Layali is bar where class meets new age. It's nestled in a corner spot. As you walk into the bar you walk down a few steps giving it a homey feeling. The brick wall on the far side and the large windows lining the other walls gives it the rustic classic look. The venue is not large but it's the prefect mixture of comfort with the right amount of seating. Also, with many collage bars in the area, Layali tends to draw a slightly older, more well dressed crowd. We took seats at the bar. The first thing that caught my attention was all the fresh mixing ingredients for the many different cocktails you can order. They were laid out the length of the bar. While the wall behind the bar showcased their full alcohol selection. A recommendation was given to me to order the "smoked old fashion". It was between that and the special, which was a candy smoked bacon old fashion. Apparently this bar has a reputation of liking to light drinks on fire. I decided to go with the fist. They start by smoking the thyme under the glass right in front of me while they prepared the drink. It was beautifully presented and the first sip was not disappointing in the least. However, after a few minutes I noticed it started to taste like lighter fluid. This was a complete turn off. Highly disappointing. The couple seating at the end of the bar ordered two espresso martini, which were made with much elegance. Top with a hollowed out chocolate cup. Which was served on fire. This is great spot to the enjoy rich, comfort atmosphere while watching the magic that is the bar tenders creating beautifully crafted cocktail. A night late spot for any connoisseur. read more

Great restaurant, the drinks are amazing and very unique. They even write your name in chocolate on the martinis! The food was also fresh, we really enjoyed the ambiance as well. The owner came up to the table as well and was very friendly. The staff was attentive and helped us pick out some great dishes to try. read more

Layali Providence - Lounges Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

One of my favorite restaurants! Always excellent food and service! Everything is made to order and the drinks are delicious. The owners are almost always in the restaurant and will take the time to come to you to make sure everything is satisfactory! Ashley, Matt and Tim make every visit special with their friendly attitudes and smiles :) Perfect atmosphere for a birthday celebration which I held last year or even a night out with friends for some apps and drinks. read more

This place is awesome! Came in on a Saturday night and there was enough room to sit, yet it was still lively with a fun ambiance. The servers were super attentive & nice and our drinks came out really fast. We got the hummus plate and margharita pizza which were also both surprisingly fast, and the food was super good! Flavorful and fresh. Layali is fun too... the menus light up, and they have shots they light on fire! Good, diverse drink menu. Definitely a fun place to go with friends or date night. read more

Food and service is incredible! Barcelona Shrimp Is awesome!! Drinks are off the charts! read more

My wife and I were in town for vacation and were looking for a quaint place for dinner. Not knowing what to expect chose Layali. It was well worth it. The food was delicious, the ambience was wonderful, and the staff was great. We left with full stomachs and a great appreciation for the wait staff. read more

Came to Layali when I first started to work in downtown last year. Immediately loved the place. the owner stopped what he was doing to say hello and shake my hand. The bartender was outgoing and pleasant. Food is always good. They are willing to make food for you that is a little different from the menu (as long as it's not busy). Great people work there, great people run the place. The cocktails are out of this world, they used fresh ingredients in all the drinks and will try something new if you are daring. Great place for lunch, dinner, drinks with or without friends (employees are engaging and friendly). read more

its great to come back home to Providence and find this gem!! wife and I absolutly loved the food , the service, the atmosphere and most of a owner who speaks to everyone !!! read more

Bartender we had tonight was amazing! Espresso and chocolate martinis were phenomenal and he even went as far as giving us a free round since it was our anniversary! Highly recommend Layali for drinks in Providence! read more

4 of us showed up last minute to one of the only places open later than most spots around here. At first we second guessed this place but I am glad we didn't. Tim, the bartender stood out the most over everyone else working this shift. He's the reason why we would come back. He was super interactive, attentive and very personable to get along with. Thanks for your service Tim! read more

Just staring in to Jades lovely eyes will make me come back. Place reminds me of heaven with a side of hot flashes. Ughhh it feels so good. The food was delicious as well. 5/5 I'll be back, Jade I got my eye on you ‍. Love Love Love this place! read more

