Enchanted by the guerrera spirit of Chef Claudette Zepeda, Leu Leu is a rare jewel tucked within the seaside corner of Leucadia, a love letter to Leucadia. Follow the winds along the Tropic of Cancer, where her menu dances between the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean, the spice-laden markets of Morocco, and the faraway wonders of the East—all reimagined through a lens of her vibrant Mexican soul. As mysterious and magnetic as a story joyfully sung under a full moon, Leu Leu entices with bold flavors and rare melodies that linger long after the last bite. She’s not just a restaurant; she’s an homage to our loved ones, a memory, a siren’s call for those who seek adventure and the tangible touch of magic.
Hours
| Friday | 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5–10 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 466 N Coast Hwy 101 ste 1, Encinitas, CA 92024
Website: https://www.leuleuleucadia.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
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Reviews
The stars of the show: the hummus and feta dips, the red snapper ceviche, and the meatballs. The meatballs were an especially tasty surprise, deeply flavorful and the perfect succulent texture. We also had the fried chicken and the shrimp toast, which were tasty – not my favorite, but the others in my party really loved them. They had an approachable list of wines by the glass, a bottle list, and then a third crazy list of extremely expensive bottles that was fun to peruse.
Apparently the menu changes often, and I didn’t get a chance to see more of the space. I’ll be back to try and experience more. Leu Leu has plenty of style but the substance is there too.
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.
I was worried based on some recent reviews that the service would be lacking and I was very pleasantly surprised that we had excellent service. We were seated right away, never rushed and followed up with a few times.
The food was a bit of a miss. The rip and dip bread was great from Praeger brothers, but the dips were not great. The steak tartare was completely drowned in pomegranate molasses and cloyingly sweet and hard to eat. The ceviche was decent. Lots of herby flavor, nothing special though.
The lemon chicken soup was delicious. The first hit of the night. Then the whole
Market fish was also very good. I liked the lemon caper orzo side and the 2 ways the fish was prepared. Again it was heavy on the herbs but good.
Desert was a little cake and ice cream. Again nothing special.
Overall I was a bit disappointed with the meal. It’s expensive for what you’re getting and nothing was a standout to make me want to return.
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.