Leu Leu

Had dinner here with friends and it was an exceptional experience. The food was absolutely outstanding—unique, rare, and full of flavor. We had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Jason, and hearing the inspiration behind creating this space was truly inspiring. As a fellow business owner, I deeply appreciate the dedication and effort it takes to run a restaurant, and they’ve done an incredible job. The service was attentive and warm, making the evening even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience!

Leu Leu was phenomenal - every dish was packed with flavor and beautifully balanced. The RIP & DIP was the clear standout - go for the red pepper butter with whipped tahini and garbanzos. It’s smoky, creamy, and absolutely addictive with their Prager Brothers bread. The Fabergé Egg was a showstopper - wagyu tartare wrapped in sushi rice with a crispy shell and just the right touch of sweetness and spice. The Rock Crab Ceviche Tostada was bright, fresh, and very crabby in the best way - you can taste that it’s made with real crab, not filler. And the Pibil Lamb Shank was fall-apart tender and full of deep, earthy spice. Truly one of the best meals in San Diego - every plate feels intentional, creative, and unforgettable.

Delicious and delightful dinner for two! We got the dips (whipped feta and red pepper), tuna tataki, and the crispy chicken with basmati rice. Natalie even gave us a little treat at the end!!! Mentioned a new chef and menu coming soon, so will definitely be back to see what’s up!

Leu Leu is a gem in the Encinitas food experience. From the start, the hostess was very friendly and the ambiance is relaxed but has a subtle speakeasy vibe that makes it feel special. A big shoutout to our server, Natalie--she walked us through the entire menu with great detail, making sure any allergies were accounted for while also pointing out her personal favorites. She was friendly, funny, and genuinely made the night more enjoyable. The rest of the staff was just as welcoming--prompt service, perfectly paced dishes, and always a smile when food and drinks arrived. Drinks-wise, Leu Leu doesn't serve cocktails but offers a solid wine list, local beers, and a refreshing Aperol Spritz mocktail. I went with an IPA while my girlfriend had the spritz--both excellent choices. Now, to the food - Marinated Castelvetrano Olives A standout snack. The tapenade-style marinade added a rich, savory twist. Leu Leu's Fabergé Egg | A unique play on beef tartare--crisp breading, flavorful tartare, and nori sheets to wrap it all up. Creative and delicious. Bluefin Tuna Crudo | An absolute must-order. The tuna was unbelievably fresh, and the lemongrass-coconut marinade was bright and balanced. The housemade tostadas made the perfect base. Crispy Chicken | Another must-order. Generous portion, perfectly crispy, with a tikka masala-style sauce that packs just the right heat. 14oz Pibil Lamb Shank | Rich, tender, and deeply flavorful. A hearty dish that's worth sharing. It's a pricier night out but honestly, for the quality of the food, portion sizes, and level of service, it feels justified. This isn't your everyday dinner spot--it's a place for a date night, special celebration, or even just a pre-dinner drink and appetizer if you want to get a taste of the experience. For two beers, a mocktail, and five dishes, our total came to about $200 before tip. Highly recommend Leu Leu. Thoughtful service, incredible food, and an atmosphere that feels both fun and elevated.

I was debating whether or not to give leu leu 5 stars just because of how uncomfortable the hostess made my table & I, however everything else was absolutely incredible so I couldn’t knock of points just because of one person! My group of five went to try leu leu for my sisters’ birthday (06/25/25)! The food was delicious, we got the pan con tomate, rip & dips, crudo, fabergé egg, crispy chicken, lamb shank, and the wagyu char siu! All exceptional! The chefs are amazing!!! Our server Alec was a joy! He was super sweet, attentive, and enthusiastic! He definitely goes the extra mile to make the experience a great one. The hostess on the other hand… She has really poor customer service skills & lacks professionalism. Throughout our dinner, she kept walking around & staring awkwardly at our table. The worst part is, when our server brought our check, we had our cards in waiting for him to come grab it, she came to our table & said that she needs to seat another group so we had to leave… I told her how we were about to leave just waiting for our server to come get our cards & she’s like “Oh I’ll do it”! It was honestly super disappointing considering there was a table of three right next to us who had been there wayyyyy longer & had just ordered drinks. She didn’t say anything to them. Super uncomfortable experience dealing with her. Other than the hostess kicking us out, everything else was great. Highly recommend leu leu!

