California has emerged as the leading state in the United States for restaurants recognized with Michelin Green Stars, a distinction awarded to establishments that excel in both culinary quality and environmental sustainability. Out of 287 Green Star restaurants worldwide, 35 are located in the U.S., and California is home to 17 of them, more than any other state.
The Michelin Green Star was introduced in 2020 to honor restaurants that demonstrate outstanding commitment to sustainable practices. To qualify, restaurants must combine high-quality cuisine with ethical and environmentally responsible operations. This often includes sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, collaborating directly with eco-conscious producers, managing waste responsibly, and supporting employee well-being.
Kyle Connaughton, chef and co-owner of SingleThread in Healdsburg—which holds both a Green Star and three Michelin stars—said: “California has really been a leader in creating more sustainable practices in our restaurants, better relationships with local farmers, cooking seasonally, and reducing waste in our kitchens.”
Katina Connaughton, co-owner of SingleThread who oversees its organic farm, added: “What makes the Green Star so special is that it recognizes the hard work of our farm team and their commitment to biodiversity and regenerative agriculture, as well as the strides the entire restaurant makes to approach our work with a sustainability mindset.”
Matt Kammerer, chef at Harbor House Inn in Elk—a two-star Michelin restaurant—highlighted the influence chefs can have on broader food culture: “Restaurants and hospitality have the ability to show their guests that eating locally and sustainably from your surroundings is the direction we need to go in as our food culture continues to evolve,” Kammerer said.
Among California’s Green Star recipients are notable names such as Chi Spacca & Osteria Mozza (Los Angeles), Atelier Crenn (San Francisco), Quince (San Francisco), Chez Panisse (Berkeley), The French Laundry (Yountville), SingleThread (Healdsburg), Harbor House Inn (Elk), among others. These establishments employ various sustainable measures—from prioritizing local suppliers within a set radius to implementing composting programs or transforming their facilities for greater energy efficiency.
The full list of California’s 2025 Michelin Green Star recipients includes:
– Atelier Crenn, San Francisco
– Caruso’s, Montecito
– Chez Panisse, Berkeley
– Chi Spacca, Los Angeles
– Enclos, Sonoma
– The French Laundry, Yountville
– Harbor House Inn, Elk
– Heritage, Long Beach
– Le Comptoir at Bar Crenn, San Francisco
– Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles
– Pomet, Oakland
– Providence, Hollywood
– Quince, San Francisco
– The Restaurant at Justin, Paso Robles
– SingleThread, Healdsburg
– Sons & Daughters, San Francisco
– Vespertine, San Francisco
These recognitions reflect ongoing efforts by California’s restaurant industry to prioritize environmental responsibility alongside culinary innovation.
