California’s dining scene cleaned up on a prestigious new ranking of North America’s best restaurants, with nine Golden State eateries earning coveted spots on the annual list — including four in Los Angeles.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants — a global dining guide voted on by hundreds of culinary experts — unveiled its ranking during an awards ceremony in New Orleans on Thursday.
Leading California’s showing was San Francisco’s Saison, which landed at #22. Los Angeles’ Holbox followed at #26, while San Diego’s Addison by William Bradley claimed the No. 31 spot, and Hollywood seafood favorite Providence came in at #32.
San Francisco continued its strong presence on the list, with Benu at #33, Atelier Crenn at #44, and Sons and Daughters at #45.
West Hollywood’s Somni, which reopened in December 2024 after a four-year closure, debuted at #46, while downtown Los Angeles restaurant Kato rounded out California’s winners at #49.
Familiar California favorites like Holbox, Kato, Providence, Atelier Crenn, Saison, and Benu returned to the list, while Somni, Addison by William Bradley, and Sons and Daughters were newcomers.
Somni’s latest recognition marks another milestone for chef Aitor Zabala, who reopened the intimate Spanish-influenced tasting-menu restaurant as sole proprietor after a four-year closure.
The restaurant, originally launched as a collaboration between Zabala and celebrity chef José Andrés, also recently earned three Michelin stars and a spot on The Times’ list of California’s 101 best restaurants.
“These recognitions for him and his team are just a way to honor all the hard work that they’ve been through,” Somni representative Zach Jorin told The LA Times. “I think it’s great for the city in general.”
This year’s ranking featured restaurants from 20 cities across the United States and Canada, with 36 restaurants from the US and 14 from Canada.
Several special awards were also handed out.
San Francisco’s Atelier Crenn received the Sustainable Restaurant Award, while Benu founder Corey Lee earned the Estrella Damm Chefs’ Choice Award.
Read the full article here