Leland Eating and Drinking House: A Story of Culinary Heritage, Community, and NYC Inspiration

A Neighborhood Gem Rooted in Heritage and Hospitality

In the heart of Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights lies a restaurant that has become more than just a place to dine. Leland Eating and Drinking House is a thoughtful reflection of the people behind it—Randi Lee, a seasoned restaurateur with deep industry ties, and Chef Delfin Jaranilla, whose culinary identity is steeped in Filipino heritage and multicultural creativity. Together, they’ve created a space where flavor, memory, and community converge.

Leland is not a flashy or overly conceptual restaurant. Instead, it’s one of those rare neighborhood spots that feels immediately familiar yet quietly elevated. And that’s no accident—every element of the restaurant, from its warm hospitality to the ever-evolving menu, is shaped by the founders’ personal journeys and shared admiration for the diversity of New York City’s culinary scene.

The Story Behind Leland

Opening a restaurant in Brooklyn is no small feat. The borough is saturated with talent, innovation, and hyper-local competition. But for Randi Lee, who spent years managing and collaborating with some of the city's best-known establishments, it was time to channel those experiences into something deeply personal.

Leland was conceived as a place where neighborhood connections matter just as much as the food. When the doors opened in Prospect Heights, the goal was simple but ambitious: to create a restaurant that felt like a second home—welcoming, inclusive, and always inspiring.

The name “Leland” itself carries familial warmth. It’s a subtle nod to nostalgia, friendship, and belonging—core values that thread through the restaurant’s identity.

A Chef’s Heritage and Creative Palette

Chef Delfin Jaranilla brings to the table a culinary narrative that is as vibrant as it is rooted. Raised in a Filipino household and trained through years of hands-on experience, Jaranilla’s cooking is a blend of cultural reverence and modern exploration.

While Filipino dishes inform many of the textures and tastes on the menu, Jaranilla also weaves in elements from other Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese, due to co-founder Randi Lee’s background. This blending isn’t about fusion for the sake of novelty—it’s about honest storytelling through food.

Whether it’s a slow-braised meat dish reminiscent of Filipino adobo or a delicate dumpling drawing from Cantonese influence, Jaranilla approaches each plate with intention and craft. His style is layered, soulful, and reflective of both tradition and adaptation.

Inspiration Found Across the City

What sets Leland apart isn’t just its own narrative—it’s how openly the team draws inspiration from New York’s vibrant food culture. For Lee and Jaranilla, eating out is essential research. They don’t just visit other restaurants to enjoy a night off; they observe, learn, and absorb.

From bustling ramen counters to serene fine-dining spots, the duo pays close attention to what makes a dining experience memorable. It could be the way a host greets guests, how a menu flows, or how a dish balances seasoning. This practice of culinary curiosity fuels their ongoing evolution at Leland.

Rather than compete with their favorite spots, they let them inspire. There’s an admiration—sometimes tinged with a hint of creative envy—that pushes them to refine and reimagine their own offerings.

What Makes the Menu Special

The menu at Leland Eating and Drinking House is seasonal, dynamic, and deeply personal. It doesn’t lean into gimmicks or trends. Instead, it champions local ingredients and global influences through thoughtful execution.

Dishes often rotate, guided by the rhythm of the market and the whimsy of the kitchen. You might find a comforting bowl of noodles topped with tender meat, or a crudo that balances bright citrus with fermented heat. Even bar snacks and small plates carry that signature Leland imprint—bold flavors presented with restraint.

One constant, however, is the emphasis on hospitality. Every item, from drinks to dessert, is designed to complement the experience of gathering and sharing. Whether you come alone, with friends, or with family, Leland welcomes you like a regular.

A Commitment to Community

Part of Leland’s strength lies in its commitment to neighborhood and culture. This is a restaurant that doesn’t just serve food—it builds relationships. Lee and Jaranilla are often seen engaging with guests, checking in on tables, or introducing new menu items with enthusiasm.

Their approach to staffing also reflects that spirit. The team is diverse, passionate, and encouraged to contribute creatively. For both co-founders, cultivating a strong restaurant culture is just as important as perfecting a recipe.

During the pandemic, Leland adapted quickly, offering takeout and creating community meal programs to support frontline workers and local families. This sense of responsiveness and care hasn’t faded as the city recovered—it’s become foundational.

Bridging Cultures with Every Bite

At its core, Leland is about connection. It connects cultures—Chinese, Filipino, American. It connects traditions with new techniques. And most importantly, it connects people.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is cozy and modern, adorned with natural wood, greenery, and subtle design details that reflect calm energy. It’s a place where flavors from childhood mingle with contemporary creativity, and where guests feel both transported and grounded.

There’s no single definition of the food at Leland, and that’s precisely the point. The team resists the pressure to fit into a category. Instead, they focus on serving food with integrity, curiosity, and joy.

Conclusion: A Living Tribute to Culinary Inspiration

In a city defined by constant reinvention, Leland Eating and Drinking House stands out for its sincerity. It’s not chasing stars or headlines—it’s quietly building a legacy based on authenticity, collaboration, and culinary respect.