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20 Best Michelin Star Restaurants in San Diego

San Diego is a vibrant city that has a very rich and diverse culinary scene. Its Michelin-star restaurants are some of the best in the country. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines from French to Italian to American, and all offer exceptional dining experiences. 

In this article, we highlight 20 of the best Michelin-star restaurants in San Diego. Their price points are very pocket-friendly and come with a great ambience that you are sure to enjoy as you dine with them. Whether you are looking for a special dining occasion meal or a casual night out, there is something for everyone in San Diego’s Michelin star lineup.

1. Ciccia Osteria

Ciccia Osteria is an authentic Italian cuisine located in the vibrant neighborhood of Barrio Logan in San Diego. The restaurant has embraced this concept to bring its customers delicious, affordable cuisine in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. From their hand-crafted pasta to desserts, the dishes have at their heart the time-honored recipes from their native Italy, interpreted with a modern touch.  Their wines are also carefully curated to enhance the enjoyment of every dish. 

Ciccia Osteria offers daily specials. Their in-house chef is driven by a desire to both delight his guests as well as put a modern spin on contemporary dishes. Reservations are highly recommended. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2233 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113, United States

CALL: +1 619-674-4069

OPEN: Mon, Thur, Fri 4:30 – 9:15 pm, Sat, Sun 12-2 pm, 4:30 -9:15 pm 

RESERVATIONS:

2. Artifact at Mingei

Artifact at Mingei is known for combining the flavors of Italy with the organic freshness of Southern California. This is a retail wine shop within a restaurant. Dynamic, diverse and fun, our wine program features over 200 labels from around the world. 

Their menu offers a variety of cuisines including Americana, Farm-to-Table, Mediterranean, Latin-Fusion, Asian, Traditional and Modern. Their interiors evoke a modern Italian kitchen-meets-charming bohemian eatery, complete with open kitchens, large alfresco patios, communal seating, spacious bar areas and intimate table settings. Visit them and get a taste of Italy while in San Diego.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL: +1 619-331-3569

OPEN: Sat-Wed 11:30 am -2:30 pm Thur – 11:30 am -2:30 pm, 5- 8:30 pm

RESERVATIONS:  

3. Sovereign

Sovereign brings the authentic flavors of the Isaan region of Northeastern Thailand to San Diego. Isaan cooking focuses on ingredients that are available fresh from local farms and markets and prepared very simply. In their case, Sovereign uses produce and meat from local farms and seafood from the fishermen just a few blocks away from their restaurant. Their touch on Thai cuisine makes you feel like you’re having a home-cooked meal. Reservations are highly recommended. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1460 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL: +1 619-310-5837

OPEN: Mon – Tue 5-9 pm, Wed, Thur 12-3 pm, 5-9 pm, Fri, Sat 12-9:30 pm, Sun 12-9 pm

4. Born & Raised

Born & Raised is an upscale steakhouse that resembles a mid-century, art decoration 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. 

Born & Raised is known for their impeccably cooked steaks. The menu-favourite is the tartare, prepared tableside with quail egg, capers and cornichons and served with herbed aïoli.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL: +1 619-202-4577

OPEN: Mon – Thur 3pm-12am Fri 3pm – 1am Sat 4pm-1am Sun 4pm -12am

RESERVATIONS: ,

5. Animae

Animae is a world-class steakhouse restaurant located in the Marina District of San Diego. The brainchild of celebrity chef and restaurateur Brian Malarkey, Animae is a unique take on a West Coast Steakhouse with Asian culinary influences. Animae is the one of the few restaurants in San Diego serving Japan’s finest A5 wagyu beef. 

Animae is adventurous, sophisticated, eclectic, and inviting. Whether it’s melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu steak, delectable desserts, or handcrafted cocktails, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your tastes at Animae.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS:  969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL:  +1 619-432-1225

OPEN: Sun – Thur 5 -9pm, Fri, Sat 5-9:30pm

RESERVATIONS: ,

6. Craft & Commerce

Craft & Commerce dishes out contemporary comfort food with glimmers of Asian influences. Their interiors have old books lining the walls. The menu is packed with hearty selections. The menu favourites include 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. Bone marrow with Fresno chili relish and toasted milk bread or confit duck leg tacos. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 675 W Beech St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL:  +1 619-269-2202

OPEN: Mon – Thur 4 pm -12 am, Fri 3 pm -12am Sat, Sun 10 am – 12 am

RESERVATIONS: ,

7. Callie

Callie brings the diversity of Mediterranean cuisines together with the ingredients of the greater San Diego region. Callie puts the farmers, fishermen, and ingredients of the greater San Diego region at the forefront, and blends them with a Mediterranean palette. At Callie, the two come together to create light, bright, and bold flavours.