Four of us had dinner here and all loved it. Came here with a bit of trepidation because the menu didn't have any sort of a familiar theme. As it turned out it didn't matter because most everything we did have was superb. Fried chicken, sea bass as main courses and three appetizers were plenty for four. The Faberge egg and tostada were both treats and unique. The veggies and dips were the least interesting. Our server was a manager, Natalie, and she was really wonderful. She took time to explain the menu item by item, and you could tell how much she loved the restaurant and everything about it. Her enthusiams was infectuous, but also well deserved and she treated us like honored guests. This was one of those rare dining experiences where everything worked well - the food, the service, the ambience - the entire experience. Can't wait to go back for their winter menu coming soon.

We really enjoyed our experience at Leu Leu. The food was delicious and featured a lot of bold flavors, reminiscent of a home cooked meal. They offer a small, curated menu. We sat on the patio which has a quaint and intimate ambiance, and the interior has a really cool, funky vibe. There are a few minor kinks that need to be worked out, but overall we were impressed and looking forward to our next visit!

A true hidden gem that delivers Michelin-star quality—without the impossible wait for a reservation. The space was designed by the same creative minds behind The Waverly, and it shows. It feels like dining in a chic, rustic living room—warm, stylish, and effortlessly cool. The atmosphere has a relaxed, vibey charm that makes you want to linger. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier and fit the Leu Leu vibe perfectly—attentive without being overbearing. And the food? Absolutely phenomenal. Highlights for us included the shrimp taquitos, the surprisingly standout salad, and the wagyu—so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Paired with a fantastic bottle of French wine, the entire evening felt indulgent in the best way. Perfect for a date night or an intimate dinner with friends. We’ll absolutely be back.

Vibe is dope - a hidden gem nestled next to some small businesses. Never went inside to see the seating, but outside was inviting and had a really cool giant tree (with disco ball) and nice lighting. Food - 4/5. Food is intended to be shared. Crab tostada and shrimp rolls (rolled tacos) were spectacular. Lots of flavor profiles going on. The crispy chicken was a miss (2/5) mainly because it was heavily, and I mean heavily salted. Super crisp, but nearly inedible without the mole - which was more like a masala tbh. Butter rice was also a nice feature. The dessert gets huge kudos for working with Little Fox ice cream in Oceanside - it's top tier local ice cream so happy to see two spots collabing. They've got a nice wine selection, some beers but no spirits - womp womp. Service is good, they explain the menu well. This is a great place to go on a date, have a celebration, or just chill and share plates.

I dined here on a Wednesday evening around 8 PM with a friend. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and it's beautifully decorated. They had live music playing, which added to the charm. Overall, a very cute and cozy atmosphere. When we sat down, the bartender, who is also the owner, came by to open our bottle of wine. However, the corkage fee was shockingly high at $45. Our waitress never once refilled our wine glasses and had to be reminded to bring water, which she also never topped off. They do serve complimentary cheese-it style crackers while you wait, and they're delicious, a nice touch. The food itself was phenomenal, though a bit overpriced. The portion sizes were ideal for sharing. We ordered: Cold Dishes: *Leu Leu's Fabergé Egg - beautifully presented and flavorful. *Bluefin Tuna Crudo - excellent overall, but the tuna was a bit tough to cut; it would have been better if pre-sliced. Hot Dish (Main Course): *Fried Chicken - generous serving, crispy, and absolutely delicious. My friend thought it was a little salty, but I enjoyed it. Overall, two cold dishes and one hot dish were the perfect amount for two people. One small note: we were warned that the wooden boards outside leading to the restroom and entrance aren't heel-friendly. Considering how upscale this spot is, that's something they should fix. In summary, the food and atmosphere were outstanding, and the owner was very friendly. Unfortunately, the service was disappointing. No one checked in on us during the meal. We had to request clean plates after our appetizers, and we even had to bring the check to the waitress ourselves. For the prices charged, especially that $45 corkage fee, I expected much better service. The food alone is worth trying, but if they want to live up to a five-star reputation, the service needs serious improvement.

It was a touch difficult to locate Leu Leu Restaurant along Coast Boulevard. I passed it a number of times, but then I found it. There is one handicapped parking space available within the small parking lot. It was nice to visit the new home of a chef who formerly worked at Liberty Station. One enters Leu Leu via two tall blue-painted reclaimed-wood doors. There is a charming patio that raps around the structure [apparently the complex was formerly a vintage motel]. The interior is small and equally charming. It is all polished woods inside, recalling being inside a cozy Swiss chalet, which is fun. The resident Disc Jockey also presides from a high booth set in the interior of Leu Leu. The entire experience of my dinner at Leu Leu Restaurant was better than expected. From the kind and professional service to the interesting food, the evening of my visit was five stars all the way. Bravo.

