Manhattan Beach Restaurant Earns Michelin Nod As One Of CA's Best

Manhattan Beach CA

28 September, 2021

7:10 PM

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MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — The 2021 Michelin Guide California was published Tuesday, with one to three stars awarded to 90 restaurants that it deemed the best in the state. Sushi l-Naba in Manhattan Beach earned one star. Sushi l-Naba creates stunning Omakase sushi that resembles works of art. Sushi l-Naba (Courtesy of Sushi l-Naba) Chef Yasu shared a message on Instagram thanking the South Bay community. "This was only made possible because of everyone's support and belief," Yasu wrote. "Thank you for encouraging me through thick and thin. You are the reason I remain inspired in building my skills and growing my passion." He also thanked some of his biggest supporters — his family. "Big thanks to the City of Manhattan Beach for being our home, and to the Sushi Inaba Team in Japan (my mom) for literally making this all possible," he wrote. "And a huge thank you to my #1 support and #1 fans- my family. I will keep working hard to give you all my best!" Sushi l-Naba is located at 1300 Highland Ave., STE 107, Manhattan Beach. You can pick up a to-go order by direct messaging via Instagram @inabamanhattanbeach. Michelin stars are considered the top culinary award for restaurants around the world, introduced nearly a century ago. The original guide, without the stars, has been published since 1900. A three-star rating is reserved for restaurants with "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey." Two stars are bestowed on restaurants that have "excellent cooking that is worth a detour." A single star offers "high quality cooking, worth a stop." Michelin stars are awarded by undercover food experts who dine anonymously at the restaurant multiple times, and then confer with other judges about the awarding of stars. All judges focus on taste, the quality of ingredients and cooking techniques. While a charming ambience and stellar service make a restaurant visit more enjoyable, they are not considered in the awarding of stars, according to Fine Dining Lovers. The treasured list is carefully scrutinized. Bloomberg pointed out that Los Angeles gained more restaurants on the list, while San Francisco lost a dozen establishments. One three-star eatery, Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley, was destroyed by the Glass Fire in 2020. Forbes noted the importance of these stars after restaurants have struggled to stay afloat through the pandemic. "Since the beginning of the global pandemic, inspectors have been sensitive to each market in the U.S. and are in close contact with restaurants to stay informed on openings and closures, new menu changes, etcetera. Inspectors gradually returned to visits when it seemed appropriate based on the individual establishment and their circumstances," Michelin's anonymous chief inspector said of this year's judging process. "The pandemic has impacted each of us as former employees of the hotel and restaurant industry, of which we still feel part of. We approached this selection with every intent to show appreciation and recognition for all the work that's being done during this time. For most chefs, cooking is an art. If chefs are unable to host diners at their restaurants, they find another way to express their creativity. Restaurants are still opening, and there are new establishments to be discovered. The landscape is still interesting and dynamic." California is the only state that has its own Michelin Guide. Last week, Michelin released its Bib Gourmand list of top affordable eateries. 3-Star Michelin Restaurants Atelier Crenn, San Francisco Benu, San Francisco The French Laundry, Yountville Manresa, Los Gatos Quince, San Francisco Single Thread, Healdsburg 2-Star Michelin Restaurants Acquerello, San Francisco Addison, San Diego Birdsong, San Francisco Californios, San Francisco Campton Place, San Francisco Coi, San Francisco Commis, Oakland Harbor House, Elk Hayato, Los Angeles Lazy Bear, San Francisco Melisse, Santa Monica N/naka, Los Angeles Providence, Los Angeles Saison, San Francisco Sushi Ginza Onodera, West Hollywood Vespertine, Culver City 1-Star Michelin Restaurants Adega, San Jose Al's Place, San Francisco Angler SF, San Francisco Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford Aubergine, Carmel-By-The-Sea Avery, San Francisco Bar Crenn, San Francisco Barndiva, Healdsburg Bell's, Los Alamos Bistro Na's, Temple City Chez TJ, Mountain View CUT, Beverly Hills Gary Danko, San Francisco Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, Beverly Hills Hana Re, Costa Mesa Jeune et Jolie, Carlsbad Ju-ni, San Francisco Kali, Los Angeles Kato, Los Angeles Kenzo, Napa Kin Khao, San Francisco The Kitchen, Sacramento Knife Pleat, Costa Mesa La Toque, Napa Le Comptoir, Los Angeles Madcap, San Anselmo Madera, Menlo Park Marlena, San Francisco Maude, Beverly Hills Mister Jiu's, San Francisco Mori Sushi, Los Angeles Morihiro, Los Angeles Mourad, San Francisco Niku Steakhouse, San Francisco Nozawa Bar, Beverly Hills O' by Claude le Tohic, San Francisco Omakase, San Francisco Orsa & Winston, Los Angeles Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles Pasjoli, Santa Monica Pasta | Bar, Los Angeles Phenakite, Los Angeles Plumed Horse, Saratoga The Progress, San Francisco Protégé, Palo Alto Q Sushi, Los Angeles Rasa, Burlingame Rustic Canyon, Santa Monica Selby's, Redwood City Shibumi, Los Angeles Shin Sushi, Encino The Shota, San Francisco Six Test Kitchen, Paso Robles Soichi, San Diego Sons & Daughters, San Francisco Sorrel, San Francisco SPQR, San Francisco Spruce, San Francisco State Bird Provisions, San Francisco Sushi | Bar Montecito, Santa Barbara Sushi l-Naba, Manhattan Beach Sushi Shin, Redwood City Sushi Takodoro, San Diego Sushi Yoshizumi, San Mateo Taco Maria, Costa Mesa The Village Pub, Woodside Wako, San Francisco Wakuriya, San Mateo