Discover San Diego’s Michelin-honored Restaurants
In the world of dining, there's no higher honor for a restaurant than a Michelin star. And San Diego now boasts five establishments with that esteemed distinction — including one that has earned Michelin's top global honor of three stars. Check out the lineup of local Michelin-starred restaurants — plus those that have earned Michelin's likewise prestigious "Bib Gourmand" designation for quality plus value.
Michelin Star Restaurants, San Diego
Michelin Star Restaurants, San Diego
1. Addison by William Bradley (three stars, 2022)
Where: 5200 Grand del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130
With the announcement of its third star in 2022, Addison by William Bradley, at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, became one of just seven restaurants in the state to boast Michelin's highest honor, and the only one in Southern California. The restaurant specializes in California gastronomy under the guidance of acclaimed Chef William Bradley. Michelin's inspectors said Bradley's cooking has been instrumental in "transforming this Southern Californian oasis into a world-class dining destination," and praised his "masterful control over technique, flavors and textures."
2. Lucien (one star, 2026)
Where: 7863 Girard Ave., Ste. 308, La Jolla, CA, 92037
Chef Elijah Arizmendi's La Jolla restaurant, which offers a tasting menu of California cuisine, landed in the California Guide less than a year after opening, and then quickly earned its first Michelin star. Arizmendi has a strong Michelin pedigree, having worked in multiple New York kitchens run by Michelin-honored chefs. Michelin's inspectors said of Lucien: "Whether it's California-raised Iberico pork or locally caught fish, the region's bounty is celebrated on a menu that reflects French and Japanese influences. A meal could begin with canapes like tempura-fried sweet potato topped with caviar; yellowtail in a crispy nori tube; and a rose meringue with beets and green yogurt, before moving into impressive dishes like crisp-skinned ocean tilefish with petite fennel and pomegranate, or poussin with a chicken mousse and truffle stuffing. Desserts are creative, as in the cinnamon caramel-braised pineapple roasted over the live-fire hearth for hours."
3. Lilo (one star, 2025)
Where: 2571 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad, CA 92008
Compact but mighty, Lilo — the newest member of Carlsbad's spectacularly successful Bost/Resnick restaurant family — received a Michelin star just two months after opening. The 22-seat Lilo offers a fine-dining tasting menu that dazzled the Michelin raters. As they wrote: "Good things often come in small packages, and it's certainly true of Lilo, where guests are welcomed to a moveable feast beginning on the heated patio with an array of small bites before moving into the petite dining room. Chef Eric Bost and his team take clear pride in providing an extra level of care in their dishes, evidenced in plates like dry-aged Japanese kinmedai paired with a ragout of geoduck and bone marrow or 40-day dry-aged beef ribeye with preserved gurumelo mushrooms, seaweed, and bordelaise."
4. Jeune et Jolie (one star, 2021)
Where: 2659 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
This Carlsbad favorite (whose name translates from the French as "young and beautiful") has made a big splash under the guidance of owner John Resnick — who also opened the nearby Campfire — and Executive Chef Eric Bost. Michelin calls Jeune et Jolie an "appealing and well-orchestrated French restaurant oozing with style and elegance at every turn."
5. Soichi (one star, 2021)
Where: 2121 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Chef Soichi Kadoya, who presides over this intimate Japanese restaurant in University Heights, is the former chef at the previously Michelin-starred Sushi Tadokoro. His namesake restaurant is centered on a chef-driven experience as characterized by the Japanese term omakase, which translates as "I leave it up to you." Michelin says the sushi here "leans straightforward," adding that it is "impressive and flaunts much skill."
Bib Gourmand Restaurants in San Diego
Bib Gourmand Restaurants in San Diego
1. Atelier Manna (2025)
Where: 1076 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Ste. 101, Encinitas, CA, 92024
This cozy “modern-day atelier” in the beachside Leucadia neighborhood of Encinitas was created by executive chef and owner Andrew Bachelier (Jeune et Jolie, Cucina Enoteca). The stylish cafe's eclectic and craveable daytime menu ranges from coconut milk-soaked, Spanish-style French toast to blue corn chilaquiles in mole negro and Turkish poached eggs served alongside fresh juices and tonics. Michelin's raters observed: "Whether you've ordered the locally caught halibut with sudachi and coconut leche de tigre or the grilled Salmon Creek Farms pork rack with a tableside pour of pomegranate-infused jus, expect plates that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate."
