The 10 Best Restaurants in California, According to Michelin

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   Avila Beach seafood shack named among top 10 US waterfront eats

   Time Out named a small seafood shack in Avila Beach one of the best waterfront restaurants in the United States. This establishment is the only California entry in the national top 10 list. This recognition follows recent high-profile culinary milestones in the state, including Californios becoming the first Mexican restaurant globally to earn three Michelin stars during the June 24 ceremony in San Diego. While Californios represents the peak of fine dining, the Avila Beach recognition highlights the state's diverse culinary appeal across different dining categories.

   Why it matters

   California continues to gain national and international recognition for its diverse food scene. The state currently hosts two three-star Michelin establishments in the Bay Area. These accolades span from high-end global achievements to casual waterfront dining.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An Avila Beach seafood shack is one of the best waterfront restaurants in America according to Time Out.

   What to watch next

   • Additional California entries in national waterfront dining rankings
   • Updated Michelin Guide ratings for 2026
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. nypost.com — California beach shack named one of America’s best waterfront eats
   2. www.thedailybeast.com — ‘80s Star Suffers Medical Emergency at Fan Event
   3. www.grubstreet.com — When Eating Out Is Political
   4. www.thedailybeast.com — ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star Turned Congressman Dies at 84
   5. www.ocbj.com — Gordon Ramsay Brings British Flair to Disney
   confidence 70%
2. 7d ago

   Californios Makes Global History at 2026 Michelin Guide Ceremony

   Californios is the first Mexican restaurant in the world to receive a three-star rating from the Michelin Guide. This achievement was announced during the 2026 ceremony held June 24 in San Diego. Two Bay Area establishments earned the three-star distinction. The rating represents the highest level of culinary achievement recognized by the guide, marking a significant milestone for Mexican cuisine on a global scale.

   Why it matters

   The Michelin Guide is a primary benchmark for restaurant quality and prestige. These ratings influence tourism and the economic status of local dining hubs. The 2026 results highlight a shift in recognized culinary styles in California.

   What to watch next

   • Release of the full list of the 10 best restaurants in California
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.nbcnews.com — California Governor Primary Results 2026
   2. consent.yahoo.com — Just How Big Was the Largest Alligator Found in the US?
   3. www.ocregister.com — Take a sneak peek inside Brea’s new Din Tai Fung
   4. www.latimes.com — Beauty and the Beef…Wellington: A review of Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby in Downtown Disney
   5. consent.yahoo.com — As Luxury Hotels Rush In, Will Texas Hill Country Become The Next Napa Valley?
   6. ca.news.yahoo.com — Chef collaborations are taking over Vancouver restaurants. Here's why
   7. www.thedailybeast.com — Ohio Democrat Hospitalized After Hit-and-Run Crash
   confidence 100%
3. 15d ago

   Michelin Guide 2026 Updates for California Restaurants

   The 2026 Michelin Guide ceremony took place June 24 in San Diego. Two Bay Area establishments received three stars. Californios became the first Mexican restaurant globally to earn this rating.

   What's confirmed:

   • The 2026 Michelin Guide ceremony occurred on June 24 in San Diego.
   • Two Bay Area restaurants earned three stars.
   • Californios is the first Mexican restaurant in the world to achieve a three-star rating.
   • California added 12 new starred restaurants for the 2026 cycle.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. Michelin-starred chef calls for VAT cut for restaurants
   2. The Wealthy Have a New Favorite Way to Dine — and It’s Not at a Restaurant
   3. Who is expected to attend Lindsay Graham’s funeral? See list
   confidence 100%
4. 40d ago

   Californios Becomes First Three-Star Mexican Restaurant Globally

   The 2026 Michelin Guide ceremony was held on June 24 in San Diego. Two Bay Area restaurants earned three stars, including Californios, which is the first Mexican restaurant in the world to achieve this rating. California added 12 new starred restaurants for the 2026 cycle.

   What's confirmed:

   • Californios is the first Mexican restaurant in the world to receive three Michelin stars.
   • The 2026 Michelin Guide ceremony took place Wednesday, June 24, in San Diego.
   • Two Bay Area restaurants were awarded three Michelin stars.
   • Three Michelin stars signify exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.
   • The Michelin rating system was first introduced in 1926.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • California gained 12 new Michelin-starred restaurants for 2026.
   • Seven California restaurants were named most affordable in the 2026 Michelin Guide.
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. How Californios Became the First Three-MICHELIN-Star Mexican Restaurant in the World
   2. List of Michelin 3-star restaurants - Wikipedia
   3. Two Bay Area restaurants awarded three Michelin Stars
   4. Two Bay Area restaurants just earned their third Michelin stars. Here’s why it matters
   5. The 10 Best Restaurants in California, According to Michelin
   6. How S.F.’s Californios became the world’s first three-Michelin-star Mexican restaurant
   7. This Week In Food: Stars All Over
   8. SF's Californios is the world's first three-Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant
   9. 7 CA restaurants named ‘most affordable’ in 2026 Michelin Guide. See where
   10. The Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles, July 2026 | Eater LA
   11. Michelin-Starred & Recommended Restaurants | Dining in Sacramento
   12. The 15 top wine spots in California wine country 2026
   confidence 90%