After about 2 months of eating my way through SoCal, and now taking a break on some this (except for Hayato coming next month), figured I'd share a recap and some thoughts.
Pics in order are: Providence, Lilo, Corridor109, Kaneyoshi, Kato, Ki, Seline, and two photos at Pasta|Bar.
I've had a truly wonderful time across these series of restaurants and feel very excited about the state of the California fine dining scene right now. There's a lot of interesting work going on, particularly at some of the one stars, with clearly driven and hungry chefs helping to push this space forward. I'd love to see a fabulous Mexican fine dining establishment to more thoroughly reflect the Los Angeles scene, but feel these generally proudly represent LA.
I've posted about most of these before, but would just want to give my general thoughts. Ki and Lilo were complete knockouts and it feels like they really have the juice to push further. The 2026 Michelin ceremony for LA is in a few weeks, and not only would I expect them to both earn their 2nd star, I'd say both restaurants *not* earning their second star would be a disservice to the guide's readers. They're operating at a completely different level from everywhere else I've been, especially in the 1/2 star range.
My biggest surprises were Jeune et Jolie (positively), Seline (negatively, I found the meal quite bad), and Corridor109 (flashes of brilliance, otherwise underwhelmed).
by deskcord
6 Comments
Should have put this in the OP…if I had to “rank” them, despite generally being different cuisines and styles:
* Ki, the runaway favorite, complete stunner
* Lilo, a shockingly near-perfect meal
* Kato, bad service left a bad impression on what was otherwise a delicious meal
* Pasta|Bar, their self-taught chef has the sauce, guy is going places, and they had by far the best use of spice/heat
* Jeune et Jolie, a more casual, 4-course menu with unbelievably fantastic flavors
* Providence, pretty great, if a bit boring
* Kaneyoshi, I find Omakase to be a bit boring. It was better than most, but I just generally prefer other styles
* Corridor109, there’s clearly a talented chef here. An uneven service and some boring courses, but some very high highs, as well. Horse mackarel toast is the best single course/dish I’ve had, maybe ever.
* Seline, the restaurant I was most anticipating, was the biggest letdown. I took more photos if people are curious, but I didn’t want to post because I have so much adoration for Dave Beran and wish him success. I will likely return when the menu shifts seasons.
Lilo and Jeune et Jolie are two really incredible places – a bit out of the way but what amazing experiences
Holbox isn’t fine dining but easily earns its star with his delicious the food is. Which is my sweet spot these days. Like Brat in London.
For after your break, we finally made it to Heritage in Long Beach (*) a few weeks ago and loved it. Outstanding service and an excellent 7 course sustainable seafood-forward meal in a quaint and charming little restored old home.
What did you think of pasta bar?
So glad I see someone rave about Lilo like I do :). Too 2-3 dining experience ever for me and maybe the only fine dining restaurant I would consider returning to atm. I would be shocked if they didn’t get their second star this year. Also absolutely need to return to Carlsbad one day to try Jeune et Jolie