Easter Dining in San Diego Gets a Coastal Twist

Forget everything you know about Easter brunch. San Diego’s coastal dining scene is stepping away from the traditional and diving fork-first into bold, inspired plates that celebrate spring’s freshest flavors with a splash of seaside flair. This year, Clique Hospitality invites you to reimagine your Easter celebration with three distinct dining destinations—Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine, Serẽa Coastal Cuisine, and Temaki Bar—each offering something truly special to savor.

Whether you're toasting beachside with a craft cocktail in Coronado, indulging in an artful handroll in Encinitas, or elevating dinner plans in the Gaslamp Quarter, these restaurants are bringing elevated, one-day-only creations to the table. Your Easter Sunday plans? Consider them deliciously upgraded.

A Sophisticated Night Out at Lionfish in the Gaslamp

Tucked inside the stylish Pendry San Diego,Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine isn’t just a dinner reservation—it’s a statement. Known for its modern approach to coastal fare and sustainably sourced seafood, Lionfish continues to push the envelope, thanks in large part to the creative genius of Executive Chef and James Beard Smart Catch Leader JoJo Ruiz.

On Sunday, April 20, Chef Ruiz is offering a one-day-only Easter special that’s as flavorful as it is festive. His featured half-rack of lamb entrée is glazed with spicy-sweet gochujang, balanced by a cardamom citrus gremolata, and artfully plated with smoked carrot purée and mint chimichurri. Priced at $60, this dish is a symphony of springtime notes and a must-try for San Diego foodies. 

Reserve your table now or call 619-738-7200. Lionfish will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Easter Sunday—perfect for a romantic date night or an elegant group gathering.

Beachside Elegance at Serẽa at Hotel Del Coronado

If your Easter brunch dreams involve sweeping ocean views, the breeze on your face, and a plate of lobster croquettes, then Serẽa Coastal Cuisine at Hotel Del Coronado is your place to shine. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired sea-to-table menu, Serẽa is helmed by none other than Chef JoJo Ruiz himself. The restaurant offers unmatched beachside ambiance and a menu as rich in flavor as the surrounding history.

For Easter Sunday, Serẽa will offer an exclusive à la carte brunch menu, available for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. Some of the standout items include:

• Red wine-braised lamb shank with polenta, bagna càuda, cherry tomatoes, and herb gremolata ($64)

• Lobster croquettes served with preserved lemon aioli, caviar, and chives ($24)

• Carrot cake pancakes drizzled with spiced syrup and topped with candied pecans and cream cheese frosting ($28)

From 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., you can sip, savor, and indulge your coastal cravings in style. To secure your table at this Easter hotspot, click here or call 619-522-8818. Whether you’re brunching with family or dining with friends, this is the spot to raise a glass by the surf.

A Playful Twist on Sushi at Temaki Bar in Encinitas

For North County locals or adventurous diners seeking something a little off the beaten brunch path,Temaki Bar in Encinitas is making waves with its whimsical, flavor-packed special this Easter season.

Instead of a one-day event, Temaki Bar is keeping the spring celebration alive throughout April with its creatively named Triple-B appetizer, affectionately dubbed Blazed Bunny Baskets. This vibrant dish features a pair of Inari tofu pockets drizzled with eel sauce, topped with crispy onions, and filled with your choice of spicy scallop or salmon, then brûléed to perfection. Priced at just $12, it’s a fun and unexpected bite that still feels luxurious.

Open daily from 11 a.m., Temaki is ideal for sushi lovers who enjoy hand rolls made to order, counter-side. This energetic, fast-paced sushi bar blends Japanese technique with San Diego attitude, and it’s all curated by—you guessed it—Chef JoJo Ruiz.

Check out their full menu and hours and follow along on Instagram for all the latest edible art drops.

Why San Diego’s Easter Scene Is Worth Planning Ahead For

What ties these three very different restaurants together is more than just location or even leadership—it’s the shared commitment to excellence, creativity, and coastal sophistication. Whether you’re indulging in lamb with gochujang, nibbling brûléed sushi, or diving into carrot cake pancakes by the sea, you’re tasting the best of San Diego’s evolving culinary scene.

With Chef JoJo Ruiz at the helm of all three spots, it’s no surprise that each one brings something completely unique to the Easter table. This year, break away from the baked ham and deviled eggs. Skip the buffet lines and chocolate bunny baskets. Opt for something that makes your Easter celebration as memorable as it is mouthwatering.

Reservations are highly recommended across the board, and early booking is encouraged to secure a prime seat—especially at Serẽa, where oceanfront tables are in high demand, and at Lionfish, where the buzz around Chef Ruiz’s Easter lamb is already heating up.

Make Easter Weekend a Celebration of Culinary Discovery

San Diego is no stranger to sunshine, but when the city’s top restaurants come together to serve exclusive holiday dishes in such stunning settings, it’s more than just a meal—it’s a lifestyle. For those who appreciate the finer things, Easter 2025 promises to deliver flavorful memories from morning mimosas to evening entrées.

From Temaki’s creative sushi creations to Lionfish’s spicy-glazed lamb and Serẽa’s lavish seaside brunch, this year’s Easter offerings give locals and visitors alike a reason to celebrate—and to eat very, very well while doing so.

So go ahead and trade the egg hunt for an unforgettable forkful. Your taste buds will thank you.

Related Articles:

• Best Restaurants To Dine At For Easter Brunch
• Easter Delights Across San Diego