My wife and I have been wanting to try Layla's for a while. We love Mediterranean food and have dined at most of the restaurants around town. We love this place and the food was amazing. What an awesome family ran place. When we arrived we were greeted by Layla and her staff. We were quickly seated and our service was top notch. Our server was a young lady, she was very personable, efficient, and always made sure we had what we needed. This place has amazing food, incredible ambiance, and it has that family feel. We plan on making Layla's one of out regular places. Thank you to everyone there that made this experience possible. SEE YOU AGAIN VERY SOON!!!
(5)
Bill S.
Was passing through SLC last night and decided to try Layla's based on a friend's suggestion. The four of us took a table in the bar and proceeded to order our dinners. I am happy to tell you that the beef short-ribs that I enjoyed (with broccoli and some delicious rice) paired with a nice red wine turned out to be a very delicious dinner. Additionally, the prices were reasonable and the service very attentive. I encourage you to try it - I will again next time I'm in town.
(5)
Aleena S.
My favorite out of the Mediterranean places in Salt Lake area! I would say it's comparable to Mazza, but much better. I came here for lunch with coworkers midweek and the service was really fast and friendly and the food was all excellent! Got the lamb kabobs with house salad and fries :)
(4)
David G.
Found this on Yelp when I was in the area (thanks, Yelpers) and had to try it. Glad I did. Went there at lunchtime on a Monday. Not at all crowded so service was, predictably, spot on. The food was great! It's refreshing to find new places (well, new to me at least) to try and this one didn't disappoint.
(4)
Geoff W.
This place is totally overrated. Not terrible, mind you, but certainly overrated, and both bland and expensive enough to make it not worth my while to eat here again. I also agree with a previous reviewer that they take themselves way too seriously, especially considering the relatively weak caliber of this food.. not the friendliest folks in the Valley, put it that way. Considering the stand-off-ishness, I can very easily envision their aforementioned aversion to children here, too, so parents beware! I finally made it in for lunch today, but probably won't be going back, unless I'm invited by someone else. I had been in before to pick up a menu and take a look at the place, and picked up instead on some pretty cold, stiff, vibes and some hard looks from what seemed to be the delusional proprietors trying over-earnestly to cater exclusively to what they perceive to be a snobby, discriminating, upper-crust Holladay/Cottonwood/East Bench clientele. Nonetheless, thinking this might have been a fluke, my wife and I went in today for the full experience and ordered a good variety of items. I really don't understand how they've received all the 'Best' awards for years running consecutively, unless it was for decor. I've been eating Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/Greek/Lebanese/Persian food enthusiastically for decades, and I've definitely had better... lots better. The place is very nicely decorated in an airy, modern, Persian-Art Deco motif on the inside, and is very ethereal and pretty looking, but the food was unoriginal and quite bland; Very nice presentation on some of the items, and above mediocre for sure, but seriously nothing to write home about. Really good french fries, though-- The kids will love them! Mazza, and even our good ol' reliable friends at The Med do a much better job at good-tasting food of this type than these guys. Again, the operative word at Layla is BLAND. Skip it.
(2)
Nina Z.
Yelpers, you really steered me wrong this time. Layla has been on my to-eat list for months, and I finally got a chance to check it out for lunch this week. Boy was I disappointed! While I am not Middle Eastern myself, I was lucky enough to grow up eating middle eastern food from many different regions - Pakistani, Turkish, Israeli, Afghani, Persian. I've eaten it all, and I'd consider myself familiar with the dishes and flavors. We ordered a combination platter of mezze (small dishes) contained Kibbeh (beef meatball/croquette), Hummus, and Hollum Cheese as well as a Lahm Bi Ajin (Flatbread with ground beef). First, the portions were a JOKE. Even though the menu describes the item as croquette[s] PLURAL we got one kibbeh about the size of a hard boiled egg along with a tiny portion of hummus and a sliver of cheese so small I could have eaten it in one bite. If the laughable portion wasn't bad enough, the spices and flavors of all these items were totally wrong. The meat was bland and had zero heat. The hummus was also severely lacking in flavor and far from the best I've ever tasted. To summarize, my experience at Layla consisted of a bland, unoriginal, and severely overpriced meal. If you'd really like to be WOWed by middle eastern dishes, I highly recommend spending your time and money at the newly opened Cafe Zaferan ( yelp.com/biz/zaferan-caf… ) instead.
(1)
Van N.
The only times I get to have Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food is when I am in D.C. (And I only go there once a year). I FINALLY convinced my boyfriend to take me to Layla. He never had Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food before so I was so excited that his first experience was a spectacular one! We were the first customers in after 5:00pm so we had a lot of power, we got to choose where we wanted to sit, yay. Once seated, our server came quickly to our table and asked if we needed any assistance ordering and gave us their specials of the day. We ended up ordering the grape leaves, Moroccan chicken, Salmon with saffron butter, Layla fries, and a side of pita. My favorite was the grape leaves and salmon with saffron butter. The grape leaves were very citrusy and the salmon was literally melt in your mouth good, cooked to perfection. The chefs accidentally gave me vermicelli rice instead of Layla fries. Once I let our server know, he immediately went and put in an order of fries at no charge. For dessert, my boyfriend and I were torn between the mini roses and orange blossom infused ice cream. We decided we will be back in the future and since we were so full, we got the ice cream. This is the part where Layla lost one whole star. While we were eating our ice cream, the cup that was holding it shattered out of no where! Either the glass cup was fairly cheap or we were hammering down that ice cream like there was no tomorrow. Overall, amazing food, chic ambience, and great service. We will definitely be back. I have my eyes on the Turkish coffee with condensed milk and the mini roses. Hopefully we won't break anything when we come back.
(4)
Kylie M.
My favorite restaurant!! I love the Fatoush salad and Med Chicken. So good!
(5)
Nga T.
Love this place!! The food is just DELISH!!! Super friendly staff and very nice atmosphere. A must try for everyone!
(5)
John C.
Gave this place 4 stars as the food was 5 stars the service was 1 star. We were the 3rd table to arrive, 4 other tables came after us and had their order taken before us. I went to the other server that was on the ball and asked if we could get our order taken? Finally the other server came out from hiding and took our order. We were furious, we sat there for 30 minutes. We ordered a lot of appetizers to share between four of us. So excellent, so flavorful, so fresh. The main courses were just as awesome. It was unfortunate we kept on asking for the same things over and over. I know Gordon Ramsay would shut the place down for poor service. :-)
(4)
Laura B.
I only know of one other Lebanese place in SLC & their menu couldn't be more different! It was a pleasantly surprise though Layla's service far surpasses the other. I shared a plate with my partner but we couldn't finish our meal, it was so large!
It's my first visit here. I really enjoy the environment. It's quite, classy, and relax. Me and my friend have ordered their famous Layla's signature fries, their special-Lamb Meatball, and Lamb Shank. The fries were great, it didn't look like a big portion at first, but when we started eating, we've found out that there were actually a lot of fries in that cone. The Lamb Shank did taste like lamb at first, but when we chewed longer, it became to taste like pork. It was really tender. It seemed like that the lamb has been cooked for a very long time, but maybe because of this, it has lost the flavor that a lamb shank supposed to have. However, the lamb meatball was great. It was very "lamby". The meatball was a bit too salty for me when it was eaten by itself, but when it was eaten with millet underneath, it tasted perfect. Conclusion: Great atmosphere, great service, great food.
(3)
Jomar H.
This is a great place when Layla...is here. Today the waitress has been super RUDE. His name is Josh
(1)
Michael H.
I took my kids and wife to Layla and was blown away. We were walk ins with no reservation. My wife is of Turkish nationality, so we know this food extremely well. A little pricey and honestly weird to have fries on the menu (which were excellent, but bring on the kebob) the food, service and ambiance were all excellent and well beyond expectation. Some of these other reviews talking about don't bring the kids --- didn't happen with us, we were treated first class. Absolutely coming back and bringing the kids with us. 1000% better than Aristos or Mazza and brings uniqueness to food from the region.
(4)
Nate S.
If you find your self in Old Town (new and fake, of course) Holladay with a hankering for Mediterranean/Lebanese, Layla will service your basic needs. It will be expensive, however, and in every regard (other than cost) it will be a lesser experience than the one you'd have at Mazza. Rosewater tea, lavash wraps, herbed fries, dripping-with-grease musakhen, $9 "spring mix" salad with two dominos of fried cheese, overpowering plug-in air fresheners inside: for me, it's a recipe for waiting until I can get back to Mecca ... er, Mazza.
(3)
Amy K.
Sat at the bar top...extremely friendly service. Spoke to owners daughter...good people with great intentions on making your dining experience enjoyable. Mixed drink and beer were tasty. Sampler Appetizer with hummus was amazing. Meals were very hearty and filling. Glad we tried this restaurant. Loved it.
(5)
Lori D.
Wonderful food and ambiance. A really cool little place in Holladay. They know how to take care of their customers!
(5)
Brooke W.
I cook. A lot. And I'm very good at it, so when I find a restaurant that blows away what I can make at home I'm theirs for life. Layla is one of those rare places that I feel like I'm getting my money's worth for someone else's cooking. It's a good thing it's not closer, or my budget would be shot.
(5)
Missy B.
Don't take your children to Layla. No, seriously, don't--little ones are neither wanted nor welcome. As for whether you should go there yourself, I'd say maybe, possibly, but probably not. We decided to give Layla a try because we love Mediterranean food and after having lived and traveled extensively in the region, we were excited to try a new restaurant that features the cuisine, especially one that was so highly rated on Yelp. Because we wanted to take our children, who are both well behaved and accustomed to eating out, we made a reservation for 5:00, which is when they open. We love our kids and think they're great, but we also understand that some people don't want to dine with children (even well mannered children) so we always arrange to eat at restaurants before they get busy. Unfortunately, our children were not welcome at Layla, in practice if not actual policy, even though we were literally the only guests in the restaurant for over 45 minutes. When the hostess, a grouchy senior citizen (perhaps the family matriarch?) saw we had kids in our party, she was visibly hostile and rude. We asked if they had a booster seat for our preschooler and she responded "we don't offer those" in an incredibly brusque tone. I have no doubt that if we had not made a reservation, she'd have refused to seat us at all, like another reviewer experienced. Once seated, we took in the restaurant itself, and it is very chic. It avoids the typical, gaudy decor that is so common in family-run ethnic restaurants. The restaurant is very tasteful and simple, with a modern vibe. Our server, Liz, was very knowledgeable and recommended some mezze for is to try. And our glasses, though small, were never empty. The wait staff was a large improvement over the hostess. The food itself was a bit disappointing. Our hummus, though topped with an excellent olive oil, was very, very bland. There was no hint of sesame, garlic, or any of the other usual spices. The muhummara (a red pepper, walnut, and pomegranate molasses dip) was better, but not as good as what other places in the valley offer. The pitas used for dipping were a bit cardboard-like in texture, maybe left overs from yesterday. We ordered a variety of entrees. My chicken skewer was boring and dry. They served it with a garlic aioli, which helped somewhat, but the overall flavor was only of charring, and not in a good way. The lamb was over cooked and dry as well. The lavash wraps were good, but not great. The moussaka was probably the best thing ordered by our table. I'd give the food three stars--edible, but certainly not life changing. As we finished our meal and other guests began trickling in, it became clear the staff wanted us OUT. They took our plates, which still had food on them, without asking if we were done. When they gave us the bill, they stood there waiting for us to produce our card and they had it back to us for a signature in about 45 seconds. Our children were not making noise, but it was clear the staff was done with us. As we walked out the door, the elderly hostess gave us such a sour look, I couldn't believe it. Layla clearly considers itself a fine fining establishment, but let's be honest, their menu consists of wraps, kabobs, and finger foods. All the entrees come with fries. I think they take themselves a bit too seriously. And for all that, the food wasn't that great. We've had much better Mediterranean fare at kitschy little Cafe Med (whose ambiance can't touch Layla, but whose food leaves Layla in the dust). If you're looking for a classy, quiet, child-free restaurant, and those elements are more important to you than the food itself, Layla may be for you. If you want a knock-your-socks off meal look elsewhere. And seriously, don't take your kids. Personally, we won't be back.
(2)
Ryan G.
My wife and I set out on Friday night to have a nice evening over a quality meal and decided to head to Layla. She had lunch with her friends at Layla about a year prior and was excited to take me because she enjoyed it the last time. Unfortunately our meal didn't live up to her expectation. We arrived for our reservation and the staff didn't seem to know what that entailed so we said we would wait at the bar, however, the bar was apparently full so we waited in the entryway of the building. After about 15 minutes they showed us to our table and our waitress took our drink orders, I had "squaters IPA" which one nobody seemed to know fortunately it was off duty instead of hops rising. At this point we ordered to appetizer sampler which turned up with burned baba ganoush and kibbeh and dry pita bread, the hummus was good. Also they brought out an excellent roll so good in them. After our appetizers our entrees came out. I had a dish with chicken, Israel cuscus, pearled onions and "secret house spices" and the wife had a falafel wrap with rice. Apparently secret spices are devoid of flavor as my dish had almost none to speak of but at least the chicken was moist. The real problem was that my wife's falafel was burned. So we stared at each other for a few minutes with me picking the chicken out of my dish and her eating her pretty good rice before one of us pointed out the obvious, What a hunk of crap. Also nobody bothered to check on us for about 15 minutes after we received our entree which is frustrating because our food should have been sent packing back to the kitchen. The only thing that kept this from being one star is that our server recognized that the falafel was scorched and comped it but otherwise this was a near total loss for around $80 bucks. I guess I could chalk this up to an off night but given the hype and price tag and the fact that they burned 3 staples of Lebanese cuisine in one night I'd say they earned the criticism. For your sake don't buy the hype and go to a middle eastern place that can cook falafel.
(2)
Scott P.
Layla's is the best. The food is wonderful. The service is always spot on. Great atmosphere. One of the best in Salt Lake. A must try!
(5)
Gwen A.
This was our first time trying out this little neighborhood dig and we thoroughly enjoyed our date night. The only reason I have 4 stars instead of 5 was because Layla's has a wonderful romantic atmosphere, low lighting, candles, clean, cute patio but the TV's in the bar area kind of through me off. The food however was wonderful. It's an easy place to try a new kind of food and get great results. We ordered the falafel and grape leaves for an appetizer and the Kushari to split for our entree. It's huge! A delicous vegetarian plate with rice, noodles, lentil and an amazing tangy tomatoe sauce.
(4)
Jc C.
First time here, nice atmosphere feel of the place. I ordered the Scottish salmon my girlfriend placed the Lamb shank. Both dish was great o just thinks portion was small. But good tasting food.
(4)
Anna C.
The food is great. It tastes totally genuine and like an old school family recipe. We ordered the beef short ribs and the morrocan chicken. The portions are more than I expected and we are looking forward to going back. The only drawback was the dining area felt a little cramped.
(4)
Charlynn T.
WOW! I feel sheepish even posting this review because of all the "buzz" and good reviews. I had the opposite experience from most, it seems. We decided to try Layla on a recommendation from a friend. It was a busy night and it looked like they were hosting a company Christmas party. The space is small and LOUD. A server right right near our table was wrapping silverware and I couldn't hear anything over the clanking. TIP - move the silverware station at least 5 feet away from diners. Totally not cool. Let me start by saying that I am not picky, and I usually let service slide if the food is good. Being vegan, we were excited to try the menu since they seemed to have a few options. Maybe that is where my review is bias? Meat dishes must be much better than what we ordered, based on the stellar reviews. We stared with the Falafel, which were extremely dry and hard. It was like eating a hockey puck with fry sauce. I ended up sending back my salad after having to flag down the hostess (waiter didn't check on us after our food dropped) because of way too much dressing. My husbands dish of Vegetarian Lebanese Moussaka was so-so, but lacked flavor in a bad way. Reminded me of a frozen dish from the microwave. He was finished by the time our waiter came back to our table to check on us. Prices were incredibly high for what we received. $60 bucks later, we left still hungry and with a headache from all the noise.
(2)
Steven S.
Best Mediterranean place I have been to! The service was very kind! Very informative in the ordering process. We grabbed a few things for lunch and shared. Moussaka, falafel, kabobs, fries and salad were all 100% amazing! It really was a grand adventure for my taste buds! The fries had a unique Mediterranean seasoning treatment I was fond of, served with fry sauce (a utah must) !!! The building itself is odd for a restaurant, food service was obviously not its original purpose; however they keep it very clean and neat. They do take out if you want their awesome offerings on the run!
(5)
Randall C.
What a meal! Came in to get carry out but decided to sit at the bar for dinner instead. It just felt so warm and inviting, I had to stay. I ordered the Beef Shawarma with Layla's Signature Fries. The Shawarma meat was perfectly seasoned and the tahini sauce was spot on. The fries were incredible, the Zaatar spice mix with the fries make them a must order. I am a sucker for harissa, and the harissa aioli served with the fries did not disappoint. I had the Almaza Pilsner from Lebanon with my dinner, so good I had to have seconds. The surprise of the night was the key lime pie, I did not see that coming. Every layer of that pie was perfection. I was stuffed but I finished every bite. The service was warm and friendly, very hospitable.
(5)
Annie L.
I've been meaning to try this place for about a year now because of my friend's recommendation and I'm so glad I finally did! My 2 friends and I ordered 5 small plates and a half salad and were stuffed by the end of the meal. My favorite dishes were the crab cakes, signature fries, and the haloum cheese plate. We weren't hungry enough to order entrees this time but I am definitely coming back to try them in the future!
(5)
JP C.
Delicious food, very friendly service. After wanting to try this place for a couple of years (I'm not sure what happened there...), I finally made it, and I plan on getting back here regularly! The mougrabieh itself is worth coming back for over and over again. The flavors and texture of that dish were just fantastic! We also tried the hummus (good), lentil soup (very good), and falafel (also very good). The service was excellent. I got there a little while before my friend, and they held our place in the bar area until my friend arrived. The bartender was working his first night, and although he was lacking some information, he was really friendly and made sure to get all of the information we asked of him. All in all, an excellent experience!
(5)
Howie O.
At last!! Utah's ethnic options are thin so I was so happy when I found Layla. The dining room is cozy and would be great for a hot date. The service was spot on which is a huge plus for me. I order a few different plates and shared them with friends. This place has vegan options which was a plus for one of my guests. I am looking forward to coming back here soon.
(5)
Jennifer L.
Absolutely delicious. First time trying Mediterranean and this place was everything I imagined it to be and more. Beautiful ambiance and patient wait staff. Food is to die for!