Wow, loved it, thank you Leu Leu's and Chef Zepeda! The Leu Leu's fabergé egg was my favorite hands down (see egg yolk wrapped in rice and waygu tartare with dish of nori to wrap and eat). Plus appreciated all the little surprises and details with the check biscuit not biscuit tin that's all too family in my childhood plus the heartfelt note inside. We were seated on the patio for dinner and the tables were set up beautifully with vintage silverware and fresh flowers. There's a few parking spots in the lot but we found a street spot. Our server Alec was very helpful and provided excellent suggestions and a menu overview. The staff brought up house water with basil and a cheez-its house treat to start. For dinner we got the hot special of the whole Baja golden sea bass that came with sticky rice and a tomatillo type sauce and was cooked to perfection! Lots of wine on the menu beverage options. I was set on two desserts so got the pony sundae with passionfruit turmeric with cheesecake bites ice cream (so refreshing) with nuts and curry leaves and lime leaves. The second dessert was the chef special farmers blueberry bicolor sweet corn cinnamon rolls with ice cream on top which was decadent. Would come back when we're hungry to try more hot and cold mains.

Leu Leu is a culinary experience mixed with chill vibes and great ambiance. We decided on a whim to have dinner at Leu Leu and secured a reservation 2 hours before we arrived. The host was pleasant and walked us to our table. You enter through ornate double doors that open into a cozy patio. We were initially seated next to the bathroom and after several minutes asked to be moved to a different table on the patio. Our server was happy to oblige. Our culinary journey started with a tub of freshly pickled vegetables, which were fantastic. We sampled a number of wines, all of which were suggested by our server, and they were top notch. We ordered items from the Rip and Dip, cold, and hot menus. Each item was unique and the ingredients were incredibly fresh. We had nothing but high praise for the quality and taste of the entrees. As the night was winding down, we asked to be moved inside to enjoy the music and eclectic decorations. We were celebrating my partner's birthday and they gave us a choice from dessert menu. The Super Sexy Sundae was delicious. They had a DJ playing vinyl records that set the tone of our evening, which was wonderful. I cannot help but rave about our experience. If you are ever in the area and looking for excellent food and chill vibes, Leu Leu is the place for you.

This mysterious spot, a blend of music lounge and fusion restaurant, feels like a secret worth sharing. We finally got lucky and snagged a last-minute table. Tucked away in a mall in Leucadia, it doesn't look like much from the outside, but step in and the vibe shifts immediately. The host was incredibly attentive, turned on the heater for us while we waited and even offered a glass of sparkling wine. A lovely start. We ordered the Rip & Dip (50/50 roasted red pepper butter and toum). The Prager Bros bread and escabeche veggies were the perfect delivery system for the dips. The toum with pistachio dukkha? Bright, bold, and addictive. Then came the Fabergé Egg--Wagyu tartar wrapped in sushi rice and fried, served on seaweed. A clever little gem. (Though I do wish the seaweed had been just a bit crispier.) For mains, the Pibil Lamb Shank was fall-off-the-bone tender. A splash of lime really elevated the flavor and cut through the richness beautifully. The Baja Sea Bass Shawarma hit all the right notes, bright, spicy, and comforting. We finished with Ponyboy, a wild mashup of passion fruit, lime, turmeric, cheesecake, and a miso tahini cookie crumble. It sounded exciting but ended up being my least favorite of the night. A little too chaotic for my taste. Still, the chef is creating something special here--vibrant, cozy, and wildly creative. Worth the splurge. Worth the wait.

I was excited to try Leu Leu because I saw an article about its opening and reservation was a bit more challenging because it was mostly through text/phone. Entering Leu Leu felt like entering a hidden door and behind those doors was an eclectically space that took you to a collection of various memories and experiences. I want to come back to experience it with music. Onto the food-had the rip and dip (pistachio dukka and whipped butter with tahini and garbanzo). This was lovely and perfect with some veggies in escabeche and artisan bread. Spicy pan con tomate was a bite bursting with flavor. The pibil lamb shank was falling off the bone tender. The Baja seabass shawarma was interesting but it was a bit dry and made me miss the moist and flaky texture of seabass that I so love. Also at almost $50, the few slices of the shawarma was just lacking. The faberge egg with beef tartar was my favorite. I loved the flavor and the contrasting textures. I didn't know what to make out of the dessert ponyboy and I don't think it knew either. It was just too many flavors that didn't work well together. I would probably come back again when there's music since I love the decor and vibe of the place.