2. Mabel's Gone Fishing (2023)
Where: 3772 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
One of just 10 restaurants statewide to make their Bib Gourmand debuts in the 2023 Michelin California Guide, Mabel's (named for a beloved dog) styles itself as a "ginoteria" as well as a champion of Iberian-style seafood. The place has made a splash in its North Park neighborhood and beyond by virtue of its local seafood dishes (including such inventive specialties as Swordfish Schnitzel) and its gin-forward cocktail offerings. The Michelin representatives said: "A focused menu highlights excellent local seafood with a simple-yet-satisfying approach that blends Californian and Iberian cuisine, and the results are undeniably delicious."
3. Callie (2021)
Where: 1195 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Presided over by Chef Travis Swikard, this East Village restaurant takes its name from the Greek term kallos, referring to a thing of beauty. Michelin's inspectors seem to agree. They say the cuisine at Callie "takes advantage of the best ingredients SoCal has to offer in highly shareable dishes featuring the bold, sunny flavors of the Mediterranean."
4. Cesarina (2021)
Where: 4161 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107
Point Loma plants its Michelin flag with this intimate but convivial neighborhood trattoria. The Michelin people make a point of advising that "those on a quest for indulgence should look no further than the truffled gnocchi with a cream sauce, served in its own copper pot."
5. Ciccia Osteria (2021)
Where: 2233 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
This Barrio Logan eatery is an Italian-cuisine favorite. And it lives up to the term "homey": The restaurant is set in a converted house. Michelin says the "adorable osteria" is a "true family operation, noting that the wife-and-husband team of Francesca Penoncelli and Mario Casineri run the kitchen.
6. Dija Mara (2021)
Where: 232 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
This Balinese-inspired restaurant in coastal North County prides itself on mixing Southeast Asian flavors with a Western flair. Michelin's inspectors enthuse that "you'll find some serious Indonesian cooking here." And they praise such dishes as the charred eggplant with smoked tomato sambal and crispy fried shallots, "a textural and flavor-forward delight."
7. Morning Glory (2021)
Where: 550 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101
The folks at Consortium Holdings, the maverick hospitality group behind this breakfast-and-brunch-only establishment in Little Italy, don't take themselves too seriously: Witness the eye-strainingly fluorescent accents on the restaurant's home page. But Morning Glory wins earnest praise from Michelin for its "familiar-seeming favorites and of-the-moment meals — hello, avocado toast and shakshuka."
8. Cucina Urbana (2019)
Where: 505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101
Classic Italian blends seamlessly with laid-back California modern at this beloved Bankers Hill eatery. The ingredients are top-notch, the preparation masterful, and the environment warm and welcoming. The extensive wine list is available at retail level, so when you find one you like, you can take a bottle to go.
9. Lola 55 Tacos & Cocktails (2019)
Where: 1290 F St, San Diego, CA 92101
Lola 55, in Downtown San Diego's East Village, offers a taco-focused menu, relying on locally sourced ingredients at affordable prices. To complement the chef's selection of tacos, there's also a full bar stocked with mezcals, tequilas and agua frescas.
Additional Michelin California Guide Honorees
Additional Michelin California Guide Honorees
In addition to its starred and Bib Gourmand selections, Michelin adds new restaurants to its California Guide, which can be a pathway to earning a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand honors. Here's the lineup, with quoted comments from Michelin's inspectors:
1. Valle
Where: 222 N. Pacific St., Oceanside, CA 92056
Chef Roberto Alcocer's much-buzzed restaurant near the Oceanside Pier pays tribute to Baja California's vineyard-studded Guadalupe Valley, "which furnishes the restaurant’s wine list and serves as inspiration for Chef Alcocer’s refined, modern expression of Mexican cuisine," Michelin inspectors said. They praised the four-course prix fixe meal, which "might start with a fluffy tamal made with creamy requeson cheese, paired with earthy mole and bright herbs." (Valle previously earned a Michelin star in 2023.)