(5)
Brooke H.
Nice atmosphere. Great service. Food was a little pricey but worth it. It was DELICIOUS! Kabobs were good. Traditional dishes were unique and amazing. Can't get food like this anywhere else in Salt Lake. Portions were sized right. Great little find. Definitely will be going again.
(4)
Patrick M.
A couple months ago, a friend of mine introduced me to the concept of trying different foreign cuisines to aid me in my efforts to lay off the pizza/burger joints. And of course I said yes because I'm the type of person that loves to try new things! She said she wanted me to try her favorite restaurant first, to spark my interest in this new endeavor. So on a Friday evening after work, we drove 5 minutes from our houses to Layla, located in the heart of Holladay. When we walked in, we were bombarded (in this case, having a positive connotation) by amazing music, laughter, smells and life!! We were greeted and seated by, I think it's safe to say the best waitress I've ever had the pleasure of meeting! My friend ordered, we waited only 10 minutes and our food was out. Not for the life of me can I remember what anything was called, but it was all phenomenal, which is what matters here. We stayed a while and talked and soaked up the atmosphere of the place. Needless to say, I'm hooked not only on Lebanese cuisine, but on the cultural, fine dining experience! I will definitely be returning to Layla soon, to introduce my entire friend group to this masterpiece of a restaurant!
(5)
Ryan C.
I can't say enough nice things about this place. The owners are very kind and happy to see you. The place is kept immaculate and always smells fresh. The outside patio is very nice durning the summer. I love all the food, but I always get their signature fries. Very tasty!
(4)
Kayla W.
This place was so good!! Portions were really small for being high priced, but still great quality.
(5)
Nigel L.
I really wanted to give this place 4.5 stars but I'll round up given the superior service. I'll admit the wine was a little bland, that's only my own fault. Avoid the Spanish red! The tabbouleh was a great appetizer; nice and fresh tasting with an awesome texture to boot. I got the Mussakhen which was a flatbread with this chicken mash in the middle. Holy crap! The spices! Unbelievably flavorful, I ate the whole dang thing (which is not common for me)! My SO seemed to enjoy the falaffel though she "would have given it a 4 if only I were douchey enough to be on Yelp like you." I liked the fries, good spices here as well! Great vegetarian appetizer options. As mentioned before, service was top notch and rounded out the excellent meal. A great alternative to Mazza.
(5)
Seve S.
Layla's provides a unique (tasty) Mediterranean menu at a decent price! They have a friendly and informstive staff! It's a homegrown, family effort from the local salt lake / cottonwood area. Only downside in my mind is the decor is a little bizarre, . I don't remember how to pronounce my parties entres', but they were recommended and they were great!
(4)
Alex A.
A friend referred me here and wow, amazing flavors, friendly staff, and beautiful atmosphere. I really enjoyed my meal, and was pleasantly impressed at how flavorful everything was. The groupie went with ordered a mix or ethic dishes ranging from seasoned and perfectly cooked chicken, mixed cabbage/meat/rice rolls (I cannot pronounce or spell the name haha, but absolutely delicious with their home made sauce), a hearty eggplant esq lasagna of sorts (again I am terrible with the proper names of these dishes, they are very well prepared and presentation is excellent) and so on. We all ended up sharing a few bites of each meal because they were all amazing. Lastly, the prices were excellent, especially considering the overall experience, and the staff was wonderful.
(5)
Vida A.
Wow! Unimpressed! Maybe because I'm Middle Eastern but honestly nothing was good but the fries, sad really. The walnut spread everybody raves about in the reviews was burnt tasting. The mousaka was like spaghetti sauce poured over rice. The ground beef had a heavy meat taste like it wasn't washed properly. No spice or real flavoring. Parking sucks. Service was fine. Lebanese wine was bitter and not good either. I has such high hopes, crushed.
(2)
Soma P.
I really love this place, it breaks my heart to leave this review, but what must be done, must be done. Why is there a silverware station right next to a table? And why would you seat anyone DIRECTLY in front of it on a night where you are not at full capacity? Finally why wouldn't you instruct your employees to handle silverware lightly when polishing/drying it when there are customers in the place? Really horribly thought out and painful. Head throbbingly horrible. My ears still hurt thinking about it.
(1)
Tony L.
I never actually knew this place existed until we had our international supper tour here. The place has quite a classy interior with good vibes. Parking was a bit challenging though. Our good friend Joshua S gave us a good overview of this place, and he seems to be a regular here as well. I have not had much Middle Eastern food in my life, and Mazza is the only other similar ventures I visited in Salt Lake. The spices they used in their cuisine being the intermediary in the Silk Road back in the days have always amazed me. Surprisingly, their fries were actually quite delicious, and the Muhammara Walnut spreads can be a heaven for fans of hummus. I went with the Lamb Shank per the recommendation from our waitress. The meat just falls off the bone, and the meat was juicy and flavorful. It looked like a big dish and I finished it after all, perhaps it was too delicious. Other meat dishes I sampled were quite decent as well. Layla is a definitely a hidden jewel in Holladay, we will definitely be back for more tasty Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food.
(5)
Mea B.
Great kabobs. It's a lot of food but really good. Wished their lunch was more reasonable
(4)
Anna T.
Went there for the first time last night and it was DELICIOUS! We had a watercress and spinach stuffed flat bread as an appetizer. My friend had the lamb skewer and salad and I had the Lebanese moussaka. The service was awesome, atmosphere was really nice, and the food was amazing. I'll be back very soon!
(5)
Anita C.
Went here with the roomie and loved everything we got. Also loved the ambiance of the restaurant. Ordered the chicken kabob- the chicken was grilled perfectly, so juicy, and the flavor was amazing. Couldn't get enough of the fries either and the aioli dipping sauce was delicious. Tried some of the roomie's chicken shawarma which was equally delicious- loved the chicken. Ended the amazing meal with pistachio ice cream- so creamy and yummy! Can't wait to go back and try more deliciousness.
(5)
Lucy C.
I love this restaurant. It's hard to find middle eastern food this good where I am from, so I always make a point to come here when I visit Salt Lake City. The lamb shank is very good, I also really like their pastries. It's a really nice restaurant, it's got a great atmosphere. Yeah, it's a bit expensive but that's just what you pay for good food.
(5)
Chelsea G.
I love the food. I have never had a problem with the food here. Everything you order is delicious. The service on the other hand isn't always the best. It takes a long time to get your food, which usually doesn't bother me because I know they are cooking it, but here it's a really long wait. I also think the Hosts are rude. My Boyfriend and I came to eat here one night and they didn't have a sign on the door. We go to the host stand and the old lady just looks at us and says "private party, go away." That left a bad taste in my mouth I haven't been back. Although I do love the food.
(3)
E. H.
I had higher expectations based on the previous reviews. It was good don't get me wrong but it wasn't memorable. The atmosphere was great! I went with 3 of my girlfriends for a girls night and it was perfect!
(3)
Baron Daniel C.
Great place. Had never been only a few times been to a Lebanese place in downtown called Cedars of Lebanon. I mentioned that to the staff and they rolled their eyes saying "You haven't tasted Lebanese food yet!" It was quite busy, more of a dress casual. Small inside, but a nice atmosphere. I had a few drinks while waiting. All very tasty cocktails which hit the spot. The waitress was the daughter of the owner and she was very nice, fun, and helpful about the food when I didn't recognize an item. I saw lots of tasty food being brought out I went with the special, which was a chicken and rice crepe in saffron mushroom cream sauce.... Oh my! I love chicken crepes and it all sounded wonderful. When it came out it a stuff crepe the size of a liter coke bottle. I didn't wait more than 15 minutes and it was just as good as I thought it would be. The creamy saffron and mushroom sauce was delicious with the chicken and rice in that crepe. There were a few almond slivers on top and enough sauce to go around, so they didn't skimp. A wonderful meld of flavors, tasty chicken, soft rice, crunchy almonds, succulent mushrooms and cream. Highly recommend to anyone who loves good food, middle eastern cuisine or is looking for a good date place out on the town.
(5)
Tina I.
I have to say that I love Layla. It came as a recommendation from a friend a year ago and I love it. We have not had anything there we haven't liked. If you want Mediterranean food, this is the best food to try in Salt Lake. Everything we have tasted, tastes fresh and is seasoned perfectly. We love the rose water lemonade and the rose water ice cream, but there are other flavors that contend for the favorites. I recommend making a reservation, because it can get busy.
(5)
Rachael L.
This place kicks a$$!! All the dishes are flavored perfectly, good portions, nice atmosphere. We live nearby and since trying Layla, it has become a new top favorite by far! We love the Moussaka, chicken curry, and moroccan chicken. Cant wait to try other items. Only things we wouldn't likely order again is the Kibbeh...two small pieces in an order. Not worth the price. And the red lentil soup is lacking in flavor.
(5)
Rebecca L.
We love Layla. It's amazing food, amazing service, and amazing atmosphere. We come here for special occasions and are always impressed.
(5)
Linda S.
Great place to have Mediterranean food! This is so far the best place I've been to! I ordered their lamb kebob served with fries and salad. My friend who's been living in that area said the food is very authentic! I've never been to that area, this is my first time having their fries, definitely their fries are the best fries!
(4)
Mary Anne D.
The hubby and I were in search of a nice mediterranean meal and decided to give Layla a try. We split the lentil soup, grape leaves, and vegetarian moussaka. The food was excellent--well seasoned, not over cooked, and more than enough for two people. My hubby typically dislikes moussaka, but even he commented that Layla's fare was the exception to his rule. We got our food to go, and even though it was a short stop the staff was extremely courteous and quick! I was a little sad we were taking our food home after I saw their restaurant. The interior looked very contemporary and inviting. I'd happily visit Layla again.
(5)
David J.
I went to Layla's last night and thought it OK, but nothing to return to. The interior of the place is nice, with an upscale feel. There are a wide range of options on the menu, so you can choose a lot of cheaper options along with higher-priced entrees. We (2 of us) started with a 3 mezze sampler, getting hummus, muhamarra, and tabouleh. I thought it was all a bit one-dimensional. The hummus was super-blended and had just a faint tahini taste. The muhamarra was lacking the glorious pomegranate liveliness, and the tabouleh didn't have any tang to it - watery instead. The pita was kind of sad and dried up. I got the Moroccan chicken since it seemed to be suggesting something like a tagine. It was instead a somewhat dry chicken breast with a non-integrated spice rub on a bed of couscous. Maybe that was their goal all along, but they are missing out on an awesome regional dish. My spouse got the lamb shank, which was nicely cooked, but eventually it just became a huge chunk of meat without much else going on. Service was fine, although there was a wait station behind me and someone was throwing silverware together right behind my head which got a bit annoying. The place was lively and loud. I could imagine going back to try some of the lesser-priced items if I wanted that plus a decent atmosphere.
(3)
Rod S.
Sometimes you go to a place that completely exceeds.expectations. I was responsible for the July Yelp supper club. I picked this place because I like this type of food and it had a liquor license. I went in with mild expectations. I left just loving the food and putting the restaurant on my short list of places to get back to. When I've been in hot climate places like Indonesia and Morocco, I've loved the rose wines. Even though I've not made it to Provence yet, I love the food and rose wine from there. So, I'm rambling. The Rose here was very good -- and from Lebanon. The food was just plain wonderful. I'll be back -- soon. Oh, I'll stick to the Arak form Indonesia, not Lebanon. I prefer the former.
(4)
Farah A.
If you are searching for authentic middle eastern food - Layla is the place you want to go . Homemade food , plenty of flavors . Try their lemonade with rose water , the Layla fries are a great discovery , the mezze is good ( tabbouleh , hummus, mal anik) and the musakhan is delicious ! If you have the chance to meet Layla , she is awesome ;)
(5)
A C.
I loved it! A really nice intimate setting serving food made with care. The falafel is the best I've ever had. The chicken shawarma wrap was delicious. Not huge portions but really satisfying flavors. Can't wait to go back! Homemade with love.
(5)
Megan F.
This place will not disappoint you. The server was very nice and knowledgable about the menu from food to wine. The overall experience was amazing! Loved everything! Definitely will be going back.
(5)
Mathew P.
OK food but Mazza's is better and costs less. Service is terrible. Had an appetizer, entree and desert. Was there for less than an hour and a half and the hostess asked our table to leave because we were done eating and other people were waiting. What a way to kill conversation and end the evening on a downer.
(2)
Marty J.
No. Not traditional fare. Over priced. Less than professional service. Eat elsewhere.
(1)
Haley B.
What a menu. I want to come back to Layla like 30 times so I can try everything! We came here on Saturday evening, sans reservation, and there was a 20 minute wait to be seated. As soon as we were shown our table, our attentive waiter showed up and brought us some bread. Was it Middle Eastern? No. But delicious? Omg. Yes. Started with Muhumarra walnut spread and warm pita, and it was so delicious that honestly there was no way the rest of the meal could ever measure up. My friend ordered a lentil soup, which he enjoyed. The kafta kabob I ordered came out buried in a heaping pile of hot, crispy, seasoned fries. No complaints here! When I did finally make it to the actual kabobs, I was a little underwhelmed. They were just okay. I was pretty full at that point and gladly accepted the waiter's offer of a to-go box. Can we talk about how delicious the pita with kafta and walnut spread tasted at 8 a.m. the next morning? Unbelievable. My friend ordered a shawarma wrap, which he was unimpressed with. So much so that he sent me home with the other half! I had no such reservations about the wrap (aside from that it was laden with tomatoes, which I hate), the meat was very well-seasoned, and whatever condiment they used worked well with it. Today as I begrudgingly eat a pb&j from my basically barren kitchen cupboards, I am thinking with with wistful longing about the highly satisfying meal and ensuing glorious leftovers from Layla last week. I'll definitely be back!
(4)
Priyanka G.
Great food..Ordered Chicken Musakken. It was awesome. Best place for Mediterranean food in the valley.
(5)
Jen A.
Not kid friendly! 5 star food with lots of vegetarian and gluten free options. Our server was excellent as well but the hostess who greeted us did nothing to make me feel welcome. We went on a Tuesday evening without a reservation and with my almost 2 year old. She seemed very put off by us arriving without a reservation and did nothing to accommodate my little one. There are no highchairs or boosters in the entire restaurant and nothing on their website would indicate that. Several other little things occurred that indicated it is not a child friendly restaurant throughout our meal as well. Overall a decent dining experience with excellent food, just don't expect a warm welcome and seriously think about getting a sitter for the kids.
(2)
Julie F.
My husband and I went to Layla's for the first time on Friday night. We moved to Salt Lake last year and I've been asking him to visit since then. It was SO good!! I wish we would have gone long before now! Tania was our server. She is one of the family. I just love family restaurants that are well run. They accomplished this and more! The food is so fresh! Tania is friendly and had great recommendations. Can't wait to go back!! Thank you!
(5)
Kay Y.
Service is good on some days and on other days its just mediocre especially considering its not busy here in the evenings...food on the other hand is very good. Desserts are great too.
(4)
Rachel R.
First time, love it! Everything tastes awesome. Ask for Ben, he's hot and knows his stuff. :)
(5)
Lizzie W.
If you give this restaurant anything less than a 4 star, I have to seriously question your judgement. Layla is hands down one of the best restaurants in Salt Lake City. (I say this with utmost confidence) My friends and family have been urging me to come here, and tonight I did for the first time. Location wise, it's in the heart of Holladay. The restaurant itself has a very comfortable atmosphere, simplistic and contemporary. Service was perfect. Not intrusive, but not brief and cold. Our server, Liz, was attentive and made sure all our needs were met (drink refills, occasional check ups, etc.) We started off with the traditional hummus, which was exceptional. The addition of olive oil really made the difference. The main course was mussels over couscous for my mom, and beef shawarma with french fries for myself. Beef shawarma was delicious BUT the best part of the meal, hands down, were the fries. These are the best french fries I have ever had. Perfect flavor, temperature and they were accompanied by a delectable sauce. My mom's mussels were also up there with some of the best I've ever had, and came highly recommended by our waitress. And with good reason, the seasoning on all of the food just exceeded my expectations. It's places like Layla that remind me what a truly amazing meal is. This is the first review I've ever posted on yelp that has no complaints. There is not one thing about my dining experience I would change, and I eagerly await my next visit. Well done Layla.
(5)
Chad B.
This place is amazing. Staff is very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Food was hands down the best thing I've eaten in a long time. I highly recommend this place, especially for lunch cause the prices are even better. You'll have a great time going to eat here.
(5)
Henry L.
could be the best restaurant in salt lake. all good, super humble. that hostess has got a booty of the century, like dayum. I took some Korean clients here whom had never tasted hummus and they flipped a shit on that hummus and couldn't get enough. as a non drinker I pound down the rose water lemonades. sometimes they let me get free refills of it and sometimes they don't. if that super tight pretty young hostess is reading this, seriously add me as a yelp friend or something.
(5)
Len C.
First, make sure to call for a reservation, they are always busy. They have several vegan or vegetarian options. Our favorite is the Vegetarian Lebanese Moussaha. But, we really go there for the appetizers. We usually get the combo plate with falafel, hummus, muhammara, and you've got to get the grape leaves.
(5)
Emily B.
I love Mediterranean cuisine so I was very excited to give this place a try. I ordered the caprese salad and the spinach pie mezze. The salad was OK but I wasn't fond of the spinach pie.The couple we were with ordered the hummus which was very good. I am a vegetarian so maybe the reason the reviews are so good here is due to the meat dishes they offer. Overall, my experience here wasn't amazing but I would like to come back again to try the falafel.
(3)
Stephen W.
Go to Layla Grill Mezze! The food is amazing, the service is excellent...i guarantee a fabulous experience!
(5)
Charlie M.
We went on a Friday night, waited 15-20 minutes to order. I ordered 2 appetizers to come before the meals. After about 15 minutes a bus boy shows up with a plate of mushy herbs and tomatoes, asked if we ordered it. When I asked him what it was, he said he didn't know, set it on the table and walked away. Actually it was pretty good. Another 30 minutes went by, and finally our waitress came over and told us they our food was almost ready. When I asked her what happened to our other appetizer, she smiled nervously and apologized, promising that she would take it off the bill and give us some free desserts. So finally after 90 minutes, our food showed up. The Schwarma was average at best, the fries were really good. I asked the busboy for some more "aioli" for the fries, he said "oh, fry sauce?" Anyway, overall the food was okay, nothing to wait an hour for. The atmosphere is really loud and sort of middle aged chic. Not a great place to bring kids. The service was so bad. Oh yeah, and the free desserts for missing our appetizers, were 4 pieces of their version of baclava. They were the size of fun size snickers. 4 pieces for our party of 6. Nice work Layla.
(2)
Wei H.
The food is excellent. But their service just so so, the front desk girl pretty rude and does not know how to be a good waitress. The place is pretty small and noisy.
(4)
Jenny B.
Order the wraps. You will not be disappointed with taste. Absolutely fabulous food, but the service was far less than par. The restaurant should be much less stingy on fry sauce. We had a small dipping container only 1/4 full. When I inevitably ran out, only 1/2 way through my fries, I was charged for another container. Our server was also pretty average at best. The rose water lemonade is also pretty great. In spite of the so-so service, I will definitely come back to Layla (the food is that fantastic).
(4)
Russell R.
A restaurant should be about service as much as it is about food. Service failures happen in any business but it is how you deal with them that makes a difference. In this case they did nothing.
(1)
Tink S.
Simply the best middle eastern food in the state. I eat here regularly and it is consistently delicious. Family owned with authentic dishes. Service is great -atmosphere beautiful. Make reservations on the weekend as it is small.
(5)
nachot t.
We had a very nice Valentine's Day dinner for four at Layla tonight. A friend has raved about Layla for years and with short notice we were able to secure reservations at a decent hour. So glad I finally heeded the recommendation! From the start with our tabbouleh, hummus, tiger prawn and french fries (yep, awesome fries!), Layla was delicious. In our party we tried the short ribs, rib eye and a variety of kabobs - steak, chicken and shrimp. Each dish turned out to be excellent. I love the rice and salad that was served with my kabob. In addition to the excellent food, the atmosphere was just the right combination of comfort and class. The staff are excellent and attentive and Layla's special Valentine's Day desserts were unbelievable tonight. Yes, Layla made each one herself. From the mango cheesecake to the tiramisu to the chocolate mousse and key lime pies, they were over the top. Happy to have found a new favorite in Layla!
(5)
C W.
Parents: this place did not have a high chair. However, the staff was extremely polite to me, my husband and my baby. Hummus w/hot pita was fine for the 14 month old. He was really happy walking around. I suppose the lack of high chair could be a pro or a con, depending on who you ask. The space is small, intimate, and well designed- perfect for night time. Lunch? Not so much. That's when I visited. Everyone enjoyed their non-meat entree during lunch. The egyptian lentils were fantastically big, everyone had to get a box to go to finish. I would recommend if you do not have kids. It has wonderful hummus and I thoroughly enjoyed my falafel sandwich. My spouse enjoyed his fattoush salad. I was too full for dessert, but I think I will try some when I go back on a date night.
(4)
Daela T.
Small plates done right, I could die in their fries. Hipster like charm, with a good family-run vibe.
(4)
Jeffrey S.
Was not expecting this. I mean, I've read the reviews and everything. But you really have to experience it for yourself. I wasn't expecting the food to be so delicious, the space to be so inviting an comfortable -- yet classy -- and to enjoy myself so much. First of all, the location. Not necessarily in a place known as a major hub of dining activity, it's a sweet find in this neighborhood. Walking in you'll find a totally modern space. Somewhere near IKEA but without the meatballs and definitely without the cheese. They've paid special attention to the lighting and I was completely charmed by the whole layout. It's cozy, but not realtor-talk cozy. You know, like a euphemism for tiny. Appropriately cozy. I had the great fortune of dining with Joshua S, who besides having an experience palate is also somewhat of a regular at Layla. I felt like a southern belle as he ordered a few of his faves for us. Such a gentleman! Okay not really, but I was grateful to have his expert guidance. May I suggest you also follow his expert guidance and get the Muhamarra walnut spread. Oh dear me, that was good. Such a simple thing with such a complex, unique and special flavor. Although the plating was nothing fancy, as it sat in front of me it called out to me. We also enjoyed the tiger prawns. Again, the combination of flavors was so intriguing and the prawns were firm but not springy. Definitely good. For me the real standout was the Lebanese Moussaka. Their menu describes it as eggplant layered with beef, onions, pine nuts, and "exotic spices." I have to chuckle at that, because it's the perfect description. What's an exotic spice? I have no idea what spices were used, but if I'm ever asked to describe the flavor profile of this dish to anyone I'm going with "exotic spices" because there's no way I'm picking out what was used. Totally unique and I'd get it again. I must also mention dessert, and the little slice of heaven I had. They call it a chocolate macadamia mousse tart, but that thing is pie. And a really great one, at that. They also have key lime pie on the menu, which would be a great way to zing your palate after a meal of such delicious and amazing food. Layla is the kind of place I would love to have a few blocks from my house. It's a neighborhood, local place but one that doesn't slop food out for the locals. They're focusing in the kitchen on serving a high standard and in the front of the house they want you to feel like one of the family. It's comfortable, relaxed, delicious, and gorgeous.
(5)
Steve J.
Very good! My wife has food allergies and they had lots of great food options for her.
(5)
Kris B.
Had the kibbeh, halloumi, fallafel, prawns as the mini dishes, and the lamb shank as the main. Lamb shank was great. The small plates were, well, small. The halloumi dish had 2 pieces of cheese, and the prawns, as far as i could tell, were shrimp. Lamb shank was really great though, which added back a star.
(3)
Codicho Z.
GREAT appetizer sampler, great flavors. 3.8 stars Shawarma beef wrap was less flavorful & not much sauce included. A bit pricey for dinner but that is the neighborhood. Wait staff fantastic, greeting staff younger lady was not so great, poor attitude (as if we didn't belong, because we didn't make a reservation. Took awhile for her to want to seat us.
(4)
Rachel L.
I'm a Middle-Eastern food snob. Za'atar is a weakness. Sesame makes me melt. Mint, Allspice, Cinnamon, Fenugreek... love. And, don't get my started on the use of honey, dates, and nuts. Mmm... I would eat K'nafeh every day for breakfast if I wasn't too lazy to make it. So, I was excited to venture to Holladay for Lebanese for a change rather than the Mazza locations. I was certainly entranced by the place when I walked in. Layla translates as night in most semitic languages, and the colors brought me back to a Middle-Eastern desert at dusk. It was lovely and nostalgic. But, Layla didn't deliver food-wise. As a mezze, I tried the kibbeh, falafel, hummus, and grape leaves. The kibbeh and falafel were both over-fried, and the hummus was tasteless. Their pita didn't seem fresh, and I ended up eschewing it with both my appetizer and kabob. I must say, their grape leaves (dolmas) were very good. The flavors of my chicken kabob were decent, but the chicken too was overcooked. The salad that came with it was drenched in dressing - whereas it is my experience that most middle easterners tend to lightly coat their green. And, the za'atar fries that I was so excited for tasted rather ordinary. The toum had too much oil added during the emulsification process, so the garlic didn't stand out to the degree I would have wanted. The harissa had no kick. Rather than enjoy my food, I simply missed "barbecue"-ing with my adopted Lebanese manchild in Miami. Sigh. Despite my food criticism, I adored the ambiance and the service was good -- although next time there are late diners in it, I hope the servers will keep their voices down. Maybe I'll return to try the Moroccan Lamb Shank that everyone raves about. But, probably not.
(2)
Ana S.
Excellent!!! This is my favorite restaurant in town. You can't go wrong with this place. The red pepper hummus and French fries are a must! The servers are very good and fast, food is amazing, prices are fair. I wish they had more options for gluten free dessert, but the regular ones are amazing! I totally recommend Layla. I go there at least once a month and I've never been disappointed. Even when I have a to go order they spoil me. I love it!
(5)
Erin B.
I talked my sisters into coming here for dinner and we weren't dissapointed! The service was excellent and all of us loved our meals. Between the three of us we ordered the chicken kebab, chicken shawarma, and falafel. The fries were also delicious and we loved the feta stuffed, flash fried fritter we got as an appetizer! I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Stuart M.
Mazza might have some competition in the 'best middle eastern cuisine' category from Layla. Great interior space, friendly and knowledgeable service and good food. If they prove to be consistent they could have a big success on their hands. Everything we tried was good to great, no misses. Lots of subtlety, flavour and variety. We tried the mougrabieh (cous cous with chicken in a broth) the musakhan (roasted chicken with sumac and onions in a wrap) plus their zaatar toasted bread. The menu also had a few americanised options like steaks and ribs, but even the french fry dip was perked up with harissa, cool twist. Cant wait to go back and try more of the menu.
(4)
Heather K.
I love finding GOOD, new restaurants outside of downtown SLC. Sometimes that's tough although it's getting better. Layla Mediterranean Grill offer great food, nice atmosphere and good service. By far the stand out dish is the moussaka. Amazing is all that needs to be said! For my full review of Layla, click here: tinyurl.com/362xh6s
(4)
Ryan K.
I was very impressed with the food at Layla. The hummus was smooth and creamy, the falafel was perfect, the Moussaka was delicious, and the rose water ice cream was definitely different, but quite tasty. It's nice to see that Mazza has a competitor in SLC! In the interest of disclosure: Layla comp'd our small plates, and our dining group paid for the rest.
(4)
Grason R.
I didn't expect much from this restaurant to be honest. From the second I walked in, I was impressed with the scenery. It's fun but not too crazy. The menu doesn't have a million options which I like, since I have a hard time deciding. I got the Chicken Kabob wrap which was huge! Not only is it 8 bucks for two meals, but it's also delicious. The service couldn't have been any better. The waiter was very nice and didn't bother us by checking in too much. You really should give this place a try!
(5)
Deener F.
It has been awhile since I have been this impressed! The food was great, the service was good, prices fair and the venue was good too. I suggest eating on the patio if it's warm enough outside, it was great! We had a mix of appetizers and they were all delicious. The grape leaves were warmed and were tasty and the special lamb sausages were good too. I ordered a chicken schwarma and it was awesome!! Good schwarma and only 8.50!!!!! Love it. My friends all had good food too, the kebab plate with chicken looked amazing. Good portions too for the price. My 8.50 sandwich was really filling. I can't wait to go back! This place knocks the socks out of cafe med who I'm still bitter about. Mazza in SLC is awesome to but costs way more. This is a nice place and has a nice ambiance too, definitely a place you could go on a nice date. Solid. Good schwarma.
(5)
Jowanza J.
One of the better places to have a nice meal for not too much money. Everything I tried was very delicious and the waitress was very attentive and worked quickly. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(4)
Mike L.
Friends introduced is to this place and any time we want a special place with outstanding food we go to Layla's. I usually just let Liz bring out what she thinks would be good and have never been less than impressed. My favorite is the Moroccan Chicken and my wife loves the lamb burgers, both specials, but anything we have tried has been wonderful. Great ambiance, family owned, and a fantastic staff rounds out one of the best culinary experiences you will ever have. Try this place. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Chris G.
Every time my wife and I want to celebrate, this is the place! Neither of us have ever had a meal here we didn't love! A couple of times we have only ordered off of the small plates section (appetizers) and have loved it! If they have the homemade lamb sausages, do not pass them up! I would lick the plate for every last bit of the sauce if my wife wouldn't kick me!
(5)
Bud H.
This is the type of place that I love - tasty food and a menu that makes you want to come again and again. Seriously, I had a hard time choosing what to get as half the menu is right up my alley. The red pepper humus is very tasty. As is the dressing on the house salad. Pretty much everything I've had at this place is really good, and that inlcudes the short ribs, the lamb shank, the kafta rollup, and the chicken shwarma. The fries are good too as they have some sort of spice on them. And last but not least, the rolls that are served with your meal are super tasty. Dense and chewy. Sure, the rolls may not seem too mediterranean-esque, but they're tasty enough that it doesn't matter!
(4)
Dustin T.
We LOVE Layla's. We used to go to the restaurant that was there previously called Confetti's. It was owned by the same family, but we were told that the daughter decided to update the restaurant and give it more of an identity - which they definitely accomplished. The menu, and decor, feels much more unique. It's a perfect place to just go enjoy an evening of tapas (the mahamara is the best we've had) - or to enjoy a wonderful dinner. And it can be very casual - with the best beef schwarma that I've ever had - with french fries with incredible aioli sauce (if I could, I would buy quarts of that sauce to put on EVERYTHING). And just when you think that the appetizers and dinner are too good, the description for dessert was just too good to pass up. It was a hazelnut mousse tart with an oreo crust. The BEST dessert I could have ever dreamed up. We love having this hidden gem near our house!
(5)
Jessica C.
Flavors are beyond spectacular! I quite enjoyed the grape leaves and crab cakes the best. It has a nice romantic ambiance. Great service too. It was not busy at all when we went on a weekday night, maybe it gets more busy on weekends? Actually I hope it stays a little secret so I can go back again and again.
(5)
Lawrence S.
What a great meal! In my opinion, it comes down to three areas for a fantastic dining experience: 1.) ambiance 2.) service 3.) food Layla nailed all three! We arrived on a Saturday evening circa 8pm to a buzzing, gorgeous restaurant. As previous reviewed, contemporary modern setting. The tables are arranged so you have some space but close enough to provide a nice communal feeling. Also, if you don't mind dining later it should be easier to get a reservation at 8:30/9:00 pm. Service was impeccable. Appetizers arrived about 8-10 minutes after ordering. and food about 15 minutes after that....great timing. Our server was polite, knowledgeable, and helped us select a fine Lebanese red wine. The food! Oh my, delectable! I enjoyed the lamb shank that was slow roasted and fall off the bone tender. I'll be having that again! My companion had the ribeye that had a great crust and was cooked to perfection. Ah, the rice! Maybe the best rice I've ever had and I'm picky. Flavorful and cooked just right. Some reviews have compared it to "rice-a-roni" NOT SO! Decide for yourself but I was thoroughly impressed! Layla is one of the best restaurants in SLC, hands down. It'll be on our rotation and I can't wait to order their succulent lamb!
(5)
Lindsay Z.
fantastic food and great low-key ambiance. we ordered: - baba ganoush - i would skip this next time and try a different starter. - greek salad w/chicken kebab on the side - would definitely order again. the chicken kebab was perfectly cooked, juicy, and the sauce that came with it was great as well. would love to come back when i'm in town again.
(4)
Carol M.
I have been going to this family restaurant several times. I absolutely love the dressing on the Greek salad and I never experienced that they put on too much. I like to add the falafel or halloumi. They have the best grap leaves and their fries is a guilty pleasure. The chicken kabob taste yummy as well. I didn't like their stuffed artichoke as much, a little blend for me. The service is always great and it is a good place to take gluten intolerant friends to.
(4)
Ryan S.
Awesome food! Awesome wine! This is a seriously good restaurant run by a family. I had the lamb, and it was so amazing. The meat was super tender and perfectly cooked. They also have an impressive wine and cocktail list along with some tasty vegetarian options. So surprising to have food this good in SLC.
(5)
Kelly P.
Love this place. Just went back for a second time to try it again and it was just as good. I have been a fan of Muhammara for quite some time now and this is the best I have ever had. My favorite item so far is the Musahhen. So much flavor and so many different spices and aromas. One of the best things I have ever tasted. I didn't get this last time and regretted it. Here's the description of it from their menu: Thin flatbread, stuffed with a mixture of roasted chicken, caramelized onions, sumac, exotic spices and pine nuts. Served with Lebanese vermicelli rice or Layla's Signature Fries Lots of people in town will want to know how this compares to Mazza. In many ways it is better than Mazza so go check it out now!
(5)
Tins Y.
I fall in love with this place when I first walk in. Very impressed with the interior. It's just very clam and relaxing. i had the Turkish coffee, which I thought would be a lot like espresso, but turn out quite nice, not bitter at all (I am a mocha person). My girl friend had Layla special coffee, aka ice coffee, which is quite nice, too. Very unique taste, in a good way. I had Crab Cake $6. I have to say, I am glad that it's real crab meat and you can actually taste the crab. However, it's a little burned. Not sure if they intend to or an accident. But, it's good size for $6 (2 cakes). You must try "Musakhen"! I am in love with just one bite, and I have been thinking about it ever since. Besides, you have to get the fries!! YOU MUST ORDER THE FRIES!! TRUST ME! They are that GOOD! I also tried the special of the day, artichoke with rice. Honestly, not very impressive with the rice and the choke, but the musakhen wrap, omg, it's really what I can think of. What's even better is, I went for lunch and it's only $9.50 for 2 huge portion of the wrap! The parking is a little tricky, since you back up right on 2300 East, with a busy hour, it's really hard to get out of the parking lot.
(5)
Sam S.
Fresh and well prepared Mediterranean food served in a pleasant atmosphere with good staff. On my first visit to Layla I was pleasantly surprised by the very nice building and the quality of the food. Although Layla appears to be inside of an old bank or something of the like they've done an excellent job remodeling the place. It has a contemporary, approaching modern look that is simple and pleasing. The food was simply prepared and nicely presented. I would have liked for the chicken kabob I ordered to have been more seasoned, but the chicken was still excellently prepared and very tender. I would definitely consider going here again.
(4)
John B.
The menu here is great. Many small plates at reasonable prices. We tried the kibbeh, musakhen, and beef shawrma wrap. Everything was really good. The musakhen was amazing. The Layla fries that came with it were some of the best I have ever had. There are also plenty of vegetarian options and a good wine list.
(4)
Bruce F.
Fresh delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Family owned, extremely friendly, fast service. We especially loved the warah malfouf and the chicken curray.
(5)
Pam L.
Fantastic dinner! We ate 2 specials: a fresh fig salad and lamb osso bucca! We were in heaven! Great tabbouleh ( though could use a bit more lemon) and classic babba ganouj. I love the Layla Rose martini!!! Our server Ben was a delight! We will most definitely be back!!
(5)
Gene M.
What a beautiful restaurant with food that pops off the plate with flavor! The decor is sophisticated and modern without being pretentious, and I just wanted to try everything on the menu! If you're not sure what to order, or are intimidated at all by the menu, just ask one of your friendly servers who will make it more accessible for you. For my less adventurous friends, I suggest to start out with some dishes that aren't too far from comfortable: - Hommus (some of the best anywhere) - Muhammara (warning: VERY addictive) - Musakhen (grilled chicken wrap) with Layla signature fries (you'll never think of a chicken sandwich the same way again)
(5)
Mark S.
Great little Mediterranean place in SLC. First tried out the signature lemonade with rose water. Nice simple concoction that wasn't too sweet or tart. I think the rose water may have mellowed it out in the right way. Had the Muhammara Walnut Spread as an appetizer and it had a unique but pleasant flavor with the variety of spices they mixed in. Not quite sure what was in it but it was good. Next came the main courses which we shared. Lebanese Moussaka was really nicely made. Again I'm a fan of not over-flavoring things and this had a mild but flavorful quality to it with the subtle spices. Also had the wild salmon (i'll only eat wild salmon since farmed not only have antibiotics and hormones but they escape from the farms to infect the wild populations with various illnesses and also breed with them which weakens the gene pool) which was not on the traditional menu and it was done just south of fully cooked which left it extremely moist, soft and flavorful. It came with too sauces of which you didn't need due to the quality of the salmon itself. Didn't quite have space for dessert without overstuffing myself and I had just eaten Thanksgiving dinner the day before so didn't want to go through that again. Definitely will try them out next time. There were no bad dishes, the service was good and I'd rate this place 4.5 stars if I could but as it is I'll leave some room for upward movement and another place to totally wow me.
(4)
Deb B.
Finally, SLC has a Mediterranean restaurant with delicious food that is snazzy enough to take reservations, but not so expensive that you leave with a hole in your wallet. Our first visit was on a Friday evening and we did not have reservations but seating was available at the bar. The wait staff was very friendly and the food was tasty. The menu is an eclectic blend of Mediterranean and American. The food was a bit slow coming out of the kitchen but was definitely worth the wait. It cost about $40 for two dinners, two small plates and a glass of wine. We started with baba ghanouj ($6) and crab cakes ($6). The pita bread with baba ghanouj was a bit too toasted but the dip itself was wonderful; and the crab cakes were served hot and melt-in-your-mouth yummy. We also tried the New England clam chowder ($4), which was creamy and not too rich. For the main course we had the falafel ($7) and kafta ($8) wraps. Everything was well cooked and deliciously seasoned. We will definitely be going back.
(5)
Hether B.
The waitress was incredibly rude!! We asked for our extra pita twice. She never brought it. She charged us for it, when we mentioned it she pretended to hit us with her pen, but in a rude way. The Lebanese Moussaka was over the top! The crabcakes and pita were black!!
(2)
Jorgen M.
What a great find! With Mediterranean restaurants it usually can go either way, really not good or really good and this place is great. The food is delicious, the service was very good and the decor is modern"ish"... The prices are really reasonable as well. I would recommend reservations as the place is busy.
(4)
Daniel B.
Not just a great Eric Clapton song. It's also a great place in Holladay for your next dinner reservations: Layla Mediterranean Grill and Mezze. And I do mean reservations. It only took me once to learn the lesson, and the second time, a good friend of the owner saved me when I forgot to get reservations, again (and proved the adage-it's not who you know, but who knows you...). He called in for me at 5:30 PM on my anniversary, and we were seated by 6. In my defense, I had planned on going somewhere else, but my boss insisted that Layla was the best place for the occasion. After eating there that night, I tend to agree. Coming in from the hot summer sun, the soft lighting, tile floors, and cool air was a welcome relief. The room was comfortable, but not tight, and full of patrons. After eating, I could tell why, as well as the need for reservations. We started out with an assortment of appetizers: kibbeh, stuffed grape leaves, and tabbouleh. The kibbeh was crispy and just spiced enough to taste exotic. The stuffed grape leaves were among the best I've had, and the tabbouleh provided a light tasting bit of contrast to the slightly heavier kibbeh. For our main courses, I ordered chicken curry, which was served over vermicelli rice, and My Better-half had the mougrabieh, a soupy dish that is described on the menu as "Lebanese pearl couscous topped tender chicken, pearl onions, chick peas, and exotic spices." Both arrived piping hot. The chicken curry was good, but slightly on the bland side. Given that it is a curry dish, I expected a slightly heavier punch. However, I finished it off, and gladly. It was a good recipe, and I'd probably be glad to eat it again. The mougrabieh was also delicious, and perhaps a good dish for the adventurous eater. My Better-half enjoyed it, taking the left overs home for a warm lunch the next day. The service was great, our glasses were always full, and the meal was great experience. If you haven't had a chance, take trip over to Layla, and see if you don't agree. Just don't forget to make reservations in advance.
(4)
Ken V.
Very, very good food. Same with service. Highly recommend.
(4)
John M.
Atmosphere was really quaint and the service was fantastic. We tried a few appetizers - red pepper hummus, walnut spread, and baba ghanouj (love that name) - which were all fantastic. We had entrees Musakhen (kind of like a chicken wrap) and the lamb shank which were good, but not remarkable. We will definitely go back but will experiment with other entrees when we do.
(4)
Yvonne H.
This a really good Meditteranean restaurant. We are never disappointed with our dinner no matter what we have ordered. My husband is Lebanese and VERY pickey about Meditteranean food and has always been pleased. Nice and close for Holladay residents as well!
(4)
Bobby P.
Walked in at 7:00 pm on a Friday night elated that there were many open seats on the patio and in the restaurant and no line or wait to be seated. I was especially excited since a coworker informed me that the place had one of the better wine lists in town. My wife asked the hostess for a table for 3. The older lady hostess responded "We don't have high chairs here" My wife, who never asked about a highchair, told her our 3 year old daughter did not require one. The lady then said, "We are full tonight, sorry" So we left. Five minutes later I called and asked how long it would take for a table of three on the patio and a different host replied 10-15 minutes. So apparently they really do not like kids. It is a pretty nice place, I would have never taken more than one child there but 1 is too many for this place. I get the impression that the restaurant wants to maintain its hipster, trendy vibe and ambiance. I recognize that children could hurt that image and even possibly be annoying to other diners but our daughter is pretty experienced at eating out. Oh well!! According to these reviews I don't think they will miss our business much.
(1)
Nick S.
I've eaten here twice, once earlier in the fall and again last week. The food is very good. The Musahken is outstanding, highly recommended. Muhammara as others have said is a must. The cocktails are very good as well. My wife had the Lemon drop which was excellent and tasted very fresh. We had a bottle of the Lebanese wine Massaya Silver Selection, Bekaa Valley 2007 which was very good. The key lime pie is great. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Deb T.
After reading so many rave reviews, a friend and I finally tried Layla's last Friday evening. It wasn't too crowded yet at our 6:00pm reservation time, but did get much busier as the evening went on. They accept groups, but it's a rather small space, so if one or two larger groups would be there, you might have trouble getting into a place that already fills up because of its popularity...so DO make reservations, or take your chances. (They may have a larger space for groups that we didn't see...but I'd still make reservations.) They have a small bar area that has a TV, but we didn't check it out and honestly didn't even know it was there until our server mentioned it (so you know the TV wasn't set too loudly...we only heard the lovely music :-). I lived in the Middle East for a short while, so I know and love the cuisine. The friend who dined with me was not as familiar with it...so we had two different perspectives on the food. Everything on the menu looked good, so we took forever to decide...yet our server, Safa, was patient and told us to relax and take out time not only ordering but also dining. If you can manage to get this guy as your server, do so...he was genial and helpful and simply fabulous the entire evening. While still needing time to decide on our entrees, we first ordered some mezes. We got the 4-item combo so we could try as many as possible while also leaving room for the entree and dessert. We got the Muhamarra Walnut Salad, Kibbeh, Falafel, and Signature Fries...and the pita wedges (complementary) to go with it all. (This was on top of the large, delicious homemade roll and butter offered as we first sat down.) I see myself as a falafel connoisseur, having eaten it in a number of countries, different restaurants in this country, as well as making them at home myself. They were spiced well, but the outside of the balls was somewhat dark and hard, while the inside was somewhat soft/mushy...perhaps they fried them a bit too quickly, with the exterior being a bit overdone and the interior a bit undercooked. But that didn't stop us from eating them! The fries, as everyone here has said, are phenomenal. But I think our favorites were the Kibbeh and Muhamarra...simply divine. And the three dipping sauces that came with it all were equally heavenly. For the entrees, my friend finally decided on the Halloum Cheese Salad topped with a Chicken Kabob...and although I like lamb but the shank is not my favorite cut of it, since it was one of the house signature dishes (and came highly recommended by Safa), I decided to try it. My friend assured me his Halloum salad and kabob were one of the best things he's every eaten. And as for the lamb...it was maybe the best shank I've ever had (though it's still not my favorite cut ;-). The rice pilaf it was sitting on and the Burgundy demi-glaze and drizzled sauce of dried apricots, olives (real ones...not rubbery canned American ones), and "exotic spices" are what make the dish...as well as the local lamb that was cooked so it arrived ready to fall off the bone. My friend said the sauce and spices in his dish were amazing as well. I tried a taste of his dish and agree with his assessment...and he is not a lamb fan at all (of any cut), but he tried a taste of my dish and was surprised at how it didn't "taste" like lamb (which was a compliment, from him...LOL). Neither of us could finish all of our entree (and my friend is not a small guy!)...though I'm sure our meze combo was taking up too much room in our stomachs...and we were also looking forward to dessert. So Safa happily brought out to-go boxes for us to take home with us. (Side note...after more than a day in the fridge, letting all the flavors of the lamb, pilaf, sauce, and spices meld together, I must say my dish reheated fabulously and tasted even better than when freshly cooked! That's not a knock on how it tasted in the restaurant...but you know how some things just get better as leftovers sometimes? I was thrilled I not only didn't have to toss it in the trash but got to savor it a second time!) For dessert, I must admit I was very disappointed that they didn't have any of the Middle Eastern sweets...no Birds Nests, no Fingers, no Mini Roses. Wahhh! And I was surprised to learn that they don't make these items in-house...though I've tried making each of them myself, and I know how time-consuming they are...so I can't fault them for getting them made off-site. But why they didn't have any on hand, esp. on a weekend, I can't imagine. My friend got the chocolate macadamia mousse pie and I got the key lime pie...and both were excellent (and the key lime particularly refreshing...and the sauce "decorating" the plate under the pie was insane! I asked Safa if he could hook up an IV of it for me and he laughed pretty hard at that :-). Will definitely be going back to Layla as frequently as possible (coming all the way from Provo!)...to try more of the fantastic menu and enjoy the great atmosphere.
(5)
Rubies A.
Love love love Layla! We eat here at least once a week and I've developed a small addiction to the Moroccan chicken special (may it never leave), as well as the Musakhen. If visiting for lunch the Chicken Kabob wrap with either Layla's signature fries or Lebanese rice is more than satisfying for any palate. I have become quite besotted on the Mediterranean Sunset cocktails and would recommend them with any meal, regardless if it be supper or lunch. The wine and beer list is also expansive and auspicious, offering many great selections that can satiate any guest. LIZ is by far one of the best servers not only in establishment but perhaps in the land and competes on level with my crush of the Moroccan chicken. If under duress, I would pick Liz over the chicken as I've never had such a thoughtful, gathered, consistently witty, and joyful server handle my dining experiences, but that doesn't eschew that the other servers at Layla are equally remarkable and savory in competence. In addition to the beatific Liz, all the other servers and bussers are prompt and terribly beautiful to gaze upon, which is always welcomed during any indulgent dining episode. Eat here and eat here often, you will not be disappointed!
(5)
Lad B.
Last night was our first night at Layla. It was Saturday night so it was just a bit noisy...not as bad as Lugano...and conversation was manageable. The food was outstanding. We had the grape leaves and Halloum Cheese. Both were quite good. I had to struggle with my son to get some of the cheese. I had the Falafel wrap for my main. Also unbelievable tasty. Overall prices were good. Drinks were good. Service was great. I am VERY happy to have found this place and will definitely be back many times.
(4)
Corinne P.
I'm very impressed with Layla. On two separate visits we had absolutely delicious food and great service. The moussaka is outstanding, and the kebabs are wonderful. The service is very helpful in recommendations and also very attentive. I really like the ambience in the restaurant as well, it has a nice warm atmosphere. I would love to see some more desserts, though the ones I tried were good. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Kitty O.
This place is great! I went there on a Friday night for my sister's birthday and it was fantastic. We had a large group (8) and everything went smoothly. The food is reasonably priced, the atmosphere is killer, great service and really really good food this is The Place! It is nice to know that Salt Lake has fun, hip restaurants like most other big cities. We are progressing, hooray! Definitely check this place out, you'll be happy you did.
(5)
Yen S.
This is the best Mediterranean food in Salt Lake! I ordered the Moroccan Lamb Shank and Black Angus Rib Eye. I love Lamb Shank and this is by far the best in Salt Lake. The Rib Eye was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth. To top it off I had the Birds Nest Dessert which was fabulous! I will definitely be back!
(5)
Robert A.
Great service always from Liz, one of the owners. Good wines, fun food, and nice decor. Have the featured items and the salads. We usually share and the portions are ample
(4)
Michelle F.
Its a nice atmosphere but a little expensive especially considering the portions
(4)
Lynne S.
My husband and I tried Layla for the first time tonight. Everything we had was wonderful, right down to the Lebanese wine. The lamb shank was fabulous. The service was great, very friendly and attentive. We will definitely be there again!
(5)
Paul S.
Good food, good atmosphere, good prices. Try the musakhan and Layla fries. Amazing!
(5)
Larry L.
I really like this kind of food, so unless they really go bad, I'm going to give a good review. The restaurant is elegant and the service was perfect. Servers were friendly, knowledgeable and available without being overbearing. Most of the food was good, not Great. I would have loved a mezze appetizer plate as an entree. Something combining a lot of the little appetizers together. We ordered a bunch, but that kind of ran the bill up and some were more than we wanted. The Tabbouleh, hummus and classic dishes were great. The red lentil soup was under flavored. The grilled kabobs were fine. I'd return if in Salt Lake City again.
(3)
S B.
I live in San Francisco and this place can compete and blow any middle eastern restaurant in the Bay Area. Visited layla while I was on vacation visiting my family in SLC the atmosphere is amazing everyone is friendly and having the Tadros family (owners) there is very special, they are a great hard working family. The decor of the restaurant has a very nice touch definitely a place to bring a date to impress or anyone for that matter. Can't rave enough about the food I was on a short vacation wanted to try everything there so I came six times in five days yes I admit I actually came in twice in one day, every thing from Hummus, Falafel, Kibbeh, Muhammara (personal favorite), Halloum Cheese, signature fries, wow I just only covered the mezze section of the menu. Salads I highly reccomend the Tabboleh or House Fattoush. Moving on to entrees Warak Malfouf with the mint yougurt is to die for, Moussaka trust me if you didn't like eggplant before you walk out loving it, for the meat lovers highly recommend the Lamb Kabob and the Lamb Shank. I love the bar area it is a great spot to relax have a few drinks while eating amazing food. I'm not into mixed drinks but I had to take a shot at the Harissa Mary it is so delicious I intend on ordering this drink again when I go back. If you are in Utah you have to try this place, great food, drinks, affordable, ambiance, you can't ask for more.
(5)
Alta G.
I was surprised to find such an awesome restaurant hidden at this location. The food was excellent, the service was great, and the prices were reasonable. The deserts are made from scratch and are not to be missed.
(5)
Carmen H.
I don't usually venture far from downtown for food, but Layla has made me a repeat customer. Their muhammara is amazing, their crab cakes and fries are addictive and their Musakhan is so flavor-packed that I've not met its equal. Beyond that, the decor is modern, yet cozy and the staff is incredibly attentive.
(5)
E.M. B.
Three words: Moroccan Lamb Shank. Holy awesomeness, I feel like I should send the server a 'thank you' card and gift basket for the suggestion! It was prepared perfectly, bursting with all kinds of different flavors... absolutely to die for. My friends got the rib eye and the short rib dishes, both were spectacular as well, but the lamb shank was the definite winner of the evening! We also started with the caprese appetizer which was on special, and the tabbouleh. Again, both were delicious! Our server, Liz, was wonderful: very knowledgeable with the menu, made excellent suggestions (specifically with my entree and the bottle of Massaya Silver wine), and the quiet, intimate ambiance was perfect for our small birthday celebration. We sat inside, as it was a little rainy, but I look forward to going back soon before summer is over and taking advantage of their patio seating!
(5)
L V.
The food is very fresh and cooked perfectly with a distinct mediterranean flair. The portion sizes are really good (not overwhelmingly giant). The lychee ice cream is superb and the wine selection was great. Also, the decor is extremely relaxing and invites one to linger and just enjoy the intrinsic pleasure of food.
(5)
Tim M.
Wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. Traditional dishes are amazing. Lamb was tasty and wraps were to die for. Great spot overall
(5)
Pad C.
Great Food ... One of the best Mediterranean places in Salt Lake !!! Must try the Muhammara !!!
(5)
Rosa H.
My husband and I visited Layla Grill on a Wed night around 9 pm and found the place perfect for a delicious yet modest priced dinner with a relaxed, classy setting. We raved about it to our friends the very next day, and plan on coming back again and again. MUST TRY: I ordered the musakhan ($12.50/dinner), which was incredibly fresh and delicious. The thin bread on the outside was nicely grilled and slightly crispy, while the chicken filling was perfectly cooked and moist. It was spiced just right, delicate and very flavorful. The dinner portion came with a burrito-sized musakhan in two-halves, and either rice or Layla's signature fries. Definitely get the fries, they are perfectly fried and crispy, tossed in salt & spices, with a side of mildly spicy aioli dipping sauce. My husband ordered the full tabouleh salad ($7) topped with a lamb kabob ($7). The salad was good, but I found the lamb kabob to be a bit dry and chewy. Service was professional with the right amount of attention. Our wait person had a good sense of humor and was very patient in making recommendations and helping us choose our dishes. We had a really good experience and would definitely be coming back again. I hope that they will maintain their standard of food and service and not slack off like some others just because of a few good reviews (which can be quite disappointing). FYI some of their entrees are also available at lunch portion and prices. Full menu available at their website. Note: The restaurant may be a little difficult to spot at night. Look for a brightly lit 7-eleven right across the street.
(5)
Meridith H.
I was pleasantly surprised by this place. Located in a small strip mall with limited parking, I expected to walk into a place that resembled a diner. Instead, Layla herself greeted us at the door and led us into an upscale dining room. The menu lists about what you would expect from a Mediterranean restaurant; plenty of hummus, eggplant, and spiced meat available. I chose stuffed cabbage leaves and my husband and I shared the hummus appetizer. The hummus was good, and served with warm, soft pita bread. The stuffed cabbage leaves were better than I expected, and I loved them. Service was good; we were taken care of by two waitstaff and were neither harassed nor neglected. This place really exceeded my expectations and was reasonably priced for its offerings.
(5)
Spencer V.