This was my first time and it did not disappoint. To start, the ambiance is intimate, vintage, waiters with 90s shirts, and live DJ but the music was not too overpowering that you couldn't hear conversation. The attention to detail in the decoration is eclectic and on target. Our waiter walked us through the whole menu and asked if we had any food allergies or specific requests. She was very attentive to what we were looking for. The food was top notch. It's family style so you can order multiple things from the menu to share. The portions for the cold and hot dishes were good, generous. Our waiter recommended a bottle of wine to pair it with. The menu is small but the food is focused on quality over quantity. The food presentation was excellent. I saw mixed reviews when this place opened but restaurants can have a rocky start and improve and it seems that they have overcome these issues. My recommendation, give this one a try, you'd not be disappointed.

I would give this 4.5 stars if I could. I love that this place exists in Leucadia - it's a much needed part of the food scene in Encinitas. The restaurant is beautiful (I prefer inside) and the service is terrific. The menu is innovative but also delicious. My only gripes are that the Faberge egg was way overdone, and I found the Rip and Dip to be gimmicky. The spring rolls were a surprise hit! We stayed late and never felt rushed. Looking forward to going back.

Absolutely incredible. Passionate honest food. Fantastic service and even better atmosphere.

After blowing up on instagram I fell for the hype and went last week. Overall it was a mixed experience. Starting with the hostess- she spent a while tapping away at the iPad after informing her we had a reservation. Finally she said, oh we have your table inside and tonight we have a DJ which we ask you to pay $20 for. Ok well we did not know about the DJ nor did we have preference on seating since it was the only reservation available. After a few awkward beats she said ...or you can sit outside (which we preferred). I thought it was weird that the place was booked solid but there was room to move us around. The food was actually really tasty- the crudo in tiger's milk was the highlight- but the crispy chicken and shrimp rolls were good too. Wine were small pours. Overall there was a general sleaziness to the place with all the upselling. There's a section of add ons on the menu that could only be ordered if you got one of the main dishes (example: if you got the $27 bread and dip service, then you can order extra bread or another dip for an addl cost vs just getting a small dip or bread on the side- not allowed).

The limited sized menu and size of kitchen will constrain how successful this place will be. Also, from a dining experience, there is a big difference between sitting inside (only a few tables but very cool decor) versus outside (alley/parking lot with heaters that hit half the diners and loud train noises multiple times per hour). The dips are great, the tuna crudo was middle of the road, the egg/tartare gets high scores for presentation and creativity but it was a little too acidic for my liking. We shared the lamb shank which was good but a little dried in some some spots and fatty in others. The service was friendly and well informed.

Vibes vibes vibes. This place is built on em. The decor, lighting, and live dj create a comfy/moody lounge you'd love to hang in for hours. The service is attentive, accommodating, and friendly, plus Natalie gave us a great rundown of the full menu, which includes some very tasty wines. The food itself certainly wasn't bad but leaves plenty to be desired. The crab tostada was especially over seasoned which was a shame because it seemed quite fresh. All in all, this is closer to a 3.5 than a 4, certainly glad we checked it out, and hopeful the food will improve.

The yelp community seems to have mixed feelings about Leu Leu. We took a chance and were not sorry. I can only speak for myself and my family but I have to say the experience we had was superb. Natalie, our waitress, was an absolute sweetheart. She and the rest of the staff took amazing care of us. Their hospitality was truly top notch. Took a few minutes for us to get seated but the courtyard was very nice. We sat under this cool old tree on a beautiful evening. We started with a bottle of wine and some small bites and apps. The pan con tomate was so delicate. The rip and dip with red pepper and toum spreads was one of our favorites of the night. The dips were unbelievable flavorful and well executed, the bread was very good, and the house pickles were awesome. Could have eaten that dish 3 times over. Also had the crudo which was a bit on the small side but the sauces were just unreal. Came with jalisco style toastadas, which are by far my favorite kind of tostada and one which I've never seen used at a restaurant. Nice touch! Finally, we had the rock crab ceviche which was so nice and refreshing and really well done. For mains we had the lamb shank and the duck confit. Really really enjoyed the lamb shank. Fall off the bone tender and with a great sauce. Also really liked the mushroom pickle thing they had going on. The duck was good, really liked the sauce, but not quite as impressive as all of the other dishes. Lastly, we had a passion fruit sundae with sesame miso caramel which was tangy and nutty and delicious. Overall great experience. Super excited to have Leu Leu in the neighborhood. Will definitely be coming back with my wife and some more of our friends.

