My friend and I stumbled upon Laya while looking for a place to eat before a show at the Blue Note just around the corner, and it ended up being a great find. The restaurant has outdoor seating, which was a little warm when we first arrived on a hot afternoon, but the temperature cooled down nicely as the evening went on, making it much more comfortable. The service was excellent, everyone was friendly, attentive, and welcoming throughout our visit. The only minor hiccup was that a few dishes meant for other tables were accidentally brought to us before making it to the correct guests. It didn't take away from our experience, but it happened a few times. Overall, the food, atmosphere, and hospitality made for a wonderful pre-show dinner. I'd definitely come back the next time I'm in the area. read more

I went to Laya Restaurant in Hollywood for the first time for their two-year anniversary celebration, and the entire experience was incredible from start to finish. The ambience immediately made me feel like I was on vacation. The outdoor patio, fire pit, warm lighting, and relaxed elegance created such a beautiful atmosphere. It felt chic, intimate, and transportive without trying too hard. The service was impeccable. My waiter, Shadow, was attentive, kind, and made the evening feel special. The chef also came out to greet me and shake my hand, which added such a personal and thoughtful touch. The food was truly memorable. I especially loved the Charred Beetroot Hummus, the Batenjan which is grilled eggplant, makdous, tahini yogurt, and walnuts, and the heirloom tomato salad, which was so refreshing. The standout for me was the branzino with green mojo tahini and pomegranate molasses. It was flavorful, balanced, and honestly one of the tastiest branzino dishes I have had, and I have had my share of branzino in other countries and throughout America. read more

Laya Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Went for dinner with party of 11. From the authentic Mediterranean flavors to the warm, inviting atmosphere, every detail was perfect. The outdoor setting with its open-air concept created such a relaxing and charming experience. The sand-brewed coffee was a unique touch that made the experience even more special. And the cookie they served with the coffee took me right back to my grandmas kitchen! The drinks were excellent, the food was great with a good twist on the Mediterranean cuisine, every dish was full of flavor. The service was outstanding--friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. We got almost every appetizer and everything was 10/10. The bbq platter also amazing! Falafel salad 10/10 Branzino was amazing as well Will definitely be back read more

Laya Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Good food, slow service. Went here for a friends bday and really liked the food. The bread was fluffy and the kebabs were flavorful. I'm simple :) They also had a violinist and a DJ so that was fun. read more

Laya Restaurant - Strawberry non alcoholic drink - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I have been wanting to come here forever ever since I knew that the owner Charbel was a winner in MidEast Top Chef! We made a reservation for Saturday at 6pm. Unfortunately we were running late but the host in the front still let us in. We got seated in the bar area till we got our seat. Ambiance: It literally felt like we were transported to another country! It was mostly outdoors with a lot of earthy colored tones. We started off with drinks. We got the Heart of the Desert. Not only was it pretty, it tasted so good! Not overly sweet but you can taste the tequila. For appetizers we got the batata hara (a triple cooked potatoes with cilantro, chili and garlic) and humus with shawarma. You can't go wrong with that! We then got the mixed grill platter which included 3 different kebabs: wagyu beef kebab, chicken tawook and kofta. I'll be honest I did think the kofta was a bit on the overcooked side. We ended with the rose soft serve with cotton candy on top. Definitely Instagram worthy! Lol As we were talking to our waiter, he did mention that the chef and owner wanted this place to be a shareable experience and it really was! Now the icing on the cake was they had live entertainment. A lady who was playing the violin. Tell me why I felt like I was in Bridgeton! lol read more

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Best hummus, seriously the standout. The violon music sets the perfect mood, and the greeting at the door is always warm. Wait time is low, which makes the whole experience even better. Bread and service are above expectations, and finishing with Arabic coffee is the best ending to the meal. read more

