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    Leila

    4.0 (1.2k reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    LEILA ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Leila

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    Reviews With Photos

    Alexia V.

    Where do I even begin with this place?! I'll be honest, I was a little iffy about coming here at first, especially because the reservation times that were available were super late. My friend really wanted to come here for her birthday, though, so we ended up going, and I'm SO glad we did because it was honestly worth it. The food was amazing. The meat was so tender, juicy, and flavorful, and everything we had was really good. But honestly, what stood out to me just as much as the food was the customer service. The bartender was absolutely amazing! I wish I had gotten his name because his drink recommendations were spot-on, and he was just so friendly and helpful throughout the night. We did have a little bit of a wait. Our original reservation was for 9:45, but we didn't end up getting seated until around 10:15 because some guests had shown up late. Someone did apologize to us about the wait, which I appreciated, and honestly, once we were seated, it was completely worth it. We also mentioned that it was two of my friends' birthdays, and they went above and beyond to make them feel special. They brought them ice cream, a macaroon with their names on it, and even gave them each a rose. It was such a small but thoughtful touch, and you could genuinely tell they wanted to make their night special. Seeing my friends feel so celebrated honestly made me so happy. The restaurant itself is also beautiful, and I loved how personable the entire experience felt. It didn't just feel like we were another table they actually took the time to acknowledge us and make the occasion feel special. Overall, I had such a great experience here. The food was incredible, the service was amazing, and the little personal touches really made the night. Definitely somewhere I would come back to and recommend, especially for a birthday or special occasion!

    Gabriella A.

    my bf made a reservation for my birthday and it was the most beautiful restaurants I've ever seen. It's like you enter into a whole new world when you walk in it's amazing how it's designed. our server was very kind and helpful as that was our first time going and I wanted to know what dishes were popular and he definitely helped us decide which pates to get. The food portions are pretty big so it's all very shareable among a few people if you're going with a big group (we did not finish our food). We got the platter with pita bread, naan, and another kind of bread with dipping sauces around and that tasted so good, it all had so much flavor I really enjoyed it as a starter. We also got a dish that was rice but crisped on one side and had shredded meat (I forgot what kind) but I was not the biggest fan of it i believe it might've had raisins in it or something sweet cus I was getting sweetness which I wasn't expecting so it was more of a personal preference not that the dish tasted bad or anything. Our server did take a while like to get back to us and see if we needed anything else because he was busy managing other tables. We didn't get to try the dessert because we couldn't get a hold of our server and unfortunately had to leave but I definitely would come back and try other dishes on the menu and get a dessert as well. Would def recommend if in the area. Oh and parking is sort of a nightmare. There's no valet which is surprising I wish they did but we were able to park in a parking structure nearby and pay a small amount and it was not a far walking distance from the restaurant but kind of annoying because we tried driving around a few times to see if there would be parking and it was insanely packed and then we found the parking structure so thank God for the parking structure being there.

    Upstairs
    Krissy T.

    Leila is definitely a must try if you're looking for a restaurant that feels like an experience. The inside is beautiful, with stars across the ceiling, soft lighting, and decor that gives the whole space a dreamy, almost fairytale feel. The ambience is definitely the highlight for me. The food was good and served more family style, so it's a great spot to go with a bigger group and share different dishes. The drinks were good as well, although I think the presentation could have matched the overall aesthetic of the restaurant a little more. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience. I'd definitely recommend this spot, especially if you're looking for somewhere with a beautiful atmosphere and a different dining experience. The ambience alone makes it worth checking out.

    Falafel
    Mariness D.

    This was my second time coming here, so that shows that it's one of those places that's worth coming back to, just on the ambiance alone. The place is even more beautiful in person than in the pictures. I'm a Disneyland girl so as soon as I stepped in, the place reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean ride with its starlit ceiling, lanterns, and rock formation stone walls. Ambiance is 11/10 hands down. As far as the food, I think the presentation is on point with their platters, but the taste was only OK to me. Some of the dips were flavorful while others were a bit bland, so I give their appetizer platter a 7/10. As far as their Kabob platter, the cane with 4 kebabs, bell peppers, and eggplant over naan, along with rice and dips. The presentation was great, so I'd give it an 8/10. We also ordered their infamous falafel, which is popular for a reason. It comes with 5, so each of us was able to taste one, and that's probably one of the best I've had, 11/10.

    Soltani platter
    Cindy P.

    Salatim platter- assortment of dips/breads. Overall great for a big party. Unfortunately, our green tahini came with some hair.. Soltani platter- DELICIOUS. I have never had such a tender beef skewer before and wow, I was absolutely blown away. The server and manager both corrected the hair mishap by replacing the green tahini with a new one as well as some comp'd desserts for the table. Still kind of a bummer as it did bring the mood down a little bit. Service was also a little on the slower side. Our Soltani platter came out and we didn't have any plates/utensils as they were all dirty from the salatim platter. I would love to give this place another star as the food was overall delicious, however, the hair and service really weighed it down

    Salatim platter
    Stephanie S.

