News Summary
Los Angeles achieves a culinary milestone as Somni is recognized as the first restaurant in the city to receive three Michelin stars since the guide’s debut. The prestigious award was announced ahead of the 2025 ceremony and highlights the innovative dining experience created by Chef Aitor Zabala. Somni’s unique tasting menu and intimate setting reflect the restaurant’s commitment to excellence in gastronomy. This recognition not only elevates Somni but also marks a significant moment for the culinary landscape of Los Angeles and California at large.
Los Angeles has made culinary history with the recognition of Somni as the first restaurant in the city to receive three Michelin stars since the guide’s debut there in 2008. This prestigious designation was announced via a video posted to the Michelin Guide’s YouTube channel, in advance of the 2025 ceremony scheduled for June 25, 2025, in Sacramento.
The previous version of Somni, which operated at the SLS Beverly Hills, earned two Michelin stars before it closed in August 2020 due to the impacts of the pandemic. Aitor Zabala, the chef and owner of Somni, originally opened this acclaimed fine dining venue in 2018 with a unique 25-course tasting menu limited to just 10 seats, allowing for an intimate dining experience.
The name “Somni,” meaning “dream” in Catalan, reflects the restaurant’s aspirational culinary vision. The newest iteration of Somni opened in West Hollywood in November 2024, featuring an expansive dining room with high ceilings, a tree-lined courtyard, and an auditorium-like setting designed to enhance the dining experience.
In its current form, Somni accommodates 14 diners seated at two curved counters, giving guests a front-row seat to watch Chef Zabala and his team create intricate and visually stunning dishes. Among the current menu offerings are unique culinary creations such as dashi meringue adorned with caviar and Parmesan feather, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to innovative gastronomy.
Before Somni’s recognition, Los Angeles had not seen any three-Michelin-star establishments since the guide began evaluating restaurants in the city. The Michelin inspection process scrutinizes various aspects, including the quality of ingredients, mastery of flavors, the chef’s personality reflected in the cuisine, and overall consistency across multiple visits.
In addition to Somni, the Michelin Guide’s 2025 California edition recognized Providence as another three-star restaurant, known for its sustainable seafood offerings. This development brings the total number of three-star establishments in California to eight. Other noteworthy inclusions in this edition include Restaurant Ki and Mori Nozomi, both of which earned their first Michelin stars.
Chef Aitor Zabala’s impressive resume includes experience at renowned kitchens, such as El Bullí, and numerous establishments under celebrated chef José Andrés. Somni’s achievement is viewed as a significant milestone in the evolution of fine dining not just in Los Angeles but throughout California, marking a turning point in the local culinary landscape.
Since the Michelin Guide was first published in 1900 and started awarding stars in 1926, it has become a benchmark for gastronomic excellence globally. The guide’s rigorous criteria and esteemed reputation make its recognition one of the highest honors in the culinary world.
Somni’s entry into the elite three-star category serves as a testament to the chef’s creativity, dedication to high-quality ingredients, and the harmonious blend of flavors that define its menu. As Los Angeles continues to rise as a pivotal dining destination, Somni represents the pinnacle of culinary accomplishment in the vibrant city.
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Additional Resources
- Eater: Somni Awarded Three Michelin Stars
- LA Times: 2025 Michelin Star Restaurants
- Michelin Guide: California Stars
- Wikipedia: Michelin Guide
- Google Search: Los Angeles Three Michelin Star Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
