2 exclusive SLO County restaurants retain their Michelin Star ratings
A pair of San Luis Obispo County’s top restaurants retained their coveted Michelin Stars this summer — and both are in Paso Robles.
The Restaurant at Justin and Six Test Kitchen each retained Michelin Stars this summer, according to the Michelin Guide.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of our local restaurants being recognized with Michelin Stars and mention in the Michelin Guide, a testament to the culinary excellence thriving in SLO CAL,” said Cathy Cartier, president and CEO of Visit SLO CAL. “This recognition highlights our region’s commitment to supporting our talented chefs and restaurateurs, who continually elevate the dining experience across our diverse communities. Together, we are putting SLO CAL on the map as a premier destination for extraordinary culinary adventures.”
In 2021, Six Test Kitchen was the first in Paso Robles to receive a star and has been recognized in the guide ever since.
Featuring a 12-course tasting menu, Chef Ricky Odbert’s Six Test Kitchen offers a high-end dining experience and selective wines in Paso Robles’ Tin City, according to the guide.
The restaurant has an limited capacity of only 12 diners and serves Wednesday through Saturday nights at $235 a person.
“Diners will be riveted from start to finish with a Grassy Bar oyster with yuzu and black peppercorn; duck liver with cherry and fennel; ethereal chawanmushi; and wild black cod from Monterey Bay,” the guide wrote.
For reservations, go to sixtestkitchen.com.
The Restaurant at Justin is the only winery restaurant in the history of Michelin Guide to retain both its Michelin Star, which recognizes culinary excellence, and its Michelin Green Star, which highlights restaurants that use environmentally sustainable practices.
The Green Star was introduced in 2020, and was first awarded to The Restaurant at Justin in 2022.
California now has 85 Michelin-starred restaurants in total, down from 87 in 2023. Ten additional restaurants around the state earned their first Bib Gourmands in 2024, eight of them in Los Angeles County, bringing the statewide total to 132.
As of July 2023, eight SLO County restaurants have been featured in Michelin’s prestigious roundup of the best in dining with most located in Paso Robles.
Along with The Restaurant at Justin and Six Test Kitchen, other SLO County restaurants that have been recognized in the Michelin Guide include Ox + Anchor, Nate’s on Marsh, Ember, in bloom, The Hatch and Les Petites Canailles.
According to a news release from Justin, Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom’s multicourse prix fixe menu is meant to mirror California’s farm-to-table cuisine tradition using local ingredients and pairings with the vineyard’s award-winning vines.
“Being recognized by Michelin is an extraordinary honor for me, both personally and professionally, and it reflects the exceptional dedication of our team at The Restaurant at JUSTIN” Chef Haggstrom said. “Working alongside such a talented and passionate team is a true privilege, as they continually inspire me and enable my creativity to shine through on every plate.”
Haggstrom joined Justin in 2019 and calls on her California roots to use fresh, seasonal produce sourced from the region in her work, according to the release.
The Restaurant at Justin is one of the largest farmers market purchasers, sourcing 95% of its rotating menu from Justin Vineyards & Wineries or through local purveyors, according to the release.
“I am grateful to Michelin for showcasing our region’s culinary excellence,” Haggstrom said. “Receiving this prestigious recognition continues to inspire me to delve further into innovative techniques and embrace the richness of local ingredients.”
The Restaurant at Justin is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday with seatings available from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The $225 Estate Tasting Menu is $225 a person, while the Chef’s Tasting Menu is $350.
Reservations are required and can be made at JUSTINWine.com/Dine.
This story was originally published August 6, 2024 at 3:06 PM.