Laya Restaurant - Best Hummus you can get! - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Celebrated my birthday at Laya last night with a group of five, and it was honestly one of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time! First, a huge shoutout to our waitress, Sandra. She was personable, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm throughout the entire evening. Her recommendations were spot on, and she made our celebration feel special. We started with several appetizers: the beet hummus (delicious), homemade pickles (perfectly crunchy with just the right amount of spice), goat cheese & za'atar (earthy and flavorful), and the fried kibbeh (yum). For our mains, we shared the mixed kabob plate and the branzino. The mixed kabob plate was surprisingly generous and easily fed our table alongside the appetizers. The Wagyu beef kabob was hands down the best kabob I've ever had--and I eat kabobs often. The flavor profile was incredible, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and onion that came together perfectly. Every bite was memorable. The branzino was equally impressive--fresh, flavorful, and not fishy at all. The green sauce served with it was absolutely delicious. The cocktails were fantastic, the atmosphere was beautiful, and every detail felt thoughtfully executed. It's rare to find a restaurant where the food, service, drinks, and aesthetics are all a 10/10, but Laya truly delivers on every front. Also, a special shoutout to the assistant manager, who took the time to check on tables and chat with guests. We had a blast talking with him and really appreciated the hospitality. Laya has it all. Can't wait to come back!! read more

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Some friends were visiting from out of state, so we decided to take them here for a dinner. Made a reservation ahead of time, but it still took some time to get seated, though it was a busy evening. Started with cocktails. Heart of the Desert has a tequila base with strawberry, lime and prickly pear, but the fruit flavor really didn't come through. Felt like something was missing in the drink. The Hand of Ra is another tequila drink, with tangerine, tumeric and thyme. Again, much more spirit forward and really didn't get that punch of tangerine, but the rhyme provides a nice, forefront to the drink. For food, we started with the hummus and snails. The hummus was good, fresh hummus is always the best, and they brought us extra pita. The snails, also very tasty, plenty of extra butter to dip them in as well. The mix Grill Platter comes with three large kabobs: featuring wagyu, chicken and a minced lamb and beef skewer. The chicken was dry on the outside, could have been moister on the inside. The wagyu was ok, felt a little overcooked as well but still decent. The lamb/beef combo skewer was moist, but may have been a little gamey for some. The dips for each specific meat were great and really helped the meat along with each bite. We also got a side of carrots and triple cooked potatoes. The carrots were delicious, definitely get a side of them, and the potatoes were also very tasty as well. Overall, beautiful restaurant and great ambiance. The cocktails didn't meet the expectations we had, unfortunately, but the hummus and snails were tasty. The meats left something to be desired, though their individual sauces helped. Get the carrots, for sure, and potatoes if you're hungry. read more

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It looks so different now from the last time I came through - back when it was called La Mesa/Le Jardin. But nothing is wrong with change - it may be different, but it's still a beautifully laid out spot! Bestie's choice of venue to celebrate her 2026 birthday. We were nicely situated at the very front corner, so not too far from the bar or the front door. I had no idea Bestie and her hubby did a pre-fixe menu for sharing for the entire party, so Hubbers and I were welcomed to our table with Ambrosias. Excellent! Great way to start the night! And then the food started coming around. HUMMUS: Hosts were good at ordering more pita because the one wouldn't have been enough. Good flavor, pine nuts added texture. Good starter. CHARRED BEETROOT HUMMUS: This is a first for me! The group was 50/50 on this, some saying they like the regular one better. I'm on the other side liking the beets version - and that's huge coming from someone who can't stand beets. The aroma was a good addition to the overall flavor. The wild mushrooms added flavor and texture. I used pita vs the leaves for this - delish. O BATATA HARRA: Not really a fan of potatoes other than in the form of fries or maybe mashed or hash browns (and all of them are a bunch of maybes) but I'll admit I've never had triple cooked crispy potatoes. They somehow figured out how to infuse a lot of flavor inside while maintaining a really nice crisp/crunch on the outside. BURGUNDY SNAILS: So... this is a me and Hubbers order thing because EVERYONE else in our party aren't fans. (They kept screaming escar-NO!) I'm guessing this dish might be too exotic for them, although a couple of people tried them (for the first time) and ended up liking it. What i liked about this is that they weren't drowning in butter, and there's a good balance of the lemon and garlic. I enjoyed this! KNAFE: None of us had no idea what this was (until i looked it up) but I got a couple of bites and liked the balanced savory and sweet! It's basically filo dough based with mozzarella cheese topped with syrup. Served as a palate cleanser for me. AUSTRALIAN LAMB KEBAB: One would expect a gamey flavor (since it's lamb and all) but this is not bad at all. There was only a slight hint, nothing overpowering. Cooked medium to medium rare. The seasoning was excellent. The slight char added to the flavor. I didn't bother with the sauces. MIX GRILL PLATTER: Plenty for 3-4 people, it's a HUGE plate of meat goodness! The three different kinds of meats came with three different sauces (but the garlic is my ultimate favorite out of all three.) There were sides of grilled onions, tomatoes and peppers. Just know each protein had different flavors and textures and all were yummilicious! ROSE SOFT SERVE: Ohhhh, what a discovery! I'm not a dessert person but O.M.G. I love this sorbet. The cotton candy adds to the aesthetics and pine nuts added flavor and texture. It's almost like eating roses, except it's delicious! LAYA LAVA CAKE: Again, not a dessert person. This was too rich for me, but if you like chocolate, this is for you. OLIVE OIL CAKE: Like the knafe, it was sweet and savory but neither flavors were overpowering. Also a good way to end the meal! FOOD: 5. SERVICE: 5. VALUE: 5. Although the hosts handled the bill, I still feel the pricing point is more than fair. You get quantity and quality. PARKING: Street parking. They offer valet. Unsure if there's a fee. OVERALL: 5. Apologies for lack of pictures but my party (me included) couldn't wait to dig in on some of the dishes soon as they got to the table. I will somehow find my way back here to try a few dishes Hubbers and I discussed having for that next time. Amazing first run! Looking forward to the next! read more

