Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
16 SoCal Restaurants Make Michelin's 2021 California Bib Gourmand Guide
()
After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the Michelin Guide has returned to California.
The historically Eurocentric and Los Angeles-phobic Michelin Guide, which has made attempts in recent years to broaden its culinary perspective, just announced a bunch of new California restaurants in its Bib Gourmand category. Southern California did well.
Of the 45 new Bib Gourmand restaurants revealed today, 16 of them are located in Los Angeles or Orange counties.
These include spots that specialize in barbecue, Brazilian fare, Peruvian cuisine, fancy sandwiches, tacos, ramen, dumplings and, of course, Italian food. While we think Michelin's list still lacks enough representation of Mexican and Central American restaurants, it's a tasty spread.
Support for LAist comes from
In addition, Santa Barbara has four and San Diego has five new restaurants in the Bib Gourmand category.
This announcement is a warm-up for the main event, which happens next week.
On Sept. 28, the Michelin Guide will announce its newly starred California restaurants — the first time it has done so since 2019. Michelin inspectors have been taking a break (as they should) during much of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While starred restaurants are fancier, more elaborate and definitely more expensive, Bib Gourmand restaurants "offer a full menu of a starter, main course and dessert, making it possible to order two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for around $40 or less," according Michelin.
All of the California restaurants — starred and Bib Gourmand — will be available on the Michelin Guide app next week, after the Star selections are revealed. You can check out all the past California Bib Gourmands here.
Here are the new Los Angeles and Orange County Bib Gourmand spots for 2021, with Michelin's inspector notes from each restaurant (i.e. we didn't write this copy).
Support for LAist comes from
Bee Taqueria
This casual taqueria with serious focus and creative style arrives courtesy of the talented chef Alex Carrasco. Tacos, ceviche and tostadas reign supreme on the menu, which draws culinary inspiration from the chef's childhood in Mexico City.
5754 W. Adams Blvd., West Adams.
CHAAK Kitchen
The team behind CHAAK Kitchen swimmingly brings the vibrant smoke-and-spice-focused cuisine of the Yucatán Peninsula to life.
215 El Camino Real, Tustin.
Chifa
Chifa is the term used by Peruvians to refer to “Chinese restaurant.” The succinct menu pulls from family recipes and childhood memories to pack in flavor at every twist and turn.
4374 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock.
Colapasta
Nestled into a breezy locale just a few blocks from the Pacific, this modern trattoria packs a big culinary punch, thanks largely to the considerable talents of chef Stefano De Lorenzo.
1241 5th St., Santa Monica.
Support for LAist comes from
Fable & Spirit
Fable & Spirit is packed with an unmistakable hum of happy diners diving into delicious pub grub. You'll want to order the Guinness brown bread which is an absolute delight, especially paired with plump P.E.I. mussels bathed in a thyme butter.
3441 Via Lido, Newport Beach.
Heritage Barbecue
Punctuality is of the essence as everyone is here, early and eager, for chef and owner Daniel Castillo's food. His creations draw inspiration from central Texas, so when that sweet scent of California white oak gets going, find yourself transported on a riotous journey, starting with slices of glistening brisket.
31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.
Jiang Nan Spring
This spot's Shanghainese focus makes it a valuable addition to the San Gabriel Valley. Sweet vinegars and fresh seafood figure prominently, most apparent in plates like an irresistible platter of tilapia fried in a tempura-like batter flavored with seaweed.
910 E. Main St., Alhambra.
Kazan
The name is Japanese for "volcano" and conveniently, this soba-focused spot blows the lid off its competitors. The menu offers many a choice, including a vegetarian option, but the #7 (lamb in lava) is a clear winner.
111 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills.
Support for LAist comes from
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen
Originally from Pakistan, chef Imran Ali Mookhi displays a certain deftness with spices, flavors, and in his handling of red meat at this South Asian gem.
229 E. Commonwealth Ave., Unit A, Fullerton.
An egg salad and scallion sandwich from Konbi in Echo Park.
(
T.Tseng/Flickr Creative Commons
)
Konbi
Konbi is the brainchild of chefs Nick Montgomery and Akira Akuto, who present a unique menu of Japanese sandwiches, product-focused small plates and Proustian pastries.
1463 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park.
La Azteca
This modest counter-service operation has been serving hefty burritos from East L.A. for many years now. Flour tortillas are made in-house every day in full view of the dining room and boast a kind of richness and chew that others don’t.
4538 East Cesar E. Chavez Ave., East L.A.
Luscious Dumplings
It’s hard to order poorly at this delightful retreat. The menu is concise, with half of the items dedicated to the eponymous specialty.
919 W. Duarte Rd, Monrovia.
Oliver's Osteria Mare e Monti
Set just minutes from the Pacific Coast Highway, this Italian gem makes a delightful sight. Chef Erik De Marchi's menu has something for everyone. He takes a range of familiar dishes and enhances them with an authentic flair.
853 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach.
The beef pho at Pho 79, a Garden Grove restaurant that received a 2019 James Beard America's Classics Award. (Leo Duran/LAist)
()
Pho 79
If you are no stranger to the slurp, then Pho 79 is likely already on your circuit. After all, this place is an institution. Opened in the early '80s, it's widely considered to ladle some of the best and most praiseworthy pho in Southern California.*
9941 Hazard Ave., Garden Grove.
*In 2019, Pho 79 won an America's Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation.
Tumbi
Just a block from the bustle of the Santa Monica Promenade, Tumbi feels worlds away, offering inventive Indian cooking in an industrial-chic setting.
115 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica.
WoodSpoon
It's clear that hospitality runs through the veins of chef and owner, Natalia Pereira, who originally hails from Brazil. The cozy dining room is lined with framed photographs and wine bottles. The chef's careful and skilled hand is also evident in her food, which tastes of pure passion.
107 W 9th St., DTLA.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist