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The Lion's Share Reviews List

The Lion's Share

In addition to modern American fare, The Lion's Share features exotic meats seldom found in other restaurants. The menu pairs well with an interesting wine list focused around small production wineries.

Last, but not least, they offer hand-crafted cocktails considered amongst the best in the city in an eclectic atmosphere with a friendly staff.
See more The Lion's Share details
56 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
(56 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 56 reviews
5 stars
(29)
4 stars
(19)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Service 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(42)
  • neighborhood gem(33)
  • vibrant bar scene(22)
  • hot spot(19)
  • late-night find(16)
  • special occasion(12)
The Lion's Share Reviews List
Review 1 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Carnivore Heaven

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The emphasis in this restaurant is exotic meats with veges definitely a side dish! We had antelope sliders; pheasant, duck and elk sausages; bison roast, a burger with wild boar bacon, and kangaroo tenderloin. All were great! Only downside is the lack of parking so expect a hike to the nearest parking meter unless you get very lucky on your arrival."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A taste of the wild side

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We loved the kangaroo tartare and the lamb tacos were great. My husband said the mushrooms in the risotto were unusually flavorful. Our only regret was we didn't have room for dessert! Definitely next time."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
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Review 3 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Mother's Day Brunch

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We enjoyed our experience at The Lion's Share on Mother's Day. I'd like to return when the menu isn't limited. The food was good as was the service."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 4 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

fun adventurous dinner

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This place is great had a wonderful dinner; frog legs, duck tongue tacos,
Antelope sliders, caviar deviled eggs, and kangaroo tartar. Our server Jason was awesome and very knowledgeable.
As a diner I appreciate all the details put into service and menu planning. Thanks for a fantastic meal.
"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 5 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very unique menu.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/01/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Fun, out of the way place. The menu has some incredible dishes that we had never seen before. Fun crowd. Not a table cloth and candle place. More an out-of-the-way experience just six block away from Gas Lamp District, but yet seats alone with nothing else around. Opened late !!! Good parking available. We parked just right in front of it. For sure go check it out."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find
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Review 6 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Game on!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/01/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The Lion's Share has a great cocktail menu, mostly rum-based, and both the cocktails we ordered were delicious. The food offerings are mostly game and unusual: deviled eggs with quail confit ( divine!), frog's legs, antelope sliders, kangaroo tartare (we tried this one - and enjoyed it!), and a wonderful beef burger with boar bacon and fried egg. Great food experience.
The restaurant is dark and wooden, with garish paintings on the wall and mounted animal heads displayed. An upscale hunting lodge, I think. A great joint to try for the carnivorous!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 7 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I'll be back.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Absolutely loved the chef's prep of such exotic meats. Joey was an awesome server. Had the Kangaroo tartare and loved the shredded shallots with green apple side. The wild boar meatloaf was OK. Wine list was nice."
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 8 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The service at the Lion's

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The service at the Lion's Share was really nice. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The food was unique and tasty. I liked the music playing in the background and the decor in the eating area.
I will be back!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2012
Special Features: special occasion
0points
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Review 9 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food and service were excellent!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food and service were excellent! Dessert was the onlyDisappointment after such a deliois meal! Wild definitely Go back !"
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 10 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Best thing on the menu was

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Best thing on the menu was a cocktail borrowed from another restaurant. Food was underwhelming. Our waitress was super friendly and nice. Went on our date night and wished we had picked another spot."
Dined on 04/18/2013
 2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
0points
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Review 11 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great cocktails; fun atmosphere

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Visiting San Diego for a convention, and wanted to try something unusual. The Lion's Share fit the bill for that. The decor is dark and interesting, the artwork on the walls definitely conversation-worthy. The cocktail menu is a fun read, and the ones that we tried were delicious.
I'm not really the target audience for this place, since I don't eat red meat. The frog's legs were interesting, but way too salty. The salad was wonderful - I think they used almond oil in the vinaigrette, which enhanced the nuts in the salad, and was just yummy! My companion had a wild boar special, which he raved over, even though he ordered it medium-well and the meat was nowhere near cooked that much (quite red in the middle)."
Dined on 04/12/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 12 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Unsurpassed!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"As a seasoned traveler and a person who has had the fortune of dining in many of the best US restaurants this was one of the best meals I've ever had. If you're looking for a stuffy boring steakhouse this may not be your place but if you're a foodie and are looking for one of the best meals of your life from a brilliant chef with excellent cocktails a cool decor and a staff that is extremely knowledgeable friendly and helpful look no further."
Dined on 04/03/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My wife and I had a great