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What an amazing oasis in the middle of Hollywood! Ambience and hospitality! Food is amazing so drinks are! Especially love DJ! read more

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Made a reservation at this restaurant for Valentine's Day. The venue is outdoor but enclosed under a clear covering in case of rain. Lots of seating and a comfortable waiting area along with bar seating. The seats for two however are a bit small and close together, so it leaves very little room for privacy and space in general. Staff were welcoming and nice. All the food we ordered was delicious and flavorful and cooked to perfection. The drinks, could have a bit more work as they were not strong nor flavorful. Only thing I didn't like was the fact that as I was finishing my skewer, staff would reach over without warning and remove the skewer. I understand while they assumed it would be helpful, it came off intrusive and startling. Also because the tables were so close you would get the occasional butt in your face from a waiter or the people bringing the other table food. I love they had a violinist come to the tables and play, she was very sweet and receptive to people filming her. What was surprising as A girlie who eats out a lot is the no warning of gratuity for party of two when there was notice on the menu you would be charged for a party of 6. I don't mind tipping, just wish it was posted or informed prior to making a RSVP or when ordering. All in all I'll definitely return another time to try the other menu items! read more

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Second time here and I'm always blown away by the atmosphere and the food! This is really a great spot for a date night or a night out with friends/ family. Our waiter Laurel was super kind and helpful navigating the menu! I highly recommend the fried kibbeh by the way. I'm still dreaming about it read more

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Perfect food. Perfect atmosphere. Michelin star service! This was my first time at Laya, but it will not be my last.

The ambiance is nice here! The service was great too! The charred hummus was good as well as the sea bream crudo. The octopus, wagyu, and lamb skewers were a bit underwhelming, the octopus was tender and good but the wagyu beef and the lamb were a bit dryer and the sides it came with were very simple. Grilled white onions, tomatoes, and pepper with a side of sauce that didn't do much to stand out or compliment the meat. We also had the pistachio with rose water ice cream with the cotton candy on top and the lava cake! The ice cream was great! The lava cake was alright too. It didn't have quite the sweetness I'd look for in a lava cake. read more

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While Laya's venue has been other restaurants/nightclubs in past years (from Le Jardin to La Mesa), its latest incarnation is its best: stunning space (spacious patio, olive trees, fire pit, lights, etc.) and delicious Middle Eastern-centric menu: all the dishes i had - kibbeh nayeh (beef tartare), octopus skewer, pickled vegetables with pita & labneh - were all tasty & nicely plated + cucumber cocktail was refreshing + smooth, attentive service - whether booking your next dinner or planning your new special event, Laya is a solid destination. read more

