Leilu closes after 5 years in Huntington

Five years ago, James and Meghan LaCourte invested in building their dream restaurant in their hometown of Huntington: Leilu. Wednesday marked its last night of service.

"We’re super sad to leave Huntington. We were both born and raised here, and we were doing what we love more than anything," James LaCourte said.

More than 20 years in the making, Leilu sprouted as an idea when the Huntington natives both worked at another neighboring spot, Joanina — Meghan as a server and James as a pizza maker in the restaurant’s adjacent deli. Serving modern comfort food in a low-key spot that never felt too fussy, Leilu emphasized seasonality and showcased Long Island ingredients. Named after their daughters, Leila and Lucie, the restaurant offered salads to small plates to shareables including Bavarian-style pretzels, wings, calamari and cauliflower bites. Mains spanned pasta, rice bowls, pork chops, fish and burgers.

Leilu opened in 2019, six months before the pandemic began. "That was really rough for us, it started there," LaCourte said of the unexpected hardships of opening in tough times. Inflation and other rising expenses have become too much.

"The cost of goods are extremely high, the cost of insurance is through the roof, and ultimately, we have to think about our family," LaCourte said. "While we’re busy, we’re just not busy enough to make ends meet."

Leilu, 10 New St., Huntington, 631-944-3111, leiluhuntington.com

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.