“People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child. And if you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of them! I was looking forward to seeing what the best dishes January 2025 would have in store for San Diego. We kicked off the year with so many incredible flavors and delicious dishes from a Michelin-star chef to a local neighborhood eatery. I am excited to publish this list of the best dishes January 2025 had to offer.
Valle
Pescado
Black cod, black garlic, black beans
This dish from Chef Roberto Alcocer at Valle, a Michelin-starred restaurant, was on the menu for their Tres Amigos collaboration dinner. Chef Tony Esnault of Michelin-starred Knife Pleat and Chef Chris Barnum-Dann of Michelin-starred Localis presented a meal showcasing Baja, French, and modern Californian flavors. I am hoping Chef Roberto adds this to the menu as the flavor, taste, and presentation were incredible. This is one of the best dishes January 2025 gave us.
Buona Forchetta
Margherita
San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, evoo
Buona Forchetta prides itself on providing an authentic Italian experience, so it is no wonder that its margherita pizza is so perfect. They use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and a thin, crispy crust. I have eaten at Buona Forchetta many times, and this is one of my favorite pizzas – although their bolognese pappardelle and lasagna are just as spectacular.
Carbon Angela's Kitchen
Grigliata Mista
Shareable plate of meats, sides, and sauces
Carbon Angela’s Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood. The restaurant and owner promote a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals. Meat lover’s will enjoy this dish that includes 5 types of meat (e.g skirt steak, picanha, ribeye, chicken), 3 sauces (you gotta try the bell pepper-chimichurri), and 2 sides (truffle smashed potatoes, street corn).
Fox Point Farms collaboration with Drew Deckman
Cabrito
Nothstine corn polenta, hakurei turnips
Michelin Chef Drew Deckman (31THIRTYONE by Deckman’s) and Chef Kelston Moore (Fox Point Farms) joined forces for an incredible six-course Farm-to-Table dinner at Haven at Fox Point Farms. Feast your eyes on the best dishes January 2025 had on the menu – the Taj Farms cabrito with nothstine corn polenta, and hakurei turnips. Although this event is over, you can reserve your spot for the upcoming Stories From the Soil Dinner online.
AllMine
Farm Salad
Winter mixed greens and herbs, farm veggies, roasted walnuts, house herb vinaigrette
The food at all allmine in Oceanside is delicious, and you can tell that a lot of time, quality ingredients, and effort goes into each dish. This salad, with housemade burrata, includes pickled green tomatoes, and fried kohlrabi. Add slices of their house-made focaccia, and spray with their hot-infused chili oil for the perfect meal.
Huntress Steak
Chef’s signature snacks
American Wagyu Puff, Short Rib En Croute, Steak Tartare Taco
This trio of chef’s signature snacks was the first course for the San Diego Restaurant Week menu at Huntress and set the stage for an incredible meal. My favorite was the American Wagyu Puff with sweet onion and black lime, although the pairing of all three showcased the talented chefs at Huntress.
Sovereign Thai
Crispy tuna salad
with vegetables
Sovereign Thai Cuisine offers a modern take on traditional Thai and Lao dishes. If you’re looking for the best dishes January 2025, you’ll find them here. In January they featured a 7-course Japanese seafood celebration which allowed chef Uthan to create really unique and delicious dishes. The dish included crunch hamachi (dehydrated), avocado, mango, tomato, roasted peanuts, red onion, and mint in a spicy lime sauce.
Trattoria Cori Pastificio
Tortino al Parmigiano Reggiano
Parmigiano Reggiano flan, sunchoke, mushrooms “Trifolati”, basil evoo, pomegranate
The menu at Trattoria Cori Pastificio has delicious handmade pasta and dishes that blend Sicilian and Italian flavors with locally sourced Southern California ingredients. This Tortino al Parmigiano Reggiano from Chef Accursio Lota is one of my favorite appetizers I’ve enjoyed here. If you are sharing, I’d highly recommend the beef short ribs agnolotti, and eggplant parmigiana too.
MOMENT SUSHI
Hand Rolls
I love the selection of traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes on the menu at Moment Sushi, and I hate having to choose a favorite. But on each visit, I have had to order the hand rolls. Chef Wook offers 15+ freshly made hand rolls, and it is the quality of sushi, unique pairings, and handroll experience that make them a must-order dish. If I can offer one more standout dish, it’s the Salmon Oshi.
The Lion's Share
Chicken and Caviar
With crème fraîche ranch and Kaluga caviar
The Lion’s Share is known for its meticulously crafted cocktails and exotic meats. My roundup of the best dishes January 2025 has to include this dish. The Chicken & Caviar is one of the newest items on the menu. Originally a special, it was so popular that it made its way to the regular menu, and I highly recommend it. Beer-battered tempura chicken tenders are served with crème fraîche ranch, and Kaluga caviar. Congrats to the restaurant as they are celebrating their 13th year in business.
What was the most memorable meal you had last month? Leave me a message in the comments as I would love to hear.