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Would I come back? YES. YES. YESSS. I HIGHLY recommend this place for a date night or a celebration. Everything was a 10/10. OVERALL: ‣ 10/10 for service, ambiance, aesthetic & food ‣ On the pricier end, but DEFINITELY worth it ‣ BIG SHOUTOUT TO BRENDAN! He's the sweetest server and has so much patience (we too him a good 4-5 times that we still needed time to look at the menu) Here's What I Got: Charred Beetroot Hummus | $16 ‣ [10/10] ‣ Wild mushroom, charred beetroot, creme fraiche, dill ‣ Slightly sweeter than regular hummus, came with pita bread & good amount Burgundy Snails | $27 ‣ [10/10] ‣ Garlic cilantro butter, tarator, lemon ‣ Perfectly seasoned & cooked, not overly chewy Octopus Skewer | $29 ‣ [9/10] ‣ Lemon, dill, charred cucumber tzatziki ‣ Perfectly cooked, loved the char Roasted Chicken [Half] | $39 ‣ [10/10] ‣ Soft herbs, charred vegetables, shatta, zhoug, toum ‣ Perfectly cooked, not dry ‣ Good portion for the price ‣ Loved all the sauce options Rose Soft Serve | $14 ‣ [9/10] ‣ Pistachio, rose, cotton candy ‣ Good portion, not overly sweet ‣ Cotton candy was a cute touch Knafeh | $24 ‣ [10/10] ‣ Ghee, atter, akawi cheese ‣ DELICIOUSSSS. Cheesy, but sweet cheese. Highly recommend trying at least once ATMOSPHERE: ‣ Good for parties of all sizes ‣ Booth, chair, lounge chair, couch seating ‣ Stunning when the sun is up & in the evening ‣ Music is slightly loud and upbeat, but not too much so ‣ Get those dinner photos PERSONAL INSIGHT: ‣ My +1 lived in Abu Dhabi for 7 years and said that the food tasted like home PARKING: ‣ $20 Valet parking ‣ Free street parking (fairly easy to find). Neighborhood isn't too sketchy. STAFF: ‣ SO KIND ‣ Storytime: My +1 and I left our food at the restaurant to go take photos (about 45 minutes) and we went back to ask if they still had it -- because we don't waste food here -- and they still had it!!! The host was absolutely hilarious. He came up to me saying "I'm so sorry to say this....but your food is cold" and he showed me my bag of leftovers. I was so happy that they still held onto it! NOTES: ‣ Because Laya also owns the club next door, they share 1 liquor license. If you decide to dine at Laya's with anyone underage, you will not be able to purchase a drink (& they may ask for your ID prior to entering the restaurant) IG & TikTok: @keilanieats read more

This was my first time trying this restaurant, and I found it on Instagram through food influencer (Omid Afshar). Honestly, the vibe and food looked exactly like what they post online. From the start, the experience was great. The hostess was super friendly, and even though we had a reservation, we only waited less than five minutes. It was my friend's birthday, and they gave us a really nice table, which we appreciated. We started with cocktails. My friend loved hers, and I ordered one based on the server's recommendation--a pistachio-flavored cocktail that was totally different and surprisingly amazing. I also tried the Heart of Heaven cocktail, and that one was just as good. For appetizers, we got the beet hummus, which was delicious and really pretty presentation-wise. We also tried the raw meat appetizer. It was different than what I expected, but still a good experience and something fun to try. For the main course, we ordered a combo plate with beef koobideh, shish kebab, and chicken kebab. The portion was perfect for two people, and everything tasted great. The bread was amazing too, especially the pita bread on the side. For dessert (since it was a birthday), we had ice cream topped with pink cotton candy--super cute and fun. Overall, great food, great service, and a really nice atmosphere. Everything was on point. I'll definitely be back to try more dishes and would totally recommend this place. read more

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Woweeee wow! I had not heard of Laya but got to visit with a group of co-workers and was very impressed by the food and ambiance. As soon as you walk in it feels like you're entering an upscale resort tucked away on a remote island and not a restaurant in Hollywood. Our table ordered a variety of food to try and I did my best to get as many pictures as I could. The food is Mediterranean so when you come make sure to get a good sampling of humus and meats. The Beetroot Hummus was one of the best hummus dishes I've ever had and I highly recommend that one if you're between options. I also really liked the snails and prawns for appetizers. For the main course we got 3 different meat skewers. All were great but the beef was my favorite - very tender. For dessert, the Rose Soft Serve seems to be their signature dish that everyone orders so they can take a picture of it haha. It was okay but a little overrated in my opinion since it's mainly just cotton candy which doesn't justify $14 for me. The best dessert was the Lava Cake which I missed getting a picture of because we all ate it too quickly. Overall a great experience and I would love to come back! read more

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Stopped by for only drinks. Had a short wait but the atmosphere and vibe was very high energy. Drinks were delicious, service was friendly, and everyone seemed to have a good time read more

Wow, what an experience! I came here with my coworkers on a weekday for dinner and had an unforgettable experience. The service was top notch and the food was incredible. But first let's talk about the ambiance of this place. I was blown away when I stepped "inside" the restaurant. I absolutely loved the design of the place. It totally made me feel like I was transported into another land. The dining area is technically outdoors but there's a clear cover over the top so you can still see the sky. Simply magical. As for the food, since we had a large party, we ordered quite a few dishes to share around the table. The top picks for me were the beetroot hummus and the kanpachi crudo. Kibbeh is one of my favorite Lebanese dishes so it deserves an honorable mention here as well. Some of the other appetizers I enjoyed were the pickled mix and the baby carrots. I was somehow convinced to try the burgundy snail dish. It's been years since I've had snail and let's just say, the taste and texture were unexpected to me. Think it's probably more of an acquired taste. Another thing to note: the mix grill platter is MASSIVE. Each kebab was like 3x the size of one of their skewers. Finally for dessert, if you want a cute food photo, I would recommend the rose soft serve. Otherwise, I really enjoyed the stranana. For parking, valet is $20 but there is also street parking if you're lucky enough to score a spot. Overall, this was a definitely a 5-star experience for me and I would totally come back here again. read more

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Made a reservation for dinner on a Saturday to celebrate my friend's belated birthday. We went at 6pm right when they opened and it was totally packed, probably because it was during the holidays. The ambiance was great but make sure you bring a jacket because it was pretty chilly since it's sort of outdoors. The food was a bit too salty for my liking, especially the potatoes. They had valet parking but there was plenty of meter parking nearby. Perfect spot for a date (but not the first one because it can get loud with the music/dj) read more

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I decided to go here with a group of about 10 of us for my birthday. None of us had been here before, but had heard great things. The entire experience from start to finish was amazing! The staff was so friendly and had good recommendations for how to order, how much and what plates. (It's family sharing style) Some of my favorites were the Wagyu Kibbeh, Burgundy Snails, Charred Beetroot hummus and Kafta Khashkhash. Cocktails- i was in a vodka mood and the Oasis and the lavender drink were so refreshing. For desert, we had the pistachio rose softer serve with cotton candy on top. Music was great- they had a dj along with a violinist and it was all just a great vibe. Everything exceeded my expectations. Thank you Laya for the amazing experience! read more

Just attended their 2nd anniversary dinner and it was so lovely! The atmosphere transports you to a place similar to Egypt, it was definitely a vibe with the live music, violinist (special event) and the beautiful decor. Service was very attentive and professional and the food was so good! Our favorite was the beetroot hummus and the squash blossom but the wagyu kabob was also yum! Will be back :) read more

Laya Restaurant - This rose pistachio soft serve was so good! - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This was my second time at Laya, and I loved it even more this time! We came with a group of four, which was great because it let us try more dishes. First off, the ambience here is honestly one of my favorites in Los Angeles. It's so relaxing, open, and toned down, perfect for a date night or a small group setting. As for the food, I personally really enjoy it here. My husband wasn't the biggest fan, but to be fair, he's very particular about Middle Eastern food (we're Middle Eastern ourselves). The batata harra are a must order, the beetroot hummus was even better than I remembered, and the eggplant was great. The fried kibbeh weren't bad, but the spices just weren't my thing. The goat cheese and za'atar starter was wonderful. A couple of us absolutely loved the octopus (my husband, a huge octopus fan, didn't care for it though). The Wagyu beef kebab was really good, and the seabream was fantastic, I'd honestly come back just for that. It ended up being my husband's favorite dish of the night too. Now for dessert, I'm not even a chocolate lava cake person, but theirs was the best I've ever had. And that rose ice cream? Perfection. I actually miss it just thinking about it. Service was great, kind, professional, and attentive. They have valet, which makes things so much easier in that area. As for drinks, they're decent , not the best, not the worst. I enjoyed mine overall, but they totally missed the mark on the lychee martini. All in all, I absolutely love Laya. Between the atmosphere, the seabream, and that rose ice cream, I'll definitely be back. read more

