LA’s new Bib Gourmand Michelin restaurants for 2021: the complete list

The Michelin Guide is back in California this year, and the stars are about to drop. After making its statewide debut in 2019, the Big Red Book took a statewide hiatus in 2020, citing both the pandemic and the wildfires (none of which have disappeared this year, unfortunately) as reasons to look into a recognition of unstarred “discoveries” for certain restaurants instead. But now, Michelin season is upon Southern California again, with today’s announcement of gourmet bib restaurants from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles to Orange County and beyond; the official announcement of the Michelin stars is yet to come on September 28.

For those who aren’t familiar: Michelin (yes, the tire company) publishes an annual price list for restaurants in all parts of the world. Sometimes it’s just cities like New York or London; in the case of California, it is statewide. The biggest awards fall on a three-star scale, indicating exceptional levels of service and food (and, generally, price and whiteness), while other restaurants are recognized as slightly less worthy dining options and cheaper in the gourmet bib category. By Michelin itself:

Bib Gourmand restaurants offer a full menu of a starter, a main course and a dessert, allowing you to order two courses and a glass of wine or a dessert for about $ 40 or less (taxes and tip not included) .

While receiving a gourmet bib is considered an honor for many, it also means these restaurants won’t earn a more coveted Michelin star for 2021. This year’s list of new gourmet bib awards for Eater LA’s coverage area (from the Central South Coast through Orange County to Coachella Valley) spans 19 restaurants in total and is listed alphabetically below.

It’s also worth noting that once again the Michelin team failed to recognize Southern California’s vast, important and historic street food scene, leaving out a vast array of dining options. worthy catering that millions of people depend on. This year’s new foodie bib list also doesn’t feature Korean restaurants, Armenian restaurants, and a few restaurants in South LA or the greater South Bay area.

John Troxell

Here’s who made the cut for 2021 (the existing greedy bibs, dating from 2019, can be found here):

Angels

Bee taqueria

Chifa

Colapasta

Jiang Nan Spring

Kazan

Konbi

Aztec

Succulent dumplings

Tumbi

WoodSpoon

Orange County, Santa Barbara

Bettina (Santa Barbara)

CHAAK Cuisine (Orange County)

Heart’s Kitchen (Santa Barbara)

Fable & Spirit (Orange County)

Heritage Barbecue (Orange County)

Khan Saab Desi artisan cuisine (Orange County)

Talk (Santa Barbara)

Oliver’s Osteria Mare e Monti (Orange County)

Pho 79 (Orange County)