2. Kingfisher
Where: 2469 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102
Michelin's inspectors were wowed by Chef Jonathan Bautista's cooking as well as the surroundings at this Vietnamese-French restaurant, which opened last winter and is named for a beautifully multihued bird. Kingfisher "makes a splash in its stunning Golden Hill location, which offers no shortage of charm," the inspectors wrote, praising the "mouth-watering menu of inspired Vietnamese cooking."
3. Juniper & Ivy
Where: 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
The stunning Juniper & Ivy sits in a 90-year-old converted warehouse. It's a true standout, with its mod artwork, oversized curvaceous booths, an exhibition kitchen, upscale counter dining and a lively bar scene for craft cocktails. Guided by chef and James Beard Award nominee Anthony Wells (who succeeded the celebrated Richard Blais here), the restaurant touts "a chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity."
4. Cloak & Petal
Where: 1953 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
At Cloak & Petal, "The sashimi is straight-up sublime, but it’s the envelope-pushing items that make the most impact. Contemporary maki are a hit among the hungry hordes, and include the Tokyo Gangster, with shrimp and beef in a spicy black garlic sauce."
5. Herb & Wood
Where: 2210 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
"The whole place is set aglow and everyone, including the staff, wants to be here," inspectors said of Herb & Wood. Its wide-ranging menu runs the gamut—from rustic, wood-fired dishes including grilled trumpet mushrooms and pizzas, to more refined plates like venison over buttermilk polenta."
6. Campfire
Where: 2725 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
"Located in a midcentury Quonset hut enlivened with eclectic outdoorsy decorations, this rough-and-tumble counterpart to more glamorous nearby Jeune et Jolie has plenty of fun with its theme, down to the teepee on the patio. ... A nearly obligatory end to this glamping experience is the DIY s’mores, served with a small pile of red-hot coals for toasting fluffy house-made marshmallows."
7. Craft & Commerce
Where: 675 W. Beech St., San Diego, CA 92101
"The kitchen dishes out contemporary comfort food with glimmers of Asian influences. The menu is packed with hearty selections. Dig into a dish of plump mussels in a thick red Thai coconut curry studded with pan-seared fennel slices, roasted garlic slivers and fried spicy chorizo."
8. Born & Raised
Where: 1909 India St., San Diego, CA, 92101
"No expense was spared making this wildly polished, upscale steakhouse that resembles a midcentury, art deco dream lined with black-and-white photos of old-school rap legends. There is a glassed-in meat cutting room in the back; and a lovely, open-air rooftop bar overlooking Little Italy."
9. Artifact at Mingei
Where: 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA, 92101
"Visitors to scenic Balboa Park's trove of museums are well-advised to stop in for the unique collection of folk art, craft and design on display here, but this unassuming restaurant, just across from the Mingei International Museum's gift shop, is worth a visit in its own right. Like the museum itself, the culinary offerings are proudly eclectic and international, ranging from carefully pleated rock shrimp gyoza with a yuzu-flavored dashi, to lamb kibbeh with quinoa tabbouleh. Plant-based options, like Thai green curry with sweet potato and crispy noodles, are clearly no afterthought, and desserts like cardamom tapioca with saffron granita hold their own."
10. Sovereign
Where: 1460 J St., San Diego, CA, 92101
"Brother and sister team — Uthan Dejcomrunkul and Jumi Pitiwartarlai — have made it their mission to bring the authentic flavors of the Isaan region of Northeastern Thailand to San Diego, and this East Village outpost clearly succeeds. You'll be hard-pressed to make a wrong choice on the menu, whose small assortment of dishes are each made with unmistakable pride."
