French tire company Michelin today announced its selection of Bib Gourmand establishments for the 2021 Michelin Guide California. From Mediterranean to Italian fare, and from a breakfast spot to a Southeast Asian restaurant, the highly anticipated list features five San Diego hot spots.
Originally introduced in 1997, the Michelin Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less per person. In addition to the exceptional restaurants distinguished by star awards ranging from 1-3 stars, Michelin inspectors take pride in finding hidden gems to complete the selection that are more widely accessible for diners, whatever their budget or craving.
As a trusted source for gastronomy lovers worldwide for more than 120 years, Michelin publishes 32 Guides annually in more than two dozen countries, including four Guides in the United States. The 2019 Michelin Guide California was the most recent global expansion, and this represented the first statewide or regional Guide in the United States. After taking 2020 off due to the pandemic, the Michelin Guide California returns in 2021.
This year, California has added 45 new Bib Gourmands, including San Diego restaurants Callie in the East Village, Cesarina in Point Loma, Ciccia Osteria in Barrio Logan, Dija Mara in Oceanside and Morning Glory in Little Italy. The 2019 guide included eight San Diego recipients of the Bib Gourmand award, including Campfire in Carlsbad, Cucina Sorella in Kensington, Cucina Urbana in Bankers Hill, El Jardin in Liberty Staton, Juniper & Ivy in Little Italy, Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, Lola 55 in San Diego's East Village, and Solare Ristorante in Liberty Station.
The Bib Gourmand announcements comes after last week's recognition of five San Diego "culinary gems" - Little Frenchie, Callie, Animae, Fort Oak, and Menya Ultra. Michelin Guide California's paramount announcement will take place Tuesday, September 28, when the restaurants that receive Michelin stars will be revealed.
For more information, visit michelinmedia.com and read the inspector notes from each San Diego restaurant below:
Callie (San Diego)
The cuisine takes advantage of the best ingredients SoCal has to offer in highly shareable dishes featuring the bold, sunny flavors of the Mediterranean. Vegetables and seafood steal the show, with spice as a key supporting character.
Cesarina (San Diego)
Most of the menu is mix-and-match, with a selection of pasta shapes and sauces that can be paired to your liking. Those on a quest for indulgence should look no further than the truffled gnocchi with a cream sauce, served in its own copper pot.
Ciccia Osteria (San Diego)
Set in a converted home in the heart of Barrio Logan, this adorable osteria is a true family operation. Francesca Penoncelli, who hails from Turin, leads the kitchen, along with her husband Mario Casineri, a Milan native.
Dija Mara (San Diego)
You’ll find some serious Indonesian cooking here. Excellent nasi goreng combines fried rice with shrimp, pork belly, chicken and the yolk of a sunny egg, while charred eggplant with smoked tomato sambal and crispy fried shallots is a textural and flavor-forward delight.
Morning Glory (San Diego)
It's strictly breakfast and brunch at this spot in San Diego's Little Italy. It's all about familiar favorites and of-the-moment meals; hello, avocado toast and shakshuka.
