{"id":237822,"date":"2026-03-26T17:34:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T17:34:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/237822\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T17:34:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T17:34:10","slug":"jason-mcleod-ironside-fish-oyster-return-with-new-menu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/237822\/","title":{"rendered":"Jason McLeod Ironside Fish & Oyster Return with New Menu"},"content":{"rendered":"

San Diego\u2019s seafood scene has a lot to celebrate right now. Ironside Fish & Oyster, the beloved Little Italy institution from CH Projects, is reopening with a fully rebuilt kitchen. The restaurant will also have a refreshed menu, and the return of the chef who started it all.<\/p>\n

\"Ironside<\/p>\n

From Opening Night to a Whole New Era<\/p>\n

Jason McLeod<\/a> was at the helm when Ironside first opened in 2014. He introduced San Diegans to the oyster culture he grew up with on the coast of British Columbia. That debut sparked a genuine wave of interest in bivalves across the city. Since that time, Ironside has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood.<\/p>\n

Now, at 55, McLeod \u2013 who earned two Michelin stars at Ria in Chicago \u2013 is back in San Diego. He is also back at the line. He\u2019s reconnecting with local fishermen and purveyors, and ready to build on what Ironside has always done best.<\/p>\n

A New Kitchen, a New Fire<\/p>\n

The centerpiece of this reopening is the fully refurbished kitchen, which now includes a Josper grill. This brings live-wood fire cooking and charred depth to the menu. Longtime favorites like the Lobster Roll, Octopus a la Plancha, and house-made Ironside Bread are all staying put.<\/p>\n

The iconic oyster selection and raw bar aren\u2019t going anywhere either, with the rotation continuing to shift with the season. Ironside\u2019s commitment to fostering relationships with local fishermen and purveyors remains as strong as ever.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s New on the Menu<\/p>\n

The refreshed lineup leans hard into local seafood, with new dishes that spotlight the best of what\u2019s available. A few highlights:<\/p>\n

Daily Catch \u2013 grilled over charcoal, served with b\u00e9arnaise, lemon butter, and sauce vierge<\/p>\n

Clams Casino \u2013 Cherry Stone clams on the half shell with bacon, red pepper, saladitas, and bread crumbs<\/p>\n

Josper Platter (serves four to six) \u2013 scallops, mussels, oysters, clams, shrimp, crab, and lobster tossed hot with chili garlic butte<\/p>\n

Oysters will continue to rotate frequently based on the season. As a result, the raw bar will remain as dynamic and locally driven as ever.<\/p>\n

\"Ironside<\/p>\n

Cocktails and Community<\/p>\n

The revitalized cocktail program is ocean-inspired and full of creative combinations, from The Portside Martini with blanco tequila and passion fruit to the Low Tide Tini with kombu vermouth and Ironside \u201cCocktail Brine.\u201d In addition, the wine list has been thoughtfully built to complement the menu as well.<\/p>\n

Beyond the drinks, McLeod is bringing back the community-driven events that helped define Ironside\u2019s early years. These events celebrate San Diego\u2019s culinary talent and the Little Italy neighborhood that has supported the restaurant for more than a decade.<\/p>\n

See you there!<\/p>\n

Ironside Fish & Oyster\u2019s reopening is a homecoming worth raising a glass to \u2013 welcome back, Jason McLeod, and welcome back, Ironside.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcc6 Now Open
\ud83d\udccd 1654 India St, San Diego
\u2139\ufe0f More info here<\/a><\/p>\n

See you there, San Diego!<\/p>\n

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