    Leila was a great atmosphere. The inside is amazing. Until the door opens and it looks like a Disneyland ride. The food was good. The lamb was amazing. Super tender just fell off the bone. Loved the Salatim platter. The steak kebab had a few pieces that were pretty tough. Drinks were good I'd go back for drinks alone.

    Diamond B.

    Really really stunning atmosphere with a thought out design. I was impressed when we entered! However, our group had a 9:15 reservation and weren't seated until 9:45, which was pretty frustrating. However, I will say that the restaurant did a lot to make up for it, including comped champagne and appetizers which were much appreciated. Falafel: really good! I'm usually not a big fan but this had a really good texture and good taste Steak Kabob: really yummy! Very tender meat paired with a yogurt sauce that I really enjoyed. The marinade was smoky and it came with pickled red onion which I loved Overall, some bumps in the road but I'd recommend.

    Falafel
    Cecilia Y.

    had a great experience at Leila! We came in a Monday night at around 5:30pm! We saw reviews that if no reservation is made, it's best to try for the open bar seating as it is also full service. All tables were the night were booked up so we were lucky to be the first people there for bar seating. The inside was extremely beautiful! It's a really cool experience and reminds me of the restaurant that's inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland except on a greater scale. The interior and decor really set the atmosphere. The bathrooms were also super nice with sinks on the outside so people can wash their hands if they don't need to use the toilets. The food was amazing. We ordered different appetizers: Manakish Za'atar, Barbari, Tarator, Falafel, and Fire Roasted Cauliflower. Everything tasted amazing but the falafel was exceptionally delicious. It was probably the best falafel I've ever had. So moist and flavorful! We were a group of 5 sitting bar seating trying to figure out what's the best way to split our food and luckily our server was very helpful and let us know we've save more money getting the Soltani platter since we were all ordering individual kabob platters. We upgraded our rice to the tah dig. The kabobs were super seasoned and moist. The platter was super filling. We were incredibly full after. The sauces on the side were a great balance with the meats. Highly recommend! Service was amazing and we all truly loved our meal!

    Mast o mosir and sabze
    Melika J.

    Picture perfect decor and ambiance, along with delicious food. The manager, Jenna, was an absolutely lovely hostess and accommodated us with our little reservation hiccup. We ordered salad Shirazi, mast o mosir, and the sabze khordan for appetizer, and for the main we had the soltani platter and tahchin. Absolutely delicious!!!! Definitely would come back. Parking is difficult though since there is no dedicated parking nearby.

    emilee r.

    was able to get a table for 4 on a saturday night with no reservation!! the food was incredible and the service was amazing, but wow the restaurant itself is the most moody and beautiful place i've ever eaten at. by far this was the most enjoyable restaurant experience i have ever had and i will die on the hill that everyone needs to come here at least once, if only to see the beauty of it. we ordered foozool and bedouin brew cocktails and the salatim platter and soltani platter to share. the foozool was great, very tropical and refreshing. the bedouin brew was white russian-esque, large portion, strong, and creamy. of the salatim platter, the muhamarra (red pepper hummus) was our favorite, soso flavorful and delicious. but honestly, the entire platter was incredible and we loved to mix and match and find our favorite flavor combo. as for the soltani platter, it was pretty good, very comparable to other persian restaurants. i liked the portion size and the barbari was perfect to tear apart and make wraps with the kabob, veggies, and rice. we were all incredibly full and immensely satisfied with our meal and dining experience. ratings: foozool: 9/10 bedouin brew: 7.5/10 salatim platter: 9/10 soltani platter: 8.5/10 service and ambiance: 928478426488/10

    Platter
    Mary D.

    5 star experience. Our new fav go-to spot in SD! First of the, the ambiance is givingggg. The thoughtful interior really whisks you away. Highly recommend the Salatim Platter and the Soltani Platter. Fresh and delicious variety, our table was quiet! That's when you know the food is good LOL. We had a table of four and it was plenty of food for us to share. Also came here for a bday and gave a cute dessert that with the bday celebrants name on it. Love the small details! Great service. Looking forward to our next visit. Bravo!

    Anna V.

    The atmosphere and design are definitely the highlight of this place. The interior is beautiful, unique, and creates a really interesting experience, especially in the evening. The food, however, was pretty average in my opinion. The kebab portion was quite small and nothing particularly memorable, and the rest of the dishes were okay but didn't really stand out. Considering how difficult it can be to get a reservation and how much hype there is around this restaurant, I expected a little more from the food. Overall, I'd give the atmosphere and experience 4 stars, but the food itself closer to 3.

