Two Ducks, the underground fine-dining pop-up blending French technique with Southern California and Mexican flavors, is stepping away from its recurring dinner format in downtown San Diego. Chef brothers Danny and Dante Romero, who lead the concept from the top floor of their restaurant The Lion's Share, are working toward a permanent home of their own after years of running the pop-up on a rotating schedule.
According to WhatNow, the Two Ducks team announced the change in an Instagram post, noting the pop-up has two seatings remaining in September before one final dinner closes out the current chapter. The brothers described the shift as part of a broader plan to bring their favorite elements of fine dining to more people, while removing parts of the experience that can feel artificial. Two Ducks describes its focus as great food and exceptional service, with an approachable take on fine dining that leans into a fun, whimsical and engaging style rather than stiff formality.
The pop-up is going dark, for now, as it steps away from its recurring format.
From Pandemic Pop-Up to Downtown Fixture
Two Ducks has deep roots in that upstairs loft at The Lion's Share. The concept originally launched as Tortoise, a pandemic-era pop-up, in the same second-floor space, according to Eater San Diego. What began as a three-month residency turned into something much longer, and the outlet reported the pop-up had proved popular enough that it was in talks to extend its run there indefinitely. Around that same time, Dante Romero stepped in as The Lion's Share's executive chef while continuing to run Two Ducks alongside his brother.
That relationship with the restaurant deepened last year. Danny and Dante Romero, along with business partner Darius Yasiejko, took over The Lion's Share in 2025, acquiring it from prior operating partners, per San Diego Magazine's earlier report. The brothers have been working on updates for a more permanent stay.
An Eight-to-10-Course Approach With No Pretense
The dinners themselves have long leaned into an eight- to 10-course format built around classic French technique with sparks of Mexican and Southern Californian influence, San Diego Magazine reported in an earlier feature on the pop-up. The experience has also carried a distinct personality: the San Diego Wine Classic described Two Ducks as whimsical, fun and approachable, with curated playlists ranging from The Beatles to mariachi band covers. That same profile traced the brothers' motivation back to wanting an alternative to the industry's grinding, long-shift schedule, seeking instead a format that made room for wellness and family life.
What Comes Next Remains Unclear
For now, the exact address, timeline and even the eventual name of the permanent Two Ducks location remain open questions. What comes next for Two Ducks remains unclear.
