Celebrity chef Claudette Zepeda, who has appeared on Netflix’s Iron Chef Mexico, is getting ready to open a brand new lounge in Leucadia called Leu Leu, located at 466 N. Coast Hwy 101.
The new lounge will replace Coastal Eatery, as first reported by San Diego Magazine. Zepeda will open Leu Leu with the help of Jason Janececk, who co-owns Corner Pizza, and Britt Corrales, a Leucadia native who owns Mariposa Events Co. Zepeda tells What Now San Diego that this concept will likely open in February 2025. The owner’s social media shows the restaurant recently passed its city inspection with flying colors.
The new dining concept is set to open in a charming 1930s bungalow, designed by Design 4 Corners, offering a unique experience distinct from Zepeda’s previous restaurants like Vaga in Encinitas and El Jardín. As a partner in this venture, Zepeda will focus beyond just the kitchen. The intimate space will allow the award-winning chef to cook how she wants, featuring a menu that blends Mexican-American flavors with occasional Mediterranean, Moroccan, and Eastern dishes. Highlights include Leu Leu’s Fabergé egg, duck confit tamal, masa koji roasted beets, pibil lamb shank, and sea bass kofta meatballs. Guests can enjoy sundaes with ice cream from Oceanside’s Little Fox Cups & Cones for dessert.
Zepeda is based in San Diego and is known for her bold regional Mexican cuisine. With over 20 years of experience and extensive travels throughout Mexico, she has a deep understanding of indigenous ingredients. As the Founder and Creative Director of Chispa Hospitality, she oversees projects in Nashville, Australia, and Mexico. Previously, she was the executive chef and partner at El Jardín. This recognized regional Mexican restaurant received rave reviews from The New York Times and accolades from Esquire and Michelin. In 2018, Zepeda was named Chef of the Year by Eater San Diego and the San Diego Union-Tribune, and she was a James Beard Best Chef West semifinalist in 2019.
