The Rising Tide of San Diego's Dining Scene
San Diego’s reputation as a destination for quality dining has been on the rise for quite some time.
One Very Notable Landmark:
In 2019, the city of San Diego officially became a Michelin-star dining destination when Addison, the contemporary French fine dining restaurant at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, became the first recipient of this international honor.
When Yelp released its latest list of “Top U.S. Destinations for Food Lovers,” San Diego pulled down the number-five spot (just ahead of Las Vegas and four spots below San Francisco). Yelp’s user-driven poll takes ratings and cuisine diversity into account.
On the U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.,” San Diego nabbed a No. 12 rank. Many other national lists also include San Diego in their upper echelons.
Locally, top chefs are feeling the love. And they’re happy to talk proudly about what the city has to offer.
Chefs Amy Dibiase, Claudia Sandoval, and Bernard Guillas share insider insights about how the tide is rising on San Diego’s restaurant scene. All three chefs have made names for themselves in the local culinary community and each will be participating in the 16th Annual San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival.
“When I first arrived in San Diego in 2001, there was probably a handful of restaurants that I was personally interested in. Laurel, Pamplemousse and Tapenade to name a few of the few. Now, I can’t keep up! As a chef that came into their own in this city, it’s great to see the abundance of culinary opportunities available now.”
“San Diego is one of the dining world’s best kept secrets! It’s a place where you can find the best of all worlds.
The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival showcases that and more! Local chefs are given the creative ability to showcase what they know and love while pushing boundaries that perhaps can’t be pushed in their day-to-day operations—with unbelievable experiences, one-of-a-kind dinners, and food from all over the world.”
“The San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival is the perfect place to explore the diverse cultural influence found in our region. You’ll find endless creativity here. Discover new cuisine, wines, spirits and culture while enjoying one of the most beautiful cities on earth!
San Diego has blossomed into a community rich with global diversity and an exciting restaurant scene. It is the perfect platform for culinarians and wine lovers to attend cutting edge wine seminars, as well as exclusive luncheons, dinners and local excursions.
One of my favorite events is the Grand Tasting—with its maze of fantastic food and wine that brings excitement and joy. The chefs and winemakers are like scientists, artists and magicians. It’s all about the sharing the love, life, wine, food, friendship and having a fantastic time.”
