The culinary landscape of North Park is poised to be infused with the flavors of the Middle East this week as CH Projects unveils its newest offering: a Middle Eastern restaurant and bar named Leila. San Diego Eater reports that the official opening is set for tomorrow, with the ambiance promising a night-time dining experience complete with the mimicry of a starlit sky, Moroccan lanterns, and the gentle sounds of a nearby waterfall enhancing the atmosphere.

At 4,800 square feet and 100 seats, the grandiose space still aims for intimacy, paying homage to co-founder Arsalun Tafazoli's Iranian heritage and his mother. Tafazoli, an only child of first-generation immigrants, drew inspiration from his travels in the Middle East and life in Iran during his teens to create a place that is both a reflection of his cultural identity and a tribute. Many of the cozy nooks within Leila are even adorned with his late mother's home furnishings.

The culinary direction is spearheaded by Executive Chef Wesley Remington Johnson, whose resume includes Portland's Tusk and Ava Gene’s and tenure with esteemed chef Michael Solomonov. Johnson will be bringing creativity to traditional dishes, such as a saffron-laden tahdig. He will leverage seasonal produce to reinvent other staples like ghormeh sabzi, as highlighted by San Diego Eater. The kitchen, equipped with a tandoor oven and fire pit, is a stage where diners can witness their meals being expertly crafted.

Complementing the food, a range of Middle Eastern wines and spirits will be served, including offerings from Lebanon’s dynamic wine scene and a sizable selection of arak. The bar, managed by Leigh Lecap, will boast beverages such as subtly spiced cocktails crafted to pair with the menu's flavors. For those unable to secure a dinner reservation during the opening week frenzy, the downstairs bar will welcome walk-ins, as mentioned on Leila's Instagram. The upstairs lounge is primed to offer a more relaxed setting exclusively for sipping cocktails, where patrons can indulge in concoctions like the Saz’Arak.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by LEILA (@leilanorthpark)

According to Leila's Instagram post, demand for this unique dining experience has been high, with reservations nearly booked for the first week. With its thoughtful integration of cultural celebration and culinary innovation, Leila is geared to add a new dimension to San Diego's diverse restaurant scene.