Asian Chefs Are Dominating LA’s Michelin Guide
By Kelli Luu | 14 Mar, 2026

Los Angeles’ fine dining scene is being redefined by Asian chefs who are blending culture with Michelin-star experiences.

Los Angeles is one of the world’s most diverse food capitals and that diversity is reflected in its increase in Michelin-star restaurants, many of which are run by Asian chefs. These five Michelin star restaurants are blending cultural heritage with modern culinary craft. 

Restaurant Ki is a Korean tasting-menu concept led by chef Ki Kim and is one of the newer additions to the Michelin guide. Kim pushes the boundaries of Korean fine dining and offers a chef’s tasting experience for $285 and a $190 beverage pairing worthy for any special occasion. Restaurant Ki received its first Michelin star in 2025, highlighting the beginning of global recognition for Korean cuisine in Los Angeles. 

West LA’s Mori Nozomi has gained attention for its traditional Edomae technique during their exquisite $250 omakase experience. Chef Nozomi Mori serves each dish with traditional Osaka-style flair, featuring carefully sourced seafood that is flown in from Japan. Mori Nozomi earned its first Michelin star in 2025 and since then has proved itself as one of the city’s top destinations for authentic omakase dining. 

Another favorite in Downtown LA is Orsa & Winston, a Japanese-Italian concept developed by Chef Josef Centeno. Orsa & Winston features a daily-changing tasting menu with wide-ranging flavors and earned its first Michelin star in 2019. From there, Centeno has maintained this status and was even named L.A. Times restaurant of the year in 2020. 

Next is the omakase-style restaurant Hayato, which is run by Chef Brandon Go. Also located in Downtown Los Angeles, this intimate, seven seat kaiseki gem serves an extended tasting menu of wild seafood starting at $450 per person. Go’s precision and technique has earned Hayato its first Michelin star in 2019 and was later awarded two Michelin stars in 2022 and has held its status since. 

Finally, Kato is one of the most celebrated Taiwanese-inspired restaurants in the Los Angeles Area. It first started as a small tasting-menu restaurant before relocating to Downtown LA for a bigger space. Led by Chef Jon Yao, Kato received its first one Michelin star in 2019 and continued to gain recognition from there. In 2023, the restaurant earned two Michelin stars, making it one of the highest rated Taiwanese-inspired spots in the country.