11. Coasterra
Where: 880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92101
"Attention-grabbing views and attention-getting food go hand-in-hand at this modern Mexican eatery set on the tip of Harbor Island, which offers dramatic panoramas of downtown San Diego from across the water. The enormous patio, equipped with a sizable fire pit, is the best place to soak it all in, though the sleek, glassed-in dining room is an enjoyable second fiddle once the sun sets."
12. Trust
Where: 3752 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92103
"This stylish neighborhood eatery is best enjoyed with those you "trust" most—and boasting a menu comprised of small plates, the theme here is all about sharing. On San Diego’s many fair-weather days, friends crowd onto the expansive patio to share Chef Brad Wise's delicious bites. His kitchen team delights diners with dishes like hush puppies with whipped honey butter and thinly sliced house-made ham along with mains like in-house braised oxtail raviolini."
13. Great Maple
Where: 1451 Washington St., San Diego, CA, 92103
"Three-course chef dinners on Mondays; burger and beer nights on Wednesdays; and prime rib Fridays are popular, but it’s also great at brunch. Fruity Pebbles pancakes, lolliwaffles on a stick and maple-bacon donuts are sweet-tooth satisfiers."
14. Fort Oak
Where: 1011 Fort Stockton Dr., San Diego, CA, 92103
"Named for the majestic oaks of nearby Presidio Park, this Mission Hills eatery helmed by Chef Brad Wise is perfect for happy hour or an intimate "chef's experience" tasting. Just don't let the fire fool you—Fort Oak is no log cabin. This historic, former car dealership is bright and airy, complete with a glamorous horseshoe-shaped bar and sleek, mid-century vibe."
15. Serẽa Coastal Cuisine
Where: Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA, 92118
"Deep-pocketed pescatarians will be delighted by the freshness and sustainability of the fish on offer — from inviting platters of raw oysters and cracked Maine lobster to flash-fried red snapper from Baja, offered by the pound for sharing. And even after the sun finally fades on the million-dollar view, the outdoor fireplace sets an exquisite mood."
16. Solare
Where: 2820 Roosevelt Rd., San Diego, CA, 92106
"It’s just steps from the Liberty Public Market in the NTC Promenade, while inside, the vibe is homey, welcoming and relaxed, splashed with plenty of colorful fabrics and wood fixtures. The cooking is rustic and hearty, drawing on Italian-American and Southern Italian traditions."
17. Siamo Napoli
Where: 3959 30th St., San Diego, CA, 92104
"Flavio Piromallo has another hit on his hands with this hip North Park District spot. In keeping with its trendy surrounds, the décor sports an industrial-chic look with concrete floors, exposed pipes and a massive photographic elegy to Sophia Loren. Laid-back, cool service completes the experience. The modern affect belies its classic Southern Italian cooking. Neapolitan-style pizza is a favorite, and the homemade pastas have terrific flavor—ravioli con manzana is a delicious signature."
18. The Fishery
Where: 5040 Cass St., San Diego, CA, 92109
"Nestled within a restored mid-century warehouse in North Pacific Beach, The Fishery is exactly what it claims. As if you needed further proof, there’s even a premier seafood market housed at its center. You would be hard-pressed to find fish fresher than the selection offered here, and the open kitchen does wonders with this market-driven menu overseen by these talented chefs, who let the quality product shine bright."
19. Hidden Fish
Where: 4764 Convoy St., San Diego, CA, 92111
"You’ll be on the clock at this tiny sushi spot, where the omakase is a 90-minute experience, but despite such punctuality, you will savor every bite here. In fact, you’ll find yourself slowing down to savor each and every creation from the talented chefs. However, seats here are hard to come by so be sure to reserve ahead of time or risk serious FOMO."
20. Menya Ultra
Where: 8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Ste. M, San Diego, CA, 92111
"This Japanese import, whose first shop was opened in Akita Prefecture before spawning numerous offshoots, has been a local hit since day one. Set in a Clairemont strip mall, it attracts a crowd. Inside, one may expect efficient service and a no-frills vibe."