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My wife and I had a great time at the Lion's Share and the food was great. Not a big place so make sure to get reservations."
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 14 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great character and nice people.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great character and nice people. Wonderful food too!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
0points
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Review 15 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I had a really nice dinner

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I had a really nice dinner at The Lion's Share. I had the deviled eggs to start. They are very creative and flavorful. Also had the kangaroo tartare, which was my favorite dish. It comes with an egg yolk and some crispy greens which complement the kangaroo well. For dessert, I had the goat cheese and vanilla mousse. It's light and sweet, with only a hint of goat cheese tang. The waitstaff had good recommendations and were very attentive. I would definitely recommend this place."
Dined on 03/17/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
0points
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Review 16 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Good food but overpriced.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The quality of the food was good but the price point for what was served was quite high. Also, I know the restaurant prides itself on cocktails, and specifically craft cocktails, but when I order a Martini, serve it in a Martini glass, not a tiny 1920's champagne glass."
Dined on 03/17/2013
 2010
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Review 17 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Minimal words are needed to

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Minimal words are needed to describe Lionshare..OUTSTANDING! I am a foodie myself and it was without a doubt one of the best meals (and cocktails) I have had! I am such a fan and cannot wait to go back! Get couragous and try as much as you can. YUM!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 18 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Scrumptious Treats

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I came here for birthday dinner with my boyfriend who flew in the night before from England to surprise me. I had only been here once before for drinks and appetizers but had been wanting to come back for quite some time. The decor is very cool and fun. I think they need some more soft surfaces though, as it was pretty noisy in there. I'm glad it was busy though, because the previous time I was there, it was fairly new and much quieter. It is nice to see the place is doing well. Our drinks were SO tasty. We each had something off their cocktail list and they were very well crafted. I had the lamb bolognese for dinner and it was a greet treat. It was very rich and flavorful. Definitely go for drinks or dinner soon!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find
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Review 19 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

One of my favorite places

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"One of my favorite places in San Diego as it reminds me of Brooklyn, my hometown. Food and customer service is always fantastic. We were asked if we minded moving a few tables down after sitting down because our party size changed and another group got bigger. The hostess and server were so thankful and nice about it even though we didn't mind at all, a testament to how great they are to patrons. Our server Taylor was super helpful recommending food and drinks."
Dined on 03/06/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 20 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This place was simply amazing.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This place was simply amazing. A true hidden gem in San Diego. The atmosphere and decor have a steam punk-ish type vibe with artwork on the walls dominated by animal hybrids. The food was immaculate and cocktail list was great too. Recommend to everybody 5/5 stars"
Dined on 03/06/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 21 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

this was a most enjoyable

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"this was a most enjoyable experience! the crowd was young, the food/drinks interesting and tasty. definitly the hot spot to be if you want to try something different! seating is limited so it may not be the place for a large party but it would be a fun "gathering" location. service was excellent for this service snob!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 22 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Interesting and delicious

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Interesting and delicious food!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 23 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The wait-staff was outstanding,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The wait-staff was outstanding, professional and very friendly and helpful."
Dined on 02/11/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 24 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Quite frankly it was the loudest

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Quite frankly it was the loudest restaurant I have ever visited...conversation was impossible"
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2011
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Review 25 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

I was disappointed in the

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I was disappointed in the taste & quality of food. the atmosphere was wonderful & we had great service !"
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic
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Review 26 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

looking forward to trying

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"looking forward to trying additional cocktails and menu items"
Dined on 01/28/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

If you are a meat lover than

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"If you are a meat lover than this place is for you! Menu focuses on exotic meats and all are very good. Great food and very cool theme. You will not be disappointed."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We dined at Lion's Share on

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We dined at Lion's Share on a Friday night and the place was really hopping! Initially lured in by the eclectic decor and tempted by a menu that featured unusual game, we enjoyed every minute of the vibrant experience. Not only is this a great place to spend an evening; it's great bar and inventive cocktail list invites one to drop in for a drink enroute to somewhere else as well. Our supper of game sausages and grilled octopus, followed by new to the menu entrees of kangaroo and rabbit were artfully cooked and generously served with seasonal vegetables. Add attentive service to the list of what makes a spot great, and you have an exceptional evening! Bravo"
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 29 for The Lion's Share
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Funky place - loved the art

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Funky place - loved the art on the walls. Excellent food. I can hightly recommend the duck meatballs"
Dined on 01/19/2013
 2007
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Lion's Share
Based on the average of (27) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Service 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.3 / 3
Energetic