5 Restaurants Turning Invasive Lionfish Into Upscale Dining
Lionfish are among the ocean's most striking creatures—elegant, flamboyantly striped, and surprisingly delicious. But beneath their beauty lies a destructive menace. No one knows for certain how they arrived, but many believe they escaped from home aquariums decades ago.
With poisonous spines and few natural predators, lionfish pose a serious threat to fragile reef ecosystems. They reproduce rapidly and devour anything, putting native fish at risk. One of the most effective ways to control lionfish is to eat them. Spearfishing, often done by scuba divers, is the primary method of removal.
'Native to the Pacific Ocean, lionfish are progressively invading the northwestern Atlantic and the Caribbean, where they have no natural predators,' says Eric Albinsson, PADI instructor development and training executive. The PADI Invasive Lionfish Distinctive Specialty Course helps divers learn what they can do to control the lionfish population and, during two scuba dives, learn practical ways to safely and humanely capture and euthanize these fish and ensure there is no waste in the process.' For example, Coral Divers Curacao trains divers to locate, safely spear, and prepare lionfish. Back on shore, students learn to clean their catch and enjoy it fresh off the grill.
Lionfish's mild, tender meat is sweet and flaky—perfect for sashimi or grilled preparations. Turning this invader into an upscale menu item not only helps protect reefs but also offers diners a unique culinary experience. Here are a few standout spots serving lionfish around the world:
Sea Salt Restaurant, Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection
As the first Marriott International resort in Belize, Alaia's flagship Sea Salt restaurant and swim-up bar highlight fresh local seafood while supporting reef preservation. Don't miss their lionfish tiradito, served with pineapple aguachile, apple, and red fruit.
Lionfish with kale & pickled red onions
Jade Mountain & Anse Chastanet
This architectural marvel of a resort serves lionfish at its ultra-luxury Jade Mountain property and its sister resort, Anse Chastanet—home to St. Lucia's largest scuba operation. Guests can join lionfish hunting excursions through the resort's PADI Invasive Lionfish Tracker Course and savor their catch at a seven-course 'Eat Them to Beat Them' lionfish dinner, sometimes accompanied by live calypso music. Consulting chef and James Beard Award winner Allen Susser's book, Green Fig and Lionfish: Sustainable Caribbean Cooking, is packed with recipes for adventurous home chefs.
Fried whole lionfish
Fish by José Andrés, The Cove at Atlantis
Renowned chef José Andrés, an avid diver, is a vocal advocate for eating lionfish. At Fish at The Cove in Atlantis, guests can enjoy whole deep-fried lionfish, presented dramatically at the table. The menu celebrates fresh Bahamian seafood and local ingredients, from small plates to large-format dishes.
Kondesa, Cozumel
Cozumel's lionfish population has become a serious concern, and restaurants like Kondesa are doing their part to help. Their lionfish cakes, made with potato, coconut milk, poblano emulsion, and a panko crust, are a favorite. Dine under the stars in this jungle-surrounded spot, where traditional Mexican cuisine is reimagined with a modern twist.
Sake Cafe's lionfish roll
Sake Café, Pensacola, Florida
Lionfish is on the menu year-round at Sake Café in Pensacola, where you'll find dishes like thinly sliced lionfish sashimi with sriracha, masago, scallions, ponzu, and sesame seeds, or a lionfish sushi roll. Visitors to Pensacola can also sign up for lionfish hunting excursions or join a 'lionfish shootout.'
For more restaurants serving lionfish in the U.S. and Caribbean, check out Reef.org's directory.
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