Aubergine, Chez Noir retain their Michelin stars; 18 county restaurants are named in the guide.

Michelin has released its California guide for 2026 and—drum roll—nothing much has changed in Monterey County. 

But stability, in this case, is a very good thing. Aubergine retains its two-star status. Chez Noir keeps its star. So the two Carmel destinations remain the only so honored restaurants in the county.

Aubergine, with Chef Justin Cogley helming the kitchen, and Chef Jonny Black's Chez Noir are among 83 starred restaurants in the state. San Francisco's Californios made history, becoming the first Mexican restaurant in the world with three Michelin stars.

Seaside’s Maligne and Yafa in Carmel earned Bib Gourmand, the designation for kitchens of high quality at moderate prices. 

Meanwhile, 14 restaurants are further recommended by Michelin’s inspectors. These are Sierra Mar (Big Sur); Cultura, Casanova, La Bicyclette, Akaoni and Stationæry (Carmel); Lucia Restaurant & Bar (Carmel Valley); Coastal Kitchen, Montrio, Stokes Adobe, Sardine Factory and Paprika Cafe (Monterey); Peppoli (Pebble Beach); and Gusto Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza (Seaside).

Curiously, the guide continues to list the rebranded Montrio by its previous name, Montrio Bistro.