Leilani Asian Fusion, a chef-driven experience that explores Filipino and Pan-Asian flavors and traditions will open to the public Friday, Aug. 9 in the historic Hobbs Building at 2 N. River Street in Downtown Aurora, Leilani is a dining destination for locals and visitors from the surrounding suburbs that features extraordinary cuisine and an underground lounge open for late night entertainment, cocktails, and light bites.
Leilani Asian Fusion is the brainchild of an exceptional team of hospitality visionaries: Abigail Tiu-Kemph (general manager and strategic consultant, MORA Asian Fusion), executive chef Garnett Chavez, and chef de cuisine Clark Francisco (MORA, Roka Akor).
Together, they bring a wealth of culinary expertise and passion for Asian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that includes inventive takes on sushi, steak, vegetarian dishes, boba (bubble tea), signature cocktails, and much more. Abbey has been partners with Aurora-based developers Harish Ananthapadmanabhan and Jay Punukollu to bring Leilani to Aurora. The entire team is thrilled to contribute to the City’s growing reputation as a dining and cultural destination in the western suburbs.
“We are incredibly excited to introduce Leilani Asian Fusion to this vibrant community,” said Abbey Tiu-Kemph. “Leilani is named after my daughter in honor of her late father ,Jason Morales, an exceptional restaurateur and entrepreneur, engineer, and longtime supporter of Aurora’s revitalization. His giving spirit and zest for life lives on within the walls of this beautiful labor of love.”
“There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing our neighborhood thrive and grow,” said Leilani partner and investor, Harish Ananthapadmanabhan. “I’m all in when it comes to strategically backing local businesses and smart development projects. It’s like watching a garden bloom, it’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about creating real, tangible value for everyone who calls Aurora home. I truly believe Leilani will be a place for neighbors, businesses, and people, from surrounding cities to gather and celebrate while enjoying eclectic Asian cuisine. It’s like adding another thread to this beautiful, ever-growing fabric that makes our community so special.”
The space features 1,170 square feet of kitchen, a 1,100 square-foot patio, and 3,115 square feet of dining and bar seating on the first floor. Forbidden City, the restaurant’s 1,200 square-foot, 75-seat underground lounge conjures images from Southeast Asian nightclubs, and offers rum-inspired craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The venue includes a dining room that with seating 125 and seasonal outdoor seating for 50.
—City of Aurora government