So my daughter surprised me & brought me here (on a Thursday evening) for an early Mother's Day celebration. She made a reservation a week in advance, after she heard me say this was an up and coming spot and I wanted to try this place out. We were seated inside. Our waiter, Alec was very knowledgeable, provided excellent recommendations, was attentive and welcoming!! We started with the rip and dip 50/50 (whipped feta and pistachio dukkha) served with artisan bread and vegetables in escabeche and crudite, so delish and enough leftover to try with our main dishes. We also ordered the tuna crudo and oh so fresh & flavorful!! After we had our fill, we ordered our mains. My daughter got the pibil lamb shank, served with calypso beans, wild mushroom pickles and corn tortillas. It was flavorful and this one is good for sharing or if you come with a big appetite go for it!! As for me I had the Baja sea bass shawarma, that was paired with a spicy tomato sauce and olive and cucumber salad and ((ohhh maaah gaaah)) I could eat that everyday, it was perfection and my favorite of the two!! I thoroughly enjoyed everything about my dining experience at Leu Leu!! The restaurant is very quaint and beautifully decorated. The service was excellent, friendly and pleasant. The food!!!! So fresh, healthy, flavorful & delicious! This will be one of my all time favorite restaurants and I highly recommend it. If I can give it 10 stars, I would!! Hoping we can get a selfie with Chef Zepeda next time.

Had dinner at Leu Leu. Tried the credo, sea bass and lamb shank. All were really well prepared and flavorful. Menu is an interesting mix of items on a smaller menu, but works. Really chill atmosphere and easygoing staff. Music playing indoors and a patio dining experience. Not your normal restaurant vibe and styling. Would definitely return.

I'm not sure what has happened at Leu Leu Leucadia since their impressive opening, but sadly, this is no longer the same exceptional restaurant we once experienced. When my daughter and I arrived for what was meant to be a celebratory evening, we were told we needed to place our entire order immediately. We obliged, but kindly asked that the courses be paced, as we had planned to enjoy multiple dishes from each section of the menu. Our challenged server, Natalie, explained they were short-staffed--leaving our meal to be rushed out in rapid succession and subsequently a bag full of to go food. Within just 75 minutes, we were served five menu items and a full bottle of wine--hardly the leisurely dining experience we anticipated. The food itself, once an A+, was this time no better than a C+. Was it the staffing shortage? Has the chef changed? Whatever the reason, the quality simply wasn't there. Unfortunately, the night went from disappointing to downright insulting. About an hour and fifteen minutes into our meal, a young woman--later shared to have been the chef's daughter--approached our table mid-conversation and said: "I'm sorry for interrupting, but we have someone waiting for this table and we need to ask you to leave." This, despite the restaurant being only half full, the waiting party being just four people, and several available tables nearby. We had been seated in one of only two booths due to my daughter's ADA needs, but again there were more than enough seating options to accommodate the waiting guests. Meanwhile, a large family in the other booth, who had been there at least 30-45 minutes longer than us, was not asked to leave--though they departed shortly after, freeing up space for the waiting party. My daughter, now uncomfortable, quickly finished her wine and left. I stayed behind to speak with someone about the situation, hoping for an apology or at least an attempt to make things right. Instead, I was met with dismissiveness--both Natalie and one of the owners, Jason Janecek, accused me of being "aggressive" and offered nothing in the way of resolution (*important to note, our meal was eventually refunded that evening but this was after a lengthy, and very unnecessary, back and forth with said owner). From start to finish, the evening was poorly handled, lacking in both hospitality and basic courtesy--something I never would have expected from Leu Leu Leucadia based on our first experience.

Leu Leu is a gem in the Encinitas food experience. From the start, the hostess was very friendly and the ambiance is relaxed but has a subtle speakeasy vibe that makes it feel special. A big shoutout to our server, Natalie--she walked us through the entire menu with great detail, making sure any allergies were accounted for while also pointing out her personal favorites. She was friendly, funny, and genuinely made the night more enjoyable. The rest of the staff was just as welcoming--prompt service, perfectly paced dishes, and always a smile when food and drinks arrived. Drinks-wise, Leu Leu doesn't serve cocktails but offers a solid wine list, local beers, and a refreshing Aperol Spritz mocktail. I went with an IPA while my girlfriend had the spritz--both excellent choices. Now, to the food - Marinated Castelvetrano Olives A standout snack. The tapenade-style marinade added a rich, savory twist. Leu Leu's Fabergé Egg | A unique play on beef tartare--crisp breading, flavorful tartare, and nori sheets to wrap it all up. Creative and delicious. Bluefin Tuna Crudo | An absolute must-order. The tuna was unbelievably fresh, and the lemongrass-coconut marinade was bright and balanced. The housemade tostadas made the perfect base. Crispy Chicken | Another must-order. Generous portion, perfectly crispy, with a tikka masala-style sauce that packs just the right heat. 14oz Pibil Lamb Shank | Rich, tender, and deeply flavorful. A hearty dish that's worth sharing. It's a pricier night out but honestly, for the quality of the food, portion sizes, and level of service, it feels justified. This isn't your everyday dinner spot--it's a place for a date night, special celebration, or even just a pre-dinner drink and appetizer if you want to get a taste of the experience. For two beers, a mocktail, and five dishes, our total came to about $200 before tip. Highly recommend Leu Leu. Thoughtful service, incredible food, and an atmosphere that feels both fun and elevated.

