Lenny's Casita | Our Story

Mexicali Soul. Kosher Heart. LA Born.

Chef Lenny Nourafchan grew up in Los Angeles enamored by Mexican food, culture, and the people who make it. What started as a backyard obsession became the kosher Mexicali concept this city didn't know it was missing.

A Sephardic Kid, LA Raised

Lenny grew up a Sephardic Jew in LA, and found a second home in Mexican street food — grilled meat, fresh tortillas, salsas with real heat. He never stopped chasing that feeling.

The Lamb Shawarma Taco

Before Lenny's Casita had a name, it had a secret special: Lamb Shawarma Tacos, quietly added during a soft opening at Charcoal. They sold out the first night — and customers kept coming back.

March 2020, One Phone Call

When the pandemic shut everything down, Lenny got a call from his meat supplier with a ghost kitchen opportunity — and he took it. He built Lenny's Casita from scratch and filled a hole in kosher dining nobody else was filling.

Pico Boulevard, Full Service

By summer 2021, the ghost kitchen had outgrown itself. Lenny opened a full restaurant and bar on Pico Boulevard — adding cocktails, a Shabbat menu, catering, and eventually Little Lenny's in Studio City.

The Place Lenny Always Wanted to Eat

Glatt Kosher under OK supervision, every plate made with intention, every guest treated like they belong. This is that restaurant — and now it's yours too.