The Brussels Sprout Tinga Taco from Lola Gaspar in Santa Ana.
(
Jefferson Van Billiard
/
Courtesy of Lola Gaspar
)
Topline:
The Michelin Guide has announced a new set of "recommended" restaurants for its California guide, which extensively covers the SoCal region. For those playing along at home, these restaurants are now in the running to receive Bib Gourmand or Star awards when Michelin unveils its guide to California dining later this summer.
Where are they? From a spot in Santa Ana for Latin small plates to Northern Indian in La Puente and Austrian food in Culver City, this new crop of recommended restaurants from the Michelin Guide runs the gamut regarding dining.
Why it matters: It's a title and a potential stepping stone to greater recognition. With such promising prospects, securing a table at these restaurants now would be a good idea!
The world's most prestigious name in food and dining — the Michelin Guide — just recommended five new places to dine in California. (So get in your reservations now before the rest of L.A. finds out.)
This new crop of restaurants tantalizingly covers the diverse SoCal region. They include an authentic Italian restaurant located in a humble strip mall in Newbury Park, a trendy cocktail bar known for its innovative small plates in Santa Ana, and the flavors of Northern Indian cuisine in La Puente.
Why now
The Tuesday announcement marks the second round of Michelin recommended mentions to be included in the new California dining guide unveiled later this year. Nine spots were honored in March.
The five newcomers represent a continuing shift for the Michelin Guide, which used to be known for showcasing fine dining establishments in certain geographic locations (think Los Angeles, San Francisco, Napa.) But, as Tuesday's list shows, the organization now goes well beyond traditional dining destinations.
Why it matters
The "recommended" title will change the future of many of these restaurants — not only because it's a boon to business. The Michelin nods make these eateries eligible to win coveted Bib Gourmand or Star awards when Michelin's California dining guide is unveiled in its entirety later this summer.
Here is a closer look at the new entries:
Cedro Italian Restaurant in Newbury Park
The Tagliatelle al Ragú at Cedro Italian Restaurant in Newbury Park
(
Matteo Di Nicola
/
Courtesy of Cedro Italian Restaurant
)
Location: 2385 Michael Dr., Newbury Park Guide description: $$ · Italian CedroRestaurant.com
Elf Cafe in Echo Park
Spanish bocquerones served on a baguette at Elf Cafe in Echo Park,
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Courtesy of Elf Cafe
)
Location: 2135 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles Guide description: $$ · Mediterranean Cuisine ElfCafe.com
Lola Gaspar in Santa Ana
The magical interior at Lola Gaspar in Santa Ana.
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Courtesy of Lola Gaspar
)
Location: 211 W. 2nd St., Santa Ana Guide description: $$ · Mexican LolaGaspar.com
Lustig in Culver City
The Kaese Spaetzle at Lustig in Culver City
(
Wonho Frank Lee
/
Courtesy of Lustig
)
Location: 3273 Helms Ave., Culver City Guide description: $$$ · Austrian, European Contemporary Lustig-LA.com
Manohar’s Delhi Palace in La Puente
Some menu highlights at Manohar’s Delhi Palace in La Puente.
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Courtesy of Manohar’s Delhi Palace
)
Location: 581 Azusa Way, La Puente Guide description: $$ · Indian MDelhiPalace.com