Food was good, and atmosphere was good too. Location was a little interesting to get to. Overall this place is a great little restaurant with unique (really tasty!) cuisine. I will definitely go back!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Omar O.
My wife and I have been wanting to try Layla's for a while. We love Mediterranean food and have dined at most of the restaurants around town. We love this place and the food was amazing. What an awesome family ran place. When we arrived we were greeted by Layla and her staff. We were quickly seated and our service was top notch. Our server was a young lady, she was very personable, efficient, and always made sure we had what we needed. This place has amazing food, incredible ambiance, and it has that family feel. We plan on making Layla's one of out regular places. Thank you to everyone there that made this experience possible. SEE YOU AGAIN VERY SOON!!!
(5)Bill S.
Was passing through SLC last night and decided to try Layla's based on a friend's suggestion. The four of us took a table in the bar and proceeded to order our dinners. I am happy to tell you that the beef short-ribs that I enjoyed (with broccoli and some delicious rice) paired with a nice red wine turned out to be a very delicious dinner. Additionally, the prices were reasonable and the service very attentive. I encourage you to try it - I will again next time I'm in town.
(5)Aleena S.
My favorite out of the Mediterranean places in Salt Lake area! I would say it's comparable to Mazza, but much better. I came here for lunch with coworkers midweek and the service was really fast and friendly and the food was all excellent! Got the lamb kabobs with house salad and fries :)
(4)David G.
Found this on Yelp when I was in the area (thanks, Yelpers) and had to try it. Glad I did. Went there at lunchtime on a Monday. Not at all crowded so service was, predictably, spot on. The food was great! It's refreshing to find new places (well, new to me at least) to try and this one didn't disappoint.
(4)Geoff W.
This place is totally overrated. Not terrible, mind you, but certainly overrated, and both bland and expensive enough to make it not worth my while to eat here again. I also agree with a previous reviewer that they take themselves way too seriously, especially considering the relatively weak caliber of this food.. not the friendliest folks in the Valley, put it that way. Considering the stand-off-ishness, I can very easily envision their aforementioned aversion to children here, too, so parents beware! I finally made it in for lunch today, but probably won't be going back, unless I'm invited by someone else. I had been in before to pick up a menu and take a look at the place, and picked up instead on some pretty cold, stiff, vibes and some hard looks from what seemed to be the delusional proprietors trying over-earnestly to cater exclusively to what they perceive to be a snobby, discriminating, upper-crust Holladay/Cottonwood/East Bench clientele. Nonetheless, thinking this might have been a fluke, my wife and I went in today for the full experience and ordered a good variety of items. I really don't understand how they've received all the 'Best' awards for years running consecutively, unless it was for decor. I've been eating Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/Greek/Lebanese/Persian food enthusiastically for decades, and I've definitely had better... lots better. The place is very nicely decorated in an airy, modern, Persian-Art Deco motif on the inside, and is very ethereal and pretty looking, but the food was unoriginal and quite bland; Very nice presentation on some of the items, and above mediocre for sure, but seriously nothing to write home about. Really good french fries, though-- The kids will love them! Mazza, and even our good ol' reliable friends at The Med do a much better job at good-tasting food of this type than these guys. Again, the operative word at Layla is BLAND. Skip it.
(2)Nina Z.
Yelpers, you really steered me wrong this time. Layla has been on my to-eat list for months, and I finally got a chance to check it out for lunch this week. Boy was I disappointed! While I am not Middle Eastern myself, I was lucky enough to grow up eating middle eastern food from many different regions - Pakistani, Turkish, Israeli, Afghani, Persian. I've eaten it all, and I'd consider myself familiar with the dishes and flavors. We ordered a combination platter of mezze (small dishes) contained Kibbeh (beef meatball/croquette), Hummus, and Hollum Cheese as well as a Lahm Bi Ajin (Flatbread with ground beef). First, the portions were a JOKE. Even though the menu describes the item as croquette[s] PLURAL we got one kibbeh about the size of a hard boiled egg along with a tiny portion of hummus and a sliver of cheese so small I could have eaten it in one bite. If the laughable portion wasn't bad enough, the spices and flavors of all these items were totally wrong. The meat was bland and had zero heat. The hummus was also severely lacking in flavor and far from the best I've ever tasted. To summarize, my experience at Layla consisted of a bland, unoriginal, and severely overpriced meal. If you'd really like to be WOWed by middle eastern dishes, I highly recommend spending your time and money at the newly opened Cafe Zaferan ( yelp.com/biz/zaferan-caf… ) instead.
(1)Van N.
The only times I get to have Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food is when I am in D.C. (And I only go there once a year). I FINALLY convinced my boyfriend to take me to Layla. He never had Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food before so I was so excited that his first experience was a spectacular one! We were the first customers in after 5:00pm so we had a lot of power, we got to choose where we wanted to sit, yay. Once seated, our server came quickly to our table and asked if we needed any assistance ordering and gave us their specials of the day. We ended up ordering the grape leaves, Moroccan chicken, Salmon with saffron butter, Layla fries, and a side of pita. My favorite was the grape leaves and salmon with saffron butter. The grape leaves were very citrusy and the salmon was literally melt in your mouth good, cooked to perfection. The chefs accidentally gave me vermicelli rice instead of Layla fries. Once I let our server know, he immediately went and put in an order of fries at no charge. For dessert, my boyfriend and I were torn between the mini roses and orange blossom infused ice cream. We decided we will be back in the future and since we were so full, we got the ice cream. This is the part where Layla lost one whole star. While we were eating our ice cream, the cup that was holding it shattered out of no where! Either the glass cup was fairly cheap or we were hammering down that ice cream like there was no tomorrow. Overall, amazing food, chic ambience, and great service. We will definitely be back. I have my eyes on the Turkish coffee with condensed milk and the mini roses. Hopefully we won't break anything when we come back.
(4)Kylie M.
My favorite restaurant!! I love the Fatoush salad and Med Chicken. So good!
(5)Nga T.
Love this place!! The food is just DELISH!!! Super friendly staff and very nice atmosphere. A must try for everyone!
(5)John C.
Gave this place 4 stars as the food was 5 stars the service was 1 star. We were the 3rd table to arrive, 4 other tables came after us and had their order taken before us. I went to the other server that was on the ball and asked if we could get our order taken? Finally the other server came out from hiding and took our order. We were furious, we sat there for 30 minutes. We ordered a lot of appetizers to share between four of us. So excellent, so flavorful, so fresh. The main courses were just as awesome. It was unfortunate we kept on asking for the same things over and over. I know Gordon Ramsay would shut the place down for poor service. :-)
(4)Laura B.
I only know of one other Lebanese place in SLC & their menu couldn't be more different! It was a pleasantly surprise though Layla's service far surpasses the other. I shared a plate with my partner but we couldn't finish our meal, it was so large!
(4)Thérèse HC W.
It's my first visit here. I really enjoy the environment. It's quite, classy, and relax. Me and my friend have ordered their famous Layla's signature fries, their special-Lamb Meatball, and Lamb Shank. The fries were great, it didn't look like a big portion at first, but when we started eating, we've found out that there were actually a lot of fries in that cone. The Lamb Shank did taste like lamb at first, but when we chewed longer, it became to taste like pork. It was really tender. It seemed like that the lamb has been cooked for a very long time, but maybe because of this, it has lost the flavor that a lamb shank supposed to have. However, the lamb meatball was great. It was very "lamby". The meatball was a bit too salty for me when it was eaten by itself, but when it was eaten with millet underneath, it tasted perfect. Conclusion: Great atmosphere, great service, great food.
(3)Jomar H.
This is a great place when Layla...is here. Today the waitress has been super RUDE. His name is Josh
(1)Michael H.
I took my kids and wife to Layla and was blown away. We were walk ins with no reservation. My wife is of Turkish nationality, so we know this food extremely well. A little pricey and honestly weird to have fries on the menu (which were excellent, but bring on the kebob) the food, service and ambiance were all excellent and well beyond expectation. Some of these other reviews talking about don't bring the kids --- didn't happen with us, we were treated first class. Absolutely coming back and bringing the kids with us. 1000% better than Aristos or Mazza and brings uniqueness to food from the region.
(4)Nate S.
If you find your self in Old Town (new and fake, of course) Holladay with a hankering for Mediterranean/Lebanese, Layla will service your basic needs. It will be expensive, however, and in every regard (other than cost) it will be a lesser experience than the one you'd have at Mazza. Rosewater tea, lavash wraps, herbed fries, dripping-with-grease musakhen, $9 "spring mix" salad with two dominos of fried cheese, overpowering plug-in air fresheners inside: for me, it's a recipe for waiting until I can get back to Mecca ... er, Mazza.
(3)Amy K.
Sat at the bar top...extremely friendly service. Spoke to owners daughter...good people with great intentions on making your dining experience enjoyable. Mixed drink and beer were tasty. Sampler Appetizer with hummus was amazing. Meals were very hearty and filling. Glad we tried this restaurant. Loved it.
(5)Lori D.
Wonderful food and ambiance. A really cool little place in Holladay. They know how to take care of their customers!
(5)Brooke W.
I cook. A lot. And I'm very good at it, so when I find a restaurant that blows away what I can make at home I'm theirs for life. Layla is one of those rare places that I feel like I'm getting my money's worth for someone else's cooking. It's a good thing it's not closer, or my budget would be shot.
(5)Missy B.
Don't take your children to Layla. No, seriously, don't--little ones are neither wanted nor welcome. As for whether you should go there yourself, I'd say maybe, possibly, but probably not. We decided to give Layla a try because we love Mediterranean food and after having lived and traveled extensively in the region, we were excited to try a new restaurant that features the cuisine, especially one that was so highly rated on Yelp. Because we wanted to take our children, who are both well behaved and accustomed to eating out, we made a reservation for 5:00, which is when they open. We love our kids and think they're great, but we also understand that some people don't want to dine with children (even well mannered children) so we always arrange to eat at restaurants before they get busy. Unfortunately, our children were not welcome at Layla, in practice if not actual policy, even though we were literally the only guests in the restaurant for over 45 minutes. When the hostess, a grouchy senior citizen (perhaps the family matriarch?) saw we had kids in our party, she was visibly hostile and rude. We asked if they had a booster seat for our preschooler and she responded "we don't offer those" in an incredibly brusque tone. I have no doubt that if we had not made a reservation, she'd have refused to seat us at all, like another reviewer experienced. Once seated, we took in the restaurant itself, and it is very chic. It avoids the typical, gaudy decor that is so common in family-run ethnic restaurants. The restaurant is very tasteful and simple, with a modern vibe. Our server, Liz, was very knowledgeable and recommended some mezze for is to try. And our glasses, though small, were never empty. The wait staff was a large improvement over the hostess. The food itself was a bit disappointing. Our hummus, though topped with an excellent olive oil, was very, very bland. There was no hint of sesame, garlic, or any of the other usual spices. The muhummara (a red pepper, walnut, and pomegranate molasses dip) was better, but not as good as what other places in the valley offer. The pitas used for dipping were a bit cardboard-like in texture, maybe left overs from yesterday. We ordered a variety of entrees. My chicken skewer was boring and dry. They served it with a garlic aioli, which helped somewhat, but the overall flavor was only of charring, and not in a good way. The lamb was over cooked and dry as well. The lavash wraps were good, but not great. The moussaka was probably the best thing ordered by our table. I'd give the food three stars--edible, but certainly not life changing. As we finished our meal and other guests began trickling in, it became clear the staff wanted us OUT. They took our plates, which still had food on them, without asking if we were done. When they gave us the bill, they stood there waiting for us to produce our card and they had it back to us for a signature in about 45 seconds. Our children were not making noise, but it was clear the staff was done with us. As we walked out the door, the elderly hostess gave us such a sour look, I couldn't believe it. Layla clearly considers itself a fine fining establishment, but let's be honest, their menu consists of wraps, kabobs, and finger foods. All the entrees come with fries. I think they take themselves a bit too seriously. And for all that, the food wasn't that great. We've had much better Mediterranean fare at kitschy little Cafe Med (whose ambiance can't touch Layla, but whose food leaves Layla in the dust). If you're looking for a classy, quiet, child-free restaurant, and those elements are more important to you than the food itself, Layla may be for you. If you want a knock-your-socks off meal look elsewhere. And seriously, don't take your kids. Personally, we won't be back.
(2)Ryan G.
My wife and I set out on Friday night to have a nice evening over a quality meal and decided to head to Layla. She had lunch with her friends at Layla about a year prior and was excited to take me because she enjoyed it the last time. Unfortunately our meal didn't live up to her expectation. We arrived for our reservation and the staff didn't seem to know what that entailed so we said we would wait at the bar, however, the bar was apparently full so we waited in the entryway of the building. After about 15 minutes they showed us to our table and our waitress took our drink orders, I had "squaters IPA" which one nobody seemed to know fortunately it was off duty instead of hops rising. At this point we ordered to appetizer sampler which turned up with burned baba ganoush and kibbeh and dry pita bread, the hummus was good. Also they brought out an excellent roll so good in them. After our appetizers our entrees came out. I had a dish with chicken, Israel cuscus, pearled onions and "secret house spices" and the wife had a falafel wrap with rice. Apparently secret spices are devoid of flavor as my dish had almost none to speak of but at least the chicken was moist. The real problem was that my wife's falafel was burned. So we stared at each other for a few minutes with me picking the chicken out of my dish and her eating her pretty good rice before one of us pointed out the obvious, What a hunk of crap. Also nobody bothered to check on us for about 15 minutes after we received our entree which is frustrating because our food should have been sent packing back to the kitchen. The only thing that kept this from being one star is that our server recognized that the falafel was scorched and comped it but otherwise this was a near total loss for around $80 bucks. I guess I could chalk this up to an off night but given the hype and price tag and the fact that they burned 3 staples of Lebanese cuisine in one night I'd say they earned the criticism. For your sake don't buy the hype and go to a middle eastern place that can cook falafel.
(2)Scott P.
Layla's is the best. The food is wonderful. The service is always spot on. Great atmosphere. One of the best in Salt Lake. A must try!
(5)Gwen A.
This was our first time trying out this little neighborhood dig and we thoroughly enjoyed our date night. The only reason I have 4 stars instead of 5 was because Layla's has a wonderful romantic atmosphere, low lighting, candles, clean, cute patio but the TV's in the bar area kind of through me off. The food however was wonderful. It's an easy place to try a new kind of food and get great results. We ordered the falafel and grape leaves for an appetizer and the Kushari to split for our entree. It's huge! A delicous vegetarian plate with rice, noodles, lentil and an amazing tangy tomatoe sauce.
(4)Jc C.
First time here, nice atmosphere feel of the place. I ordered the Scottish salmon my girlfriend placed the Lamb shank. Both dish was great o just thinks portion was small. But good tasting food.
(4)Anna C.
The food is great. It tastes totally genuine and like an old school family recipe. We ordered the beef short ribs and the morrocan chicken. The portions are more than I expected and we are looking forward to going back. The only drawback was the dining area felt a little cramped.
(4)Charlynn T.
WOW! I feel sheepish even posting this review because of all the "buzz" and good reviews. I had the opposite experience from most, it seems. We decided to try Layla on a recommendation from a friend. It was a busy night and it looked like they were hosting a company Christmas party. The space is small and LOUD. A server right right near our table was wrapping silverware and I couldn't hear anything over the clanking. TIP - move the silverware station at least 5 feet away from diners. Totally not cool. Let me start by saying that I am not picky, and I usually let service slide if the food is good. Being vegan, we were excited to try the menu since they seemed to have a few options. Maybe that is where my review is bias? Meat dishes must be much better than what we ordered, based on the stellar reviews. We stared with the Falafel, which were extremely dry and hard. It was like eating a hockey puck with fry sauce. I ended up sending back my salad after having to flag down the hostess (waiter didn't check on us after our food dropped) because of way too much dressing. My husbands dish of Vegetarian Lebanese Moussaka was so-so, but lacked flavor in a bad way. Reminded me of a frozen dish from the microwave. He was finished by the time our waiter came back to our table to check on us. Prices were incredibly high for what we received. $60 bucks later, we left still hungry and with a headache from all the noise.
(2)Steven S.
Best Mediterranean place I have been to! The service was very kind! Very informative in the ordering process. We grabbed a few things for lunch and shared. Moussaka, falafel, kabobs, fries and salad were all 100% amazing! It really was a grand adventure for my taste buds! The fries had a unique Mediterranean seasoning treatment I was fond of, served with fry sauce (a utah must) !!! The building itself is odd for a restaurant, food service was obviously not its original purpose; however they keep it very clean and neat. They do take out if you want their awesome offerings on the run!
(5)Randall C.
What a meal! Came in to get carry out but decided to sit at the bar for dinner instead. It just felt so warm and inviting, I had to stay. I ordered the Beef Shawarma with Layla's Signature Fries. The Shawarma meat was perfectly seasoned and the tahini sauce was spot on. The fries were incredible, the Zaatar spice mix with the fries make them a must order. I am a sucker for harissa, and the harissa aioli served with the fries did not disappoint. I had the Almaza Pilsner from Lebanon with my dinner, so good I had to have seconds. The surprise of the night was the key lime pie, I did not see that coming. Every layer of that pie was perfection. I was stuffed but I finished every bite. The service was warm and friendly, very hospitable.
(5)Annie L.
I've been meaning to try this place for about a year now because of my friend's recommendation and I'm so glad I finally did! My 2 friends and I ordered 5 small plates and a half salad and were stuffed by the end of the meal. My favorite dishes were the crab cakes, signature fries, and the haloum cheese plate. We weren't hungry enough to order entrees this time but I am definitely coming back to try them in the future!
(5)JP C.
Delicious food, very friendly service. After wanting to try this place for a couple of years (I'm not sure what happened there...), I finally made it, and I plan on getting back here regularly! The mougrabieh itself is worth coming back for over and over again. The flavors and texture of that dish were just fantastic! We also tried the hummus (good), lentil soup (very good), and falafel (also very good). The service was excellent. I got there a little while before my friend, and they held our place in the bar area until my friend arrived. The bartender was working his first night, and although he was lacking some information, he was really friendly and made sure to get all of the information we asked of him. All in all, an excellent experience!
(5)Howie O.
At last!! Utah's ethnic options are thin so I was so happy when I found Layla. The dining room is cozy and would be great for a hot date. The service was spot on which is a huge plus for me. I order a few different plates and shared them with friends. This place has vegan options which was a plus for one of my guests. I am looking forward to coming back here soon.
(5)Jennifer L.
