Costa Mesa, California — Orange County’s fine-dining scene has suffered another setback after Michelin removed the coveted star from Knife Pleat, leaving the region with just one Michelin-starred restaurant for the first time in years.
The French restaurant, located in Costa Mesa, had proudly held a Michelin star for the past five years. However, following the release of the 2026 Michelin Guide, Knife Pleat is no longer among California’s Michelin-starred restaurants, marking another significant loss for Orange County’s culinary reputation.
Knife Pleat’s Michelin Run Comes to an End
Knife Pleat built its reputation by offering an upscale French dining experience featuring seasonal ingredients and carefully crafted tasting menus.
According to the restaurant’s website, its menu includes premium dishes such as Wagyu and barley risotto, while Michelin previously praised the restaurant’s elegant open kitchen and secluded patio, recommending guests begin their meals with smaller courses before moving on to signature entrées.
The latest decision ends the restaurant’s five-year streak of Michelin recognition, a distinction considered one of the highest honors in the culinary world.
Orange County Now Has Just One Michelin-Starred Restaurant
The loss is particularly significant because it comes only a year after Hana re, another Costa Mesa restaurant specializing in sushi, also lost its Michelin star.
As a result, Rebel Omakase in Laguna Beach now stands as Orange County’s only remaining Michelin-starred restaurant.
The development surprised many food lovers, with several expressing disbelief on social media over how few Michelin-starred restaurants remain in one of Southern California’s largest counties.
Others debated whether Knife Pleat’s removal was unexpected, with some diners questioning aspects of the restaurant’s menu and pricing.
One online commenter wrote:
“The sandwiches look beautiful, but I don’t think they’re worth $115 per person.”
Another added:
“Their afternoon tea is subpar. Unbalanced flavors in their savory items.”
Owners Say Their Mission Hasn’t Changed
Despite losing the prestigious distinction, Knife Pleat’s leadership says the restaurant remains committed to delivering the same level of quality that earned its reputation.
In a joint statement, owners Yassmin Sarmadi and chef Tony Esnault emphasized that Michelin recognition has never defined their purpose.
“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.”
They added:
“Our commitment remains unchanged; to provide an exceptional dining experience rooted in thoughtful hospitality, culinary excellence and continuous improvement.”
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The pair also highlighted their relationships with local farmers and trusted vendors, saying access to high-quality ingredients and support from their community remain central to the restaurant’s identity.
Michelin Guide Continues to Reshape California’s Dining Scene
Knife Pleat’s removal comes as Michelin announced its latest awards across California.
While Orange County experienced another loss, several restaurants elsewhere celebrated major achievements during the 2026 Michelin Guide ceremony.
Enclos in Sonoma and Californios in San Francisco both earned Michelin’s prestigious three-star rating, the highest recognition awarded by the guide.
Michelin inspectors evaluate restaurants based on several factors, including ingredient quality, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, consistency, and the chef’s personal expression through the cuisine.
Although Knife Pleat no longer holds a Michelin star, its owners insist their focus remains on providing guests with an exceptional dining experience, regardless of awards or rankings.
What do you think about Michelin’s latest decisions? Should prestigious restaurant ratings carry so much influence, or is the dining experience more important than industry awards? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
