If you’re searching for Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego (that actually have stars!), then read ahead for our top picks!
Believe it or not, there are only 3 Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego.
At least, those are the scores on the doors at the time of writing (Juy 2023). Michelin does update year on year, so this might change in the future.
Some blog posts will have you thinking there are 10+ Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego to pick from, but we’re here to set the record straight.
Why dine at a Michelin Star restaurant?
Whether visiting San Diego for the first time or being a true-blue local, you might be looking for the most upscale restaurants in the city. And specifically, Michelin Star restaurants.
After all, it’s a sign of amazing food, and some of us can’t resist checking out the local Michelin starred restaurants when we visit somewhere new.
Perfect for date nights, special occasions, and treating yourself, these Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego are seriously impressive.
Dining Michelin is a great way to try some amazing cuisine, and to treat yourself too.
So, buckle up for a list of the bougiest restaurants in town!
But you’re not just limited to only 3 Michelin restaurants in San Diego… There are Bib Gourmand options too!
Remember, there are also several Bib Gourmand picks in San Diego – so we’ve included those as bonus picks at the end of our list.
This means that whilst there may only be 3 official Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego, there are some other Michelin-recommended restaurants to browse and look into as well.
What makes a Bib Gourmand restaurant different to a Michelin starred restaurant? Well, the taste, and the service require similar standards – but generally, a Bib Gourmand restaurants will be prices lower, and have a simpler, more recognisable style of cooking.
Although there are only 3 Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego, the Bib Gourmand suggestions towards the end of this list will have you covered if you can’t get a booking. As they may be easier to dine at with short notice.
These Bib Gourmand picks can also be relied upon for amazing food and outstanding service. And they offer you a little more variety.
The 3 Best (and Only!) Michelin Star Restaurants in San Diego…
Addison (3 stars, at the time of writing)
If you’re trying to find Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego with a stellar reputation, you’ll adore Addison. It’s 3 stars, which is as good as it gets.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/addisonrestaurant/
This is probably the most decorated of them as it’s earned a whopping three stars for its stunning California fare.
Although you’ll pay through the nose to dine here, it’s worth every cent.
For your hard-earned cash, you’ll get a decadent nine-course tasting menu and delicious California vintage wine pairings.
You can expect to pay between $175 and $350 for a meal (depending on what you order!). But the air of luxury makes this one that you don’t want to miss!
When you throw in the fact that this place is in the gorgeous Fairmont Grand Del Mar, it’s easy to see why it’s among the most popular Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego.
Soichi (1 star, at the time of writing)
Our next suggestion for Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego is Soichi.
Image credit: https://www.soichisushi.com/
This is the place to visit in San Diego for old-school Omakase fare as everything is presented immaculately, and it’s a wonderful choice for Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego.
This place is run and owned by Chef Soichi who takes great care with every dish that reaches the diners.
So, you can expect perfect sashimi, gorgeous rolls, and everything in between.
It’s among the cheaper on this list as the most you’ll pay is $125 per person.
Sure, it’s still pricey, but it’s doable if you’re willing to save up!
It doesn’t have as many stars as Addison (nowhere does!). But it’s still worth checking out!
You’ll find this place at University Heights and booking is always advised as it books up months in advance. A beautiful choice for Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego.
Sushi Tadokoro (1 star, at the time of writing)
Next on our list of Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego, it’s Sushi Tadokoro.
Image credit: https://sushitadokoro.com/
If Soichi didn’t scratch your sushi itch, why not check out the next spot on our list?
Sushi Tadokoro is one of the most charming Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego and it’s tucked away in the Old Town.
Believe it or not, this was where the aforementioned Chef Soichi Kadoya learned the tricks of the trade before starting his own restaurant!
So, you just know that the food at this Michelin Star restaurant in San Diego, is sensational.
What makes this a top pick is the attention to detail and flavor.
Not only are all the sauces made from scratch and the fish caught fresh, but these guys also elevate every experience with impeccable service.
It’s currently among the Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego with one star for high-quality cooking.
But we’re almost certain it’ll pick up another star in no time!
We recommend sampling the delicious Gunkan Maki and Harame, but virtually everything on the menu is a taste sensation.
Read more about San Diego food: Top 20 best restaurants in San Diego with a view!
Honorable Mentions: Bib Gourmand Restaurants in San Diego
Callie
If you’re searching for Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego but can’t get a booking, Callie is a great alternative.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/callierestaurant/
This charming East Village restaurant serves delicious local ingredients paired with classic Mediterranean flavors to create seriously palate-pleasing dishes.
It hasn’t quite earned the right to call itself one of the Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego.
But the Michelin Guide has recognized this spot with a Bib Gourmand for excellent food and high-quality cooking.
Whether you want to keep things simple with hummus or grab their famous baba ganoush, you’re bound to be booking a return visit after your first bite.
Kettner Exchange
Another great pick if you’re on the hunt for Michelin star restaurants in San Diego is Kettner Exchange.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/kettnerexchange/
Like the other worthy mentions on our list, this place hasn’t earned its stripes (or stars!) just yet.
But this glorious American restaurant is the perfect spot to visit for platefuls of comfort food.
You should be able to grab an incredible meal here for under $50. So, it’s a worthy pick for a well-cooked dinner if you can’t afford to visit the best Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego.
We suggest ordering a portion of their duck meatballs with a few of their signature cocktails and a glass of international wine.
But you truly can’t go wrong with anything on their immaculate menu!
Read more San Diego food ideas: Where to find the best Seafood Boil in San Diego!
Lola 55
Not only is Lola 55 home to some of the best fish tacos in San Diego, but it’s also a fabulous place to visit for authentic Mexican food.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/lola55_sandiego/
We bet you didn’t think there would be tacos on our list of Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego.
You’re in luck on the price front too.
This place is incredibly affordable as it operates as a counter service spot serving cheap eats. Score!
Their gourmet tacos are must-order items. But don’t be afraid to dig into their burritos or anything cooked on the mesquite wood-burning grill.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab a portion of churros before heading out.
Read more San Diego food recommendations: Top 20 places for Mexican food in San Diego
Ciccia Osteria
Are you searching for fabulous alternatives to the best Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego? Look no further than Ciccia Osteria!
Image credit: https://cicciasandiego.com/
This place knows what’s up when it comes to authentic Italian cuisine, and the prices aren’t half-bad either.
Serving everything from moist meats to traditional pasta and pizza dishes, this is one of our favorite spots to check out if you can’t book Michelin star restaurants in San Diego.
As it’s relatively affordable and conveniently located on Logan Avenue, this place books up fast.
So, make sure you book a table in advance to avoid disappointment!
Solare
To round off our list of honorable mentions, we’ve got our final suggestion for Bib Gourmand restaurants to check out – Solare!
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/solaresandiego/
It’s another stunning Italian restaurant regarded for its authentic fare and surprisingly cheap eats.
Okay, we won’t go as far as to say cheap, but you can grab a remarkable meal for under $50!
Whether you want to try out their amazing pappardelle, a cheesy pizza, or their stunning Venison carpaccio, you’re not going to leave with an empty stomach!
Just be warned that their opening hours are quite short (between 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm on most days except Friday and Saturday).
For this reason, it’s wise to time your visit to the minute and plan your day around your dinner!
It may not be on of the three Michelin Star restaurants in San Diego, but it’s a fantastic choice!
Read more about San Diego food: Top 10 La Jolla restaurants on the water!
