As seen on Top Chef, Top Chef Mexico, and Iron Chef, Claudette Zepeda's newest star restaurant has arrived in Encinitas! Welcome to Leu Leu, an intimate and eclectic eatery just 1.5 miles from Moonlight Beach. Located in the heart of Leucadia, this cozy yet sophisticated spot is quickly becoming a must-visit for food lovers. If you're searching for Moonlight Beach restaurants that offer a bold and unique dining experience, Leu Leu is unlike anything else.

A Restaurant Rooted in Culture and Creativity

Housed in a restored 1930s roadside motel, Leu Leu reflects the laid-back yet artistic energy of Leucadia. Zepeda, best known for her appearances on Top Chef, Top Chef Mexico, and Iron Chef, has created a deeply personal menu inspired by her Mexican American roots and extensive world travels.

Inside, the dining room exudes warmth and personality, with walls lined with wine bottles, vintage records, and artifacts that nod to Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences. Designed by the same creative team behind Waverly, the space balances cozy Moroccan-style seating with an open-air patio bordered by lush ficus trees, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

A Menu That Tells a Story

Zepeda’s food is as bold and dynamic as her career. Leu Leu’s menu combines global flavors with a playful, borderless approach to cooking. The dishes are inspired by Baja California’s Mediterranean climate while also pulling influences from Peru, Japan, and Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Some standout dishes include:

• Baja Yellowtail Crudo – raw yellowtail dressed in a lemongrass coconut leche de tigre, balanced with spicy carrot and chile chiltepín emulsion, topped with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, sunflower petals, and coconut chips.

• Rock Crab Ceviche-Stuffed Chiles Güeros – a blend of Sinaloan and Japanese influences, featuring umami-packed chile serrano ponzu.

• Pistachio Dukkah & Garlicky Toum – a flavorful, nutty dip with Middle Eastern inspiration.

• Calypso Bean Hummus – known as vaquitas in Mexico, this creamy hummus is dressed with za’atar and spicy zhoug.

• Fabergé Egg Hand Roll – sushi-wrapped egg over wagyu beef tartare, served with a spicy-sweet glaze and edible flowers for an interactive, flavor-packed bite.

• Pibil Lamb Shank – a tender, slow-cooked Yucatán-style lamb shank served with Calypso beans and pickled wild mushrooms instead of the traditional pickled onions.

• Duck Confit with Curry Mole – a rich and aromatic fusion of Mexican mole and curry, plated with whipped beans and tamal cakes.

To round out the meal, the dessert menu features “Super Sexy Sundaes” made with ice cream from local favorite Little Fox. A must-try is Matilda’s Revenge, layered with flourless chocolate cake, Principal Punchbowl ice cream, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles.

An Inviting Wine & Cocktail Experience

Leu Leu isn’t just about the food—it’s also a place to sip and savor. The carefully curated wine list showcases women winemakers and bottles from Rhone, Burgundy, North Coast California, and even Placerville. Guests are encouraged to kick back with a glass of fruity Cremant de Bourgogne or bubbly pét-nat from Mosel, adding to the restaurant’s fun, laid-back vibe.

A Short Distance from Moonlight Beach

If you’re searching for Moonlight Beach restaurants, Leu Leu is a perfect pre- or post-beach dining destination. Just a short drive from the sandy shores of Moonlight Beach, it offers a refined yet casual dining experience that pairs beautifully with a day spent surfing, sunbathing, or strolling along the coast.

Stay Near the Best Dining in Encinitas

For those visiting Encinitas, why not stay somewhere just as special as the restaurants you plan to explore? Ocean Blue at Moonlight Beach offers luxurious ocean-view accommodations just steps from the beach and a short distance from Leu Leu and other top-rated eateries. Enjoy the best of both worlds—fine dining and coastal relaxation—all in one unforgettable getaway.

Visit Leu Leu

📍 Location: 454 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA, 92024
📅 Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Closed Monday & Tuesday)
🔗 Reservations: Available on Resy
🥗 Check out the menu: Here

Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor looking for an exceptional culinary experience, Leu Leu is a must-visit. Pair it with a stay at Ocean Blue at Moonlight Beach for the ultimate Encinitas getaway filled with beachside relaxation and world-class dining.