Absolutely delicious. First time trying Mediterranean and this place was everything I imagined it to be and more. Beautiful ambiance and patient wait staff. Food is to die for!
(5)Brooke H.
Nice atmosphere. Great service. Food was a little pricey but worth it. It was DELICIOUS! Kabobs were good. Traditional dishes were unique and amazing. Can't get food like this anywhere else in Salt Lake. Portions were sized right. Great little find. Definitely will be going again.
(4)Patrick M.
A couple months ago, a friend of mine introduced me to the concept of trying different foreign cuisines to aid me in my efforts to lay off the pizza/burger joints. And of course I said yes because I'm the type of person that loves to try new things! She said she wanted me to try her favorite restaurant first, to spark my interest in this new endeavor. So on a Friday evening after work, we drove 5 minutes from our houses to Layla, located in the heart of Holladay. When we walked in, we were bombarded (in this case, having a positive connotation) by amazing music, laughter, smells and life!! We were greeted and seated by, I think it's safe to say the best waitress I've ever had the pleasure of meeting! My friend ordered, we waited only 10 minutes and our food was out. Not for the life of me can I remember what anything was called, but it was all phenomenal, which is what matters here. We stayed a while and talked and soaked up the atmosphere of the place. Needless to say, I'm hooked not only on Lebanese cuisine, but on the cultural, fine dining experience! I will definitely be returning to Layla soon, to introduce my entire friend group to this masterpiece of a restaurant!
(5)Ryan C.
I can't say enough nice things about this place. The owners are very kind and happy to see you. The place is kept immaculate and always smells fresh. The outside patio is very nice durning the summer. I love all the food, but I always get their signature fries. Very tasty!
(4)Kayla W.
This place was so good!! Portions were really small for being high priced, but still great quality.
(5)Nigel L.
I really wanted to give this place 4.5 stars but I'll round up given the superior service. I'll admit the wine was a little bland, that's only my own fault. Avoid the Spanish red! The tabbouleh was a great appetizer; nice and fresh tasting with an awesome texture to boot. I got the Mussakhen which was a flatbread with this chicken mash in the middle. Holy crap! The spices! Unbelievably flavorful, I ate the whole dang thing (which is not common for me)! My SO seemed to enjoy the falaffel though she "would have given it a 4 if only I were douchey enough to be on Yelp like you." I liked the fries, good spices here as well! Great vegetarian appetizer options. As mentioned before, service was top notch and rounded out the excellent meal. A great alternative to Mazza.
(5)Seve S.
Layla's provides a unique (tasty) Mediterranean menu at a decent price! They have a friendly and informstive staff! It's a homegrown, family effort from the local salt lake / cottonwood area. Only downside in my mind is the decor is a little bizarre, . I don't remember how to pronounce my parties entres', but they were recommended and they were great!
(4)Alex A.
A friend referred me here and wow, amazing flavors, friendly staff, and beautiful atmosphere. I really enjoyed my meal, and was pleasantly impressed at how flavorful everything was. The groupie went with ordered a mix or ethic dishes ranging from seasoned and perfectly cooked chicken, mixed cabbage/meat/rice rolls (I cannot pronounce or spell the name haha, but absolutely delicious with their home made sauce), a hearty eggplant esq lasagna of sorts (again I am terrible with the proper names of these dishes, they are very well prepared and presentation is excellent) and so on. We all ended up sharing a few bites of each meal because they were all amazing. Lastly, the prices were excellent, especially considering the overall experience, and the staff was wonderful.
(5)Vida A.
Wow! Unimpressed! Maybe because I'm Middle Eastern but honestly nothing was good but the fries, sad really. The walnut spread everybody raves about in the reviews was burnt tasting. The mousaka was like spaghetti sauce poured over rice. The ground beef had a heavy meat taste like it wasn't washed properly. No spice or real flavoring. Parking sucks. Service was fine. Lebanese wine was bitter and not good either. I has such high hopes, crushed.
(2)Soma P.
I really love this place, it breaks my heart to leave this review, but what must be done, must be done. Why is there a silverware station right next to a table? And why would you seat anyone DIRECTLY in front of it on a night where you are not at full capacity? Finally why wouldn't you instruct your employees to handle silverware lightly when polishing/drying it when there are customers in the place? Really horribly thought out and painful. Head throbbingly horrible. My ears still hurt thinking about it.
(1)Tony L.
I never actually knew this place existed until we had our international supper tour here. The place has quite a classy interior with good vibes. Parking was a bit challenging though. Our good friend Joshua S gave us a good overview of this place, and he seems to be a regular here as well. I have not had much Middle Eastern food in my life, and Mazza is the only other similar ventures I visited in Salt Lake. The spices they used in their cuisine being the intermediary in the Silk Road back in the days have always amazed me. Surprisingly, their fries were actually quite delicious, and the Muhammara Walnut spreads can be a heaven for fans of hummus. I went with the Lamb Shank per the recommendation from our waitress. The meat just falls off the bone, and the meat was juicy and flavorful. It looked like a big dish and I finished it after all, perhaps it was too delicious. Other meat dishes I sampled were quite decent as well. Layla is a definitely a hidden jewel in Holladay, we will definitely be back for more tasty Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food.
(5)Mea B.
Great kabobs. It's a lot of food but really good. Wished their lunch was more reasonable
(4)Anna T.
Went there for the first time last night and it was DELICIOUS! We had a watercress and spinach stuffed flat bread as an appetizer. My friend had the lamb skewer and salad and I had the Lebanese moussaka. The service was awesome, atmosphere was really nice, and the food was amazing. I'll be back very soon!
(5)Anita C.
Went here with the roomie and loved everything we got. Also loved the ambiance of the restaurant. Ordered the chicken kabob- the chicken was grilled perfectly, so juicy, and the flavor was amazing. Couldn't get enough of the fries either and the aioli dipping sauce was delicious. Tried some of the roomie's chicken shawarma which was equally delicious- loved the chicken. Ended the amazing meal with pistachio ice cream- so creamy and yummy! Can't wait to go back and try more deliciousness.
(5)Lucy C.
I love this restaurant. It's hard to find middle eastern food this good where I am from, so I always make a point to come here when I visit Salt Lake City. The lamb shank is very good, I also really like their pastries. It's a really nice restaurant, it's got a great atmosphere. Yeah, it's a bit expensive but that's just what you pay for good food.
(5)Chelsea G.
I love the food. I have never had a problem with the food here. Everything you order is delicious. The service on the other hand isn't always the best. It takes a long time to get your food, which usually doesn't bother me because I know they are cooking it, but here it's a really long wait. I also think the Hosts are rude. My Boyfriend and I came to eat here one night and they didn't have a sign on the door. We go to the host stand and the old lady just looks at us and says "private party, go away." That left a bad taste in my mouth I haven't been back. Although I do love the food.
(3)E. H.
I had higher expectations based on the previous reviews. It was good don't get me wrong but it wasn't memorable. The atmosphere was great! I went with 3 of my girlfriends for a girls night and it was perfect!
(3)Baron Daniel C.
Great place. Had never been only a few times been to a Lebanese place in downtown called Cedars of Lebanon. I mentioned that to the staff and they rolled their eyes saying "You haven't tasted Lebanese food yet!" It was quite busy, more of a dress casual. Small inside, but a nice atmosphere. I had a few drinks while waiting. All very tasty cocktails which hit the spot. The waitress was the daughter of the owner and she was very nice, fun, and helpful about the food when I didn't recognize an item. I saw lots of tasty food being brought out I went with the special, which was a chicken and rice crepe in saffron mushroom cream sauce.... Oh my! I love chicken crepes and it all sounded wonderful. When it came out it a stuff crepe the size of a liter coke bottle. I didn't wait more than 15 minutes and it was just as good as I thought it would be. The creamy saffron and mushroom sauce was delicious with the chicken and rice in that crepe. There were a few almond slivers on top and enough sauce to go around, so they didn't skimp. A wonderful meld of flavors, tasty chicken, soft rice, crunchy almonds, succulent mushrooms and cream. Highly recommend to anyone who loves good food, middle eastern cuisine or is looking for a good date place out on the town.
(5)Tina I.
I have to say that I love Layla. It came as a recommendation from a friend a year ago and I love it. We have not had anything there we haven't liked. If you want Mediterranean food, this is the best food to try in Salt Lake. Everything we have tasted, tastes fresh and is seasoned perfectly. We love the rose water lemonade and the rose water ice cream, but there are other flavors that contend for the favorites. I recommend making a reservation, because it can get busy.
(5)Rachael L.
This place kicks a$$!! All the dishes are flavored perfectly, good portions, nice atmosphere. We live nearby and since trying Layla, it has become a new top favorite by far! We love the Moussaka, chicken curry, and moroccan chicken. Cant wait to try other items. Only things we wouldn't likely order again is the Kibbeh...two small pieces in an order. Not worth the price. And the red lentil soup is lacking in flavor.
(5)Rebecca L.
We love Layla. It's amazing food, amazing service, and amazing atmosphere. We come here for special occasions and are always impressed.
(5)Linda S.
Great place to have Mediterranean food! This is so far the best place I've been to! I ordered their lamb kebob served with fries and salad. My friend who's been living in that area said the food is very authentic! I've never been to that area, this is my first time having their fries, definitely their fries are the best fries!
(4)Mary Anne D.
The hubby and I were in search of a nice mediterranean meal and decided to give Layla a try. We split the lentil soup, grape leaves, and vegetarian moussaka. The food was excellent--well seasoned, not over cooked, and more than enough for two people. My hubby typically dislikes moussaka, but even he commented that Layla's fare was the exception to his rule. We got our food to go, and even though it was a short stop the staff was extremely courteous and quick! I was a little sad we were taking our food home after I saw their restaurant. The interior looked very contemporary and inviting. I'd happily visit Layla again.
(5)David J.
I went to Layla's last night and thought it OK, but nothing to return to. The interior of the place is nice, with an upscale feel. There are a wide range of options on the menu, so you can choose a lot of cheaper options along with higher-priced entrees. We (2 of us) started with a 3 mezze sampler, getting hummus, muhamarra, and tabouleh. I thought it was all a bit one-dimensional. The hummus was super-blended and had just a faint tahini taste. The muhamarra was lacking the glorious pomegranate liveliness, and the tabouleh didn't have any tang to it - watery instead. The pita was kind of sad and dried up. I got the Moroccan chicken since it seemed to be suggesting something like a tagine. It was instead a somewhat dry chicken breast with a non-integrated spice rub on a bed of couscous. Maybe that was their goal all along, but they are missing out on an awesome regional dish. My spouse got the lamb shank, which was nicely cooked, but eventually it just became a huge chunk of meat without much else going on. Service was fine, although there was a wait station behind me and someone was throwing silverware together right behind my head which got a bit annoying. The place was lively and loud. I could imagine going back to try some of the lesser-priced items if I wanted that plus a decent atmosphere.
(3)Rod S.
Sometimes you go to a place that completely exceeds.expectations. I was responsible for the July Yelp supper club. I picked this place because I like this type of food and it had a liquor license. I went in with mild expectations. I left just loving the food and putting the restaurant on my short list of places to get back to. When I've been in hot climate places like Indonesia and Morocco, I've loved the rose wines. Even though I've not made it to Provence yet, I love the food and rose wine from there. So, I'm rambling. The Rose here was very good -- and from Lebanon. The food was just plain wonderful. I'll be back -- soon. Oh, I'll stick to the Arak form Indonesia, not Lebanon. I prefer the former.
(4)Farah A.
If you are searching for authentic middle eastern food - Layla is the place you want to go . Homemade food , plenty of flavors . Try their lemonade with rose water , the Layla fries are a great discovery , the mezze is good ( tabbouleh , hummus, mal anik) and the musakhan is delicious ! If you have the chance to meet Layla , she is awesome ;)
(5)A C.
I loved it! A really nice intimate setting serving food made with care. The falafel is the best I've ever had. The chicken shawarma wrap was delicious. Not huge portions but really satisfying flavors. Can't wait to go back! Homemade with love.
(5)Megan F.
This place will not disappoint you. The server was very nice and knowledgable about the menu from food to wine. The overall experience was amazing! Loved everything! Definitely will be going back.
(5)Mathew P.
OK food but Mazza's is better and costs less. Service is terrible. Had an appetizer, entree and desert. Was there for less than an hour and a half and the hostess asked our table to leave because we were done eating and other people were waiting. What a way to kill conversation and end the evening on a downer.
(2)Marty J.
No. Not traditional fare. Over priced. Less than professional service. Eat elsewhere.
(1)Haley B.
What a menu. I want to come back to Layla like 30 times so I can try everything! We came here on Saturday evening, sans reservation, and there was a 20 minute wait to be seated. As soon as we were shown our table, our attentive waiter showed up and brought us some bread. Was it Middle Eastern? No. But delicious? Omg. Yes. Started with Muhumarra walnut spread and warm pita, and it was so delicious that honestly there was no way the rest of the meal could ever measure up. My friend ordered a lentil soup, which he enjoyed. The kafta kabob I ordered came out buried in a heaping pile of hot, crispy, seasoned fries. No complaints here! When I did finally make it to the actual kabobs, I was a little underwhelmed. They were just okay. I was pretty full at that point and gladly accepted the waiter's offer of a to-go box. Can we talk about how delicious the pita with kafta and walnut spread tasted at 8 a.m. the next morning? Unbelievable. My friend ordered a shawarma wrap, which he was unimpressed with. So much so that he sent me home with the other half! I had no such reservations about the wrap (aside from that it was laden with tomatoes, which I hate), the meat was very well-seasoned, and whatever condiment they used worked well with it. Today as I begrudgingly eat a pb&j from my basically barren kitchen cupboards, I am thinking with with wistful longing about the highly satisfying meal and ensuing glorious leftovers from Layla last week. I'll definitely be back!
(4)Priyanka G.
Great food..Ordered Chicken Musakken. It was awesome. Best place for Mediterranean food in the valley.
(5)Jen A.
Not kid friendly! 5 star food with lots of vegetarian and gluten free options. Our server was excellent as well but the hostess who greeted us did nothing to make me feel welcome. We went on a Tuesday evening without a reservation and with my almost 2 year old. She seemed very put off by us arriving without a reservation and did nothing to accommodate my little one. There are no highchairs or boosters in the entire restaurant and nothing on their website would indicate that. Several other little things occurred that indicated it is not a child friendly restaurant throughout our meal as well. Overall a decent dining experience with excellent food, just don't expect a warm welcome and seriously think about getting a sitter for the kids.
(2)Julie F.
My husband and I went to Layla's for the first time on Friday night. We moved to Salt Lake last year and I've been asking him to visit since then. It was SO good!! I wish we would have gone long before now! Tania was our server. She is one of the family. I just love family restaurants that are well run. They accomplished this and more! The food is so fresh! Tania is friendly and had great recommendations. Can't wait to go back!! Thank you!
(5)Kay Y.
Service is good on some days and on other days its just mediocre especially considering its not busy here in the evenings...food on the other hand is very good. Desserts are great too.
(4)Rachel R.
First time, love it! Everything tastes awesome. Ask for Ben, he's hot and knows his stuff. :)
(5)Lizzie W.
If you give this restaurant anything less than a 4 star, I have to seriously question your judgement. Layla is hands down one of the best restaurants in Salt Lake City. (I say this with utmost confidence) My friends and family have been urging me to come here, and tonight I did for the first time. Location wise, it's in the heart of Holladay. The restaurant itself has a very comfortable atmosphere, simplistic and contemporary. Service was perfect. Not intrusive, but not brief and cold. Our server, Liz, was attentive and made sure all our needs were met (drink refills, occasional check ups, etc.) We started off with the traditional hummus, which was exceptional. The addition of olive oil really made the difference. The main course was mussels over couscous for my mom, and beef shawarma with french fries for myself. Beef shawarma was delicious BUT the best part of the meal, hands down, were the fries. These are the best french fries I have ever had. Perfect flavor, temperature and they were accompanied by a delectable sauce. My mom's mussels were also up there with some of the best I've ever had, and came highly recommended by our waitress. And with good reason, the seasoning on all of the food just exceeded my expectations. It's places like Layla that remind me what a truly amazing meal is. This is the first review I've ever posted on yelp that has no complaints. There is not one thing about my dining experience I would change, and I eagerly await my next visit. Well done Layla.
(5)Chad B.
This place is amazing. Staff is very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Food was hands down the best thing I've eaten in a long time. I highly recommend this place, especially for lunch cause the prices are even better. You'll have a great time going to eat here.
(5)Henry L.
could be the best restaurant in salt lake. all good, super humble. that hostess has got a booty of the century, like dayum. I took some Korean clients here whom had never tasted hummus and they flipped a shit on that hummus and couldn't get enough. as a non drinker I pound down the rose water lemonades. sometimes they let me get free refills of it and sometimes they don't. if that super tight pretty young hostess is reading this, seriously add me as a yelp friend or something.
(5)Len C.
First, make sure to call for a reservation, they are always busy. They have several vegan or vegetarian options. Our favorite is the Vegetarian Lebanese Moussaha. But, we really go there for the appetizers. We usually get the combo plate with falafel, hummus, muhammara, and you've got to get the grape leaves.
(5)Emily B.
I love Mediterranean cuisine so I was very excited to give this place a try. I ordered the caprese salad and the spinach pie mezze. The salad was OK but I wasn't fond of the spinach pie.The couple we were with ordered the hummus which was very good. I am a vegetarian so maybe the reason the reviews are so good here is due to the meat dishes they offer. Overall, my experience here wasn't amazing but I would like to come back again to try the falafel.
(3)Stephen W.
Go to Layla Grill Mezze! The food is amazing, the service is excellent...i guarantee a fabulous experience!
(5)Charlie M.
We went on a Friday night, waited 15-20 minutes to order. I ordered 2 appetizers to come before the meals. After about 15 minutes a bus boy shows up with a plate of mushy herbs and tomatoes, asked if we ordered it. When I asked him what it was, he said he didn't know, set it on the table and walked away. Actually it was pretty good. Another 30 minutes went by, and finally our waitress came over and told us they our food was almost ready. When I asked her what happened to our other appetizer, she smiled nervously and apologized, promising that she would take it off the bill and give us some free desserts. So finally after 90 minutes, our food showed up. The Schwarma was average at best, the fries were really good. I asked the busboy for some more "aioli" for the fries, he said "oh, fry sauce?" Anyway, overall the food was okay, nothing to wait an hour for. The atmosphere is really loud and sort of middle aged chic. Not a great place to bring kids. The service was so bad. Oh yeah, and the free desserts for missing our appetizers, were 4 pieces of their version of baclava. They were the size of fun size snickers. 4 pieces for our party of 6. Nice work Layla.
