California is a leader in sustainability, from its vineyards and wineries to its accommodations and activities, so it’s no surprise that Michelin has recognized the state’s restaurants for their eco-friendly ethos. In 2020, the culinary guide introduced the Michelin Green Star, an annual award for restaurants that set the standard for “green” practices. California is home to 18 Green Star recipients—more than any other state by a wide margin. (Ed. note: In 2026, Michelin announced plans to gradually retire the Green Star program in favor of a new editorial initiative called Mindful Voices, but Green Stars continue to be recognized in the 2026 U.S. guides.)
To earn a Green Star, a restaurant must combine culinary excellence with industry-leading environmental and ethical standards. For many recipients, this means focusing on local and seasonal ingredients, dealing directly with eco-conscious farmers and fishermen, and cultivating their own organic gardens. Green Star restaurants also consider their overall environmental footprint, food waste, recycling, and the well-being of their employees and communities.
This year three restaurants—Sierra Mar, Six Test Kitchen, and Monte’s—joined the Green Star ranks. Each restaurant impressed Inspectors with their approach to sustainability and innovations to the community.
Read on to learn more about California’s new Green Star restaurants.
Sierra Mar, Big Sur
Housed inside the distinguished Post Ranch Inn, a Three Michelin Key resort, Sierra Mar is perched on a cliff overlooking dramatic canyons and the Pacific coast. Culinary Director Reylon Agustin and Executive Chef Hoon II Kang built a sustainable model utilizing fresh ingredients from their onsite chef’s kitchen while developing a close relationship with local farmers and purveyors.
More: A Guide to California’s Exceptional Michelin-Key Hotels
Six Test Kitchen, Paso Robles
Started in Chef Ricky Odbert's parents’ garage, this 12-seat restaurant in Paso Robles stations guests around a circular bar facing the kitchen, making every table a chef’s table. Known for local, sustainable ingredients and solar panels that provide 90 percent of the restaurant's power, Six Test Kitchen was also awarded a Michelin star in addition to its Green Star.
Monte’s, Santa Barbara
Monte's exemplifies the farm-to-table philosophy by sourcing most of its produce directly from Rincon Hill Farm, just outside Santa Barbara. This honor was awarded to Chef Daniel Kim and his team just three months after their official opening. With a focus on regenerative agriculture and responsible sourcing, the seasonal menu offers dishes such as the Monte’s Smash burger, soy wings, and prawn toast served with charred lemon aioli, kimchi, and prawn furikake.
The full list of 2026 California 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, Elk
• Heritage, Long Beach
• Monte’s, Santa Barbara (new)
• Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles
• Pomet, Oakland
• Providence, Hollywood
• Quince, San Francisco
• Sierra Mar, Big Sur (new)
• SingleThread, Healdsburg
• Six Test Kitchen, Paso Robles (new)
• Sons & Daughters, San Francisco
• Vespertine, San Francisco
