Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

1705 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a booking

2 people

21 Oct 2024

23:00

Booked 16 times today

Hot spot
Great for creative cocktails
Good for special occasions

Lionfish, located in the Pendry San Diego, is a modern, cutting edge sushi and seafood restaurant located on 5th Avenue that features fresh-catch cuisine and seasonal ingredients, all prepared with innovative twists by homegrown San Diego chef JoJo Ruiz.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Sushi
Hours of Operation
Mon–Wed, Sun 17:00–21:00 Thu 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00
Phone number
(619) 738-7200
Website
https://lionfishsd.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Jose "JoJo" Ruiz
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family & friends or hosting a corporate event, Lionfish can accommodate all of your special event needs. If you have any booking inquiries or interested in making a reservation for 12 or more people- please call the restaurant directly at 619. 738. 7011
Private party contact
Devyn Bleakley: (619) 738-7011

Location
435 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Area
Downtown / Gaslamp
Cross Street
J Street
Parking details
Valet parking is available nightly at the Pendry San Diego, around the corner from Lionfish, and plenty of garage parking is available close by.**Currently, please be advised that 5th Avenue is closed for driving / and has limited access on Wednesdays through Sundays.
Entertainment
Frequently, Lionfish will feature an eclectic array of top local performers in the Lounge area. Check our website often for details on upcoming entertainment options.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 San Diego Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Kuri Squash SoupUS$16.00
Roasted Red Kuri Squash, Roasted Apple, Candied Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Kale SaladUS$18.00
Carrot, Sesame Seed, Soft Poached Egg, Parmesan, Avocado, Pickled Shallots, Tahini Dressing
Tomato And Cucumber SaladUS$19.00
Heirloom Tomato, Izakaya Cucumber, Basil Seeds, Dashi Pickled Onions, Petite Shiso, Amazu Rayu Vinaigrette

Cold Plates

Big-eye Tuna PizzaUS$26.00
Truffle Mustard, Red Onions, Micro Shiso
Wagyu Beef TatakiUS$19.00
Mustard Seed, Scallion, Garlic Ponzu, Beef Fat Aioli
Tuna Toro TartareUS$28.00
Tuna Toro Tartare, Crunchy Garlic Sauce, Caviar, Chives
Kampachi CrudoUS$21.00
Black Garlic Chip, Orange, Dashi Onions, Harissa, Baby Mizuna
Specialty "King" Salmon SashimiUS$26.00
Chili Garlic, Bubu Arare, White Truffle Honey Ponzu, Market Truffle

Hot Plates

Crispy Rock ShrimpUS$26.00
Gochujang, Japanese Style Aioli, Negi
Spicy Grilled OctopusUS$28.00
Fermented Chile, Crispy Garlic, Crispy Potatoes, Cilantro Aioli
Mariscos "Al Fuego"US$32.00
Hokkaido Scallops and Shrimp, Butter, Togarashi, Lime
Lamb Lollipop AnticuchoUS$33.00
Anticucho Miso Sauce, Chive, Mustard Frill
BUTTER POACHED KING CRAB LEG
Caviar, Leeks, Lemon and Roasted Garlic Butter
- MKT
DUCK CONFIT TOSTADASUS$17.00
Crema Mexicana, Charred Scallion, Savoy Cabbage

Specialty Nigiri Flights

3 Pieces Per Flight

Big Eye TunaUS$21.00
Truffle Dijon, Marinated Mushroom | Seared Beef Fat, Smoked Salt | Red Kosho Yuzu
King SalmonUS$19.00
Brown Butter, Smoked Salt, Sweet Soy | Ikura, Nikiri | Crunchy Garlic, Lemon
KampachiUS$19.00
Marinated Serrano, Nikiri | Yuzu, Smoked Salt | White Ponzu Aioli, Caviar

Robata

Bacon Wrapped Bacon "BLT"US$21.00
Sriracha Glaze, Tomato Jam, Avocado, Red Mustard Frill
Surf And TurfUS$27.00
Wagyu Skirt, Marinated Shrimp, Cherry Tomato, Tare, Bagna
Swordfish Al PastorUS$24.00
Avocado Chimichurri, Pineapple Shoyu Glaze, Pineapple Aji Panca

Bad Bunny

Bad BunnyUS$125.00
Bester "Beluga" Caviar, Everything Spice Cream Cheese, Belinis

