The best San Diego restaurants are serving up some seriously unforgettable dishes, and narrowing down my favorites from February was nearly impossible. With so many talented chefs in the kitchen, every meal felt like a standout.
From the bright, citrusy Japanese Hamachi at Paradisaea to the rich and comforting Eggplant Parmigiana at Trattoria Cori Pastificio, each bite was next-level. Lucrezia’s juicy grilled lamb chops and 24 Suns’ creative Bird’s Nest also made a big impression.
If you’re looking for must-try eats in San Diego, these dishes, and the incredible chefs behind them, deserve all the support.
Paradisaea
Japanese Hamachi
White soy, tangerine, kumquat
The Japanese Hamachi is a must-order dish at Paradisaea. The delicate fish, paired with white soy, tangerine, and kumquat, offers an incredible blend of flavors. Executive Chef Anders Rubini’s attention to detail shines through, making this dish a standout on an impressive menu.
Lucrezia
Grilled lamb chops
Mediterranean cannellini puree, heirloom tomato salad
The food at Lucrezia is consistently good, but the Grilled Lamb Chops are a must-order. They are perfectly charred, super juicy, and packed with flavor. If you’re into lamb, you gotta try them. It is easily one of my favorite items on the menu. Plus, the service is fantastic -friendly, and attentive, and they make you feel so welcome.
Trattoria Cori Pastificio
Eggplant Parmigiana
Eggplant, tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmigiano, basil
Trattoria Cori Pastificio knows how to prepare a perfect Eggplant Parmigiana. The eggplant is perfectly cooked and is layered with a rich tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. It is the epitome of comfort food. Cori is on my list of top pasta restaurants in San Diego. It received the Three Forks honor by Gambero Rosso and is featured in its 2025 Top Italian Restaurants Guide.
24 SUNS
Bird’s Nest
Green sichuan, smoked swordfish rillette, cilantro, salmon roe
Chefs Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan have opened 24 Suns in Oceanside. Both chefs are alumni of the 3-Michelin-starred restaurant, Addison. The Bird’s Nest showcases the chef’s innovative approach to Chinese cuisine. The crispy exterior and creamy, smoky interior create an intriguing contrast, with the green Sichuan peppercorns adding a unique, tingling spice.
Kiiro
Sashimi Moriawase
Chef’s creation of mix sashimi
I’d recommend the Sashimi Chef’s Platter from Kiiro Sushi Izakaya for sashimi enthusiasts. Just watching Chef KT slice and plate the sashimi shows his dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients and precise technique. The platter features fresh selections that change on imported fish from around the world.
The remy
Porterhouse
American Wagyu Puff, Short Rib En Croute, Steak Tartare Taco
The steaks at The Remy are premium meat cuts, flavorful, seasoned, and prepared perfectly. Originally Hunter’s Steakhouse for 50+ years, the new decor is reflective of their focus on a traditional steakhouse. While they offer fish and chicken on the menu, it’s the meat dishes that’ll keep this restaurant on my list of top steakhouses in San Diego.
Where should I dine next? Leave me a message in the comments as I would love to hear.
