Michelin‑star chef Jason McLeod has returned to Ironside Fish & Oyster and is overseeing a rebuild that includes a wood‑fired kitchen. The move is being billed as a chef‑led reset for the Little Italy mainstay.

A farmers-market favorite opened on Newport Avenue, serving naturally leavened loaves, sourdough bagels and seasonal pastries.

The Padres opened Diamond Room, a 50‑seat, ’70s‑inspired cocktail lounge beside Gallagher Square at Petco Park offering retro cocktails and a short small‑plates menu.

The Mesa Bar & Grill opened this past weekend in the College Area, taking over the former Effin’s spot and promising made‑from‑scratch bar food, DJs and a big tap list. Owner Darrien Oliver says opening nights were packed.

Katsuya Ko is finally set to open in San Diego's Westfield UTC mall, offering a casual dining experience with Japanese cuisine including sushi and robata, as an accessible offshoot of its upscale parent brand.

Lutapaj is building a 2,016-square-foot production-and-retail shop at 282 Town Center Parkway in Santee. The Hansons plan to use the space as Lutapaj’s public home while their farm operation expands.

The Magnolia Project pantry in Imperial Beach will close March 1 unless a larger operator takes over. Founders Regina and James Gamboa are stepping back to care for their daughter.

Japan’s Pepper Lunch is opening its first San Diego location in Kearny Mesa, targeting an early March debut in the plaza that houses the relocated Zion Market.

Pastaria Vivi, from Michelin-trained chefs Brandon Jennings and William Treff, arrives in Encinitas in March 2026 with a pasta counter, market and monthly subscription boxes.

Harland Brewing debuts a 3,400‑sq‑ft full‑service restaurant in 4S Ranch with a new menu from culinary director Scott Cannon and an expanded beer, cider and seltzer program.

A new Pacific Beach spot is serving low‑calorie, vegan soft‑serve and a machine‑blended Brizzy with self‑serve, pay‑by‑weight cups.

Stella Jean’s and Pop Pie Co. will open side-by-side in La Mesa Village this summer, filling two compact storefronts on La Mesa Blvd. with ice cream, pies and coffee.

Café Madeleine opened a Parisian-style kiosk inside the County Administration Building at Waterfront Park, serving croissant French toast, Illy espresso and grab-and-go sandwiches.