Daily Selection of Oysters

Served with White Balsamic Mignonette and Lemon

East Cost | West Coast | Baja
- 1⁄2 DozenUS$21.00
- 1 DozenUS$39.00

Fresh Catch

Robata Diver ScallopsUS$47.00
Pork Belly, Roasted Mushrooms, Komatsuna Greens, Shiitake Bacon, Shiitake Tentsuyu Sauce, Negi
Broiled Big Glory Bay SalmonUS$44.00
Corn Butter Sabayon, Chard Leeks, Corn, Crispy Potato, Puffed "Popcorn"
Spaghetti Lobster "Homard"US$52.00
1/2 Lobster, Nueske Bacon Lardon, Dashi Cognac Cream, Chives
"Angry" Whole Grilled SnapperUS$62.00
Thai Basil, Citrus, Fermented Chili, Garlic Butter Sauce, Grilled Flatbread

Entrée

Truffle Fried Chicken And WafflesUS$50.00
Korean Hot Chicken, Mochi Waffles, Truffle Butter, House Hot Sauce, Smoked Maple
8 Oz. Center Cut FiletUS$58.00
Blistered Tomatoes, Demi Glacé, Arugula
18oz Prime Kc Cut Striploin "Oscar"US$78.00
Blue Crab Crusted, Butter Braised Asparagus, Tarragon Bearnaise
14oz Kurobuta Pork ChopUS$65.00
Braised Green, Cherry Bomb peppers, Andouille, Crispy Fingerling Potato, Hot Honey Mustard Sauce
Wild Mushroom & Potato GnocchiUS$32.00
Wild Mushroom, California Seaweed, Humboldt Fog, Dashi Pan Sauce
36oz Prime Tomahawk ChopUS$160.00
Crispy Potatoes and Onions, LF1, Horsey Ranch, Koji Chimichurri

Nigiri / Sashimi

Sushi 2 Pieces on Rice / Sashimi 4 Pieces Sliced

Albacore-hawaii
- SushiUS$7.00
- SashimiUS$14.00
Big Eye Tuna-hawaii
- SushiUS$9.00
- SashimiUS$18.00
Kampachi-baja
- SushiUS$8.00
- SashimiUS$16.00
King Salmon-new Zealand
- SushiUS$8.00
- SashimiUS$16.00
Bluefin Toro Baja
- MKT
Uni-san Diego / Santa Barbara
- MKT

Specialty Rolls

GeishaUS$25.00
Kampachi, Spicy Tuna, Avocado, Bubu Arare, Gobo, Shiso, Red Kosho Aioli, White Yuzu Ponzu
BezerkUS$26.00
Shrimp Tempura, Avocado, OOBA, Salmon Belly, Brown Butter Aioli, Citrus, Negi, Sweet Soy
Surf And TurfUS$36.00
Seared Wagyu, Avocado, Maine Lobster, Grilled Asparagus, Garlic Ponzu, Crispy Shallots
The GoddessUS$23.00
Avocado, Marinated Mushroom, Shiso, Tempura Asparagus, Gobo, Cucumber, Sweet Soy
El ManiakzUS$26.00
Spicy Baja Crab, Soft Shell Crab, Tajin Seared Albacore, Avocado, Lemon, Macha Ponzu, Chipotle Aioli, Cilantro
BonecrushaUS$50.00
King Crab, Tuna Toro, Caviar, Crispy Shoe Strings, White Truffle Shoyu, Bone Marrow Butter

Sides

Brussels And SquashUS$11.00
Rice Wine Vinaigrette, Fromage Blanc Goat Cheese
"Psl" Sweet PotatoesUS$12.00
Honey Coffee Vinaigrette, Whipped Piloncillo Butter, Pumpkin Seed Crumble
Asparagus "Caesar"US$14.00
Parmesan, Green Goddess Caesar Dressing, Bread Crumb
Patatas BravasUS$9.00
Harissa Aioli, Chive

What 1,705 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Lively
San Diego
Seafood
San Diego
Lively
San Diego
Seafood

