News Summary
The culinary scene in Costa Mesa has been shaken as the esteemed restaurant Hana re loses its Michelin star, a mark of fine dining excellence it held since 2019. This recent decline comes during a year when no new Michelin stars were awarded in Orange County. While the news is disappointing, other local restaurants like Knife Pleat and R|O-Rebel Omakase have retained their one-star status, highlighting the fierce competition within California’s restaurant scene.
Costa Mesa Takes a Hit: Hana re Loses Its Michelin Star
This week, the culinary scene in Costa Mesa took a sobering turn as the renowned Hana re, famous for its exquisite kaiseki-style sushi, lost its coveted Michelin star. Originally awarded this prestigious recognition in 2019, Hana re was a beacon of fine dining excellence in Orange County until its recent demotion in 2025.
The Announcement and Its Impact
The Michelin Guide revealed its latest rankings on Wednesday, June 25, during a swanky event at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento. It was a night full of anticipation, not just for Hana re, but also for the many food lovers looking to see which restaurants would be crowned with new stars. Unfortunately, for Orange County, the news wasn’t rosy at all—no new Michelin stars were awarded this year.
What’s Happening in Orange County?
While Hana re has taken a step back, not all the news is bleak for the local dining scene. Two establishments, Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa and R|O-Rebel Omakase in Laguna Beach, held on to their one-star status. Such a retention is no small feat given the rigorous evaluation process that Michelin employs. The Michelin Guide’s inspectors use several criteria to assess restaurants, including the quality of products, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, and overall harmony of flavors.
What’s Happening in California?
This year brought joy to some eateries across California. Nine restaurants received first-time stars or upgraded ratings, marking a vibrant showcase of culinary talent. The spotlight was especially bright for Los Angeles, where two restaurants—Somni in West Hollywood and Providence in Hollywood—burst onto the scene with a prestigious three-star ranking. This elevates California’s total count of three-star restaurants to eight, more than any other state in the U.S. Truly a remarkable achievement!
The Elusive Three-Star Status
California’s three-star establishments are known for offering exceptional cuisine that is deemed worth a journey. Along with Somni and Providence, the other illustrious names on the list include Addison in San Diego, Atelier Crenn, Benu, Quince, SingleThread, and The French Laundry. Receiving a Michelin star isn’t merely an accolade; it’s a validation of culinary excellence, attracting food enthusiasts from near and far.
How Michelin Stars Are Rated
The Michelin rating system is elegantly simple but carries immense weight in the culinary world. Star ratings range from one star for “high-quality cooking” to three stars for “exceptional cuisine.” A Michelin star can transform a restaurant’s fortune and become an essential part of its identity.
Final Thoughts
As Costa Mesa mourns the loss of Hana re’s Michelin star, the culinary community is reminded of the fierce competition that exists within the prestigious realm of fine dining. The Michelin Guide has played a pivotal role in shaping our dining experiences since 1926, continually raising the bar for restaurants everywhere.
While we may be saying goodbye to Hana re’s star, let’s not forget the other talented chefs and eateries in our area that strive for greatness every day. Who knows? With the right ingredients, dedication, and perhaps a bit of luck, Costa Mesa may taste success again in the years to come!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Hana re Loses Its Michelin Star
- Wikipedia: Michelin Guide
- Patch: OC Restaurant Loses Michelin Star
- Google Search: Michelin Star Restaurants
- Restaurant Business Online: The Dark Side of Earning a Michelin Star
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Michelin Guide
- LA Times: Michelin-Rated Homestyle Burritos Come to Costa Mesa
- Google News: Michelin Star
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange 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 Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
