The Restaurant at Justin, receives one Michelin Star and one Green Star. 

Restaurants are in Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo

—The prestigious Michelin Guide recently released its newest San Luis Obispo County additions. Originating as a travel guide promoting global tourism in the early 1900s, the Michelin Guide has evolved into the ultimate authority on restaurant excellence. Michelin Stars are coveted accolades, reserved for a select few worldwide, recognizing exceptional culinary experiences.

Two Paso Robles restaurants have maintained Michelin One-Star and Green Star Awards and an additional five in Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles, and San Luis Obispo have maintained Michelin mention.

• The Restaurant at Justin, in Paso Robles received one Michelin Star and one Green Star.  From the guide:  “Make your way through winding roads to find this lush retreat nestled within the Justin Winery. This restaurant champions local product sourced nearby and from the property’s own 150-tree orchard, edible flower fields, vegetable and herb gardens and apiary. Chef Rachel Haggstrom and her team flex their creativity across a single tasting menu. 95% of the menu’s ingredients are sourced locally, be that from the 26-acres Estate garden which includes a 150-tree orchard, edible flower fields, vegetables, herbs and an apiary; or the community of Central Coast purveyors.”
• Six Test Kitchen in Paso Robles received one Michelin Star. From the Guide: “Hidden away in industrial Tin City, Chef Ricky Odbert has, for many years now, quietly and confidently cooked like few others in the region. Dry-aged fish and meats, seasonal produce, and delicious sauces come together in a breezy space with soaring ceilings, charcoal-tinted walls, metal edges and a stunning wood counter that wraps around the kitchen. It’s a fitting stage for food that eats as beautifully as it looks. A highly selective wine list brings small producers under the spotlight.”

Five more restaurants, Ember in Arroyo Grande; Hatch Rotisserie & Bar and Les Petites Canailles in Paso Robles; Nate’s on Marsh and Ox + Anchor in San Luis Obispo are recognized in the Michelin Guide Mention by Community.

A Michelin mention signifies outstanding food quality and a nod to excellence and distinction.

• The famous one, two and three Michelin Stars identify establishments serving exceptional cuisine that’s rich in flavor, remarkably executed and infused with the personality of a talented chef.
• The Bib Gourmand is a designation given to select restaurants that offer good quality food for a good value – often known as personal favorites among the inspectors when dining on their own time.
• The  Michelin Green Star honors restaurants that are pioneers in sustainable gastronomy.
• Recommended restaurants and special professional awards are also highlighted by the Michelin Guide inspectors.

The Michelin Guide initiative is led by Visit California with support from Visit SLO CAL.  The vibrant San Luis Obispo County cultural scene attracts attention and visitors from around the world and these prestigious accolades draw both visitors and locals to explore the diverse array of dining options that showcase the region’s rich agricultural heritage and creative spirit. The international recognition fosters pride and innovation among local chefs and restaurateurs and enriches the local culinary culture for everyone.

The Michelin Guide is the international benchmark in fine dining. The selections of all restaurants in the guide are made by Michelin’s anonymous inspectors, which ensures a uniform, international standard of excellence. To fully assess the quality of a restaurant, the inspectors apply five criteria defined by Michelin: product quality; mastery of cooking techniques; harmony of flavors; the chef’s personality reflected in his/her/their cuisine; and consistency over time and across the entire menu. These criteria guarantee a consistent selection so that a star restaurant has the same value regardless of whether it is in Paris, Rome or right here in San Luis Obispo County.