The MICHELIN Guide's 2025 update for California has rolled out, adding new culinary stars to its constellation of recommended restaurants. This latest round of accolades has seen the significant inclusion of six Northern California eateries, each bringing something unique. Among the Bay Area highlights are San Francisco's Korean eatery Sungho, Scott Nishiyama's Ethel's Fancy in Palo Alto, and Chef Srijith Gopinathan's Eylan in Menlo Park. Sacramento's scene also got a boost with Kin Thai, Majka Pizzeria, and Pho Momma joining the prestigious list.
The MICHELIN Guide, as reported on their official website, has recognized Sungho for its array of traditional Korean dishes, served up with an inviting atmosphere and tunes from the K-pop charts. Ethel's Fancy, Nishiyama's tribute to his mother and grandmother, marries rustic charm with sophisticated Californian flavors. Ethel's Fancy's "katsu-style" swordfish is just one example of the care put into crafting its seasonal menu. Over in Menlo Park, Eylan, Gopinathan's latest joint venture, continues to seamlessly meld Indian cooking techniques with fresh California ingredients, a combination that has consistently charmed Bay Area food connoisseurs.
Meanwhile, Eater SF provided additional context around the Bay Area's newest MICHELIN nods. Despite a shaky first impression from the San Francisco Chronicle critic, Sungho managed to recover and impress with dishes like their spicy yangnyeom-gejang thoroughly. Ethel's Fancy has been praised for its inviting and innovative plates, and Eylan continues to dazzle with its bright and bold flavors. These establishments join Sacramento's culinary cohort, which has struggled to earn recognition in past years; however, the flavorful offerings of the Lindley sisters' Kin Thai, Majka Pizzeria's elevated pizza experience, and Pho Momma's standout cuisine have solidly placed Sacramento on the MICHELIN map.
Sacramento's food scene saw a robust inclusion with additions like Kin Thai, known for its "vibrant, punchy flavors," according to the MICHELIN Guide. Majka Pizzeria is recognized for having played its part in revamping the local pizza landscape. Pho Momma, a spot that opened in 2022, has truly managed to set itself apart by emphasizing quality in cuisine and service. The Eater SF report highlights the friendly charm of the staff and the evident care taken in their cooking process.