A lovely spot with awesome tapas and a perfect vibe. XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

This was my second visit to Leu Leu's. My first time was during opening weekend, and while it didn't quite hit the mark, I saw some potential and was hopeful things would improve. I really wanted to give it another shot. There's a lot to like about the experience: the atmosphere is beautiful. The service has also been consistently attentive and friendly. Their wine selection is solid and complements the ambiance well. Unfortunately, the food continues to fall short. We ordered several dishes and found that most were overwhelmingly salty. The rip and dip, garden salad, and chicken karaage were all far too heavily seasoned, to the point of being difficult to enjoy. The shrimp taquitos weren't salty, but they didn't taste particularly fresh. We paid for extra bread, and it was cleared from the table when we weren't paying attention. Ironically, the highlights of our meal were the tuna crudo and the ice cream, both of which didn't require much cooking. I sincerely want to see a great dining option thrive in North County, and I was really rooting for Leu Leu's to be that place. While there are some strong elements here, the food unfortunately just hasn't kept pace. At this point, it's probably not somewhere I'd return, but I truly hope they continue to refine and improve.

Four things to note: 1. The space is fun. Sexy. Dimly lit. But VERY hot inside. Please install fans or an AC unit. 2. Price per the experience does not coincide. The little brunette hostess was rude and apparently doesn't know how to greet guests or smile??? Our cute, little female, blonde surfer vibe server was clueless. Her run down about the food and wine was a huge fail (recommended the most expensive wine without knowing anything about it). 3. If you still would like to experience Leu Leu after reading this​, do yourself a favor and book an inside table on a cooler night. Although I recently heard they charge extra to sit inside?? Wtf is that about? Pacific Coast Highway Robbery! 4. I'll speak to the food as well. Fun. Dynamic. Approachable. SPICY. But also probably too expensive for the portions and service. They literally forgot our silverware twice. Do better. ​

Every single dish was a delight! Our party of four found each dish unique and delicious - the egg, the mole, the sharma - unexpected and amazing!!! Can't wait to return!

I saw the mixed reviews about it being simply "vibes" but went into it with an open mind and everything we ordered did not disappoint. Extremely yummy food, perfect date night spot, interior is stunning. Great wine selection. No complaints. Exceeded our expectations and we will be back!!

Incredible! We loved every second here. Loved the record player and all the albums such a beautiful spot. The bathroom is amazing as well. All the food was over the top, the service everything made me feel like home. We got pictures w the cheff she politely visited our table This is our fourth time eating here

Came here as a group of 6 mid-week for dinner. In order to create the impression that the restaurant was hip and busy, they made us wait over 20 minutes in the parking lot out front. When we were seated on a nearly empty dining area, we realized it was just theatrics. From that point forward the service and food were decent, but perhaps not quite polished enough to support the high prices. The dips and the Prager bread were great, but the vintage Tupperware-esque container for the pickled veggies was kind of tacky and difficult to use. And the ahi dish had a delicious sauce, but it may have paired better with albacore or yellowtail. Either way the fish was very high quality and it was a great dish. We all agreed the pibil lamb was cooked perfectly and was delicious, but the chicken dish and crab tostada were polarizing because they were so heavily spiced. The overall experience is eclectic to say the least, but they need a little work to get better integration across the menu and to improve the quality of service for the price. Making people wait in the parking lot when the restaurant is mostly empty is a terrible idea. And if the goal is to have vibrant, bold, and possibly polarizing flavors and style, they nailed it. With two bottles of wine across 6 people, our bill came out to approximately $150/person. There is a lot of great, interesting food in north county at this price point or less, so hopefully the Leu Leu staff can make the experience more worthy of the price tag. We will definitely make our way back here in the future and hope the overall experience is a little more refined.

