Every Michelin Star Restaurant in San Diego, Plus Bib Gourmand in 2024

Are you ready to taste the best of the West Coast by exploring Michelin star restaurants in San Diego? This sunny city is packed with top-notch dining spots perfect for a fun night out with friends, a romantic date or a special birthday celebration. Whether you're a local or just visiting, San Diego’s culinary scene will leave you wanting more!                                   

San Diego isn’t just a paradise for beach lovers; it’s also a haven for foodies. People come from all over to savor the city’s diverse, mouthwatering dishes and now it's your turn to see why. From Bib Gourmand gems to Michelin star restaurants in San Diego we've rounded up the best spots in town for a foodie tour you won’t want to miss. Let's dig in!

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• How Many Michelin Star Restaurants Are There in San Diego?
• San Diego Michelin Star Restaurants
• San Diego Bib Gourmand Restaurants
• Enjoy Michelin Star-Quality Food in San Diego

How Many Michelin Star Restaurants Are There in San Diego?

If you’re heading to San Diego, make sure you’re dining at the city’s crème de la crème! In total, there is one 3 Michelin star restaurant in San Diego and another with one star. But that's not all, in fact there are a total of nine superb Bib Gourmand restaurants in San Diego serving great food and affordable prices.

Whether you’re craving high-end cuisine or tasty hidden eateries, we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you discover all the Michelin star restaurants in San Diego during your next trip. Keep reading to discover where to indulge in San Diego’s finest food experiences.

San Diego Michelin Star Restaurants

1. Addison

Dine in style at Addison, a Michelin star restaurant in San Diego perfect for a sophisticated night out with friends or an unforgettable evening with someone special. A true gem of Southern California, this Grand Del Mar hotspot offers exquisite New French cuisine that promises to delight. 

The Vibe

This cherished 3 Michelin star restaurant in San Diego is elegant and warm, often regarded as one of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego. With soft lighting, luxurious décor and an intimate ambiance, this spot is perfect for special occasions. Guests typically dress to impress for the experience.

What to Order

Favorites at this Michelin star restaurant in San Diego include the Koshihikari rice with smoked sabayon and caviar, or fun, playful dishes like the chicken liver churros. 

Addison | 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130 | $$$

2. Soichi

This traditional Japanese eatery has recently earned its place as a Michelin star restaurant in San Diego. Located in the city's buzzing University Heights, Soichi promises sushi, sake and style.

The Vibe

This 1 Michelin star restaurant in San Diego is all about sleek vibes and a cozy warmth. With its modern design and inviting lighting, it’s the perfect spot for an intimate night out. The omakase experience means you get front-row seats to watch the chefs work their magic and even chat with them while they cook. 

What to Order

Try the sea bass, marinated in two types of miso, broiled and caramelized to perfection. The nigiri omakase is also a favorite at this 1 Michelin star restaurant in San Diego. 

Soichi | 2121 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116 | $$$

San Diego Bib Gourmand Restaurants

3. Callie

Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean right in SoCal at Callie, one of many Bib Gourmand San Diego restaurants where you can enjoy delicious dishes without breaking the bank. For those exploring Michelin star restaurants in San Diego, while Callie doesn't technically have a star, it offers an accessible taste of fine dining.

The Vibe

Savor bold Middle Eastern flavors in a chic, modern setting with bright, spacious seating. For a more intimate experience, private dining options are also available.

What to Order

Check out the Aleppo chicken​ with sumac pickles, yogurt, coriander and honey. It's just delicious.

Callie | 1195 Island Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101 | $$

4. Cesarina

Craving an Italian Michelin star restaurant in San Diego but don’t want to break the budget? Head to Cesarina, a Bib Gourmand restaurant that promises daily fresh pasta, delicious Italian entrées, a variety of vegan options and a delightful tableside dessert presentation.

The Vibe

With its charming traditional décor, terrace and an ambiance that exudes amore, this romantic spot is ideal for those on the hunt for date ideas in San Diego.

What to Order

The Paccheri vodka and scampi is exceptional, while the tiramisú offers a decadently sweet way to finish.

Cesarina | 4161 Voltaire St., San Diego, 92107 | $$

5. Ciccia Osteria

While you’re checking out the Michelin star restaurants in San Diego, don't forget its incredible list of Bib Gourmand spots, such as Ciccia Osteria. Once a home, now a charming restaurant in the heart of Barrio Logan, this restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere and a warm, welcoming vibe.

