4 Must-Try Michelin Restaurants in San Diego (2025) + Photo-Worthy Spots Nearby
Discover San Diego’s hottest culinary experiences with four new Michelin-rated restaurants added in 2025. From upscale tasting menus in Carlsbad to gourmet smash burgers in Oceanside, this guide covers must-try dishes, price points, and photo-worthy nearby locations perfect for foodies, couples, and travelers celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or just a memorable night out. Whether you’re visiting from Los Angeles, Temecula, or flying in from New York or Mexico City—these San Diego restaurants are worth the journey and the Instagram post.
San Diego’s culinary scene is buzzing, and it just got a serious upgrade with four new restaurants recently added to the prestigious Michelin Guide in May 2025. But what does that even mean? If you’ve ever heard someone rave about a “Michelin star” restaurant and nodded along without fully understanding, this guide is for you. In this blog, we’ll break down what Michelin stars really are, explore the newest Michelin-rated restaurants in San Diego, and highlight photo-worthy spots near each—because if you didn’t post it, did it even happen?
What Is a Michelin-Rated Restaurant?
The Michelin Guide, established by the French tire company Michelin in the early 1900s, began as a travel companion to encourage road trips (and tire sales) by listing great places to eat. Over the decades, it evolved into the world’s most respected restaurant rating system.
Restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide receive:
One Star: A very good restaurant in its category.
Two Stars: Excellent cooking that’s worth a detour.
Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.
Even being listed in the guide without a star is a major accomplishment, signaling that the food, service, and atmosphere are top-tier. The guide also highlights “Bib Gourmand” restaurants that offer excellent food at great value.
Lilo – Carlsbad (Michelin Guide Selection)
Tucked in the heart of Carlsbad, Lilo offers an intimate fine dining experience that blends Japanese and French techniques. The 22-seat restaurant includes an open kitchen and tranquil garden patio, perfect for a luxurious tasting menu.
Price: $265 per person (excluding drinks and gratuity)
What to Order: Kaluga caviar tartelette, dry-aged Japanese kinmedai, and 40-day-aged rib-eye with smoked jus.
Michelin Status: Newly added to the Michelin Guide (2025)
Photo Spots Nearby: The Carlsbad Flower Fields during spring or a golden hour walk at Carlsbad State Beach make perfect photo ops.
Atelier Manna – Encinitas (Michelin Guide Selection)
Located along the North Coast Highway, Atelier Manna in Encinitas is known for its sustainable design and globally inspired dishes served for breakfast and lunch. Think ethically sourced, artfully plated cuisine in a modern coastal setting.
Price: $14–$26 per dish
What to Order: Spanish-style French toast (torrija), halibut ceviche with sudachi, and Turkish-style eggs (çılbır)
Michelin Status: Newly added to the Michelin Guide (2025)
Photo Spots Nearby: Capture ocean views at the Self-Realization Fellowship Gardens or head to Moonlight State Beachfor a beachside photoshoot.
Tanner’s Prime Burgers – Oceanside (Michelin Guide Selection)
Tanner’s Prime Burgers proves that even casual eats can earn Michelin recognition. Their gourmet smash burgers are made with USDA prime beef, paired with crispy beef-tallow fries, and served in a laid-back yet elevated setting.
Price: $10–$15 per burger
What to Order: Double Tanner's Prime Burger, beef tallow fries, and the vanilla tallow ice cream sandwich
Michelin Status: Newly added to the Michelin Guide (2025)
Photo Spots Nearby: Take beachy portraits near the Oceanside Pier or snap a selfie in front of the iconic Top Gun House.
24 Suns – Oceanside (Michelin Guide Selection)
24 Suns is a contemporary Chinese dining experience that blends modern technique with traditional flavors. Known for its rotating seasonal menu, it’s become a go-to for creative shareable plates and casual fine dining.
Price: $10–$30 per dish
What to Order: Shrimp jiaozi in doubanjiang butter sauce, Robuchon-style crispy shrimp, and sesame budino
Michelin Status: Newly added to the Michelin Guide (2025)
Photo Spots Nearby: Don’t miss Oceanside’s vibrant public art and murals or a stroll along the beach at golden hour.
Perfect for Celebrations and Foodie Adventures
Whether you're planning a surprise proposal, celebrating a birthday, or booking an anniversary date night, these Michelin-approved restaurants offer unforgettable culinary experiences. They’re ideal for foodies, couples, and visitors traveling through Southern California.
Worth the Trip from Any Direction
Just a short drive from Temecula, Riverside, Orange County, or San Diego proper, these restaurants are drawing guests from Los Angeles, Palm Springs, New York, Mexico City, and beyond. For travelers flying into San Diego International Airport, Oceanside and Carlsbad make perfect food-focused weekend getaways.
Plan Your Visit
Explore Atelier Manna
Order Tanner’s Prime Burgers
Book 24 Suns
San Diego's latest Michelin Guide additions aren't just places to eat—they're full-sensory experiences waiting to be photographed, savored, and shared. Be sure to bring your appetite, your camera, and someone special to make it a night (or weekend) to remember.