Chef Kaylin Lloyd is making history in fine dining!
San Francisco-based Mexican restaurant Californios was recently awarded Three MICHELIN Stars, becoming the first Mexican restaurant in the world to receive Michelin’s highest rating, the MICHELIN Guide reports. The recognition was announced at the MICHELIN Guide California ceremony in San Diego on June 24, marking a major milestone for Mexican cuisine and the restaurant’s culinary team.
As Chef de Cuisine of Californios, Lloyd becomes the first Black woman chef to lead a three-MICHELIN-star restaurant, solidifying her place among the top chefs shaping the future of fine dining.
Her connection to food started early. According to her bio for the Iconoclast Dinner, Lloyd’s passion for cooking was sparked in childhood while cooking alongside her father. She later refined her craft through formal training at the Culinary Institute of America.
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Before joining Californios, Lloyd built an impressive culinary résumé. The Iconoclast Dinner notes that she honed her skills at Betony in New York City, earned the Mentor BKB grant, and staged at Attica in Melbourne. She also expanded her experience at Eleven Madison Park, including work connected to the restaurant’s winter pop-up in Aspen.
In 2019, Lloyd joined Californios, where she worked her way through every station in the kitchen before earning the title of Chef de Cuisine in 2024, according to the Iconoclast Dinner. A proud Black Caribbean American chef, her journey reflects resilience, discipline, and a deep commitment to culinary excellence.
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Now, as Californios celebrates its historic three-star recognition, Lloyd’s leadership is part of a larger story about representation, culture, and excellence at the highest level of the culinary world.
Congratulations to Chef Kaylin Lloyd and the entire Californios team!