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A beautiful and fun ambiance with delicious food & it's halal?!?!?!! Everything was truly delicious, I would recommend it all!! What we got: Charred Beetroot Hummus- YUM!! A refreshing change from typical hummus, but still carrying that taste with different flavors. The bread it came with was great. Goat Cheese and Za'atar- A great combination with fluffy soft pita bread. It's nice that you can put however much of each topping you want. Mix Grill Platter- DELISH!! This has Wagyu Beef Kabob, Shish Tawouk, and Kafta Khashkhash. Each of these meats was made really well; you can tell that it's good quality! The side dressings made it even better, this dish was absolutely delicious. Rose Soft Serve- A Middle-Eastern/Arab speciality, this rose ice cream was paired with cotton candy. This was good and refreshing! Laya Lava Cake- SOO GOOD!! Molten chocolate with hazelnut praline and vanilla ice cream. I love this combination, and it was amazing here. The ambiance was great, so beautiful! The seating is all in their outdoor patio, but it basically feels like it's indoors. String lights hang everywhere, and it's somewhat dim to give it the elevated vibe. The music they played was so lively and fun too- they had a live DJ The service was also very nice. They only have valet parking, but if you're lucky you can find nearby street parking. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for an occasion or even just a fun night out ^ be sure to make a reservation in advance! read more

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I was super disappointed with Laya. Although the service and ambiance were great (and so were the drinks), the food was underwhelming and overpriced. The hummus was so bland we didn't even eat it, and the $86 skewer platter was on par with any average Middle Eastern restaurant in LA. You only get three skewers, meaning each one costs about $28. You're better off going to Open Sesame--you'll get similar food without the exorbitant price. read more

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Five stars, and honestly I kind of knew the moment I walked in that this was going to be one of those nights where the atmosphere alone almost feels like part of the meal. First things first, parking is a little annoying unless you want to cough up for valet, which I almost never do on principle, so I ended up finding street parking across the road. Funny enough, from the other side of the street you can literally hear the restaurant buzzing with energy, which made me laugh because it's on a super busy street instead of some quiet tucked away corner. Still, it didn't feel sketchy or unsafe at all. Walking in was the only slightly awkward moment of the night because the host stand seemed overwhelmed or distracted. I was standing right in front of them for a bit just waiting for that simple human moment of "Hi, welcome." I'm patient so I didn't make a big deal of it, but it did take longer than expected. We intentionally arrived early so we could use the restroom, and oddly enough that turned into a surprisingly nice touch because someone actually walked us there instead of just pointing. That was the moment where I started realizing this place runs like a little theatrical production. Once you start walking through the space it almost feels like you stepped onto a movie set. Everyone is playing their role. The lighting, the decor, the people dressed up like they're out for a big night, the occasional guest who clearly just rolled in casually but still somehow fits into the vibe. We sat in the waiting lounge area for about fifteen minutes and even that felt elegant. Our server Sean showed up with what might be the biggest, most genuine smile I've seen from a waiter in a long time. Absolute golden retriever energy. Now, I will say you can feel restaurants like this hoping you order cocktails and rack up the bill, but we already studied the menu beforehand and stuck to our plan. Water for the table, thank you very much. We did try one appetizer and ironically that ended up being the weakest thing we ordered. The biggest thing people should know is the portions are small. Like, small enough that you might want a snack before you arrive or prepare to order multiple plates. But here's the funny part. Every single plate that left our table went back completely empty. Was it because the food was that good, or because the portions were small and we were hungry? Probably a little of both. The food itself was genuinely delicious though. No complaints there. My only real critique is that the price and portion size don't exactly match. You could find flavors like this at a great mom and pop spot somewhere, but what you cannot replicate is this environment. And speaking of the environment, that's where the night really turned into something memorable. There's a DJ playing music that's loud enough to energize the room but still soft enough that you can actually talk to the people at your table without yelling. Perfect balance. Then suddenly you hear this violin and everyone in the room starts looking around like "Wait... is that live?" Sure enough, a violinist appears and the entire restaurant practically freezes for a second trying to figure out where the sound is coming from. She goes table to table playing and people were filming, smiling, clapping, the whole thing. It honestly elevated the entire experience. I was secretly relieved she didn't stop at my table because my social anxiety would have shot through the roof, but from a distance it was magical. She takes breaks because I imagine playing like that all night is exhausting, but we heard about three songs while we were there and each one felt like a mini performance. Meanwhile the restaurant runs like a small village behind the scenes. Staff coming in and out of the kitchen nonstop, servers swooping in to clear plates, someone appearing to remove the skewers from the meat like a perfectly choreographed routine. It's chaos but the elegant kind. I skipped dessert because I'm on keto, but even without it the experience felt complete. This is definitely the kind of place I'd come back to for a birthday or celebration rather than a random Tuesday night, mainly because I'm a big eater and the portions left me wishing for just a little more. But as a full experience? Fantastic. I originally found it on TikTok and for once the hype actually delivered. If I return, I'd love to see it in the summer when the roof isn't covered with that plastic enclosure they use for colder weather. I can already imagine a warm night, open air, music, violin, the whole scene glowing. Also, quick heads up for anyone planning a visit, they're closed on Sundays. read more

