Pacific Beach has a new excuse to dress up a little: Cherryfish, a sleek Japanese-fusion izakaya from local chef Marcus Twilegar, has quietly taken over the former Swagyu/Isabel’s Cantina address and is already packing in evening diners. Open since November, the restaurant leans into shareable plates, sculptural sushi and a bit of open-flame drama from its charcoal grill. Between the moody dining room and the roomy front patio, Cherryfish is clearly chasing that sweet spot between neighborhood hangout and full-on night out.
A Big New Izakaya Steps Into Swagyu’s Shoes
Times of San Diego reports that Cherryfish moved into the long-vacant Swagyu Pacific Beach space and gave it a serious upgrade. The new buildout includes a roughly 2,800-square-foot indoor dining room, a 1,000-square-foot outdoor patio and a private dining room designed for VIP-style gatherings.
Chef Marcus Twilegar Taps Local Fishermen
Twilegar, the San Diego chef known for Dockside Fish and Palmy’s, is leaning hard on the local docks for Cherryfish’s menu. “Being born and raised here in San Diego, I’ve always had connections with the fishermen, and with the ocean being right there, you have some of the best fish in the nation,” he told the food show “Savoring SoCal,” as recounted by Times of San Diego. That hometown pipeline shapes the seafood-forward approach throughout the menu.
Menu Highlights: Sushi Rolls And A 16-Ounce Wagyu
The kitchen balances classic izakaya comforts with statement plates. Diners will find starters like miso soup, edamame, sunomono and tsukemono alongside larger dishes such as seared tuna, swordfish and a charcoal-grilled 16-ounce Wagyu strip steak. Menu details on OpenTable list six sushi roll options: kanpachi, butterfly, spicy tuna, akami, Wagyu and mushroom, plus a supporting cast of wine, sake and draft beer.
Hours, Reservations And What To Expect
According to Cherryfish, the restaurant is located at 966 Felspar St. and can be reached at (858) 788-3000. It currently keeps evening hours Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. The restaurant accepts reservations through OpenTable and highlights a private dining room for small VIP gatherings.
Where Cherryfish Fits In Pacific Beach
Cherryfish builds on Twilegar’s existing local footprint and slots into a growing wave of more upscale coastal openings. Listings on OpenTable and other local guides emphasize his ties to San Diego’s fishing community and a focus on seasonality, both of which help define the restaurant’s sourcing and menu direction.
Plan Your Visit
With its art-forward interior and lively front patio, Cherryfish is set up for date nights, birthdays and small celebrations, while the private room caters to guests who prefer a bit more privacy. To lock in a table, call the number listed on the restaurant’s site or reserve via OpenTable, and consider an earlier weeknight visit if you are aiming for a quieter scene.
