Californios Is the World's First Michelin 3-Star Mexican Restaurant
Robb Report • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Californios, led by chef Val Cantu, became the first Mexican restaurant worldwide to earn three Michelin stars, marking a historic achievement in San Diego.
- Enclos, a contemporary Californian restaurant by chef Brian Limoges located at Stone Edge Farm Vineyards, also earned three Michelin stars just 18 months after opening.
- Kato in Downtown Los Angeles was promoted to two Michelin stars, while nine other restaurants received their first Michelin star in the 2026 California guide.
- Several restaurants lost their Michelin stars this year, including Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura and Shibumi, though no establishments in the two- or three-star categories were demoted.
- Californios' rise to three stars reflects chef Cantu's long journey from pop-ups to a renowned fine dining destination, emphasizing the growing recognition of Mexican cuisine in the American culinary landscape.
