The 2025 update, released this week, recognizes Atelier Manna in Encinitas, 24 Suns and Tanner's Prime Burgers in Oceanside, and the brand new Lilo in Carlsbad for their excellence in food, service, and atmosphere. The restaurants are among 13 new additions statewide to receive the Michelin Guide’s "Recommended" designation, a key step toward potential Bib Gourmand or Michelin Star awards, which will be announced at the California Michelin Guide Ceremony on June 25.
Known for its $26 French Toast, Atelier Manna in Encinitas is described by the guide as a "hipster haven," with a menu crafted from seasonal and local ingredients. The restaurant's covered patio, furnished with upcycled materials, sets the tone for dishes like locally caught halibut with sudachi and coconut leche de tigre, and a Salmon Creek Farms pork rack finished with a tableside pour of pomegranate-infused jus. Owned by husband-and-wife team Andrew and Larah Bachelier, who are in the process of opening long-delayed Chick & Hawk with skateboard legend Tony Hawk, the spot is praised for its breakfast and lunch offerings that are "as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate."
24 Suns in Oceanside brings contemporary Chinese cuisine with a creative, pop-up-inspired twist. Chefs and co-owners Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan present a rotating menu of snacks, dumplings, and shareable plates that reflect seasonal availability and a casual fine-dining approach. Highlights include shrimp jiaozi in doubanjiang butter sauce and shrimp Robuchon in crispy shells with spicy mustard and pickled goji berries. The butterscotch black sesame budino dessert also earned high marks from inspectors.
Also in Oceanside, Tanner’s Prime Burgers has elevated the smash burger to fine art. Chef Brandon Rogers, whose background includes Michelin-starred kitchens, applies his culinary chops to USDA prime beef, house-made toppings, and twice-fried tallow fries. Served on brioche buns with decadent add-ons like caramelized onions and bacon, the burgers are matched by indulgent sides such as vanilla tallow ice cream sandwiches and Dutch chocolate milkshakes.
Lilo in Carlsbad offers one of the most refined experiences on the list. Under the guidance of Chef Eric Bost, diners begin with seasonal bites on a heated patio before transitioning into a sleek dining room where precise technique and creativity shine. Standout dishes include dry-aged Japanese kin medai with a ragout of geoduck and bone marrow, and a 40-day dry-aged ribeye with preserved gurumelo mushrooms and bordelaise. Even desserts impress, with orgeat ice cream garnished with celery root bushi and caviar.
The recognition underscores the growing influence and diversity of North County’s culinary landscape and adds to the region’s rising reputation as a serious food destination in California. The full list of new additions and details can be found on the Michelin Guide website.
Also in Oceanside, Tanner’s Prime Burgers has elevated the smash burger to fine art. Chef Brandon Rogers, whose background includes Michelin-starred kitchens, applies his culinary chops to USDA prime beef, house-made toppings, and twice-fried tallow fries. Served on brioche buns with decadent add-ons like caramelized onions and bacon, the burgers are matched by indulgent sides such as vanilla tallow ice cream sandwiches and Dutch chocolate milkshakes.
Lilo in Carlsbad offers one of the most refined experiences on the list. Under the guidance of Chef Eric Bost, diners begin with seasonal bites on a heated patio before transitioning into a sleek dining room where precise technique and creativity shine. Standout dishes include dry-aged Japanese kin medai with a ragout of geoduck and bone marrow, and a 40-day dry-aged ribeye with preserved gurumelo mushrooms and bordelaise. Even desserts impress, with orgeat ice cream garnished with celery root bushi and caviar.
The recognition underscores the growing influence and diversity of North County’s culinary landscape and adds to the region’s rising reputation as a serious food destination in California. The full list of new additions and details can be found on the Michelin Guide website.