The Vibe

This cozy Bib Gourmand San Diego restaurant has turned a quaint former living room into a deli counter, but the real magic happens in the charming, tree-lined courtyard where everyone wants to snag a table.

What to Order

Kick things off with a free taste of feather-light focaccia with a spicy, savory mascarpone-ricotta dip. Then, dive into over a dozen handmade pastas, like the gnocchi al pesto.

Ciccia Osteria | 2233 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA, 92113 | $$

6. Cucina Urbana

Just a stone's throw from the San Diego Zoo, Cucina Urbana delivers a bold, adventurous flavor that truly brings out the wild side.

The Vibe

Lively and laid-back, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this spot is on the list of Michelin star restaurants in San Diego. Guests here come for the food and stick around for the fun. It’s so popular that you'll likely find almost every table packed, even on weekdays.

What to Order

The San Diego food scene thrives on creativity and this California-Italian menu doesn’t disappoint. Enjoy the grilled octopus with salsa verde or dive into unique brick oven pizzas.

Cucina Urbana | 505 Laurel St., San Diego, CA, 92101 | $$

7. Kettner Exchange

If you’re looking for a feast both for the eyes and stomach, Kettner Exchange is your spot. Ita chic indoor-outdoor venue is an interior design lover's dream. 

The Vibe

With a reflective blue-glass ceiling, a two-way fireplace and an artistic driftwood installation, its décor alone may lead you to think this is a Michelin star restaurant in San Diego. For a more lively experience, head to the rooftop cabana. Make sure to book early if you want to snag a spot in this Instagram-worthy hotspot — perfect for anyone seeking San Diego birthday ideas.

What to Order

Try favorites like the Szechuan frog legs with bang bang sauce and kewpie mayoвЃ .

Kettner Exchange | 2001 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101 | $$

8. Mabel’s Gone Fishing

Want a dining experience that matches the caliber of Michelin star restaurants in San Diego but at a more affordable price? Mabel’s Gone Fishing, with its Bib Gourmand rating, stood out as one of only nine California restaurants to earn this honor in 2023.

The Vibe

Named after the owner's cherished dog, this quaint eatery features inviting outdoor seating and warm lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere that's as friendly as the staff. For the best seafood in San Diego, look no further.

What to Order

Dive into the daily oyster selection and finish your meal with a nightcap by trying out the restaurant’s gin cocktails or natural wines.

Mabel’s Gone Fishing | 3770 30th St., San Diego, CA, 92104 | $$

9. Morning Glory

Start your morning off right at Morning Glory, a Little Italy restaurant just a short hop from Waterfront Park.

The Vibe

This eatery proves you don’t need a Michelin star restaurant in San Diego to always be buzzing. Awarded Bib Gourmand status, it attracts crowds with its unique mix of playful charm and edgy details. Picture pink-and-green marble floors, plush booths, a Champagne vending machine and a few surprise dark touches.

What to Order

Have a sweet start to your day with fluffy soufflé pancakes. Diners also opt for fried rice, featuring tender pork belly and two runny eggs.

Morning Glory | 550 W. Date St., San Diego, CA 92101| $$

10. LOLA 55

It may not be a Michelin star restaurant in San Diego, but LOLA 55 is an East Village Bib Gourmand spot that delivers authentic south-of-the-border flavors right in SoCal.

The Vibe

Step into a sleek and airy haven with comfortable seating options, high ceilings and a chic full bar with a lounge.

What to Order

Savor the classic fish taco and the innovative baby carrot adobada. And don’t forget to treat yourself to the must-try Mexican mole-chocolate ice cream.

LOLA 55 | 1290 F St., San Diego, 92101, CA | $

Enjoy Michelin Star-Quality Food in San Diego

Now that we've walked you through all the Michelin star restaurants in San Diego along with its many Bib Gourmand spots, it’s time to discover the city's lesser-known culinary gems with food tours in San Diego. Led by knowledgeable local experts, these guided tours are a fantastic way to get a true taste of San Diego's culinary scene.

Of course, not everybody wants to eat out all the time, but that shouldn't mean sacrificing Michelin-star quality. If you'd like to get a taste of Michelin star restaurants in San Diego from the comfort of your own home or accommodation, check out private chefs in San Diego. You'll enjoy a personalized dining experience at a venue of your choice while the chef takes care of everything!

If you're exploring the City in Motion, you'll quickly find that its culinary scene has something for every palate. From upscale Michelin star restaurants in San Diego to exceptional — and affordable — Bib Gourmand spots, this vibrant city has plenty for even the most discerning tastebuds to explore. 

For even more ways to explore San Diego and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.