COSTA MESA, Calif. — Most Michelin starred restaurants are special occasion kinds of visits: engagements, promotions or milestone birthday celebrations.

But two Costa Mesa restaurants have made a recent list, curated by food magazine Chef’s Pencil, that may make the cut for more casual visits.

The magazine dug into the full range of Michelin-starred restaurants in California, selecting the cheapest 13 restaurants and the 12 most expensive. Taco Maria and Knife Pleat are among the cheapest. Both can cost diners about $60 to $70 for a meal.

They can also cost much more, so Chef’s Pencil recommends heading to these restaurants for lunch, which tends to be more affordable.

In his book, “American Tacos: A History and Guide,” Texas Monthly taco scribe José R. Ralat traveled to Costa Mesa just to eat at Taco Maria.

“What chef Carlos [Salgado] and his peers and colleagues are doing is taking their childhood memories and reintroducing the public to the sacredness of Mexican food,” Ralat said.

The restaurant incorporates local ingredients and Mexican heirloom corn tortillas. 

The four cheapest are located in San Francisco, including Mourad, which can be $47 per person, and Al’s place at $48.

Costa Mesa’s other restaurant, Knife Pleat, can be $61 for a three-course meal. The French restaurant calls its cuisine approachable, offering such staples as duck leg confit.

The most expensive restaurant, also in San Francisco, is the famed French Laundry, which can cost $500 per person, pairing famous wine with top-line ingredients and preparation.