Had lunch here so no drink review *sighs*. The service pulled all 3 stars here. Food was about as bar quality as it gets. I had the tacos which were accompanied by spoiled guac/avocado (talking straight brown through and through), in addition to the inedible guac, the tacos came with french fries? Tacos are about our choice dish when it comes to eating out and we've never had them paired with fries, it's really not necessary (calorie wise) and taste why they just clash. Kitchen needs a kick in the pants here if Layali wants to draw in the midday Pvd crowd. Also ownership needs to keep a little more lowkey as during my meal, the owner and a distributor were having a conversation that I typically wouldn't advise one to have in the presence of patrons. Keep the focus on the food, drinks and service and the people will follow. Don't go for the overly hyped up, maximum sponsored route... it never ends well. read more

You cannot go to Providence without stopping at Layali. Amazing/beautiful/cozy spot for drinks, apps, dinner or if you just want to meet some really awesome people. When we entered (as customers), we were warmly greeted and offered menus. All the cocktails are amazing and the wine selection is great. One cocktail even included burning herbs under the cup before mixing the drink in - sounds crazy but it was awesome. The food is ridiculously good. The kind of food you eat and wish you could rewind time so you could eat again. The flat breads are amazing and unique. The bacon wrapped dates are unbelievable. I can't say enough about the olives. Order the olives and ask the chef about them - he has a ridiculous amount of knowledge. Above all of this was the service. Philippe (owner) and Kim are unmatched. It is so clear the passion and pride that Philippe has in the restaurant and in making sure his customers have an amazing experience. Kim is the sweetest and is on top of all needs! I could write a book about my experience at this restaurant but will end with, you won't find a better spot in Providence. read more

Having come here twice in a week, I'd had a decent helping of drinks and various appetizers from here - just enough to sell this bistro as one of the more fun and delicious destinations in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The look and feel of Layali is simple and yet clever. Although there aren't any crazy gimmicks or overstylized seats or tables, little touches such as the changing colors of the bar display and the brilliant light-up menus brought a smile to my face. The drinks are *on* *POINT.* The very full bar, with excellent varieties of liquors, wines, and craft beers as well as tap-favorites, only shows that they know how to stock a good bar - but it's the talents of its servers that really showcase the care and quality of the restaurant. The Coco Creamsicle Margarita is made with real, fresh ingredients (1800 Coconut tequila and pineapple and lime juices, and none of that mixer dreck!), and although whipped cream on a margarita may sound strange, it very much works. Although the Berry Martini is a bit too sweet for my tastes, it is still made well, with Belvedere Wild Berry vodka, Chambord Black Raspberry liquor, and soda water, served with slice of a tasty strawberry. And their Cucumber Martini was made with freshly-muddled cucumber, and had quite an appropriate alcoholic kick. One more drink shout-out: I often judge a restaurant or bar by how they serve a so-called Moscow mule, because if it's not served in a chilled copper mug...it's not a mule. Not only did Layali serve their "Mediterranean Mules" in chilled copper mugs and with Gosling's ginger beer, they used a most unusual liquor base: Black Fig Vodka. This has instantly became my favorite new Mule, and singularly for that most delicious ingredient. As for the food, where do I even begin? When I came here for a private party from my job, we were served dollops of delicious, homemade hummus on adorably tiny serving chips. Lebanese kofta meatballs, chicken, and beef kebabs were brought out by the trayful on toothpicks. Fresh tabbouleh was served on adorable, bite-sized "bowls" of lettuce. The dip for chilled shrimp was clearly house-made, and the many slices of margarita pizza which disappeared into my face (kudos to the chef Nathan!) were absolutely divine. The crew behind this restaurant are wonderful, fun, and very attentive. The owner, Philippe Maatouk (former owner of Kartabar, on Thayer Street) made constant rounds to *every* patron to make sure that everything was well-made and that all staff were working diligently and attentively. I didn't interact as much with the wait staff, as I had mainly parked at the bar for the night, but I could easily turn and see they were all doing their work with care and genuine smiles. Behind the bar were the attentive and talented team of Cecilia and Kaitlyn, who not only provided all the excellent drinks, but good conversation about the restaurant and food in general. I must say that there's only one real drawback to Layali, and that's its rather small size. Although there are a number of tables (some elevated, some booths, and a decently-sized bar), it's all a bit cramped, and easily fills up. When my friend (and fellow Yelp reviewer) Holly and I came here for the very first time, it was for a Meetup event - granted, there was close to a hundred people in attendance that night, and we were all bumping and elbowing one another as we stood around, schmoozing and boozing, which made it very difficult to get a good feel for the place. And then a few days later, when my job's private dinner party was held, although it was far less cramped, it was still a bit noisy. But, I'm sure that the restaurant will overcome this issue somehow, either by some future expansion or possibly even cashing in on it with a "space is limited!" advertising angle - because trust me, to manage to set foot inside this restaurant is well worth the space and time. The only reason I give this review 4 stars out of 5 is only because I haven't gotten to eat my way across the entire menu just yet. For now, I can only patiently wait and drool at all the possibilities of the foods and drinks that this wonderful new restaurant has in store. Layali, welcome to Providence - and thank you. read more

