San Diego, January 24, 2026

San Diego’s culinary landscape has impressively evolved, now featuring several Michelin-starred restaurants. Notable establishments include Addison, the only three-star restaurant in the city, and several one-star venues such as Soichi, Valle, Jeune et Jolie, and Lilo, each showcasing diverse cuisines. This rising recognition not only enhances the city’s reputation but also boosts its local economy and tourism as food enthusiasts flock to experience these exceptional dining options.

San Diego’s Michelin-Starred Restaurants

San Diego, California – As of January 2026, San Diego boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, reflecting its growing culinary prominence.

Current Michelin-Starred Restaurants in San Diego

• Addison – Located at 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130, Addison is the city’s only three-star Michelin restaurant. Under the guidance of Chef William Bradley, it offers contemporary California cuisine. Addison earned its first Michelin star in 2019, the second in 2021, and the third in 2022, becoming the first Southern California restaurant to achieve this honor.
• Soichi – Situated at 2121 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116, Soichi is a one-star Michelin restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine. Chef Soichi Kadoya, formerly of Sushi Tadokoro, offers an omakase-style dining experience. The restaurant received its Michelin star in 2022.
• Valle – Located at 222 N. Pacific St., Oceanside, CA 92056, Valle is a one-star Michelin restaurant that pays homage to Baja California’s Guadalupe Valley. Chef Roberto Alcocer presents a refined, modern expression of Mexican cuisine. Valle earned its Michelin star in 2023.
• Jeune et Jolie – Found at 2659 State St., Carlsbad, CA 92008, Jeune et Jolie is a one-star Michelin restaurant offering French cuisine. Under the direction of Chef Eric Bost, it has been recognized for its style and elegance since 2021.
• Lilo – Located in Carlsbad, California, Lilo is a one-star Michelin restaurant that was included in The New York Times’ 2025 list of the nation’s 50 best restaurants.

Background on Michelin Stars

Michelin stars are prestigious awards in the culinary world, recognizing excellence in cuisine, service, and ambiance. A three-star rating signifies exceptional cuisine worth a special journey, a two-star rating denotes excellent cooking worth a detour, and a one-star rating indicates high-quality cooking worth a stop. The Michelin Guide has been awarding stars since 1926, and its evaluations are highly regarded in the restaurant industry.

San Diego’s Culinary Landscape

San Diego’s dining scene has experienced significant growth, with several restaurants earning Michelin stars in recent years. This recognition highlights the city’s diverse and evolving culinary offerings, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world. As entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector continue to innovate and refine their craft, the local economy benefits from increased tourism and consumer spending. Moreover, a supportive regulatory environment can enhance opportunities for such culinary enterprises to thrive.

Key Features of San Diego’s Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Conclusion

San Diego’s culinary scene is not only a testament to the artistry of its chefs but also an indicator of the city’s vibrant economic landscape. The rise in Michelin-starred restaurants reflects the resilience and dedication of local entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of gastronomic innovation. As these establishments gain recognition, they play a pivotal role in enhancing the local economy and attracting food lovers. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore these dining experiences, supporting the ongoing growth of San Diego’s remarkable food culture.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Joe’s Crab Shack Reduces California Locations to Three
San Diego Chefs and Bar Nominated for James Beard Awards
Joe’s Crab Shack Continues to Close Locations Nationwide
Pastaria Vivi: A New Handmade Pasta Shop in Encinitas
San Diego’s Lilo and Lucien Recognized Among America’s Most Beautiful New Restaurants
San Diego’s Culinary Scene Sees New Additions and Trends
San Diego’s Top 21 Restaurants and Bars
San Diego’s Culinary Scene Expands with New Restaurant Openings
San Diego’s Sobremesa to Open with Michelin-Starred Chef at the Helm
San Diego Food + Wine Festival Concludes with Grand Fiesta

Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.