Best Restaurants in San Diego (2025)

San Diego’s crown jewel: a three-star tasting menu expressing SoCal ingredients with global finesse. Consistently praised by the Michelin Guide and covered by the Los Angeles Times, it’s a destination-worthy celebration of local produce and technique.

An intimate, 22-seat chef’s counter from the Jeune et Jolie team, quickly awarded a Michelin star in 2025. Eater and Axios highlighted its refined, coastal tasting menu and thoughtful beverage pairings—an exciting snapshot of North County’s momentum.

A luminous French-California dining room where chef Eric Bost’s team delivers one-Michelin-star finesse. Frequently recommended by the Michelin Guide and local critics, it’s a romantic, modern classic that helped anchor Carlsbad’s dining renaissance.

University Heights’ intimate omakase temple where Chef Soichi Kadoya combines pristine fish and quiet hospitality. Endorsed by the Michelin Guide with a star and celebrated by local editors for its balanced, soulful progression.

Travis Swikard’s East Village star-turn channels the Mediterranean through San Diego’s larder. A Michelin Bib Gourmand and frequent Eater pick, it’s lively, shareable, and unmistakably local—from seafood crudos to spice-forward vegetables.

North Park’s Iberian-leaning, seafood-forward hangout with gin-led cocktails and a joyful neighborhood spirit. Recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand and spotlighted by national editors, it’s quintessential modern San Diego.

Golden Hill’s Vietnamese restaurant pairs herbaceous, modern dishes with a standout cocktail program. Lauded by the Michelin Guide and local critics, it’s a refined look at Vietnamese flavors grounded in San Diego’s produce.

Point Loma’s pasta haven with tableside tiramisu and a glass-walled pastificio. A Michelin Bib Gourmand and favorite of local writers, it’s heartfelt Italian cooking powered by a passionate, community-minded team.

A La Jolla staple since the 1970s, doubling as market and grill. Praised by local editors for sourcing from San Diego’s fleet, it’s where simple, ultra-fresh seafood—grilled plates, sandwiches, crudos—speaks for itself.

Convoy’s stalwart for bold Sichuan cooking—mapo tofu, cumin lamb, and chili-bathed fish—recommended by Eater and praised by San Diego Magazine. No frills, big flavors, and central to the area’s dining identity.

In arts-rich Barrio Logan, this family-run courtyard osteria serves handmade pastas and northern Italian specialties. Recognized as a Michelin Bib Gourmand and praised by local writers, it’s intimate, personal, and delicious.

Chef Roberto Alcocer’s modern Mexican tasting menu channels Baja’s flavors and wines. A Michelin-starred experience frequently covered by major critics, it showcases cross-border culinary ties that define San Diego’s region.