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Stumbled on this place after showing up the restaurant next door which ended up being closed, and open at a different location. Tucked away corner spot in downtown Providence. Incredibly kind and attentive staff that gave the right amount of attention to us. Started off with the calamari which was pretty good, could have been a little more crispy and there were mixed opinions on the sauce. Entrees were 2 specials that were large in portion and unique in flavor. The salmon salad should be a staple on the menu. We sat outside later at night and the ambiance was peaceful. Excited to go back and try other things on the menu next time. read more

Great bar, super food and amazing service. My personal favorite is the hummus and the shrimp. The drinks are stunning and delicious. You cant go wrong! Sit at the bar and visit with Kim and Matt on the weekends. read more

Layali Providence - Lounges Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Bartender could barely even be bothered to take our order, let alone even check back in on us to order food. Still waiting almost 45 min later and not even a refill. DO. NOT. RECOMMEND. read more

The staff is nice and welcoming, but then the food comes. The drinks are watered down and the food is over hyped and mediocre (at best). They are still working on their menu, so hopefully that will improve in time. For now, let them work it out on their own. read more

great food, great atmosphere, but the service was to be desired. overall I would go again.

After seeing the construction progress and walking by daily, I finally stopped in for lunch one Friday. Nice space that's bright and airy. A couple of good beers on tap, bottles, some wine, and a long cocktail list that has some highlights. The food was really good. I had shrimp tacos, which were nicely fried with fresh ingredients piled into warm corn tortillas. Service was fast and friendly. The owner (I think, or maybe manager) came over when we were done to ask how it was. I'd come back. Looks like it would also be good for after work drinks. They also have outdoor tables, for days when it's not 90 degrees out. read more

Went in for a drink. Nice ambience and very cute space. Drinks were good and creative. Would like to go back and try food. read more

Layali Providence - Lounges Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Delicious! Beautiful place. Stopped into this cozy spot. Menu is great - small plates, pizza, pasta, steak, seafood, burger...: lovely spot!

Love the atmosphere in here and can't stop coming back. Great food and unique drinks, which new drink specials all the time. read more

Layali Providence - Drinks! - Lounges Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Eight years in Providence and I only try this place now?!!! I am sad I didn't discover it earlier but happy I finally tried it.

Love the margarita pizza and the hummus!! Food and drinks were great and the staff were wonderful!! Very welcoming and a great space will definitely be going back!!! Highly recommend this place read more

Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. Waitstaff is courteous and prompt. What more could you want? read more

The absolute WORST!! Let's start with the $40 filet with $15 wings they serve at pizza shops! Then we can move along to the over priced disgusting watered down cocktails ($60 for 3 drinks ) smfh. Now let's get to the main course in which my chicken Marsala came to the table so cold that skin had formed on the sauce!! Brussel sprouts had the worst coating ever. And to add insult to injury my bfs dry crispy chicken sandwich had a hair in it!!!!! When the manager came outside he didn't care at all and actually approached the table and left without any apology..but questioning why we were having issues with our food when he knows damn sure what the problem is ! With my boyfriend being the nice man he is he still paid for the drinks and left a tip after I advised not to, because he said it wasn't the waiters fault. But quite the contrary it it! It's called quality control! Ohhhhhh and the cherry on top is my boyfriend checking his bank statement the next day only to find that they STOLE an ADDITIONAL $10 for the tip !! Completely disgusting place..it starts from the head and from the manager down they simply only care about cutting corners and stealing money!!!!! If you see this and still decide to waste your time and money, just make sure you check you bank account after if you don't pay in cash ! read more