(2)Wei H.
The food is excellent. But their service just so so, the front desk girl pretty rude and does not know how to be a good waitress. The place is pretty small and noisy.
(4)Jenny B.
Order the wraps. You will not be disappointed with taste. Absolutely fabulous food, but the service was far less than par. The restaurant should be much less stingy on fry sauce. We had a small dipping container only 1/4 full. When I inevitably ran out, only 1/2 way through my fries, I was charged for another container. Our server was also pretty average at best. The rose water lemonade is also pretty great. In spite of the so-so service, I will definitely come back to Layla (the food is that fantastic).
(4)Russell R.
A restaurant should be about service as much as it is about food. Service failures happen in any business but it is how you deal with them that makes a difference. In this case they did nothing.
(1)Tink S.
Simply the best middle eastern food in the state. I eat here regularly and it is consistently delicious. Family owned with authentic dishes. Service is great -atmosphere beautiful. Make reservations on the weekend as it is small.
(5)nachot t.
We had a very nice Valentine's Day dinner for four at Layla tonight. A friend has raved about Layla for years and with short notice we were able to secure reservations at a decent hour. So glad I finally heeded the recommendation! From the start with our tabbouleh, hummus, tiger prawn and french fries (yep, awesome fries!), Layla was delicious. In our party we tried the short ribs, rib eye and a variety of kabobs - steak, chicken and shrimp. Each dish turned out to be excellent. I love the rice and salad that was served with my kabob. In addition to the excellent food, the atmosphere was just the right combination of comfort and class. The staff are excellent and attentive and Layla's special Valentine's Day desserts were unbelievable tonight. Yes, Layla made each one herself. From the mango cheesecake to the tiramisu to the chocolate mousse and key lime pies, they were over the top. Happy to have found a new favorite in Layla!
(5)C W.
Parents: this place did not have a high chair. However, the staff was extremely polite to me, my husband and my baby. Hummus w/hot pita was fine for the 14 month old. He was really happy walking around. I suppose the lack of high chair could be a pro or a con, depending on who you ask. The space is small, intimate, and well designed- perfect for night time. Lunch? Not so much. That's when I visited. Everyone enjoyed their non-meat entree during lunch. The egyptian lentils were fantastically big, everyone had to get a box to go to finish. I would recommend if you do not have kids. It has wonderful hummus and I thoroughly enjoyed my falafel sandwich. My spouse enjoyed his fattoush salad. I was too full for dessert, but I think I will try some when I go back on a date night.
(4)Daela T.
Small plates done right, I could die in their fries. Hipster like charm, with a good family-run vibe.
(4)Jeffrey S.
Was not expecting this. I mean, I've read the reviews and everything. But you really have to experience it for yourself. I wasn't expecting the food to be so delicious, the space to be so inviting an comfortable -- yet classy -- and to enjoy myself so much. First of all, the location. Not necessarily in a place known as a major hub of dining activity, it's a sweet find in this neighborhood. Walking in you'll find a totally modern space. Somewhere near IKEA but without the meatballs and definitely without the cheese. They've paid special attention to the lighting and I was completely charmed by the whole layout. It's cozy, but not realtor-talk cozy. You know, like a euphemism for tiny. Appropriately cozy. I had the great fortune of dining with Joshua S, who besides having an experience palate is also somewhat of a regular at Layla. I felt like a southern belle as he ordered a few of his faves for us. Such a gentleman! Okay not really, but I was grateful to have his expert guidance. May I suggest you also follow his expert guidance and get the Muhamarra walnut spread. Oh dear me, that was good. Such a simple thing with such a complex, unique and special flavor. Although the plating was nothing fancy, as it sat in front of me it called out to me. We also enjoyed the tiger prawns. Again, the combination of flavors was so intriguing and the prawns were firm but not springy. Definitely good. For me the real standout was the Lebanese Moussaka. Their menu describes it as eggplant layered with beef, onions, pine nuts, and "exotic spices." I have to chuckle at that, because it's the perfect description. What's an exotic spice? I have no idea what spices were used, but if I'm ever asked to describe the flavor profile of this dish to anyone I'm going with "exotic spices" because there's no way I'm picking out what was used. Totally unique and I'd get it again. I must also mention dessert, and the little slice of heaven I had. They call it a chocolate macadamia mousse tart, but that thing is pie. And a really great one, at that. They also have key lime pie on the menu, which would be a great way to zing your palate after a meal of such delicious and amazing food. Layla is the kind of place I would love to have a few blocks from my house. It's a neighborhood, local place but one that doesn't slop food out for the locals. They're focusing in the kitchen on serving a high standard and in the front of the house they want you to feel like one of the family. It's comfortable, relaxed, delicious, and gorgeous.
(5)Steve J.
Very good! My wife has food allergies and they had lots of great food options for her.
(5)Kris B.
Had the kibbeh, halloumi, fallafel, prawns as the mini dishes, and the lamb shank as the main. Lamb shank was great. The small plates were, well, small. The halloumi dish had 2 pieces of cheese, and the prawns, as far as i could tell, were shrimp. Lamb shank was really great though, which added back a star.
(3)Codicho Z.
GREAT appetizer sampler, great flavors. 3.8 stars Shawarma beef wrap was less flavorful & not much sauce included. A bit pricey for dinner but that is the neighborhood. Wait staff fantastic, greeting staff younger lady was not so great, poor attitude (as if we didn't belong, because we didn't make a reservation. Took awhile for her to want to seat us.
(4)Rachel L.
I'm a Middle-Eastern food snob. Za'atar is a weakness. Sesame makes me melt. Mint, Allspice, Cinnamon, Fenugreek... love. And, don't get my started on the use of honey, dates, and nuts. Mmm... I would eat K'nafeh every day for breakfast if I wasn't too lazy to make it. So, I was excited to venture to Holladay for Lebanese for a change rather than the Mazza locations. I was certainly entranced by the place when I walked in. Layla translates as night in most semitic languages, and the colors brought me back to a Middle-Eastern desert at dusk. It was lovely and nostalgic. But, Layla didn't deliver food-wise. As a mezze, I tried the kibbeh, falafel, hummus, and grape leaves. The kibbeh and falafel were both over-fried, and the hummus was tasteless. Their pita didn't seem fresh, and I ended up eschewing it with both my appetizer and kabob. I must say, their grape leaves (dolmas) were very good. The flavors of my chicken kabob were decent, but the chicken too was overcooked. The salad that came with it was drenched in dressing - whereas it is my experience that most middle easterners tend to lightly coat their green. And, the za'atar fries that I was so excited for tasted rather ordinary. The toum had too much oil added during the emulsification process, so the garlic didn't stand out to the degree I would have wanted. The harissa had no kick. Rather than enjoy my food, I simply missed "barbecue"-ing with my adopted Lebanese manchild in Miami. Sigh. Despite my food criticism, I adored the ambiance and the service was good -- although next time there are late diners in it, I hope the servers will keep their voices down. Maybe I'll return to try the Moroccan Lamb Shank that everyone raves about. But, probably not.
(2)Ana S.
Excellent!!! This is my favorite restaurant in town. You can't go wrong with this place. The red pepper hummus and French fries are a must! The servers are very good and fast, food is amazing, prices are fair. I wish they had more options for gluten free dessert, but the regular ones are amazing! I totally recommend Layla. I go there at least once a month and I've never been disappointed. Even when I have a to go order they spoil me. I love it!
(5)Erin B.
I talked my sisters into coming here for dinner and we weren't dissapointed! The service was excellent and all of us loved our meals. Between the three of us we ordered the chicken kebab, chicken shawarma, and falafel. The fries were also delicious and we loved the feta stuffed, flash fried fritter we got as an appetizer! I'll definitely be back.
(5)Stuart M.
Mazza might have some competition in the 'best middle eastern cuisine' category from Layla. Great interior space, friendly and knowledgeable service and good food. If they prove to be consistent they could have a big success on their hands. Everything we tried was good to great, no misses. Lots of subtlety, flavour and variety. We tried the mougrabieh (cous cous with chicken in a broth) the musakhan (roasted chicken with sumac and onions in a wrap) plus their zaatar toasted bread. The menu also had a few americanised options like steaks and ribs, but even the french fry dip was perked up with harissa, cool twist. Cant wait to go back and try more of the menu.
(4)Heather K.
I love finding GOOD, new restaurants outside of downtown SLC. Sometimes that's tough although it's getting better. Layla Mediterranean Grill offer great food, nice atmosphere and good service. By far the stand out dish is the moussaka. Amazing is all that needs to be said! For my full review of Layla, click here: tinyurl.com/362xh6s
(4)Ryan K.
I was very impressed with the food at Layla. The hummus was smooth and creamy, the falafel was perfect, the Moussaka was delicious, and the rose water ice cream was definitely different, but quite tasty. It's nice to see that Mazza has a competitor in SLC! In the interest of disclosure: Layla comp'd our small plates, and our dining group paid for the rest.
(4)Grason R.
I didn't expect much from this restaurant to be honest. From the second I walked in, I was impressed with the scenery. It's fun but not too crazy. The menu doesn't have a million options which I like, since I have a hard time deciding. I got the Chicken Kabob wrap which was huge! Not only is it 8 bucks for two meals, but it's also delicious. The service couldn't have been any better. The waiter was very nice and didn't bother us by checking in too much. You really should give this place a try!
(5)Deener F.
It has been awhile since I have been this impressed! The food was great, the service was good, prices fair and the venue was good too. I suggest eating on the patio if it's warm enough outside, it was great! We had a mix of appetizers and they were all delicious. The grape leaves were warmed and were tasty and the special lamb sausages were good too. I ordered a chicken schwarma and it was awesome!! Good schwarma and only 8.50!!!!! Love it. My friends all had good food too, the kebab plate with chicken looked amazing. Good portions too for the price. My 8.50 sandwich was really filling. I can't wait to go back! This place knocks the socks out of cafe med who I'm still bitter about. Mazza in SLC is awesome to but costs way more. This is a nice place and has a nice ambiance too, definitely a place you could go on a nice date. Solid. Good schwarma.
(5)Jowanza J.
One of the better places to have a nice meal for not too much money. Everything I tried was very delicious and the waitress was very attentive and worked quickly. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(4)Mike L.
Friends introduced is to this place and any time we want a special place with outstanding food we go to Layla's. I usually just let Liz bring out what she thinks would be good and have never been less than impressed. My favorite is the Moroccan Chicken and my wife loves the lamb burgers, both specials, but anything we have tried has been wonderful. Great ambiance, family owned, and a fantastic staff rounds out one of the best culinary experiences you will ever have. Try this place. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Chris G.
Every time my wife and I want to celebrate, this is the place! Neither of us have ever had a meal here we didn't love! A couple of times we have only ordered off of the small plates section (appetizers) and have loved it! If they have the homemade lamb sausages, do not pass them up! I would lick the plate for every last bit of the sauce if my wife wouldn't kick me!
(5)Bud H.
This is the type of place that I love - tasty food and a menu that makes you want to come again and again. Seriously, I had a hard time choosing what to get as half the menu is right up my alley. The red pepper humus is very tasty. As is the dressing on the house salad. Pretty much everything I've had at this place is really good, and that inlcudes the short ribs, the lamb shank, the kafta rollup, and the chicken shwarma. The fries are good too as they have some sort of spice on them. And last but not least, the rolls that are served with your meal are super tasty. Dense and chewy. Sure, the rolls may not seem too mediterranean-esque, but they're tasty enough that it doesn't matter!
(4)Dustin T.
We LOVE Layla's. We used to go to the restaurant that was there previously called Confetti's. It was owned by the same family, but we were told that the daughter decided to update the restaurant and give it more of an identity - which they definitely accomplished. The menu, and decor, feels much more unique. It's a perfect place to just go enjoy an evening of tapas (the mahamara is the best we've had) - or to enjoy a wonderful dinner. And it can be very casual - with the best beef schwarma that I've ever had - with french fries with incredible aioli sauce (if I could, I would buy quarts of that sauce to put on EVERYTHING). And just when you think that the appetizers and dinner are too good, the description for dessert was just too good to pass up. It was a hazelnut mousse tart with an oreo crust. The BEST dessert I could have ever dreamed up. We love having this hidden gem near our house!
(5)Jessica C.
Flavors are beyond spectacular! I quite enjoyed the grape leaves and crab cakes the best. It has a nice romantic ambiance. Great service too. It was not busy at all when we went on a weekday night, maybe it gets more busy on weekends? Actually I hope it stays a little secret so I can go back again and again.
(5)Lawrence S.
What a great meal! In my opinion, it comes down to three areas for a fantastic dining experience: 1.) ambiance 2.) service 3.) food Layla nailed all three! We arrived on a Saturday evening circa 8pm to a buzzing, gorgeous restaurant. As previous reviewed, contemporary modern setting. The tables are arranged so you have some space but close enough to provide a nice communal feeling. Also, if you don't mind dining later it should be easier to get a reservation at 8:30/9:00 pm. Service was impeccable. Appetizers arrived about 8-10 minutes after ordering. and food about 15 minutes after that....great timing. Our server was polite, knowledgeable, and helped us select a fine Lebanese red wine. The food! Oh my, delectable! I enjoyed the lamb shank that was slow roasted and fall off the bone tender. I'll be having that again! My companion had the ribeye that had a great crust and was cooked to perfection. Ah, the rice! Maybe the best rice I've ever had and I'm picky. Flavorful and cooked just right. Some reviews have compared it to "rice-a-roni" NOT SO! Decide for yourself but I was thoroughly impressed! Layla is one of the best restaurants in SLC, hands down. It'll be on our rotation and I can't wait to order their succulent lamb!
(5)Lindsay Z.
fantastic food and great low-key ambiance. we ordered: - baba ganoush - i would skip this next time and try a different starter. - greek salad w/chicken kebab on the side - would definitely order again. the chicken kebab was perfectly cooked, juicy, and the sauce that came with it was great as well. would love to come back when i'm in town again.
(4)Carol M.
I have been going to this family restaurant several times. I absolutely love the dressing on the Greek salad and I never experienced that they put on too much. I like to add the falafel or halloumi. They have the best grap leaves and their fries is a guilty pleasure. The chicken kabob taste yummy as well. I didn't like their stuffed artichoke as much, a little blend for me. The service is always great and it is a good place to take gluten intolerant friends to.
(4)Ryan S.
Awesome food! Awesome wine! This is a seriously good restaurant run by a family. I had the lamb, and it was so amazing. The meat was super tender and perfectly cooked. They also have an impressive wine and cocktail list along with some tasty vegetarian options. So surprising to have food this good in SLC.
(5)Kelly P.
Love this place. Just went back for a second time to try it again and it was just as good. I have been a fan of Muhammara for quite some time now and this is the best I have ever had. My favorite item so far is the Musahhen. So much flavor and so many different spices and aromas. One of the best things I have ever tasted. I didn't get this last time and regretted it. Here's the description of it from their menu: Thin flatbread, stuffed with a mixture of roasted chicken, caramelized onions, sumac, exotic spices and pine nuts. Served with Lebanese vermicelli rice or Layla's Signature Fries Lots of people in town will want to know how this compares to Mazza. In many ways it is better than Mazza so go check it out now!
(5)Tins Y.
I fall in love with this place when I first walk in. Very impressed with the interior. It's just very clam and relaxing. i had the Turkish coffee, which I thought would be a lot like espresso, but turn out quite nice, not bitter at all (I am a mocha person). My girl friend had Layla special coffee, aka ice coffee, which is quite nice, too. Very unique taste, in a good way. I had Crab Cake $6. I have to say, I am glad that it's real crab meat and you can actually taste the crab. However, it's a little burned. Not sure if they intend to or an accident. But, it's good size for $6 (2 cakes). You must try "Musakhen"! I am in love with just one bite, and I have been thinking about it ever since. Besides, you have to get the fries!! YOU MUST ORDER THE FRIES!! TRUST ME! They are that GOOD! I also tried the special of the day, artichoke with rice. Honestly, not very impressive with the rice and the choke, but the musakhen wrap, omg, it's really what I can think of. What's even better is, I went for lunch and it's only $9.50 for 2 huge portion of the wrap! The parking is a little tricky, since you back up right on 2300 East, with a busy hour, it's really hard to get out of the parking lot.
(5)Sam S.
Fresh and well prepared Mediterranean food served in a pleasant atmosphere with good staff. On my first visit to Layla I was pleasantly surprised by the very nice building and the quality of the food. Although Layla appears to be inside of an old bank or something of the like they've done an excellent job remodeling the place. It has a contemporary, approaching modern look that is simple and pleasing. The food was simply prepared and nicely presented. I would have liked for the chicken kabob I ordered to have been more seasoned, but the chicken was still excellently prepared and very tender. I would definitely consider going here again.
(4)John B.
The menu here is great. Many small plates at reasonable prices. We tried the kibbeh, musakhen, and beef shawrma wrap. Everything was really good. The musakhen was amazing. The Layla fries that came with it were some of the best I have ever had. There are also plenty of vegetarian options and a good wine list.
(4)Bruce F.
Fresh delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Family owned, extremely friendly, fast service. We especially loved the warah malfouf and the chicken curray.
(5)Pam L.
Fantastic dinner! We ate 2 specials: a fresh fig salad and lamb osso bucca! We were in heaven! Great tabbouleh ( though could use a bit more lemon) and classic babba ganouj. I love the Layla Rose martini!!! Our server Ben was a delight! We will most definitely be back!!
(5)Gene M.
What a beautiful restaurant with food that pops off the plate with flavor! The decor is sophisticated and modern without being pretentious, and I just wanted to try everything on the menu! If you're not sure what to order, or are intimidated at all by the menu, just ask one of your friendly servers who will make it more accessible for you. For my less adventurous friends, I suggest to start out with some dishes that aren't too far from comfortable: - Hommus (some of the best anywhere) - Muhammara (warning: VERY addictive) - Musakhen (grilled chicken wrap) with Layla signature fries (you'll never think of a chicken sandwich the same way again)
(5)Mark S.