1,705 Reviews

DM
DmitryM
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great dinner the KC steak was amazing sashimi was excellent
Is this helpful?
J
Jonathan
Portland
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 13 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. We were there for an anniversary and the my treated us to glasses of champagne.
Is this helpful?
E
Erika
Los Angeles
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on 7 October 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Good cocktails until waitress tried to take mine before empty. Appetizers were good but it took them so long to get our bottle of wine ( did not have our first choice and then waitress was clueless) had to eat one cold. Wine list was very poor. Lobster spaghetti was a creamy tasteless disaster. Best dish was the kale salad. Good location, neutral ambience. We were there early so it did not get loud.
Is this helpful?
S
michelleS
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 6 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was a dinner for my boyfriends birthday. Our first time dining with Lion Fish. The ambiance is exactly what you would want for a romantic date night. The interior was industrial yet warm and sexy. The staff were phenomenal and extremely accommodating. Our waitress was lovely with a great attitude and very friendly. Our meal was alright. Now don’t get me wrong, the presentation is gorgeous and I felt like I was about to have the most incredible culinary experience. I ordered the wild mushroom gnocchi. The sauce was delicious, but the gnocchi were very chewy.. like they were overcooked. I am used to the gnocchi that practically melts in your mouth like butter… (probably not the best way to describe it 😂).. but basically moist and much softer. These took a bit of chewing to eat which ended up making me very full after just a little bit, yet not satisfied. Had the dish had “real” gnocchi, it would have been delicious My boyfriend for the lobster spaghetti. He loved it. The lobster looked fresh and cooked perfectly. I did not try it so I can’t give you a description, but my boyfriend kept saying how good it was. (I should mention that their portions are pretty big. Not what you would expect expect from that level of eatery. The last part was possibly the saddest. They brought out the complimentary birthday dessert. The presentation was gorgeous but I am still so confused to what was going on.. Let me explain, the dessert was supposed to be a “poppy seed lemon cake”… what we received was an almost frozen solid dense biscuit? 🤷‍♀️ I am not quite sure how this qualified as a cake other than its shape. We took our spoons and went to dig in to what we assumed would be a nice moist cake but were surprised to find out our spoons couldn’t go into the “cake”. We used a little more pressure and then the spoon scrapped down the side leaving me with a small shaving of “cake”. I tasted it and we both agreed it tasted like bird seed with a hint of lemon.. sort of.
Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoResponded on 10 October 2024
Thank you so much for joining us for your boyfriend birthday! I appreciate the kind words regarding service and the environment. I would love to connect otherwise regarding the other parts of your experience!
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole
Tampa
8 reviews
vip
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on 28 September 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
Is zero an option? First issue: We booked a standard table (not a high top — which is a choice on open table) and were seated at a high top. After we complained, they did move us to a standard table but they were not happy about it. Second: Do. Not. Order. The. Oysters. I’m serious. Especially if you are in town for a concert you’d really hate to have to miss. Trust me on this one. Third: This seems to be a hotel restaurant first and foremost. It was filled with large groups that I suspect were staying at the hotel for events. Felt like I was part of their event (probably why we were seated initially at a high top in the bar, but then the restaurant should manage their tables better and not overbook their standard tables). Fourth: The restrooms are upstairs. Didn’t see an elevator. No signs directing anyone to an alternative besides the stairs. Just a sign saying that the restrooms are upstairs. Just a warning to anyone who is disabled. Idk how they’d expect you to find an ADA compliant way up — guess you’d have to ask and disclose that you have a disability. And fifth (last one): Be sure to disclose all allergies. Our server was really knowledgeable about the menu (only bright spot to the meal) but the menu has a lot of items that weirdly and unnecessarily contain tree nuts (almonds in particular) making this not the most allergy friendly restaurant.
Is this helpful?
L
Larissa
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 28 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I've been on a quest to find a great seafood restaurant, and this place really hit the mark. The quality and taste was much better than I anticipated. Though food service was a bit slow towards the end, our server did a great job checking in on us and being attentive.
Is this helpful?
c
christina
San Diego
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 26 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had an incredible dining experience at Lionfish in San Diego! The atmosphere is AWESOME, the menu is INSANE, and every dish was prepared to perfection. The sushi rolls were some of the best I’ve had, and the cocktails were on point. Big shout out to the Don, who made the evening extra special with his hospitality and attention to detail. Can't wait to come back! Highly recommend!!
Is this helpful?
c
carolina
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 26 September 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
We made a reservation but we were sat at bar table. Service was ok, food was good but with such a standard service was definitely not worth the price. Expensive menu must have a great atmosphere which this restaurant have together with outstanding service which is not the case.
Is this helpful?
D
David
West Palm Beach
104 reviews
vip
4.0
104 reviews
Dined on 26 September 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Longish was a shot in the dark for the 4 of us. I chose it based upon the reviews and convenient location. A bit noisier than we preferred and that is likely because of the poor acoustics. Lionfish is a very noisy restaurant. The shrimp/beef on wood skewers were tasty but arrived at our table only lukewarm. The soft shell crab sushi roll was large and reportedly delicious. The spicy clams dish was a bit too spicy. So be forewarned. Tomato salad was large and good. Service above average. If I were ever to return it would be early in the evening because the lively noise makes conversation difficult later in the evening.
Is this helpful?
J
John
New York City
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 26 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fresh, excellent food and friendly service in an elegant setting in the Gaslamp quarter.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 738-7200.

Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego is rated 4.6 stars by 1705 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

21 Oct 2024

23:00

Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

435 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

Cross Street
J Street
Area
Downtown / Gaslamp
Hours of Operation
Mon–Wed, Sun 17:00–21:00 Thu 17:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–23:00
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Sushi
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Valet parking is available nightly at the Pendry San Diego, around the corner from Lionfish, and plenty of garage parking is available close by.**Currently, please be advised that 5th Avenue is closed for driving / and has limited access on Wednesdays through Sundays.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Jose "JoJo" Ruiz
Entertainment
Frequently, Lionfish will feature an eclectic array of top local performers in the Lounge area. Check our website often for details on upcoming entertainment options.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://lionfishsd.com/
Phone number
(619) 738-7200
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family & friends or hosting a corporate event, Lionfish can accommodate all of your special event needs. If you have any booking inquiries or interested in making a reservation for 12 or more people- please call the restaurant directly at 619. 738. 7011
Private party contact
Devyn Bleakley: (619) 738-7011

Featured in

100 San Diego Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

100 San Diego Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Mariscos "Al Fuego"

Bezerk

Kuri Squash Soup

Soup, Vegetables & Greens

Kuri Squash SoupUS$16.00

Kale SaladUS$18.00

Tomato And Cucumber SaladUS$19.00

Cold Plates

Big-eye Tuna PizzaUS$26.00

Wagyu Beef TatakiUS$19.00

Tuna Toro TartareUS$28.00

Kampachi CrudoUS$21.00

Specialty "King" Salmon SashimiUS$26.00

Hot Plates

Crispy Rock ShrimpUS$26.00

Spicy Grilled OctopusUS$28.00

Mariscos "Al Fuego"US$32.00

Lamb Lollipop AnticuchoUS$33.00

BUTTER POACHED KING CRAB LEG

DUCK CONFIT TOSTADASUS$17.00

Specialty Nigiri Flights

Big Eye TunaUS$21.00

King SalmonUS$19.00

KampachiUS$19.00

Robata

Bacon Wrapped Bacon "BLT"US$21.00

Surf And TurfUS$27.00

Swordfish Al PastorUS$24.00

Bad Bunny

Bad BunnyUS$125.00

Daily Selection of Oysters

East Cost | West Coast | Baja

Fresh Catch

Robata Diver ScallopsUS$47.00

Broiled Big Glory Bay SalmonUS$44.00

Spaghetti Lobster "Homard"US$52.00

"Angry" Whole Grilled SnapperUS$62.00

Entrée

Truffle Fried Chicken And WafflesUS$50.00

8 Oz. Center Cut FiletUS$58.00

18oz Prime Kc Cut Striploin "Oscar"US$78.00

14oz Kurobuta Pork ChopUS$65.00

Wild Mushroom & Potato GnocchiUS$32.00

36oz Prime Tomahawk ChopUS$160.00

Nigiri / Sashimi

Albacore-hawaii

Big Eye Tuna-hawaii

Kampachi-baja

King Salmon-new Zealand

Bluefin Toro Baja

Uni-san Diego / Santa Barbara

Specialty Rolls

GeishaUS$25.00

BezerkUS$26.00

Surf And TurfUS$36.00

The GoddessUS$23.00

El ManiakzUS$26.00

BonecrushaUS$50.00

Sides

Brussels And SquashUS$11.00

"Psl" Sweet PotatoesUS$12.00

Asparagus "Caesar"US$14.00

Patatas BravasUS$9.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant rated?

Is Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 San Diego Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day