Amazing!!!! The food and setting was perfect. Get a reservation and enjoy! Sharable is best as you'll want to try everything

Let's address the elephant in the room: Leu Leu's tiny and the primo seating is all inside in the even (tinier) space. I've seen a lot of pearl clutching about the outdoor patio ("you can see the bathroom entrance!", "the train's so loud!", "it's cold!"), my two cents? It's great! Yes, we got seated near the bathroom and it wasn't ideal, but they're trying to make do with the space they have. ‍ Yes, you can hear the train but that's true of any restaurant on the 101. ‍ All that said, the decor and vibe is thoughtful and cozy. The staff are excited to be there and seem genuinely happy to be working on Claudette's team. And the food's different and delicious! Interesting flavors, twists on familiar dishes, etc. It's refreshing to have a new and original option amidst the myriad run of the mill offerings we have in North County. I'll be back to try the rotating menu, and hopefully snag a seat inside.

We weren't sure what to expect when we arrived, but every dish was made with such intention and the overall experience was perfect for a casual date night as locals. We love supporting women-led businesses and will absolutely come here again!

I went to celebrate my anniversary at Leu Leu's and it was not the experience I was hoping for. We made a 5pm reservation and were the 2nd people in line as they open at 5pm. We requested to be seated inside but were told unfortunately inside reservations are never guaranteed. No problem, we took our seat in which was the 1st table by the front door. We expected a full house to justify placing us in front of the doors that kept swinging by us as we ate but the restaurant was empty. Not to mention that it was suppose to rain today and we were seated outside with no covering. Luckily it was not a problem as the rain started as we left. Our server also encouraged us to look at the restaurant inside to see how cute it was as we got seated by the front door outside looking at a view of a bush. Our server was kind but not very knowledgable of the menu and thought it would be a good idea to use a Clorox wipe to clean our table in between our dinner and dessert. Let's get on to the food. When you pay $250 for dinner you expect a certain caliber of food. We ate Spicy Pan Con Tomate, Leu Leu's Faberge Egg, Baja Yellowtail Crudo, Rock Crab Ceviche Tostada, 14oz Pibil Lamb Shank, Baja Sea Bass Shawarma, and the Vacation Mode Ice Cream. The food was fine. Some good (Baja Yellowtail Crudo, Rock Crab Ceviche Tostada, Vacation Mode Ice Cream), some bland (Lamb Shank), and some weird (Spicy Pan Con Tomate, Faberge Egg, Sea Bass Shawarma). Let's talk about that Sea Bass that had no Sea Bass. It was a falafel mix pressed into a square. The flavor was good but the texture was ......interesting. Our server described it as a Sea Bass (meat) loaf. I came excited to try a new restaurant and left disappointed. Maybe it is my bad that I thought this would be an experience that would be comparable to Animae, Callie, Kingfisher, etc. It definitely was not.

Absolutely loved the vibe and service. Most of all the food! They put a lot of thought into the decor and seating. Good news is you can have a conversation in there & and hear it. The staff was very personal and friendly.I have referred my people and they all told me they loved it. Keep up the awesome vibes!! I'll be back.

Not impressed with the limited and very eclectic menu and really, why destroy a good piece of wagu beef by turning it into a dry piece of pot roast on top of a cold salad? Crab tostada, hamachi, and brownie with ice cream were okay, but again, nothing to write home about here! With all the hype and awards being touted... I can't recommend the experience as I expected so much more. It is way overpriced, in my opinion, as well.

My wife came back from a wellness vacation in Mexico raving about Chef Claudette who had made a guest appearance during her stay at the resort, and Leu Leu is her home restaurant. She did not disappoint! The fusion of Mexican and Asian flavors are so unexpected and delicious. The 2-person bar is very quaint and cozy. Hats off to Jaken at the bar which made the experience phenomenal. We will definitely be back.

Wow, this place is amazing!!! The chef did an incredible job curating a diverse and flavorful menu. Every dish was spectacular. Our server Kourtney (who was attentive, friendly, and hilarious) recommended the rip and dip, the ceviche, faberge egg and the chicken. We trusted her and I'm so glad we did. Everything was delicious and perfectly seasoned! We also got the shrimp rolls which were crunchy and so tasty. Also they were slammed and yet all of the food came out quickly and was perfectly timed. Really can't recommend this place enough and I'm already excited to go back!

I came here for an engagement dinner and was unfortunately a bit disappointed. They knew it was an engagement dinner and sat us in the worst table in the resturant. I wanted to sit outside and noted that on the reservation but they still sat us inside. The service was sub par. Again, they knew it was an engagement dinner, and they brought us 1oz of champagne in a shot glass (?). Weird. Food was okay but our server was not very attentive (very young inexperienced server). We were waiting to order for a bit. For the price point ($60 entres) I expected much more.