    Sean H.

    Okay so this one is a little complicated but I will still keep it simple. To wow someone and spend a night in the Middle East...no place better. You know the rules...one quick review, let's go: Food: good not great. Not bad by any means, apps good, mains were a little bland Cocktails: NEXT LEVEL flavors and spirits I haven't seen outside of the Middle East Ambiance: this is why you go...worth it just for this Service: we nice, attentive and great.

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    2 months ago

    Very good food. Well priced the staff was quick and on point. They accommodated to our allergies.

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    Page 1 of 32

    Leila Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Leila

    Sit upstairs or downstairs?

    We sat downstairs and it was absolutely lovely, but from where we were sitting looking up, I think the upstairs would be an amazing place to sit. That's what I would choose...

    What's the deal regarding reservations? It seems I can't get weekend spots even one month out due to unavailability. Do they not accept them on weekends or something?

    They are just booked out that far. You can go and walk in, however, you may end up waiting an hour and a half. It is well worth going, but reservations need to be made well in advance.

    Anything for solo diners? The menu is all large dishes.

    I believe you can get some smaller bites off the starter menu.

    Are toddlers allowed?

    They're not not allowed but it's a nice upscale restaurant that has a small river in the interior and tables are close together, so not a lot is space for a stroller or car seat. Maybe let the kiddo stay home for the evening and enjoy a baby-free… 

    Is there anything dairy free on the menu?

    Yes, I would say the majority of the menu is dairy free.

    Is this a kid friendly location?

    Is it halal?

    Only the beef koobideh, lamb shank, and chicken hummus are halal.

    Do they offer wine?

    Yes

    Is there an age requirement?

    I saw kids at the bar with their parents and at tables dining.

    Do you need reservations to grab a drink at their bar?

    No, if there is a seat available, you can walk right up to the bar.

    What's the dress code?

    Whatever you feel like but most people are casual to dressy casual.

    Has anyone tried to add one more person to their reservation on when they got there and where they okay with it if you have?

    I requested this via email and they had to change our reservation time. I wouldn't recommend just showing up and doing this - definitely coordinate in advance!

    Is Leila has music?

    Yes

    Is take out available?

    Yes

    Which items on the menu are gluten free?

    From reading the reviews, it sounds like the cauliflower dish and the muhammara (without the fry bread).

    Anyone know if their meat and chicken is halal?

    I don't recall seeing any halal certifications so my Guess is no.

    Are there good vegetarian options?

    Yes, there are!! Mediterranean food always has great vegetarian options.

    How do you make a reservation for a large party? How long does it take for them to respond to emails?

    Open table reservations. Not fast enough. if you email. But you can always try. 😉

    Is this place suitable to take my parents, 70+ years?

    Yeah, the music isn't too loud, if they have issues with mobility make sure to ask to be sat downstairs.

    View All 53 Questions

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    insideOUT

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
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    Last night was one of my top dining experiences. Everything about IO was great. Literally every…read morebite and sip was so delicious. And the decor was so thoughtful, refined yet relaxing. My friend is ready to redecorate his place with Moroccan lamps now. The only negative was our fault...we decided to go two days ago and the only reservation left was at 8:45. I think IO more beautiful at night, so we were looking forward to it nonetheless. We arrived around 8 and ordered a bottle of wine in the waiting area/courtyard ramp. Such an interesting layout, but it works! We got to sit at a table right next to the waterfall and pond. Our server was very nice. Probably the only slip-up in service, was that our main came out when we had barely put a dent in apps. We were probably chatting and sipping on wine too much? The expo realized, kept the mains, and said take your time. Then he brought out mains when we were ready. Everything on the menu sounded amazing. My friend and I decided to both get the steak on the hot stone. It comes out raw and you have to keep track of time to cook it how you like it. You can choose flavored salts and butters and sauces for the side. We also shared the pickled strawberry salad. It had lots of toppings, flavor, and textures. The pozole verde was also excellent.

    InsideOUT is one of my favorite places in Hillcrest, especially if you're looking for a restaurant…read morewith a fun atmosphere. What really keeps me coming back are the seasonal transformations. They go all out with the decorations, and during Christmas the entire restaurant feels completely transformed. It's one of the best holiday dining experiences in San Diego. The seasonal touches don't stop at the décor either. I like that they regularly introduce limited-time food and cocktail specials, so there's usually something new to try while still keeping some of their popular favorites on the menu. Everything I've ordered over multiple visits has been well prepared, and I haven't had a bad meal yet. It's definitely on the pricier side, so I see it more as a place for celebrations, date nights, or when you want a unique dining experience rather than an everyday meal. Between the food, drinks, and the incredible decorations, it feels worth it for those occasions. One piece of advice: make a reservation. This place is popular, especially during the holidays and other seasonal events, and tables fill up quickly.