21. Paradisaea
Where: 5680 La Jolla Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92037
"Just look to its name to get a sense of what Paradisaea is all about. This La Jolla spot has an upscale tropical theme, where bar chairs are enlivened with a floral pattern and everything feels sunny and warm, especially outside on the patio.
As might be expected, the mood extends to the bar, where tiki drinks take center stage. The kitchen turns out simple, contemporary cooking featuring local ingredients with Asian and tropical inflections. Case in point? A classic coconut shrimp, though here it's grilled over a robata and served with a coconut-lime dipping sauce."
22. Himitsu
Where: 1030 Torrey Pines Rd. G, La Jolla, CA, 92037
""Irasshaimase!" is the greeting commonly heard upon entering this cozy little sushiya. You’ll want to plan ahead to snag one of the eight coveted seats at the pristine counter, but it’s well worth the forethought, as these friendly chefs take great pride in discussing the quality of their fish and the techniques used to prepare your meal. It’s also a front row seat to their admirable knife skills."
23. Nine-Ten
Where: Grande Colonial, 910 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA, 92037
"There may be no better way to end a day of watching the seals and surf than savoring a plate of Jamaican jerk pork belly at Nine-Ten. Located in the century-old Grande Colonial Hotel, the dining room is more relaxed than grand, populated by beachy sorts who keep their shades on through dinner. During lunch, the menu offers casual fare like sandwiches and salads; the front sidewalk and back area overlooking the pool are excellent spots to tuck in. Those seeking the fullest experience at dinner may opt to put themselves at the “mercy of the chef,” their cheeky way of offering a tasting menu."
24. Catania
Where: 7863 Girard Ave., Ste. 301, La Jolla, CA, 92037
In the historic heart of La Jolla, find this cool and hip retreat on the top floor of the Plaza Center. The artfully designed dining room features sunny Mediterranean colors and ceramic tiles. A large, elegant terrace offers panoramic coastline views.
Come early for their aperitivo (cocktails and snacks), but make sure you stay to explore this kitchen’s modern twists.
25. A.R. Valentien
Where: The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA, 92037
"Every element of (A.R. Valentien) seems to exude a California-casual meets country-club vibe. Inside, choose from one of the Craftsman post-and-beam dining rooms, warm with amber lanterns and stained-glass light fixtures; or simply head outside to dine on the patio overlooking the pool and 18th hole of Torrey Pines Golf Course. The city's unending growing season means that there is a boundless harvest of local ingredients to inspire this kitchen."
26. Market Restaurant + Bar
Where: 3702 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA, 92014
"This restaurant's creative cooking continues to draw patrons for both special occasions as well as date night. The dark and seductive décor manages to be elegant without a hint of pretense, but one glance at the parking lot and you know that this spot is favored by a moneyed lot. Sushi is well-loved here, but it would be a shame to miss the chef’s creative and internationally influenced dishes."
27. Tanner's Prime Burgers
Where: 510 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA, 92054
"What happens when a fine dining chef leaves the white tablecloths behind? Enter Tanner's Prime Burgers, from Chef Brandon Rodgers. As expected, this place is all about the hallowed beef; single-source USDA prime, to be exact. Naturally, burgers are the go-to order, available in single or double sizes with toppings like American cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, and more in a brioche bun."
28. 24 Suns
Where: 3375 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA, 92058
"24 Suns from Chef/owner duo Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan retains the nimble mindset of its pop-up roots with an ever-evolving rotation of dishes and ingredients that are driven entirely by the season. Set in a former dive bar that has been transformed into a comfortable space with tables, booths, and bar seating, this spot filters fine dining through a casual lens."
29. Sushi Tadokoro
Where: 2244 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
"Guests are in good hands at this mini sushi counter that's off the beaten path in a modest strip mall. Chef/owner Takeaki Tadokoro along with young chef, Tatsuro Tsuchiya, take great pleasure in providing an enjoyable experience. Their style is approachable, and while an à la carte menu is offered in the dining room, the omakase is a more popular option." (Sushi Tadokoro previously earned a Michelin star in 2021.)