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About Leu Leu

Inspired by the wild guerrera spirit of Chef Claudette Zepeda, Leu Leu is meant to be a hidden gem in the heart of Leucadia, where bold flavors and rare melodies entwine like old lovers, kindred spirits or soon-to-realize soulmates. Her menu, guided by the sunlit path of the Tropic of Cancer, drifts from the shores of the Mediterranean to the spice markets of Morocco and the faraway wonders of the East, all reimagined through the lens of our Chef’s soulful Mexican roots. As magnetic and mysterious as a whispered loving secret, Leu Leu isn’t just a restaurant—she’s an untouchable muse, a dreamed memory, a lingering taste of something unforgettable but unplaceable. A love letter about a love story, imagined.

Our Journey

2025

She is Born

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2023

Renovations Begin

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2020

The Idea is Conceived

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AN INTIMATE
MUSIC EXPERIENCE. A PLACE TO DANCE WILD & FREE

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Full Moon

Claudette Zepeda is an award-winning, San Diego-based chef and culinary entrepreneur known for her fearless style and bold approach to regional Mexican cuisine. A celebrated culinary anthropologist, Zepeda draws upon 20+ years of experience working in restaurant kitchens, as well as her extensive travels around the world and throughout Mexico that inform her vast knowledge of indigenous ingredients and cross-cultural expressions of cuisine.

Its about showing your roots.

Zepeda's multi-faceted expertise is showcased in her role overseeing the creative vision as Founder of Chispa Hospitality, including food concepts in San Diego, Nashville, Australia, Mexico. Her latest project, Leu Leu in North County San Diego, where she is the Executive Chef and Partner authors a love letter to San Diego and the Beach Bungalow culture of the space.

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Her
Story

Celebrates global cuisine through her creative lens. In 2022-2023, she represented the U.S. in London & Paris for the Taittinger Champagne Prix Culinaire, the first time ever the US participated in the 55 year competition history. Zepeda has also garnered national acclaim for her food, including receiving a glowing review from the New York Times, inclusion on Esquire’s 2018 & 2021 Best New Restaurants, Michelin Bib Gourmand list.

A Cosmic Cocina

A Love Letter to Leucadia

Zepeda was also named both Eater San Diego and San Diego Union Tribune’s Chef of the Year in 2018, and was a James Beard Best Chef West semifinalist in 2019. 

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Television appearances highlights:

2017-18 Top Chef Season 15 & Top Chef México Season 2

2022 Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend & Iron Chef México 

2022 Bobby’s Triple Threat

2023 Guest Chef on Selena & The Chef, Christmas Special

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FIND US ON THE 101

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LOCATION

466 N Coast Highway 101

Encinitas, CA 92024

OPERATING HOURS

WED - SUN: 5PM - 10PM

CONTACT US

PHONE - 123-456-7890

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