s ceremony marks a milestone in Los Angeles’s culinary history, illustrating the city’s growing reputation as a significant player on the gourmet world stage.