Two More San Diego Restaurants Added To California’s Michelin Guide

California’s Michelin Guide has revealed new addition for 2022 and among the “new discoveries” are two new San Diego restaurants. 

In March 2019, Michelin announced a partnership with state tourism board Visit California that would result in an unprecedented expansion of the Michelin Guide (for the price of a reported $600,000), which would result in the release of the first statewide-focused Michelin Guide California 2019. The Michelin Red Guide is the oldest hotel and restaurant reference guide and awards establishments up to three Michelin stars for excellence. The 2020 Michelin Guide California was skipped due to the coronavirus pandemic but returned in 2021 with both new and old honorees awarded Michelin stars, Bib Gourmand value-oriented recognitions, and mentions.

Over the course of the year, leading up to its full selection of honorees, Michelin Guide publishes posts adding “culinary gems” and “new discoveries,” which could go on to receive Michelin Star awards or Bib Gourmand honors. Today, Michelin announced 37 additions to the California Guide, which included Kingfisher Vietnamese restaurant in Golden Hill and Valle Mexican bar & eatery in Oceanside.

In fall 2021, highly-acclaimed Baja chef Roberto Alcocer from Mexico’s famed Valle de Guadalupe wine region opened Valle restaurant at the oceanfront Mission Pacific Hotel by Hyatt in San Diego’s North County city of Oceanside. Centered around open-flame and charcoal cooking, the eatery uses California-fresh ingredients to recreate some of the Alcocer’s most popular dishes, including slow-roasted lamb, fresh and grilled oysters, yellowtail crudo, grilled octopus, and much more. There will also be a full bar featuring agave-based cocktails and beer & wine from Baja. 

Established in 1900 by the French tire company, the Michelin Guide was started to increase the demand for cars and, thus, car tires. It has become a touted resource for upscale diners with restaurants around the globe vying for a coveted star rating (three stars being the highest), which usually results in drastically increased business and reputation. Michelin publishes more than 30 guides annually in more than two dozen countries.

Michelin California Guide’s full selection will be announced on December 5 at a live-streamed ceremony held in Los Angeles.