Callie was recognized in 2022 by Esquire and Rob Report as being one of the best new restaurants in America and received a Bib Gourmand and Plate by the Michelin Guide.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS:  1195 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL:  +1 619-255-9696

OPEN: Tue – Sun 5-10 pm Mon – closed

RESERVATIONS: ,

8. Herb & Wood

Herb & Wood has funky artwork that exudes a distinct Â鶹APPian bohemian warmth. The restaurant focuses on rustic, wood-fired dishes. The menu elevates humble ingredients, highlights Mediterranean flavours, and brings a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability to every dish.

Explore the Herb & Wood eclectic flavors with their irresistible dinner, refreshing cocktails and handcrafted desserts. Reservations are highly recommended.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS:  2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL:  +1 619-955-8495

OPEN: Mon-Sat 5 – 9:30 pm, Sun 10 am- 2 pm, 5- 9:30 pm

RESERVATIONS: ,

9. Kingfisher

Taking root from the culinary heritage of Vietnam, Kingfisher presents a classic take on authentic Vietnamese French-influenced food. Nestled in the historic neighbourhood of Golden Hill and combined with a forward-thinking and elevated craft cocktail program, Kingfisher strives to provide an exciting balance of the soulful and intricate flavours of traditional Vietnamese dishes and ingredients. They equally have a well-stocked bars and wine list to cater for their guests.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2469 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102, United States

CALL:  +1 619-432-1014

OPEN: Wed-Mon 5-11 pm, Tue – Closed

RESERVATIONS:

10. Trust

Trust is a neighborhood restaurant in San Diego. A place for community to gather, to celebrate, to raise yet another glass in a toast to good tidings. They believe in bold flavours, cooked simply over an open flame. They believe in seasonality, and in forging relationships with local farmers, makers, and purveyors to bring guests the bounty San Diego city has to offer. 

Trust believes in the power of wine and cocktails to elevate your meal, to create an experience that, when paired with superior service, creates something completely unique. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 3752 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103, United States

CALL:  +1 619-795-6901

OPEN: Mon, Tue – Closed Wed, Thur 5-9 pm, Fri 5-10 pm Sat, Sun 9 am-2 pm, 5-10 pm

RESERVATIONS:

11. Cloak & Petal

At Cloak & Petal, you get to experience a unique dining experience in their newly remodeled underground Japanese-inspired lounge. Their back bar is designed after the lively streets of Tokyo which transports you to an underground world of dining and relaxation. 

At Cloak & Petal, you get to enjoy a variety of Japanese fusion dishes and drinks well adorned with Japanese street art. Visit this Michelin-starred restaurant for a feel of Tokyo in San Diego. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1953 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL:  +1 619-501-5505

OPEN: Mon -Thur 4-11 pm, Fri 4 pm-1 am Sat 2 pm – 1 am, Sun 2- 11 pm

12. Morning Glory

Morning Glory is a strictly breakfast and brunch-only spot. The décor looks feminine with its plush booths, pink-and-green marble floors and a champagne vending machine. 

Some reviewers state that the food, service, music and decor are everything, The menu favourites include avocado toast and shakshuka. Fluffy soufflé pancakes and fried rice with pork belly plus two eggs with runny yolks which are a great riff on tradition.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 550 W Date St Suite #C, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL: +1 619-629-0302

OPEN: Mon – Fri 8 am-3 pm Sat, Sun 8 am-4 pm

RESERVATIONS:

13. Juniper & Ivy

Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, with James Beard Nominated Chef Anthony Wells at its helm, Juniper’s kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town.

Juniper & Ivy delivers a chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Daily offerings rotate, based on the top ingredients brought in by local farmers and fishermen each morning.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL: +1 619-269-9036

OPEN: Mon – Thur 5 pm – 9 pm Fri 5-10:30 pm Sat 5-10:30 pm Sun 5 -9:30 pm 

RESERVATIONS:  , ,

14. Coasterra

Coasterra is a modern Mexican eatery offering attention-grabbing views and attention-getting food to go hand-in-hand. Located on Harbor Island, Coasterra offers stunning views of the San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline and the Coronado Bridge. Dine out on the expansive solar heated patio or the mural-painted main dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

The innovative Modern Mexican menu crafted by their Chefs Deborah Scott and Executive Chef Joe Paulden showcases Baja-inspired influences. Signature dishes include the Ahi Tuna Tostada, Ancho Chili Roasted Salmon and the Mexican Paella for Two. Be sure to try one of their signature margaritas, while you are there. Coasterra is open for lunch and dinner daily.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 880 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL: +1 619-814-1300

OPEN: Mon-Sun 11:30 am -9 pm 

RESERVATIONS: ,

15. Little Frenchie

Little Frenchie is a chef-driven approachable bistro modeled after Â鶹APPian neighborhood cafes. Enjoy their rotating menu of Provencal classics, an immense selection of unique cheeses imported from France and their extensive wine collection from both France and California. 

