Ironside Fish & Oyster is Back – Jason McLeod Returns to Lead a New Chapter in Little Italy

San Diego’s 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.

Ironside Fish & Oyster Chef Jason McLeod

From Opening Night to a Whole New Era

Jason McLeod 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.

Now, at 55, McLeod – who earned two Michelin stars at Ria in Chicago – is back in San Diego. He is also back at the line. He’s reconnecting with local fishermen and purveyors, and ready to build on what Ironside has always done best.

A New Kitchen, a New Fire

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.

The iconic oyster selection and raw bar aren’t going anywhere either, with the rotation continuing to shift with the season. Ironside’s commitment to fostering relationships with local fishermen and purveyors remains as strong as ever.

What’s New on the Menu

The refreshed lineup leans hard into local seafood, with new dishes that spotlight the best of what’s available. A few highlights:

Daily Catch – grilled over charcoal, served with béarnaise, lemon butter, and sauce vierge
Clams Casino – Cherry Stone clams on the half shell with bacon, red pepper, saladitas, and bread crumbs
Josper Platter (serves four to six) – scallops, mussels, oysters, clams, shrimp, crab, and lobster tossed hot with chili garlic butte

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.

Cocktails and Community

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 “Cocktail Brine.” In addition, the wine list has been thoughtfully built to complement the menu as well.

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