The Liberty Station location marks Ponzu Sushi’s first entry into San Diego County and continues the brand’s steady Southern California expansion following successful operations in Palm Springs and Santa Ana. While best known locally for its downtown Palm Springs flagship, Ponzu’s roots trace back to Orange County, where the Santa Ana location helped establish the concept as a neighborhood-driven sushi bar blending traditional Japanese technique with Southeast Asian flavor influences.
Ponzu Sushi was founded by a group of five longtime friends, including chefs Sky and Nathan, both of Thai descent, whose culinary backgrounds play a central role in the menu. Chef Sky, the face of the Palm Springs location, has earned praise for balancing pristine fish quality with bold, layered flavors — a style that has resonated with both sushi traditionalists and more adventurous diners.
In July 2025, Ponzu Sushi Palm Springs celebrated its first anniversary with a special Chef Sky omakase experience that highlighted the restaurant’s creative range. The limited-time menu featured Kusshi oysters, vegetable tempura, and a progression of nigiri including halibut, amberjack, shima aji, golden eye snapper, salmon belly, yellowtail belly, bluefin tuna, and toro topped with uni and black truffle, followed by yuzu sorbet. Offered at $88 with an optional premium sake pairing, the anniversary omakase underscored Ponzu’s ambition to operate well beyond the standard roll-focused sushi bar model.
That chef-forward philosophy is expected to carry over to the Liberty Station location, which will benefit from the site’s open-air layout and high foot traffic. While full menu details have not yet been announced, Ponzu Sushi is known for a mix of nigiri, sashimi, carpaccio-style preparations, creative rolls, and Japanese-inspired small plates, complemented by craft cocktails and premium sake selections.
The Liberty Station opening also positions Ponzu Sushi within one of San Diego’s most competitive dining districts, surrounded by established restaurants and major incoming concepts. The space previously occupied by The Presley closed in late 2024 after more than four years in operation, leaving behind a prime waterfront-adjacent footprint well suited for an upscale yet approachable sushi concept.
Ponzu Sushi Liberty Station is expected to open in first half 2026 at 2885 Perry Road inside Liberty Station in San Diego's Point Loma. For more information, visit ponzusushipalmsprings.com and check out the sample menu below.
Originally published on February 8, 2026.