Little Frenchie takes pride in the imported and local ingredients they use; their produce is sourced from regional farmers, and seafood from the local area fishermen. Explore their array of unique wines imported from multiple regions around France and sourced locally from California.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1166 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, United States

CALL:  +1 619-675-0041

OPEN: Sun – Thur 9 am -9 pm Fri, Sat 9 am – 10 pm

RESERVATIONS:

16. Fort Oak

Fort Oak offers diners the bold, smoky, wood-fired flavors that have come to define Chef Brad Wise. Heralded as one of the city’s finest, the restaurant revolves around the ideas and ideals of live-fire cooking. 

The dishes prepared simply and using simple ingredients, are anything but once composed, a perfect marriage of bold flavours, elevated ingredients, and modern techniques. From the dry-aged ribeyes, duck, a branzino, all made perfect by a lick of the flame. While over at the raw bar, grandiose seafood towers, freshly harvested oysters, scallops, and the like, all patiently wait for their transformation. Reservations in this restaurant are highly recommended.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS:  1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103, United States

CALL: +1 619-722-3398

OPEN: Sun – Thur 5 -9 pm Fri, Sat 5 – 10 pm

RESERVATIONS:

17. Salud Tacos

Salud Tacos is a Mexican Food Eatery that originated in San Diego’s Historic Barrio Logan just minutes away from Chicano Park. Salud is pure Southern California from the tattoo-inspired murals to the pinstripe car hoods on the walls. The restaurant‘s menu pays homage to the street food of Northern Mexico.

Visit Salud for a taste of delicious Mexican street food with a twist. Whether you’re craving street tacos, quesadillas, or burritos, Salud is the place to be for all your Mexican cuisine needs. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2196 Logan Ave # A, San Diego, CA 92113, United States

CALL: +1 619-255-3856

OPEN: Mon – Fri 11am -8 pm Sat 10am – 8 pm Sun 10am – 6pm

RESERVATIONS:

18. Cucina Urbana

Cucina Urbana evokes a modern Italian kitchen-meets-charming bohemian eatery, complete with open kitchens, large alfresco patios, communal seating, spacious bar areas and intimate table settings. Urbana espouses an unwavering integrity standard of enhanced customer service, attention to detail, value and quality of execution.

Cucina’s from-scratch menus include shareable portions of luxurious house-made pasta, innovative pizza, cleverly crafted large plates, an elevated selection of antipasti, and dolci, and a signature cheese and salumi program. They are a retail wine shop within a restaurant. Dynamic, diverse and fun, their wine program features over 200 labels from around the world. 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL: +1 619-239-2222

OPEN: Sun – Thur 5-9 pm, Fri, Sat 4 – 10 pm  

RESERVATIONS:

19. Kettner Exchange

Kettner Exchange’s design pays homage to San Diego’s founding father William Kettner. The restaurant boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining, filled with subtle nods to the City’s great bay and nautical history. 

Corporate Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski’s rotating menu features some of the most innovative dishes in San Diego, from Tender Belly Farms suckling pig larb, to hamachi ceviche, foie gras French toast and Grilled quail char sui.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS:  2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL: +1 619-255-2001

OPEN: Mon – Thur 5 pm – 12 am, Fri, Sat 5 pm – 1 am  Sun 11 am – 12 am

RESERVATIONS:  

20. LOLA 55

Lola 55 is an airy space, with high ceilings, concrete floors and a full bar with a lounge. However, it’s more than just about good looks as their tacos are what draw the crowds. The menu variations on offer here lean more sophisticated with creative combinations such as baby carrot adobada and squash blossom relleno. Ribeye carne asada cooked to order on the mesquite wood-burning grill or achiote-rubbed pork belly with grilled pineapple are just some of the winners. Posole Verde is comfort in a bowl, while fried masa disks are plain and delectable. Be sure to also try their dessert menus.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS:  2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

CALL: +1 619-542-9155

OPEN: Tue – Thur 11:30 am – 9 pm, Fri, Sat 11:30 am – 10 pm  Sun 11:30 am – 9 pm

These are our list of the many lovely Michelin-starred restaurants in San Diego. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a casual meal, you’re sure to find something to your taste in this city. So next time you are in San Diego, be sure to make a reservation at one of these Michelin-star restaurants and experience the best of what the city has to offer.