07 Jan 2026
MITA, by Chef Miguel Guerra and Chef Tatiana Mora, Earns a MICHELIN Star for Second Consecutive Year, Cementing Its Role as a Vegetable-Driven Restaurant Redefining Latin American Cuisine
WASHINGTON, D.C. — MITA, Washington, D.C.'s MICHELIN-starred vegetable-driven restaurant redefining Latin American cuisine by Chef Miguel Guerra and Chef Tatiana Mora, announces it has earned a coveted MICHELIN star for the second year in a row. This distinction underscores the pioneering restaurant's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and hospitality.
The honor recognizes MITA's continued evolution under the leadership of Chef Guerra and Chef Mora. Their cooking pays tribute to Latin America's deep culinary heritage and biodiversity while making vegetables the stars of the meal, not just supporting players.
Earning and retaining a MICHELIN star is among the industry's highest recognitions, one that speaks not only to brilliance, but to consistency, and is only bestowed upon a select group of notable restaurants.
Bridging the Avant-Garde and the Ancestral
For MITA, this second consecutive star celebrates a team that delivers an immersive, story-driven dining experience night after night, transforming timeless indigenous ingredients through both avant-garde and ancestral techniques, from nixtamalization and fermentation to open-fire cooking and meticulous modern precision. This same spirit animates the bar program, where Beverage Director Lou Bernard crafts imaginative cocktails that echo MITA's creative ethos.
Chef Guerra shares:
“For me, earning a MICHELIN star again fills me with incredible pride and gratitude. It represents dedication, discipline and heart that every member of our team brings to MITA every day. The idea for MITA started as a hobby during the pandemic and turned into a life-changing force in my life and my team's. I never imagined getting a MICHELIN star at such a young age, and this second consecutive win affirms our mission to tell our story through flavor, culture and craftsmanship. It motivates us to keep pushing further.”
Chef Mora shares:
“I feel deeply honored and grateful. Receiving the MICHELIN star again represents an even greater commitment to maintaining it. This recognition places higher demands on us for more responsibility, discipline and a higher level of daily excellence. It is a powerful reminder of why we do this work and the standard we uphold for our team and community. Looking ahead, our guests can expect deeper explorations of Latin American flavors and experiences that integrate creativity, mindfulness and storytelling.”
Lou Bernard shares:
“This is a true validation of the work, discipline and intention we put into MITA every single day. This is a very proud moment for our entire team, and brings home the fact that MITA's philosophy and point of view continue to resonate. Moreover, winning it for a second year in a row demonstrates our consistency and shows that our first star last year was no fluke nor a matter of luck. We have boundless gratitude for MICHELIN, as well as our guests who support us and believe in the community that we are building.”
A Star for a Second Consecutive Year Reflects a Growing Legacy
MITA's first MICHELIN star, earned within its opening year, established the restaurant as a premier destination for immersive, innovative dining. Retaining the star for a second consecutive year reinforces MITA's role as a defining voice in contemporary Latin American cuisine—one that is vegetable-driven, intentionally sourced and executed at the highest level. In addition to MICHELIN acclaim, MITA is celebrated across the national culinary conversation, including being a James Beard Award finalist for “Best New Restaurant”, a RAMMY Award winner and a standout on best-of lists from leading food publications. This follow-up MICHELIN star honors the consistency of MITA's vision and the unwavering dedication behind every service.
Chef Guerra: One of the Youngest MICHELIN-Starred Venezuelan Chefs
At just 29 years old, Chef Guerra is one of the youngest Venezuelan chefs in history to achieve his first MICHELIN star for his restaurant. He recently earned a coveted spot on the 2026 Forbes' 30 Under 30 list. Previously, Chef Guerra was Head Chef at Elcielo, the one-MICHELIN-starred Colombian fine-dining restaurant in Washington, D.C. Chef Guerra's intricately crafted dishes showcased his exceptional ability to blend technical expertise with cultural storytelling. Chef Guerra's resume also includes stints at three-MICHELIN-starred Grace in Chicago, Alter and Bachour Bakery, both in Miami.
Chef Mora: The First MICHELIN-Starred Female Venezuelan Chef
With more than 20 years of international work, Chef Mora is the first female Venezuelan chef in history to achieve a MICHELIN star. She is also a Certified Sommelier and a holistic coach who integrates wellness, creativity and conscious presence into every culinary adventure. Chef Mora has worked in prestigious restaurants and hotels across Venezuela, Spain, Mexico and the U.S., including The Cliff on Barbados' West Coast, the Bahía Príncipe Hotel in Mexico, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and an internship at Ferran Adrià's El Bulli.
Lou Bernard: A Mixologist Who Honors His Heritage with Liquid Creations
A self-taught mixological savant with 14 years of experience, Bernard blends a deep respect for Latin American spirit traditions, experimental mixology and a commitment to authenticity. Raised in both Venezuela and Bolivia, Bernard takes great joy and fulfillment in sharing the distillates and drink traditions of his heritage, with his libations serving as a seamless extension of MITA's vegetable-driven culinary philosophy. Previously, he led the bar programs at Washington, D.C.'s acclaimed Roy Boys, Casa Kantuta and The Blaguard.
About MITA
MITA is a MICHELIN-starred restaurant led by Chef Miguel Guerra and Chef Tatiana Mora in Washington, D.C. The duo is redefining traditional Latin American cuisine by creating vegetable-driven dishes with bold flavors that push boundaries while saluting their proud heritage. Their cuisine, rooted in ancestral traditions and reimagined with modern and ancient techniques, is complemented by cocktails by Lou Bernard that focus on Latin spirits and ingredients. MITA is located in the Shaw neighborhood at 804 V St. N.W., Washington, DC 20001. For more information, please visit www.mitadc.com, call (202) 929-7792, email Info@mitadc.com and follow us at @mita_dc. For reservations, please visit OpenTable.
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