4 Must-Try Michelin Restaurants in San Diego (2025) + Photo-Worthy Spots Nearby

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

• Reserve Lilo

• 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.

Hot Air Balloon Photography in Temecula, CA: A Sunrise Guide for Travel Photographers

📸 Photo Credit: The featured image used in this blog is by the talented photographer Aaron Burden. To see more of his breathtaking landscape work, visit his Instagram page: @aaronburden.

If you're a travel photographer looking to capture epic sunrise images, hot air balloon photography in Temecula, California should be at the top of your shot list. Known for its sprawling vineyards and golden-hour glow, Temecula Valley is one of the most photogenic locations in Southern California—especially when dozens of colorful hot air balloons take to the sky each morning.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best spots to photograph hot air balloons in Temecula, what gear to pack, and tips to help you build a high-impact visual story for your blog, portfolio, or Instagram.

Why Temecula Is a Dream for Hot Air Balloon Photography

Temecula’s wine country landscape, combined with its calm morning winds and clear skies, creates ideal conditions for balloon photography. Each morning just after sunrise, dozens of vivid hot air balloons float above the vineyards, casting long shadows across the valley and creating visually rich compositions for wide-angle, drone, and telephoto work.

Whether you're shooting lifestyle content, fine art landscapes, or travel blog imagery, Temecula’s balloon scene offers a dynamic blend of movement, color, and natural light.

Top 5 Locations to Photograph Hot Air Balloons in Temecula

1. Rancho California Road (Balloon Launch Zone)

This is the epicenter of Temecula hot air balloon activity. Launch sites are typically near Monte De Oro Winery, Ponte Winery, and Wilson Creek Winery. Park nearby and position yourself along the vineyards for wide compositions of balloons lifting off.

Photographer’s Note:
Use a 24-70mm lens at sunrise for warm backlighting, misty grapevines, and silhouettes of balloons rising in formation. Composition tip: lead with the rows of vines and use the balloon as your focal point.

2. De Portola Wine Trail

For a higher elevation and fewer distractions, De Portola Road offers unobstructed panoramic views of the entire valley. Balloons drift past overhead or cluster in the distance, giving you the option for compression shots or scenic wide landscapes.

Gear Suggestion:
A 70-200mm telephoto lens is perfect here. You can isolate individual balloons and compress the layers of vineyard hills behind them.

3. Calle Contento – Hidden Local Favorite

This lesser-known road offers intimate access to balloon routes. You can shoot close flyovers with low elevation balloons drifting near treetops and rooftops, framed by rolling hills and eucalyptus trees.

Pro Tip:
Bring a drone if permitted. Golden hour drone photography over Calle Contento captures vineyard textures with long shadows and ambient fog—a must for cinematic reels and blog features.

4. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

Lake Skinner sits just east of wine country and serves as a serene, reflective surface for balloon photography. When the wind is calm, balloons reflect off the water’s surface for symmetrical compositions.

Photography Technique:
Use a polarizing filter to cut glare and enhance reflection contrast. Shoot wide (16-35mm) for landscape orientation or tighter with a 50mm prime for editorial detail.

5. From a Balloon Basket (Yes, Really!)

Several local companies like California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures and A Grape Escape allow photographers to bring DSLR and mirrorless cameras aboard for sunrise flights.

Tips for In-Balloon Shooting:

• Use shutter priority mode (1/800s or faster) to freeze movement.

• Strap your camera securely—there’s no re-do at 2,000 feet.

• Go wide (16-35mm) to capture neighboring balloons, patchwork vineyards, and the soft morning fog rolling across Temecula.

Best Time of Year for Hot Air Balloon Photography in Temecula

• Spring (March–May): Ideal lighting, green vineyards, and wildflower blooms.

• Fall (September–November): Earthy tones, warm skies, and fewer crowds.

• Balloon & Wine Festival (Late May): Don’t miss the “Balloon Glow”—a spectacular night photography opportunity with illuminated balloons synced to music.

Photography Gear Checklist for Temecula Balloon Shoots

✅ Camera Body: Full-frame mirrorless or DSLR (Sony A7IV, Canon R6, Nikon Z7)
✅ Lenses:

• 16–35mm for landscapes and wide sunrise scenes

• 24–70mm for vineyard storytelling

• 70–200mm for compression and floating close-ups
  ✅ Drone: DJI Air 3 or Mavic Pro (check FAA restrictions & winery no-fly zones)
  ✅ Filters: Polarizer or ND filter for sky and water control
  ✅ Tripod: Lightweight carbon fiber for long exposures or inflation shots pre-launch
  ✅ Extra Batteries & Memory Cards – Cold mornings can drain power fast

Photographer's Pro Tips for Temecula Sunrise Shoots

1. Arrive no later than 5:45 AM. Balloons launch shortly after sunrise.

2. Scout the day before using apps like Sun Seeker or PhotoPills to align sun direction with balloon paths.

3. Use burst mode to capture peak lift moments and balloon groupings.

4. Talk to the crew—they may let you shoot from inside the launch zone or up-close during the inflation process.

5. Focus on storytelling. Include vineyard workers, balloon prep teams, and surrounding landscapes for a complete photo essay.

Final Thoughts: Capturing the Magic of Temecula’s Sky

Hot air balloon photography in Temecula is more than a sunrise shoot—it’s an immersive visual experience. From the first whoosh of flame to the slow drift above grape-lined hills, every frame is a chance to tell a story. Whether you're building a travel blog, populating your photography portfolio, or just creating content for your followers, these moments are pure gold—both literally and creatively.

Temecula isn’t just for wine lovers—it’s for storytellers, sky chasers, and photographers who rise early in pursuit of beauty.