Great little Mediterranean place in SLC. First tried out the signature lemonade with rose water. Nice simple concoction that wasn't too sweet or tart. I think the rose water may have mellowed it out in the right way. Had the Muhammara Walnut Spread as an appetizer and it had a unique but pleasant flavor with the variety of spices they mixed in. Not quite sure what was in it but it was good. Next came the main courses which we shared. Lebanese Moussaka was really nicely made. Again I'm a fan of not over-flavoring things and this had a mild but flavorful quality to it with the subtle spices. Also had the wild salmon (i'll only eat wild salmon since farmed not only have antibiotics and hormones but they escape from the farms to infect the wild populations with various illnesses and also breed with them which weakens the gene pool) which was not on the traditional menu and it was done just south of fully cooked which left it extremely moist, soft and flavorful. It came with too sauces of which you didn't need due to the quality of the salmon itself. Didn't quite have space for dessert without overstuffing myself and I had just eaten Thanksgiving dinner the day before so didn't want to go through that again. Definitely will try them out next time. There were no bad dishes, the service was good and I'd rate this place 4.5 stars if I could but as it is I'll leave some room for upward movement and another place to totally wow me.
(4)Deb B.
Finally, SLC has a Mediterranean restaurant with delicious food that is snazzy enough to take reservations, but not so expensive that you leave with a hole in your wallet. Our first visit was on a Friday evening and we did not have reservations but seating was available at the bar. The wait staff was very friendly and the food was tasty. The menu is an eclectic blend of Mediterranean and American. The food was a bit slow coming out of the kitchen but was definitely worth the wait. It cost about $40 for two dinners, two small plates and a glass of wine. We started with baba ghanouj ($6) and crab cakes ($6). The pita bread with baba ghanouj was a bit too toasted but the dip itself was wonderful; and the crab cakes were served hot and melt-in-your-mouth yummy. We also tried the New England clam chowder ($4), which was creamy and not too rich. For the main course we had the falafel ($7) and kafta ($8) wraps. Everything was well cooked and deliciously seasoned. We will definitely be going back.
(5)Hether B.
The waitress was incredibly rude!! We asked for our extra pita twice. She never brought it. She charged us for it, when we mentioned it she pretended to hit us with her pen, but in a rude way. The Lebanese Moussaka was over the top! The crabcakes and pita were black!!
(2)Jorgen M.
What a great find! With Mediterranean restaurants it usually can go either way, really not good or really good and this place is great. The food is delicious, the service was very good and the decor is modern"ish"... The prices are really reasonable as well. I would recommend reservations as the place is busy.
(4)Daniel B.
Not just a great Eric Clapton song. It's also a great place in Holladay for your next dinner reservations: Layla Mediterranean Grill and Mezze. And I do mean reservations. It only took me once to learn the lesson, and the second time, a good friend of the owner saved me when I forgot to get reservations, again (and proved the adage-it's not who you know, but who knows you...). He called in for me at 5:30 PM on my anniversary, and we were seated by 6. In my defense, I had planned on going somewhere else, but my boss insisted that Layla was the best place for the occasion. After eating there that night, I tend to agree. Coming in from the hot summer sun, the soft lighting, tile floors, and cool air was a welcome relief. The room was comfortable, but not tight, and full of patrons. After eating, I could tell why, as well as the need for reservations. We started out with an assortment of appetizers: kibbeh, stuffed grape leaves, and tabbouleh. The kibbeh was crispy and just spiced enough to taste exotic. The stuffed grape leaves were among the best I've had, and the tabbouleh provided a light tasting bit of contrast to the slightly heavier kibbeh. For our main courses, I ordered chicken curry, which was served over vermicelli rice, and My Better-half had the mougrabieh, a soupy dish that is described on the menu as "Lebanese pearl couscous topped tender chicken, pearl onions, chick peas, and exotic spices." Both arrived piping hot. The chicken curry was good, but slightly on the bland side. Given that it is a curry dish, I expected a slightly heavier punch. However, I finished it off, and gladly. It was a good recipe, and I'd probably be glad to eat it again. The mougrabieh was also delicious, and perhaps a good dish for the adventurous eater. My Better-half enjoyed it, taking the left overs home for a warm lunch the next day. The service was great, our glasses were always full, and the meal was great experience. If you haven't had a chance, take trip over to Layla, and see if you don't agree. Just don't forget to make reservations in advance.
(4)Ken V.
Very, very good food. Same with service. Highly recommend.
(4)John M.
Atmosphere was really quaint and the service was fantastic. We tried a few appetizers - red pepper hummus, walnut spread, and baba ghanouj (love that name) - which were all fantastic. We had entrees Musakhen (kind of like a chicken wrap) and the lamb shank which were good, but not remarkable. We will definitely go back but will experiment with other entrees when we do.
(4)Yvonne H.
This a really good Meditteranean restaurant. We are never disappointed with our dinner no matter what we have ordered. My husband is Lebanese and VERY pickey about Meditteranean food and has always been pleased. Nice and close for Holladay residents as well!
(4)Bobby P.
Walked in at 7:00 pm on a Friday night elated that there were many open seats on the patio and in the restaurant and no line or wait to be seated. I was especially excited since a coworker informed me that the place had one of the better wine lists in town. My wife asked the hostess for a table for 3. The older lady hostess responded "We don't have high chairs here" My wife, who never asked about a highchair, told her our 3 year old daughter did not require one. The lady then said, "We are full tonight, sorry" So we left. Five minutes later I called and asked how long it would take for a table of three on the patio and a different host replied 10-15 minutes. So apparently they really do not like kids. It is a pretty nice place, I would have never taken more than one child there but 1 is too many for this place. I get the impression that the restaurant wants to maintain its hipster, trendy vibe and ambiance. I recognize that children could hurt that image and even possibly be annoying to other diners but our daughter is pretty experienced at eating out. Oh well!! According to these reviews I don't think they will miss our business much.
(1)Nick S.
I've eaten here twice, once earlier in the fall and again last week. The food is very good. The Musahken is outstanding, highly recommended. Muhammara as others have said is a must. The cocktails are very good as well. My wife had the Lemon drop which was excellent and tasted very fresh. We had a bottle of the Lebanese wine Massaya Silver Selection, Bekaa Valley 2007 which was very good. The key lime pie is great. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Deb T.
After reading so many rave reviews, a friend and I finally tried Layla's last Friday evening. It wasn't too crowded yet at our 6:00pm reservation time, but did get much busier as the evening went on. They accept groups, but it's a rather small space, so if one or two larger groups would be there, you might have trouble getting into a place that already fills up because of its popularity...so DO make reservations, or take your chances. (They may have a larger space for groups that we didn't see...but I'd still make reservations.) They have a small bar area that has a TV, but we didn't check it out and honestly didn't even know it was there until our server mentioned it (so you know the TV wasn't set too loudly...we only heard the lovely music :-). I lived in the Middle East for a short while, so I know and love the cuisine. The friend who dined with me was not as familiar with it...so we had two different perspectives on the food. Everything on the menu looked good, so we took forever to decide...yet our server, Safa, was patient and told us to relax and take out time not only ordering but also dining. If you can manage to get this guy as your server, do so...he was genial and helpful and simply fabulous the entire evening. While still needing time to decide on our entrees, we first ordered some mezes. We got the 4-item combo so we could try as many as possible while also leaving room for the entree and dessert. We got the Muhamarra Walnut Salad, Kibbeh, Falafel, and Signature Fries...and the pita wedges (complementary) to go with it all. (This was on top of the large, delicious homemade roll and butter offered as we first sat down.) I see myself as a falafel connoisseur, having eaten it in a number of countries, different restaurants in this country, as well as making them at home myself. They were spiced well, but the outside of the balls was somewhat dark and hard, while the inside was somewhat soft/mushy...perhaps they fried them a bit too quickly, with the exterior being a bit overdone and the interior a bit undercooked. But that didn't stop us from eating them! The fries, as everyone here has said, are phenomenal. But I think our favorites were the Kibbeh and Muhamarra...simply divine. And the three dipping sauces that came with it all were equally heavenly. For the entrees, my friend finally decided on the Halloum Cheese Salad topped with a Chicken Kabob...and although I like lamb but the shank is not my favorite cut of it, since it was one of the house signature dishes (and came highly recommended by Safa), I decided to try it. My friend assured me his Halloum salad and kabob were one of the best things he's every eaten. And as for the lamb...it was maybe the best shank I've ever had (though it's still not my favorite cut ;-). The rice pilaf it was sitting on and the Burgundy demi-glaze and drizzled sauce of dried apricots, olives (real ones...not rubbery canned American ones), and "exotic spices" are what make the dish...as well as the local lamb that was cooked so it arrived ready to fall off the bone. My friend said the sauce and spices in his dish were amazing as well. I tried a taste of his dish and agree with his assessment...and he is not a lamb fan at all (of any cut), but he tried a taste of my dish and was surprised at how it didn't "taste" like lamb (which was a compliment, from him...LOL). Neither of us could finish all of our entree (and my friend is not a small guy!)...though I'm sure our meze combo was taking up too much room in our stomachs...and we were also looking forward to dessert. So Safa happily brought out to-go boxes for us to take home with us. (Side note...after more than a day in the fridge, letting all the flavors of the lamb, pilaf, sauce, and spices meld together, I must say my dish reheated fabulously and tasted even better than when freshly cooked! That's not a knock on how it tasted in the restaurant...but you know how some things just get better as leftovers sometimes? I was thrilled I not only didn't have to toss it in the trash but got to savor it a second time!) For dessert, I must admit I was very disappointed that they didn't have any of the Middle Eastern sweets...no Birds Nests, no Fingers, no Mini Roses. Wahhh! And I was surprised to learn that they don't make these items in-house...though I've tried making each of them myself, and I know how time-consuming they are...so I can't fault them for getting them made off-site. But why they didn't have any on hand, esp. on a weekend, I can't imagine. My friend got the chocolate macadamia mousse pie and I got the key lime pie...and both were excellent (and the key lime particularly refreshing...and the sauce "decorating" the plate under the pie was insane! I asked Safa if he could hook up an IV of it for me and he laughed pretty hard at that :-). Will definitely be going back to Layla as frequently as possible (coming all the way from Provo!)...to try more of the fantastic menu and enjoy the great atmosphere.
(5)Rubies A.
Love love love Layla! We eat here at least once a week and I've developed a small addiction to the Moroccan chicken special (may it never leave), as well as the Musakhen. If visiting for lunch the Chicken Kabob wrap with either Layla's signature fries or Lebanese rice is more than satisfying for any palate. I have become quite besotted on the Mediterranean Sunset cocktails and would recommend them with any meal, regardless if it be supper or lunch. The wine and beer list is also expansive and auspicious, offering many great selections that can satiate any guest. LIZ is by far one of the best servers not only in establishment but perhaps in the land and competes on level with my crush of the Moroccan chicken. If under duress, I would pick Liz over the chicken as I've never had such a thoughtful, gathered, consistently witty, and joyful server handle my dining experiences, but that doesn't eschew that the other servers at Layla are equally remarkable and savory in competence. In addition to the beatific Liz, all the other servers and bussers are prompt and terribly beautiful to gaze upon, which is always welcomed during any indulgent dining episode. Eat here and eat here often, you will not be disappointed!
(5)Lad B.
Last night was our first night at Layla. It was Saturday night so it was just a bit noisy...not as bad as Lugano...and conversation was manageable. The food was outstanding. We had the grape leaves and Halloum Cheese. Both were quite good. I had to struggle with my son to get some of the cheese. I had the Falafel wrap for my main. Also unbelievable tasty. Overall prices were good. Drinks were good. Service was great. I am VERY happy to have found this place and will definitely be back many times.
(4)Corinne P.
I'm very impressed with Layla. On two separate visits we had absolutely delicious food and great service. The moussaka is outstanding, and the kebabs are wonderful. The service is very helpful in recommendations and also very attentive. I really like the ambience in the restaurant as well, it has a nice warm atmosphere. I would love to see some more desserts, though the ones I tried were good. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Kitty O.
This place is great! I went there on a Friday night for my sister's birthday and it was fantastic. We had a large group (8) and everything went smoothly. The food is reasonably priced, the atmosphere is killer, great service and really really good food this is The Place! It is nice to know that Salt Lake has fun, hip restaurants like most other big cities. We are progressing, hooray! Definitely check this place out, you'll be happy you did.
(5)Yen S.
This is the best Mediterranean food in Salt Lake! I ordered the Moroccan Lamb Shank and Black Angus Rib Eye. I love Lamb Shank and this is by far the best in Salt Lake. The Rib Eye was perfectly cooked and melted in my mouth. To top it off I had the Birds Nest Dessert which was fabulous! I will definitely be back!
(5)Robert A.
Great service always from Liz, one of the owners. Good wines, fun food, and nice decor. Have the featured items and the salads. We usually share and the portions are ample
(4)Michelle F.
Its a nice atmosphere but a little expensive especially considering the portions
(4)Lynne S.
My husband and I tried Layla for the first time tonight. Everything we had was wonderful, right down to the Lebanese wine. The lamb shank was fabulous. The service was great, very friendly and attentive. We will definitely be there again!
(5)Paul S.
Good food, good atmosphere, good prices. Try the musakhan and Layla fries. Amazing!
(5)Larry L.
I really like this kind of food, so unless they really go bad, I'm going to give a good review. The restaurant is elegant and the service was perfect. Servers were friendly, knowledgeable and available without being overbearing. Most of the food was good, not Great. I would have loved a mezze appetizer plate as an entree. Something combining a lot of the little appetizers together. We ordered a bunch, but that kind of ran the bill up and some were more than we wanted. The Tabbouleh, hummus and classic dishes were great. The red lentil soup was under flavored. The grilled kabobs were fine. I'd return if in Salt Lake City again.
(3)S B.
I live in San Francisco and this place can compete and blow any middle eastern restaurant in the Bay Area. Visited layla while I was on vacation visiting my family in SLC the atmosphere is amazing everyone is friendly and having the Tadros family (owners) there is very special, they are a great hard working family. The decor of the restaurant has a very nice touch definitely a place to bring a date to impress or anyone for that matter. Can't rave enough about the food I was on a short vacation wanted to try everything there so I came six times in five days yes I admit I actually came in twice in one day, every thing from Hummus, Falafel, Kibbeh, Muhammara (personal favorite), Halloum Cheese, signature fries, wow I just only covered the mezze section of the menu. Salads I highly reccomend the Tabboleh or House Fattoush. Moving on to entrees Warak Malfouf with the mint yougurt is to die for, Moussaka trust me if you didn't like eggplant before you walk out loving it, for the meat lovers highly recommend the Lamb Kabob and the Lamb Shank. I love the bar area it is a great spot to relax have a few drinks while eating amazing food. I'm not into mixed drinks but I had to take a shot at the Harissa Mary it is so delicious I intend on ordering this drink again when I go back. If you are in Utah you have to try this place, great food, drinks, affordable, ambiance, you can't ask for more.
(5)Alta G.
I was surprised to find such an awesome restaurant hidden at this location. The food was excellent, the service was great, and the prices were reasonable. The deserts are made from scratch and are not to be missed.
(5)Carmen H.
I don't usually venture far from downtown for food, but Layla has made me a repeat customer. Their muhammara is amazing, their crab cakes and fries are addictive and their Musakhan is so flavor-packed that I've not met its equal. Beyond that, the decor is modern, yet cozy and the staff is incredibly attentive.
(5)E.M. B.
Three words: Moroccan Lamb Shank. Holy awesomeness, I feel like I should send the server a 'thank you' card and gift basket for the suggestion! It was prepared perfectly, bursting with all kinds of different flavors... absolutely to die for. My friends got the rib eye and the short rib dishes, both were spectacular as well, but the lamb shank was the definite winner of the evening! We also started with the caprese appetizer which was on special, and the tabbouleh. Again, both were delicious! Our server, Liz, was wonderful: very knowledgeable with the menu, made excellent suggestions (specifically with my entree and the bottle of Massaya Silver wine), and the quiet, intimate ambiance was perfect for our small birthday celebration. We sat inside, as it was a little rainy, but I look forward to going back soon before summer is over and taking advantage of their patio seating!
(5)L V.
The food is very fresh and cooked perfectly with a distinct mediterranean flair. The portion sizes are really good (not overwhelmingly giant). The lychee ice cream is superb and the wine selection was great. Also, the decor is extremely relaxing and invites one to linger and just enjoy the intrinsic pleasure of food.
(5)Tim M.
Wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. Traditional dishes are amazing. Lamb was tasty and wraps were to die for. Great spot overall
(5)Pad C.
Great Food ... One of the best Mediterranean places in Salt Lake !!! Must try the Muhammara !!!
(5)Rosa H.
My husband and I visited Layla Grill on a Wed night around 9 pm and found the place perfect for a delicious yet modest priced dinner with a relaxed, classy setting. We raved about it to our friends the very next day, and plan on coming back again and again. MUST TRY: I ordered the musakhan ($12.50/dinner), which was incredibly fresh and delicious. The thin bread on the outside was nicely grilled and slightly crispy, while the chicken filling was perfectly cooked and moist. It was spiced just right, delicate and very flavorful. The dinner portion came with a burrito-sized musakhan in two-halves, and either rice or Layla's signature fries. Definitely get the fries, they are perfectly fried and crispy, tossed in salt & spices, with a side of mildly spicy aioli dipping sauce. My husband ordered the full tabouleh salad ($7) topped with a lamb kabob ($7). The salad was good, but I found the lamb kabob to be a bit dry and chewy. Service was professional with the right amount of attention. Our wait person had a good sense of humor and was very patient in making recommendations and helping us choose our dishes. We had a really good experience and would definitely be coming back again. I hope that they will maintain their standard of food and service and not slack off like some others just because of a few good reviews (which can be quite disappointing). FYI some of their entrees are also available at lunch portion and prices. Full menu available at their website. Note: The restaurant may be a little difficult to spot at night. Look for a brightly lit 7-eleven right across the street.
(5)Meridith H.
I was pleasantly surprised by this place. Located in a small strip mall with limited parking, I expected to walk into a place that resembled a diner. Instead, Layla herself greeted us at the door and led us into an upscale dining room. The menu lists about what you would expect from a Mediterranean restaurant; plenty of hummus, eggplant, and spiced meat available. I chose stuffed cabbage leaves and my husband and I shared the hummus appetizer. The hummus was good, and served with warm, soft pita bread. The stuffed cabbage leaves were better than I expected, and I loved them. Service was good; we were taken care of by two waitstaff and were neither harassed nor neglected. This place really exceeded my expectations and was reasonably priced for its offerings.
(5)Spencer V.
Food was good, and atmosphere was good too. Location was a little interesting to get to. Overall this place is a great little restaurant with unique (really tasty!) cuisine. I will definitely go back!
(4)