On June 25, chefs and restaurant professionals gathered at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento for the highly anticipated presentation of the Michelin Guide California 2025.
The event is renowned for awarding Michelin stars and green stars, the latter recognizing exceptional sustainability practices in the restaurant industry.
Prior to the ceremony’s start, the lobby buzzed with energy as potential nominees and their teams mingled over drinks and appetizers.
Among the most exciting news of the evening, Eater LA reported that Somni earned three stars, marking a historic achievement as the first restaurant in the city to receive this prestigious distinction.
Soon after, Providence was elevated from two to three stars during a celebration of chef Michael Cimarusti and business partner Donato Poto’s 20-year anniversary.
Other notable awards included Restaurant Ki, which received its first star along with the Young Chef Award for chef Ki Kim; sushi destination Mori Nozomi, which also received a star; and Silvers Omakase, located in Santa Barbara.
Lilo, another contender, gained its very first star, bringing chef Eric Bost and partner John Resnick their second, marking a significant moment for their other restaurant, Jeune et Jolie, situated in Carlsbad.
In addition, the Bib Gourmand awards were announced, with three new additions from Los Angeles: Komal in South LA, Rasarumah in Historic Filipinotown, and Vin Folk in Hermosa Beach.
Before the awards, several chefs shared their thoughts and emotions in the lead-up to the ceremony.
Margarita Kallas-Lee of Pasta Bar expressed a sense of excitement, stating, ‘This is the first year that I’m just enjoying it. I’m not nervous. I’m very excited. I think with Pasta Bar, the team is amazing.’
Phillip Frankland Lee from Pasta Bar mentioned, ‘We’re trying to get two stars with Pasta Bar. We’re trying to get a green star, trying to get all those things.’
With aspirations to share the spotlight with his brother, who owns Silvers Omakase, he remarked, ‘If my brother gets a star, we’ll be the first brothers in America to both own separate starred restaurants.’
Eric Bost, chef at Lilo, reflected, ‘I’m super happy to be here… feel good, some butterflies. Nobody knows what they’re getting.’
Ki Kim shared his nerves, stating, ‘Super, super nervous. I didn’t think I’d be this nervous, but my heart’s clutching right now…it’s amazing when it actually goes as planned.’
Nozomi Mori of Mori Nozomi added her own excitement, saying, ‘This is my first time, I’m so excited.’
Aitor Zabala of Somni expressed gratitude for the opportunity and highlighted the importance of representation, stating, ‘I want to make a voice not only for me tonight but also for people that weren’t in my position.’
Reflecting on the recent changes in the restaurant landscape, Saul Cooperstein of inKind Hospitality commented on the impressive resurgence of fine dining in LA.
He pointed out that while new openings are exciting, the industry’s financial struggle remains a serious concern, noting, ‘Sales per location were down 13 percent in the fourth quarter (of 2024) and over 10 percent in the first quarter of 2025. This is not sustainable.’
After the ceremony, the announcements of new Michelin stars for Ki, Mori Nozomi, Silvers Omakase, and Lilo added to the excitement of Southern California’s culinary scene.
With the remarkable achievement of both Somni and Providence receiving three stars, this marks a significant moment in Los Angeles history.
Michael Cimarusti, chef of Providence, expressed his surprise and gratitude at the award, remarking, ‘I had no idea… I had no pretensions about it.’
He shared heartfelt appreciation for his team, saying, ‘I’m proud to have employed probably a team of 80 percent immigrants ever since the restaurant opened.’
Cimarusti reflected on the struggles faced by many in the community, emphasizing how this recognition could bring a sense of pride amid challenging times.
Jon Yao, chef of Kato, remarked on the significance of this award for LA’s food scene, calling Providence the ‘north star’ for aspiring cooks.
Ryan Bailey, a partner at Kato, echoed Yao’s sentiments, acknowledging the importance of Providence’s long-standing dedication to fine dining.
The evening culminated in a celebration of culinary excellence, showcasing the hard work and passion of the chefs and teams honored at the Michelin Guide California 2025 ceremony.
image source from：la