The drinks are all hand crafted from the bartender and let me tell you... THEY ARE GREAT. You've gotta try the Russian iced coffee. And the flaming espresso martini. Let's not forget about the food! It's always so good. All the wing flavors are amazing. We love going here for apps and drinks! read more

Awesome drinks, food, and service! It The atmosphere is beautiful. My husband and I loved this little gem that was tucked away i providence

I've left a review before but I feel that I have other comments to make on this business. Food and drinks are still excellent... but I truly have to give credit to Tim ( he might be the manager since he seems to alwayyyyyys be here). Tim has always gone above and beyond to deliver great service at this restaurant and I truly believe he keeps this place running smoothly! Thanks Tim for your hard work and for being so kind and standing out in this place!! Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. read more

The bartender is amazing!! Matt was so friendly and fun, they use super fresh and diverse ingredients to make you an exquisite cocktail. You tell him how you want your drink and he'll give it to you. He also adds fire to his shots and cocktails which adds an entertaining and fun twist to an already fabulous experience. Ashley, also behind the bar, was very courteous and helpful. We had a Margarita pizza and shrimp app (their take on Shrimp Mozambique) which I'd highly recommend. We meet the owner, Nathan, who also friendly and hospitable. This place is a gem! read more

My girlfriend and I stopped by for dinner on a Saturday night. Welcomed by the owner and seated at a very nice table with Olga as our server. She was awesome. This place has a great vibe and the food is even better. You have to try the bacon-wrapped dates appetizer or try one of the awesome cocktails. I was introduced to what I think is my new favorite cocktail; The Rosemary-infused "whiskey old fashioned" Later on the music picks up and they get a very sophisticated crowd..very much an in-place in Providence. Can't wait to go back. read more

Exceptional tapas style small dishes. Well prepared, truly delicious, mediterranean and middle eastern flavors. Good drink menu, centrally located in downtown Providence, you should definitely check it out! Calamari bang bang, grapefruit salad, eggplant and cheese are highly recommended! read more

Place was great w creative fun drinks. Always enjoy it when I'm in providence. If your looking for sexy spot stop by!

Went to Layali with my friend for both dinner and drinks. It was both of our first times and the experience couldn't of been any better. We felt one on one with the waiter, the owner was there and checked up on us multiple times. He asked if it was our first time there and he went over the menu thoroughly with us. Even gave us 2 free flamed shots just because we had never seen their flamed beverages before.. food was delicious as well. A++ for everything. Will not be our last time!! read more

What a lovely new bar and restaurant! First of all, the ambiance was really enjoyable. We came for drinks in the evening but I know I'll be back for food sometime. Service was wonderful. Our server, Olga, was so charismatic and was so enthusiastic about the restaurant. The flaming espresso martini was so cool! Check this place out read more

Layali Providence - Flaming espresso martini! - Lounges Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

I can't say enough about the food and drinks at layali.. starting with the best mojito with fresh mint and crushed ice , just amazing then my favorite salad and the Barcelona shrimp. Save room for desert or just go for a desert cocktail like the flaming espresso martini ... the place may not be that big but the specialty drinks atmosphere and delicious food definitely make up for it. read more

My wife and I went to Layali for the opening night. It was fantastic. We split a margarita pizza and had a few drinks. The pizza was excellent - very thin, crispy with light toppings - a great snack/app for a few people. The owner and bartender were very personable. It's the same ownership as Kartabar on Thayer street, which closed fairly recently after decades of success. (thayer street has changed significantly for a myriad of unfortunate reasons.) We will definitely be back to Layali. read more

The owner Philip was very hospitable; had a great time and the dessert was amazing. Will come back.

Nice atmosphere and vibe!! The pizza and calamari was delicious. Would definitely recommend this place. A great afterwork place, drinks were perfect! read more