After Delay, Michelin Stars for 2018 Announced for Bay Area

Bay-area culinary scene focuses on recovery after devastating fires in Wine Country

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 25, 2017 – Michelin today announced its acclaimed star selections for the 2018 edition of the MICHELIN Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country, and the region is now home to 55 starred restaurants in total, including the country’s newest three-star restaurant.

“America’s Wine Country has experienced an extraordinary tragedy and our decision to delay the 2018 selections was made with deepest concern for those affected,” said Claire Dorland-Clauzel, Michelin Group executive vice president of brands, external relations, sustainable development and the MICHELIN Guide.

In the 2018 selection, a new restaurant obtains three stars: Coi, where chef Matthew Kirkley continues to reveal his personal culinary expression, masterfully leading the kitchen at this modern seafood restaurant in North Beach.

“Our inspectors have been following chef Kirkley since his days at L20 in Chicago, and we were thrilled to see that he is at the summit of his art,” said Michael Ellis, international director of the MICHELIN Guide. “We were truly impressed by his artistry and his team’s ability to produce sublime dishes based on local ingredients like abalone, oysters and seafood.”

The MICHELIN Guide San Francisco features seven three-starred restaurants, including The French Laundry, Restaurant at Meadowood, Benu, Saison, Manresa and Quince. A Michelin three-star restaurant is considered the ultimate international recognition in the culinary world, with just over 100 restaurants currently holding this distinction globally.

The new selection includes two new two-starred restaurants: contemporary Mexican hotspot Californios, under the skillful leadership of chef Val Cantu, and SingleThread, the contemporary restaurant in Sonoma from Kyle and Katina Connaughton. Californios is the first U.S. restaurant serving Mexican cuisine to earn two stars. At SingleThread, the menu focuses on ingredients sourced from their local farm; especially the only ingredient produced year-round — the onion.

In the one-star category, three rising favorites earn stars for the first time: In Situ, where chef Corey Lee, currently chef at the three-starred Benu, has created an innovative concept at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts (SFMOMA); Kenzo, a Japanese hotspot in Napa; and Rich Table, a former Bib Gourmand and longtime San Francisco favorite from Evan and Sara Rich.

In total, ­­­55 restaurants throughout the city, Bay Area and Wine Country received a Michelin star. While the star selections represent a remarkable achievement, Michelin’s anonymous inspectors also recognized the 67 restaurants that earned the favorite Bib Gourmand distinction as well. The Bib Gourmand selection was published Oct.6.

This selection features 43 types of cuisine, highlighting the Bay Area’s diverse and varied dining scene.

The 2018 selection includes:

• Seven restaurants with three stars
• Seven restaurants with two stars
• 41 restaurants with one star
• 67 restaurants with a Bib Gourmand

The 2018 MICHELIN Guide goes on sale at major booksellers on Oct. 27 for a suggested price of $18.99.

MICHELIN GUIDE SAN FRANCISCO 2018

STARRED ESTABLISHMENTS

THREE STARS

EXCEPTIONAL CUISINE, WORTH A SPECIAL JOURNEY

TWO STARS

EXCELLENT CUISINE, WORTH A DETOUR

ONE STAR

A VERY GOOD RESTAURANT IN ITS CATEGORY