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I'll be brief, because no one has time to read an essay. FYI - I'm a big foodie and critique food VERY honestly based on taste, quality, AND price. TL;DR: Service: 10/10 Vibe/Atmosphere: 10/10 First Date Rizz Points: 11/10 Food: 7.5/10 Cost-Value: 4/10 OVERALL VERDICT: 7.5/10 (Taste and Cost weighted over other categories) ***** If you want a fun, glamorous aesthetic that's "Posh LA," come here. Great for impressing first dates. If you are a Lebanese or Mediterranean enthusiast, it's fine but there are better nearby options. More on that at the end. ***** HIGHLIGHTS 1) MUST: Beetroot Hummus 2) MUST: Chicken Hummus (Shish Tawouk) 3) MUST: Hadiqa Sour (Cocktail) 4) AVOID: Wagyu Beef Shawarma (They overcook the beef to an extreme, entirely defeating the purpose of using the fatty - and expensive! - Wagyu meat) Important Notes: 1) Laya's atmosphere is really quite exceptional. Professional all-around but more importantly, the majority of the restaurant seating is open air under a staggered canopy of canvas sail pieces. Really quite nice if you love open-air dining. 2) If you want a more intimate setting, darker bar atmosphere, and (in my opinion) superior food, eat at Ladyhawk. It's the same small portion sizes and prices are not cheaper, but I give their food score an 11/10. Their Pita? Best you'll ever have, guaranteed. It's out of this world. DISCLAIMER: I've only eaten at Laya once and the time that I did, they had a large event going on (at least 40 people). Some of my gripes about food quality *could* be chalked up to a wait staff stretched thin. I plan on coming back again to compare notes and I'll update this review as needed afterwards (as well as delete this disclaimer note). read more

I loved it here! Will definitely be going back! Food was great, ambiance was amazing! Server was super attentive and knowledgeable about menu read more

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Food, ambiance, service and drinks were all great. Food - Our server recommended 5-6 dishes to share for 5 people. We ordered 5 and it was plenty of foot. My favorite was the branzino. The sauce paired well and was good for dipping pita bread. Everything was flavor. The falafel in the salad was super fresh. For dessert, we got the lava cake and the rose soft serve. The soft serve is pretty. I don't love cotton candy but the ice cream itself is good. The lava is really rich. It takes a while to bake, but we didn't mind. Service - All of the staff we interacted with was friendly. Our server was attentive and had good recs for us. Note that they will only seat your full party. Some of my party was a bit late but they didn't rush us when we sat like some restaurants do. Ambiance - The restaurant is so beautiful. It's pretty much all outdoors with some area covered. We sat under the sky and lights. There were tons of heaters so we didn't get cold. Parking - There is some street parking but it's always tight in this area. I just did valet. It was $20, cash or card. read more

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The food is excellent. I love the high-end Lebanese cuisine. The drinks were also so delicious. There's a live DJ some days which makes the vibes so great. Definitely recommend trying a little bit of everything. read more

Laya Restaurant - Beef lamb, and chicken kebab - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Whenever you dine at this restaurant, it feels like stepping into Santorini!! Laya is one of my favorite upscale restaurants for more celebratory dinners (however, they have brunch now!!) because of the gorgeous ambiance, kind and vibrant service, and the very beautiful and delectable array of food! The servers are very informative with recommendations for mocktails and alcoholic beverages, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. My go-to's are the beet hummus with pita bread and mix grill platter, whereas every now and then I enjoy their non-alcoholic version of the Heart of The Desert! Also, I still think about their pistachio cake and pistachio rose ice cream--the BEST desserts EVER! I'm dying to go back for their brunch menu because, HELLO, shakshuka!!! read more

