The nearly 3-year-old chef-driven sandwich shop, Moto Deli, closed for business in Encinitas last week, but ownership has already opened a new concept in its place. Valentina is a casual, modern restaurant with a globally inspired menu now in its soft opening phase on the 101 in Leucadia.
Inspired by European scratch-made delis, Moto Deli was opened in the Leucadia area of Encinitas in November 2016 by local entrepreneur Mario Warman and longtime area chef Alex Carballo. A second location unveiled last summer within the space previously occupied by Roberto's Taco Shop at the Shell gas station located at 6695 Mira Mesa Boulevard in Mira Mesa, but that branch proved difficult so ownership reconceptualized it to become Taco Thunder earlier this year. Moto Deli's original location closed last weekend to undergo a renovation to transform the space and rebrand the concept.
Now open is Valentina, a casual restaurant with a menu influenced by the styles of Mexico, France and Italy From Chef Alex Carballo and owners Mario and Morgan Guerra are the owners, Valentina will serve the same menu that Moto Deli has been successful with during lunch hours and transition into a full-service, sit-down eatery in the evenings. Expect an eclectic array of rotating dishes including standouts like pulpo & papas, albondigas & marinara, gnocci & pesto, steak & frites, and chicken Palliard. To complement the locally inspired fare, the restaurant has curated a "fun & funky" wine list, as well as an array of local beers.
Valentina is located at 810 N Coast Hwy 101 in the Leucadia area of North Encinitas. For more information, follow the restaurant on Facebook and peruse the working menu below.
Valentina is located at 810 N Coast Hwy 101 in the Leucadia area of North Encinitas. For more information, follow the restaurant on Facebook and peruse the working menu below.