Unique and eclectic. We got to meet celebrity chef Claudette! She was absolutely working her butt off, on the front lines serving food, and took the time to speak with us. Highly recommend!

Dining at Leu Leu was such an amazing experience! The menu is incredible, anything you order you can't go wrong. We ordered family style so we could try a little bit of everything and with each course, we thought we had found our favorites, but then the next one would come out, and it just kept getting better and better! The staff were so kind and welcoming, their knowledge about the menu and the ingredients is very impressive (they were super on it with the food allergies we had at the table.) I highly recommend checking out Leu Leu if you're looking for a restaurant with amazing food and a warm and vibey atmosphere, I can't wait to go back!

Dining at Leu Leu is dreamy--vibrant global flavors, soulful storytelling, and the culinary brilliance of Chef Claudette Zepeda. With bold imaginative flavors, you're transported to places far beyond Leucadia. The space itself is pure magic: warm, whimsical, and wildly intentional. It's the kind of place you want to linger -- over wine, over stories, over that last irresistible spoonful of something spiced, or unexpected. Chef Claudette and the team have created more than a restaurant -- Leu Leu is an experience. Unapologetically vibrant, endlessly inspired, and rooted in love.

My husband and I love Vaga, are big fans of Claudette, and were so excited about this meal. No matter how badly we wanted to like this meal, my goodness, were we underwhelmed. Food was under-seasoned, generally meh, and overall just very disappointing. Would not go back.

1000/10! Best dinner i've had in a long long time. All of the food was absolutely amazing & fresh and the orange wine was incredible. Strongly recommend the rip and dip, tuna, salad, brisket, & chicken. Also the service was amazing as well! Definitely make a reservation ASAP :)

Great food and amazing staff. The food is delicious and really is a nice addition to Encinitas/Leucadia

Just not that tasty or interesting and quite overpriced for what it was. Baked cheezits are the bread service literally

Pro tip: if a restaurant has an aesthetic instagram, the food will be subpar at best. The music is horribly curated as well. The staff tried their best but lacks any guidance or true fine dining experience. After the failure that was Vaga, Leu Leu was supposed to be a redemption but it fell flat as well. They built a brand on immigrant dishes and POC, but the dishes taste gentrified. This is what happens when celebrity chefs let ego take over instead of truly making food taste good. Having children run your restaurant with no wine knowledge, when wine is the only liquor you sell is a huge misstep. Consider this a cautionary tale. What might look cute from the outside is a farce. Also maybe don't exploit pictures of truly hard working Mexican Americans in the back of trucks to push an agenda. Make food that our ancestors would be proud of. Call for a rebrand or stop misrepresenting!!

Can't say enough good things. Absolutely delicious food made with attention to all details. Presentation, taste and spices just perfection. I love the small menu, everything is fresh. Servers are so attentive and personable. It is a small place and very well decorated and put together. Both inside and outside sitting is wonderful. Can't wait to go back. Reservation is hard but once you try this place you know why.

Just not a great experience. Staff is really young and inexperienced. The vibe is you should be blessed they allowed you to eat there. Didn't like Vaga so I shouldn't be surprised Leu Leu wasn't up to the task. I doubt will be in business by next year. Won't be back

Best service and food. Love the vibe. Highly recommend for date nights or dinner with friends.

Service was incredible! Highly recommend allowing your server to decide on your courses based on preferences. Such a great experience and cool vibe. Thank you to the chef and the servers (Courtney) for such a beautiful evening.

This is the most hidden 5-star gem you could imagine. The creativity in both the food and the ambiance is next level. I feel like this restaurant belongs in Brooklyn -- exotic and homey all at the same time. We popped in very early on a Saturday when we happened to be in the neighborhood. Amazing, highly curated wine list and food menu -- we enjoyed the dips and the burnt ends which were both delightful! Looking forward to coming back for the full dinner experience.

Absolutely loved everything about this restaurant. Ambience was the most unique and the well done that I've seen and the food was incredible. We ordered 10+ items and everything with the exception of the salad was incredible. Salad was fine but not a home run like the rest of the dishes. Service was great and we never felt rushed which was nice cause I know it's a busy spot. The music was 10/10 and the DJ was a nice touch. Overall, one of the most surprising (in the best way possible) dining experiences I've ever had. I will say prices were high and we were a little taken aback by our bill but aside from that, really enjoyed it and can't wait to go back.

Sitting outside off PCH for a pricey meal is just not for me. Food is creative for sure and we enjoyed most of our choices. Crispy chicken and the beef tartare were excellent.