San Diego just keeps proving it’s more than sun-kissed beaches, and Leila in the city’s hipster North Park is the latest piece of evidence, infusing North African and Middle Eastern themes into its very essence. This isn't just another restaurant; it’s a sensory experience rooted in memory, culture, and deep connection. CH Projects, those boundary-pushing masterminds, have truly outdone themselves.
Set the Scene
This isn't just another hotspot; it’s CH Projects’ founder, Arsalun Tafazoli’s, most personal project yet. He calls it a “personal tribute,” a culinary memoir weaving his Iranian and Moroccan heritage with formative travels through the Middle East. For him, food was the constant in a world of cultural shifts—a connector, a comfort, a damn good celebration. Leila is his love letter to that region’s cuisine, hospitality, and soul.
Step beneath that crimson Farsi inscription at the entrance, and you’ll forget you’re in San Diego. CH Projects’ design team, the Department of Interior, transformed the space into a living, breathing Moroccan night market. An eighteen-foot water feature anchors the room, flanked by ornate millwork, glowing lanterns, and walls layered with richly colored tapestries and tilework. Overhead, a star-lit ceiling and flickering Moroccan bazaar fixtures cast a golden hue over it all. At the heart of it: a custom-built clay oven—constructed over nine months in the UK—that brings ancient cooking techniques back to life.
The Menu
Leila champions communal dining, starting with Salatim Platters loaded with spreads like Labne, Muhammara, and Zhoug—perfect for scooping with house-made Barbari and Fry Bread. Flame-kissed kabobs and skewers feature chicken, quail, beef koobideh, and marinated salmon. Don’t skip the Tabbouleh with bluefin tuna or the Fire Roasted Cauliflower. For a showstopper, try the Whole Fish in a Cage or the fall-apart Braised and Grilled Lamb Shank.
What About Drinks?
The bar program is equally ambitious. Highlights include the Majda, a Moroccan-inspired spritz, and the Azizam—a saffron-tinged arak piña colada. The Joon, a Persian dirty martini, is served ice-cold with pickled vegetables and a frozen plum. For non-drinkers, the pomegranate Tonik and ornate Persian tea service deliver bold, memorable sips.
Final Thoughts
Leila’s immersive design and atmosphere transport you straight to the heart of the Middle East and North Africa, down to the smallest detail. It’s artfully executed—rich, layered, and soulful—without even a whisper of cliché or kitsch. Simply put, it’s one of San Diego’s best restaurants, delivering on food, vibe, and design in equal, unforgettable measure.
Top Takeaways
Location: San Diego, CA (North Park neighborhood)
Address: 3956 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
The vibe: A thoughtful love letter to the Middle East and North Africa
Cuisine: Persian, Middle Eastern, and North African
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations: Yes—Open Table
Our favorite thing on the menu: Everything was so tasty, but it would be especially amiss if I didn’t tout the Knafeh Sundae, comprised of shredded filo, sweetened cheese, orange blossom syrup, pistachio, and seasonal accompaniments.
The attire: Smart casual—don’t wear flip flops (as a San Diego native, I know the sandal urge is hard to resist)
Hours: Open daily from 5 PM.
- Sunday–Thursday: until 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday: until midnight
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