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Nice hip place, outdoors seating with a nice breeze, younger crowd environment, our server was good, knowledgeable about the menu and took care of us, food was good, traditional Middle Eastern not really, but got a nice twist to it. Drinks were really good too. Overall nice place and definitely recommended. read more

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Gorgeous interior, delicious food, fun atmosphere. The space is open yet inviting and offers an intimate feel despite the space being rather large. It's definitely a place to get dressed up nicely and be around a young lively crowd. The DJ started playing around 8ish and set a cool and casual vibe that made for a sexy atmosphere. It's definitely not an uptight crowd but you can still get a feel for an elevated dining experience. The dishes were delicious and not overly filling. The drinks were strong but drinkable and well made. All around it's a fun atmosphere but you can still hold a conversation over dinner. Really enjoyed myself, hoping to return soon. read more

Laya Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This restaurant has an amazing ambiance!! Great for date night, girls night out our a celebration!! The food was amazing!!! We had the cannellini bean hummus, grilled red sea bream and the braised beef cheek!! They were awesome!!! Our waitress (Shaneira) was super!! Friend and helpful with recommendations! They have valet, since parking is an issue. I recommend this restaurant! We went in on a Tuesday without reservations and we were able to get in right when they opened!! read more

Laya Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great customer service, service was amazing, vary quick, food was great, there humus was amazing, potato had no words it was so good, wagyu was super delicious, atmosphere was to die for, so cozy and welcoming, definitely place to go back read more

Laya Restaurant - Mediterranean Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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One of la's secret gems. The interior and ambiance of this place is out of this world, dining here really makes you feel like you are in a romantic paradise. The staff are all super friendly and the overall service was smooth and enjoyable. This place is great for dinner and/ or drinks. The food is also amazing! The kebabs and vegetables were fresh and delicious and the eggplant was cooked so well. The best eggplant I've ever had, def worth ordering. The pricing was very reasonable as well. 2 entrees+ 1 appetizer+ and the stellar interior and ambiance for just $100 is well worth it for a special night here. Highly recommend!! read more

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The ambiance here is super vibey and a cute LA dinner spot. Highly recommend this spot for date night or a girls night out. I love the design of the restaurant. When you enter to your left there's the bar for you to sit and get drinks while you wait for your table. I was actually quite impressed with the food. Since sometimes with trendy restaurants that look good tend to have mediocre food. But the food here is actually really good. I enjoyed all of the menu items and the proteins on the mixed grill platter were good. The only thing was the chicken was a little dry but the rest of the proteins were good. The highlight was definitely the wagyu kibbeh nayeh, it's their take on beef tartare and it was super unique and I really enjoyed it. read more

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Visiting LA and met up with a friend here; the place has a pretty cool vibe. They had a live DJ and really enjoyed the aesthetics of the place. We ordered: - Batata Harra - Hummus - Mixed Grill Platter - Rose Soft Serve I think the chicken was the best meat from the dish, if I ever go again that's probably what I'd order. They were all good, but that was my favorite. Also the Batata Harra was really good. The only critique is that for the Hummus you only get one pita and if you want more it cost extra. read more

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Mixed feeling about our experience here. Between 4 people our bill was $400. Definitely overpriced. Overall -- 3/5 Valet: $26 I believe Pros: Decor Ambience Specialty Cocktails - all drinks were delicious, and strong and aesthetically nice. Worth the price On the menu the tabbouleh, crispy potatoes, Seabream and octopus were all tasty, well seasoned and well prepared Cons: the chicken + the Wagyu skewers were both very dry ... lack luster. They flavor wasn't there and the Wagyu was gamey. There's also a $25 cake fee if you bring in an outside dessert. I did try a spicy margarita but had to send it back because the first one came with actual red peppers at the bottom and it was unbearable. Once they remade it without the peppers its was good. The Seabream, potatoes, and octopus were really the star of the show, besides the cocktails. I wouldn't go back for dinner. Definitely would sit at the bar for drinks. Curious about the brunch read more

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