OC devastated as Michelin star ripped from restaurant — leaving just one elite eatery left

Orange County’s fine-dining scene just took another hit.

The Southern California county is now down to just one Michelin-starred restaurant after French eatery Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa lost its coveted star, ending its five-year run among the culinary elite.

The latest blow comes just a year after Costa Mesa sushi spot Hana re was stripped of its Michelin star, leaving Laguna Beach’s Rebel Omakase as the county’s lone remaining Michelin-starred restaurant.

The news sparked plenty of debate online, where some diners argued Knife Pleat’s loss wasn’t entirely surprising.

“Their afternoon tea is subpar. Unbalanced flavors in their savory items,” one user wrote.

Another questioned the restaurant’s lofty price tag, adding, “The sandwiches look beautiful, but I don’t think they’re worth $115 per person.”

Others were stunned by just how few Michelin-starred restaurants Orange County has left.

“OC has only one Michelin starred restaurant?!” one commenter wrote.

The owners of Knife Pleat told The Orange County Register that the loss doesn’t change anything in the food they’re serving.

“While we appreciate the recognition that Michelin has given Knife Pleat for the past five years, our purpose and what we do has never been defined by a single accolade,” said Yassmin Sarmadi and chef Tony Esnault in a joint statement.

“Our commitment remains unchanged; to provide an exceptional dining experience rooted in thoughtful hospitality, culinary excellence and continuous improvement.”

The duo highlighted Knife Pleat’s access to farmers and vendors still providing the “highest quality” ingredients and said their network and community defines their purpose.

According to its website, Knife Pleat serves a French fine-dining experience with dishes such as Wagyu and barley risotto.

The Michelin website describes the restaurant as a “gleaming open kitchen” with a secluded patio that one should start with small bites before heading into the main courses.

The Michelin star loss follows the 2026 Michelin Guide awards in San Diego last week. Restaurants in the Bay Area and the Los Angeles area won top awards and gained new star statuses.

Two restaurants, Enclos in Sonoma and Californios in San Francisco, both earned the Michelin Guide’s highest honor, three stars.

Michelin stars are awarded by anonymous inspectors who judge restaurants on the quality of their ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, the chef’s personality expressed through the food, the harmony of flavors and consistency across multiple visits.

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