New Upscale Japanese Fusion Restaurant Opens in Pacific Beach

Cherryfish blends modern Japanese flavors and artful presentation in a sleek, airy space.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:05pm

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Cherryfish, a new upscale restaurant in Pacific Beach, is earning praise for its carefully crafted Japanese fusion cuisine and elaborate, artsy decor. The 2,800-square-foot indoor dining room and 1,000-square-foot outdoor patio create an airy, festive atmosphere, while the menu features seared tuna, swordfish, beef tenderloin, Australian Wagyu strip steak, and an array of sushi rolls.

Why it matters

The opening of Cherryfish represents the continued evolution of Pacific Beach's dining scene, as the neighborhood attracts more upscale, chef-driven restaurants that blend global influences. The restaurant's focus on high-quality seafood and premium meats, as well as its commitment to an elevated dining experience, caters to a growing demand for sophisticated yet approachable cuisine in the coastal community.

The details

Cherryfish took over the former space of burger joint Swagyu Pacific Beach and Isabel's Cantina. The restaurant was founded by chef Marcus Twilegar, who has a long history of crafting seafood dishes for San Diego eateries. The menu features a range of Japanese-inspired dishes, including seared tuna, swordfish, beef tenderloin, Australian Wagyu strip steak, and six types of sushi rolls. Starters include miso soup, edamame, sunomono (pickled cucumber), and tsukemono (pickled microfarmed vegetables). The restaurant also serves wine, sake, and draft beer.

  • Cherryfish opened in November 2026.
  • The restaurant is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

The players

Cherryfish

A new upscale Japanese fusion restaurant in Pacific Beach, San Diego.

Marcus Twilegar

The chef and founder of Cherryfish, with a long history of crafting seafood dishes for San Diego restaurants.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Marcus Twilegar, Chef and Founder, Cherryfish (Savoring SoCal)

“I'm obsessed with food, I always have been.”

— Marcus Twilegar, Chef and Founder, Cherryfish (Savoring SoCal)

“That's the goal. I think that's the goal of all chefs, that people crave our food and it's memorable to them, and they will always think when they eat it somewhere else that ours is better.”

— Marcus Twilegar, Chef and Founder, Cherryfish (Savoring SoCal)

What’s next

Cherryfish plans to continue expanding its menu and offerings to provide a unique and memorable dining experience for customers in Pacific Beach.

The takeaway

Cherryfish's opening represents the growing demand for upscale, chef-driven restaurants in Pacific Beach that offer a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience. The restaurant's focus on high-quality seafood, premium meats, and artful presentation sets it apart in the coastal community.