Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge is an upscale restaurant on Coronado Island owned by David Spatafore, a Coronado native. The restaurant’s design and menu were inspired by Spatafore’s well-traveled cousin Leroy Mossel who is of Indonesian and Dutch decent, speaks four languages, and served as a sort of muse for the eclectic restaurant.
The two partnered to create Blue Bridge Hospitality using Mossel’s international background and Spatafore’s desire to bring farm-to-table dining to the island neighborhood. Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge isn’t just a local favorite; it’s been featured in a multitude of media outlets such as the Huffington Post, San Diego Reader, and NBC San Diego. When dining at Leroy’s, guests will enjoy diverse and deliciously uncommon mixtures of ingredients in a delightfully industrial chic space.
Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge Ambiance
Farm-to-table cooking is very much based on the principle that simple is better. It utilizes natures’ fresh ingredients, grass fed meats, and fresh seafood. At Leroy’s Kitchen, this mind-set of natural simplicity is also applied to the restaurant’s design. The structure, made of wood planks and brick, define its urban look and feel. The ceiling adds an industrial feel with exposed beams and pipes that bring in a level of grit, but in a contemporary way.
Rustic low-rise wood partitions act as room separators, creating different seating areas that simultaneously feel intimate and open. Brick pillars, hand-written chalkboards, and plasma screen televisions showing seasonal sports provide masculine energy to Leroy’s. Local artists’ paintings, fresh flowers, dim lighting, and an exceptional light wood wine rack add the yin to the restaurant’s yang creating perfect balance for dining.
Outside, patio dining is perfect for those who want to bask in the island sun. The long patio is lined with tables and chairs are in a single row. Bright orange umbrellas offer shade; it’s a great place to quietly people-watch, or enjoy intimate conversation.
Leroy’s Kitchen Food
Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge is all about creating delicious dishes with sustainably sourced food. Combining this element with the global influences inspired by Mossels’ travels, they’ve managed to create an eclectic menu that changes seasonally. You’ll find a diverse mix of natural flavors uniquely paired with slightly off-the-wall ingredients. Start with diverse Bites selections – traditional fare like chicken wings, mac & cheese, and truffle fries – but, with a twist like pomegranate ketchup for your dipping pleasure. For the more daring palate, try the Poke Tacos – ahi tuna, Napa slaw, and spicy cream, on a crispy wonton; or the Smoked Quail with arugula, aged balsamic, and parmesan. For lunch you can find everything from Leroy’s Burger with a bacon jam to Moules Frites – Thai curry broth, cilantro, and fries.
Dinner is all about elegance with an array of uniquely designed entrées. Yellowtail, rib-eye, scallops, and duck fettuccine provide a good assortment of red meat, seafood, and pasta. Roasted Mary’s Half Chicken with sweet potatoes, Kabocha squash, and warm kale, give you mama-style eats with an upscale twist. Vegetarians will love the Anson Mills Ancient Grains – chickpea puree, squash, broccolini, and wild mushrooms. The Naughty Ding Dong, or Pumpkin & Chai Tea Mousse Pie are great dessert choices. The is simply amazing, but the staff makes your dining experience complete from the beginning when your bartender helps you select the perfect craft beer flight or signature cocktail, to the end when he calls out your name with a wave, a smile, and a genuine farewell.
Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge Details
Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge is located on the corner of Orange Avenue and Tenth Street on the ocean end of Coronado Island. They offer pre-dinner Happy Hour daily, and an additional Happy Hour for the late night crowd. Great deals include their signature drinks, craft beers, and wine, as well as a few Bite menu items. Late night visitors can even enjoy a Leroy’s Burger. Brunch is served on weekends with bonus menu items like Berry Brioche French Toast, and Beef Sugo Hash. The restaurant is ADA accessible, and has bike and street parking. Kids are welcome, and will find a variety of yummy menu items. Groups are welcome. There is a private dining room that seats 12. The restaurant provides free Wi-Fi.
Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge Neighborhood
Island Surf is conveniently located on one side of Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge, a perfect place to rent or buy beach and surf equipment. On the other side you’ll find Bay Books; they sell a variety of magazines, books, and newspapers, great for getting a few beach reads. Sea Shirts is a few steps farther down on the corner; the shop sells beachwear, T-shirts, and beach-themed accessories. Across the street is the iconic Lamb’s Players Theater, which hosts five productions each year.
Coronado Island is predominately known for having some of the best beaches in the San Diego area. The island is a great place for a multitude of water sports. Central Beach is the jewel of the Island due to its sugar white sand that can’t be found anywhere else in the San Diego. Renting bikes, and cruising the trails around Coronado is a great way to enjoy the gentle cool breeze, and gorgeous ocean setting while exploring. The only thing better than visiting this Island, is staying on this Island, especially if you plan to stay at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, a luxurious hotel that has catered to the stars.
