Sustainably Spectacular

You no longer need trek to San Diego to experience the spectacular, sustainable cuisine and buzzy social scene that earned the original Lionfish restaurant in California national renown.

Now, Delray Beach has its own Lionfish, a sea-to-table-focused, beautifully designed new hotspot that serves sustainably procured seafood and fresh farm-to-table food creatively prepared to satisfy and surprise any modern, global palate.

The menu includes several dishes featuring the restaurant’s namesake Lionfish, a pesky but tasty predator that devours fellow sea life and damages coral reefs at an astonishing pace. Save generations of other fish by ordering this one whole fried or as the centerpiece of a citrus-infused ceviche. You won’t find this ferocious fish as deliciously plated anywhere else.

But have a drink first. Lionfish’s master mixologists put on a show at the bar, expertly tossing ingredients and drink shakers to the delight of the crowd of admiring patrons. While there is a wide variety of wine and sake to choose from, get adventurous and try the Wabi Sabi, a cocktail made with Wheatley Vodka, yuzu (citrus fruit), and cilantro. The toasted sesame seeds rimming the glass of this unique, zesty libation punctuate it with a smoky, nutty flavor.

We also couldn’t get enough of the Steak Tartare “In-N-Out Burger... Animal Style.” The animal in us found this hearty portion of top quality, super rare beef with all the trimmings most satisfying. The Butter-Poached King Crab Leg is a fine balance of textures and flavors, served with caviar, leeks, lemon, and roasted garlic butter.

For an exceptionally creative twist on a fan favorite fish, try the Coal Grilled Swordfish. It’s served with butter confit wild mushrooms, daikon (mild flavored radish), savoy cabbage, and tozazu sauce (a rice vinegar-based dressing).

The Key Lime Pie Bombe is a marvelously deconstructed slice starring Florida Key lime curd in a white chocolate shell accompanied by brown butter graham crunch and blackberry compote – really too beautiful to eat but of course I did, thinking that I could never see anything so special in a new iteration. But Lionfish’s take on this and all we enjoyed there is undoubtedly the bomb.

Get your foodie roar on quick at this new gem in downtown Delray.

Lionfish is located at 307 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call 561-639-8700 or visit lionfishdelray.com.