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    Finca - Bone Marrow

    Finca

    4.1(172 reviews)
    0.2 miNorth Park

    I was in the mood for a new spot that had a casual, but unique vibe. My husband and I really enjoy…read morethe hunt, and I'm so glad I found Finca on Yelp! I made a reservation (just in case) because on a weekend you never know. Luckily, though, we arrived and there was plenty of available seating. My husband and I had our 10 and 5 year old with us and they easily accommodated us. It's a straightforward, but lovely menu that has a little bit for everyone. We enjoyed sharing a few plates and fresh oysters on the half shell. They do not have a kids menu, which was alright with us. Our daughter, who loves a good steak at 5 years old, enjoyed their pub steak and fries and shared a Mexican Coke with her brother. For my husband and I, we enjoyed sharing their beef tartare and to finish it off, a banana split. What we found so whimsical about Finca is their presentation. My husband and I really enjoyed exploring their menu and leaving room for a return visit soon. I couldn't recommend Finca more for anyone looking for a fun and casual dining experience with a lovely staff and unique take on traditional favorites.

    Had dinner celebrating my brother-in-law's retirement, and it was nothing short of magical. The…read morefood, the atmosphere, and the incredible staff made for a truly perfect evening. I think we ordered just about everything on the left side of the menu, but the standouts were the beef tartare, the lamb osso buco, and the hamachi. Honestly, there wasn't a single bad bite all night. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, with some unique Spanish selections that were a pleasant surprise. This may have just become my new regular haunt. It's a fantastic neighborhood gem that deserves a place on any foodie's must-visit list. Absolutely love this place!

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    Finca - The dining room

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    Finca - Italian Dumplings

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    Good News Bar

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    4.7(67 reviews)
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    Good News Bar is such a gem -- especially if you love mocktails, kava, adaptogen elixirs, and…read morenon‑alcoholic beverages. They do not serve booze or cocktails, but they absolutely give you that cocktail‑bar vibe we all love: moody lighting, great music, intentional flavors, and a social, elevated atmosphere without the alcohol. Located in Hillcrest, parking can be a little tough, but once you're inside, the space is calm, cool, and super comfortable (AC blasting, cozy seating throughout). They're open in the morning for coffee, tea, and AM mocktails, and stay open into the evening with their full NA drink menu. One of my favorite things: they do a seasonal rotating menu. I just went in for summer and some of the drinks were fresh‑fruit‑forward and tropical. If you want the full bar experience minus the hangover, this is it. The concept is meaningful, giving ode to rapper Mac Miller and inspired by his song "Good News" to honor him and spread awareness around addiction. It adds heart and intention to the space. They also offer pastries, popcorn, and even function as a great NA bottle shop if you want to take something home. A beautiful, welcoming, sober‑friendly bar that nails the cocktail‑bar vibe -- without the alcohol.

    I absolutely love everything about Good News Bar, where depending on your mood is both a cafe and a…read morebar (alcohol-free)! I really liked the aesthetics and vibes with the super welcoming staff! I came here during the day where I was able to work remotely quite comfortably. I tried their iced latte with added cardamon syrup for $1. The latte was perfectly sweet to my taste and so enjoyable!! I WILL BE BACK!!

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    Good News Bar - Cool main bar with the best BARTENDERS!

    Cool main bar with the best BARTENDERS!

    Good News Bar - They have merch here. My friend loved it so much she bought a sweater.

    They have merch here. My friend loved it so much she bought a sweater.

    Good News Bar - Bar area

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    Key & Cleaver - Tvs!

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    4.8(277 reviews)
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    Best burger I've had in a looong time, maybe ever?! I got…read morethe mushroom Swiss burger because I really couldn't decide, so I asked the nice server over the phone what his favorite was. Great recommendation! Absolutely delicious!!! I felt reallly good after eating it, and I am sensitive to certain breads and cheese. Knowing me I'll probably make the 35 min drive sometime again this week. And I got a Shirley temple to go from the bar and they don't use regular grenadine, but some other delicious syrup that is so much more flavorful and not full of red dye 40. Only thing I would suggest for anyone coming is to know the sign on the building is hard to see, so you will see the Chinese restaurant sign, that is basically where you are looking to go. The sign is flat against the building and I didn't see it while driving.

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    Key & Cleaver - Best burger in San Diego

    Best burger in San Diego

    Key & Cleaver
    Key & Cleaver - Inside view of tables & bar

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    Inside view of tables & bar

    Leila - mideastern - Updated September 2026

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