One of the many reasons residents and visitors love Santa Monica is the food – home to award-winning farmers markets, outstanding chefs and culinary trendsetters – all set on one of California’s most iconic stretches of coastline.
We’re excited to share that seven Santa Monica restaurants were recognized in the inaugural edition of the Michelin Guide California, which was revealed earlier this month. Our beach city’s culinary scene was honored with prestigious awards and Downtown Santa Monica restaurants Dialogue and Rustic Canyon both received one-star distinctions.
The coveted Michelin stars identify establishments serving the highest quality cuisine – taking into account the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of techniques and flavors, the levels of creativity and consistency.
Dialogue, led by James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran, is an 18-seat restaurant that offers a single multi-course tasting menu inspired by the abundance of ingredients found in Southern California, including Santa Monica’s four weekly farmers markets. Beran is adding to his portfolio this summer with a new French restaurant called Pasjoli, opening along Main Street.
Rustic Canyon is a critically-acclaimed, neighborhood restaurant that offers hyper-seasonal fare in a stylish and sociable setting. Executive Chef Andy Doubrava carries on Chef/Owner Jeremy Fox’s vision of simplicity and slow food, drawing upon strong, local farmer relationships.
In addition to the stars, Downtown Santa Monica’s Cassia was recognized with a Bib Gourmand Award, which indicates inspectors’ favorites for good value. Cassia, a Rustic Canyon Family sister establishment, combines the energy of a French brasserie with the fresh, vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia lead by Los Angeles-based culinary couple Bryant Ng and Kim Luu-Ng.
Four more Santa Monica restaurants were included in the guide – Chinois on Main, The Lobster, Lunetta and Michael’s. These restaurants are denoted with a Michelin Plate, indicating good cooking, fresh ingredients, capably prepared, or – simply a good meal.
To celebrate Santa Monica’s award-winning culinary scene, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is currently running a contest for locals to share star-worthy restaurants they love and consider a “must-visit” when in our coastal city. Now through Monday, September 2, 2019, the public is invited to share their favorite Santa Monica eatery on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook using #DineSaMo for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate to a Santa Monica one-star or Bib Gourmand restaurant.
For full details on the contest visit: https://www.santamonica.com/dinesamo
