Leilani Asian Fusion to host grand opening in downtown Aurora
First Friday Sneak Peek with Small Bites and Drinks on Aug. 2
Leilani Asian Fusion, a chef-driven experience that explores Filipino and Pan-Asian flavors and traditions, will open to the public on Friday, Aug. 9.
Located in the historic Hobbs Building at 2 N. River St. 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 partnered 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 space, an 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 seats 125 and seasonal outdoor seating for 50.
About Leilani Asian Fusion:
Located in the historic Hobbs Building, Leilani Asian Fusion is inspired by Abbey’s enduring love for her late partner Jason Morales and their daughter, for whom the restaurant is named. Leilani (Lay-Lah-Nee) is a culinary sanctuary where Asian flavors weave together, forming a unique tapestry inspired by the love, loyalty, and legacy that emerges when one’s mission is driven by a higher purpose. Leilani is inspired by Kintsugi — the Japanese art of restoring broken objects with gold-tinted lacquer to create something whole and beautiful by honoring its imperfections. By cultivating genuine connections and fusing ancient techniques and flavors with modern methods, Leilani seeks to leave a lasting legacy of cultural appreciation and culinary excellence.
For more information and a full menu, visit LeilaniAsianFusion.com.
Reservations only through OpenTable. Delivery through DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub