This food was incredible! We walked in hoping to get lucky, and got seated at the bar. Tommy the bartender was amazing. He was helping seat people, giving recommendations and very hospitable. We were so happy to get to eat here and also loved all the decor. We will be back and will make a reservation for a table next time! read more

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Very exclusive theme restaurant- reservations are very hard to get and I had to sign up at midnight over a month ahead. It is gorgeously decorated and designed. It had an Arabian ambience, music, and decor with starry ceilings. The lighting was dim and intimate. Unmatched in terms of ambiance. The food was decent. Some flavor from their lamb shank which was highly recommended. Their bread has some nice dips. They do cook in an open kitchen and you can watch the chefs. Overpriced food in terms of flavor and taste. Our bill was almost a hundred for their shank, and bread with dips. Know that you are mostly paying for the ambiance and experience, not the food. Nevertheless, beautiful experience and worth it for unique dining, especially for an anniversary/ date night! read more

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Leila Restaurant does not allow table reservations for two people through OpenTable. When I called the restaurant, one of the staff members told me that reservations were not necessary for a party of two and that walk-ins were welcome. I specifically mentioned that we were driving from Orange County and wanted to make sure we would be accommodated. However, when my friend and I arrived as walk-ins, we were told again that we needed a reservation and were not offered a table. We also were not given the option to join a waitlist. The experience was disappointing, especially since we had called ahead to confirm that walking in would be fine. read more

Leila's was great from the very start. I had made a reservation asking to sit downstairs if possible, but I also had an issue where I booked twice. While trying to correct the double booking I think my request to sit downstairs was lost. That being said, the person at the front worked with me and found me a spot downstairs and I couldn't have been happier! This was a special birthday surprise for my boyfriend and of course I just wanted it to be perfect. At first I was so disappointed we might not get the experience we wanted but they didn't skip a beat and found us a spot! The place is absolutely beautiful. You really feel like you're in another country and every little detail was thought of. I've honestly never seen a prettier restaurant, including other Consortium locations! The food was incredible and we had so many leftovers to take home. The chicken shawarma hummus and salmon kabobs were my favorites but everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. My boyfriend said the steak kabob was one of the best he's ever had! We also got two drinks, the Rug Dealer and Camel Clutch, that were really unique but so yummy! The server was incredibly knowledgeable about gluten and helped me order items in a way that would be safe for me. Lastly, since it was my boyfriend's birthday they brought out a special desert and printed his NAME on a macaron! Such a special extra touch that really delighted him and made him feel like star of the night. I can't wait to go back to Lelia's again, I have no idea how they have anything less than 5 star reviews across the board. Take it from me and ignore the negative Nancies, you won't be disappointed! read more

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Leila you did not disappoint! You lived up to all the hype and our anticipation. So happy to be able to celebrate my Moms birthday here last night! It's like we stepped right back into the souks of Marrakesh we visited a few years ago!! What an immersive dining experience! From the service, the decor, creative cocktails and food...everything was exceptional! It took us 2 years to get a reservation and we had the best night ever. The Saladin Platter and Soltani Platter fed all 3 of us with food leftover for another 2 people. We had the following cocktails: Red Sea Ritual which was great. The Riad which was our vote for best drink! And the Joon which sadly was too salty (brine) for our liking. Also shared the Date Night cocktail which we didn't realize was a dessert cocktail but awesome if you love dates (the fruit). Haha We are already planning our return. We sat upstairs which felt like we were in an Arab Bedouin tent with a spectacular view of the "village" below and the upstairs bar looked spectacular! Next time we'd like to sit downstairs in the "souk" atmosphere! Shukran Leila Team! read more

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This place definitely lives up to the hype. The ambiance is amazing - it's so fun and lively. Every attention to detail. The service is great too and I like the fact that you can see the open kitchen. The food was solid. I definitely recommend getting the Salatim platter so you can try all of the different appetizers - worth it! Plus you get to try all of the breads. The chicken tahchin was crispy rice and well cooked but I do think it la led some flavor. The dessert knafeh sundae was absolute perfection - so different and tasty. Try it! The drinks are super fun and unique. read more

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Came here for dinner on a Sunday with my husband and friends and had a great time, we really enjoyed ourselves. This place books out 30 days in advanced so make sure to set your alarm and go online asap as they fill quickly. Sometimes you can get lucky and wait for a table or bar seat but with a bigger group, we made sure to make a reservation. The food was amazing. Incredibly flavorful and filling. Love that everything is family style, makes for such a great dinner. Obviously the vibe and decor are amazing! Make sure to get some cute photos while you're there. read more

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Food & Drink: 4/5 food was great! We ordered the manakish za'atar (flatbread served with yogurt) and the soltani platter (2 beef koobideh & 2 chicken joojeh and some side dips/sauces). There was two of us so there was plenty Service: 5/5 service was good! The only thing that could have been improved was more frequent water refills as there was a few times we went without water. Other than that, food was quick and we were in and out in less than 1.5 hours. They gave me a rose & a cute dessert with a candle for my birthday. The rose is such a sweet touch. Ambiance: 1000/5 the theming is really what you're paying for, floor to ceiling decor, feels like you're transported. Really great date spot! Would highly recommend reservations. Prices are on the higher end but you're paying for the ambiance. Parking can be tough on the street but there are some paid lots nearby. read more

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Leila is a hidden gem in San Diego and damn let me tell you it did not disappoint!! Parking is kind of difficult so your best bet will be either valet or uber . As soon as you enter it's as if you're entering a different world. The lighting is very dim and the decor is impeccable! Great opportunities for amazing photos! The service is on point super friendly and helpful they made some great recommendations! The food pricing is high but it's so worth it ! Check the out if your around the area read more

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The ambiance of this Mediterranean restaurant is worthy of all the hype. It's a magical place with starry ceilings and a mystic setting where you feel like you're eating in Aladdin's world. The drinks and food, however, wasn't worthy of all the rave reviews, especially since it took a month to reserve our table. We ordered the Salatini and Soltani Platter for our group of 4, based on our server's recommendation. The portions were plenty for us. Although the dips and bread were tasty, the meat skewers were mediocre, and the veggies that came on the Soltani platter were bland. The salmon was the best part, though there weren't as much of it as the other meats. Drinks were on par and a good size. A tiny birthday cake ended our evening, which also lacked much flavor (but I guess no expectations should be had for a free cake!) Overall, a unique dinner experience for a group, but not a repeater for me. read more

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Well I cannot express with words how beautiful Leila is, you have to really be there to experience the feeling of being out in another country! The detail on every single thing in the restaurant blew me away. From the menu to presentation of the food was just stunning. It took me about 5 months to be able to get a reservation and worth the wait. Service was good and everything came to us quickly. I will definitely be back this place feels magical. read more

Leila - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Diego, California

Finally made it here!!! Reservation was hard to get. Parking is hard Prompt seating upon arrival Ordering took a while Food arrived in a decent time The kabob platter was delicious . The chicken was my choice.. tender and juicy. Steak kabob was good too! The drink was delicious Ambience warm and cozy. The bathroom was clean. Food price $20-30/person. All in all, worth checking out. read more

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I came to Leila's for my birthday and left feeling mixed. The space is beautiful. The decor and ambiance are easily the standout. It feels special, stylish, and thoughtfully designed. If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere, Leila's does that well. As for the food, it was fine, but nothing memorable. The kabobs were the highlight of the meal, and the pistachio ice cream was delicious. Everything else was pretty underwhelming and not something I'd come back for. Overall, the experience felt more about the setting than the food. Great ambiance, a few bright spots on the menu, but not a place I'd return to for the meal itself. read more

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From the second, you enter the restaurant you feel transported to another world. Every staff member I encounter was lovely. The drinks we're both beautiful and delicious. Chef Majid does a fantastic job with the menu! If you haven't been to this restaurant I would highly recommend you try it out. read more

Leila - Worth the wait! - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Diego, California

(This review is only for my experience during a weekday night at the bar, ordering 2 appetizers. I did not try any of the entrees.) Wow! This is the most beautiful restaurant I have ever had the privilege of dining in. The outside was pretty but unassuming. I've definitely walked past the outside a few times without a second glance. However, I was starstruck when I walked inside. It is a gorgeous space that's worth a walk through if you're in the area. My friend and I arrived late on a weekday night and managed to get 2 bar seats on the second floor. Based on the recommendation of some people I met, I ordered the fire-roasted cauliflower and the muhammara (comes with crispy, warm bread). Not too salty. Good balance of flavors. Maybe not the best food I've ever had but solid food nonetheless. Both were delicious and filling enough for 2 people. We also ordered the tea, but the bartender forgot and was kind enough to give it to us on the house when we inquired. Parking sucks, but it's North Park so not unexpected. If you don't mind bar seating, I recommend coming on a weekday night because you won't need reservations to eat at the bar, and there likely will not be a wait. (If you would like to dine at a table, reservations book out 1 month in advance.) Overall, great experience. The decor is amazing. Recommend trying the appetizers if you're on a budget. (Can't give any recommendations about the entrees.) read more

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I get the hype. East to miss entrance since there isn't an obvious sign but just look for the random pretty door. Beautiful interior and design, worth seeing for sure! As long as you don't mind seeing people take photos left and right when you're eating, it's a fun restaurant. I love that you can see the food being grilled right in front of you. The open kitchen concept is fantastic and makes you feel transported! read more

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Wow wow wow - I can't wait to come here again! The food - amazing, the vibe - incredible, the drinks - delicious, the service - great, the restaurant- 100/10! Came on a double date, was such an incredible time. Drinks were flowing food was devoured. Pro tip if you're not able to get a reservation... Which seems to be impossible, they have two different bars that you can eat and drink read more

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Right when you walk in to this restaurant you notice the beautiful decor, the ceiling, the river and all the details of the interior design. The service was slow both times I had went and it was really busy. The lassi drink and all the food was good. read more

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Ambience 10/10 Food was actually solid & pretty delicious. Portions were small so we had to order the SOLTANI platter which comes with 4 kebabs plus rice. Also got the SALATIM platter which came with a variety of dips and bread. If you're looking for authentic food you may not find it but it's good food in general. read more

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Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this is one of those places I genuinely can't stand. I'm usually pretty good at spotting an Instagram trap from a mile away, so I tend to avoid those "Instagrammable" restaurants since they're almost always tacky with mediocre food. This place, however, kept popping up on my radar for an entire year. Between ads, friends mentioning it, and the photos of the Persian decor and fiber optic lights, it was everywhere. Eventually, after seeing it enough times, I caved and went with my mom against my better judgment. Not shockingly, it turned out exactly how I expected. Overpriced Persian food that's just fine at best. If you've never had Persian food before, you will probably think it's good. If you actually know what Persian food is supposed to taste like, you'll probably leave disappointed. To be fair, the decor is beautiful. It's very detailed and culturally themed. I will give credit where it's due. But, I personally don't go to restaurants to stare at the walls. I go to eat, and I like to feel like my money was well spent. That definitely wasn't the case here. What really annoyed me was the crowd. Everyone taking 50,000 photos trying to get their perfect Instagram shot. It was theater in itself. If your main priority is posting photos and you don't mind mediocre food, you'll probably love it. For me, I won't be back. Just a heads up, you'll definitely need a reservation thanks to the constant stream of influencer type crowds. read more

Leila - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Diego, California

Food: 9/10 Service: 9/10 Ambiance: 9/10 I was a little scared going to Leila yesterday because I saw so many mixed reviews, but my friend and I enjoyed it! It was just the two of us so we couldn't get the platter that everyone was ordering, but the experience was so pleasant. Order rice! The food is a BIT salty but less than others. We had the falafel and steak kebab. Reserve before going! like.. 30 days in advance! But worth a visit. Will be coming back. read more

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Absolutely gorgeous restaurant. When you walk in you're greeted with a gorgeous star filled sky, it's beautiful - every aspect of the inside was well planned. We were sat upstairs and our server was friendly and attentive. She answered whatever questions we had and explained what each item was on the platters we ordered. The food was delicious. The chicken kabobs were juicy and flavorful, the hummus was creamy, really good flavors all around. It's an expensive restaurant but it was a good experience overall. read more

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I visited Leila on a Saturday evening for dinner with my friend. I have been meaning to try this spot for a couple of years now, but it's always so difficult to book a reservation. Since we weren't able to get a reservation, my friend & I just walked in & asked if we could sit at the bar. Fortunately, they had a few spots available! Parking near the building was a bit tricky, so we just opted for street parking a few blocks away. We were in awe of the interior design & the attention to detail with the decor of the restaurant. My friend & I first started with their foozool cocktail to drink as we perused the food menu. After a difficult decision, we both decided to order the joojeh chicken kebab & tah dig to share. We both enjoyed our meal & thought that everything was absolutely delicious. I would love to visit again with a reservation for a bigger group in the future! read more

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this restaurant is truly hard to get a reservation for, but it's so worth it! my friends and i booked our table of 5 a month in advance, and everything from the vibes of the restaurant to the food were really enjoyable. - salatim platter: so good !!! a great way to try all the dips that leila has to offer. i loved being able to mix and match different combinations with the 3 different breads that are included. - soltani platter: really good option if you have a group of 4 since you can get 1 skewer each and it comes with all the veggies and dips! we were able to substitute the 2 chicken joojeh for the steak kabob shishlik too for an extra charge. the meat for both the beef koobideh and steak were super flavorful and tender, and they were huge and filling too! pro tip: substitute the basmati rice for the tahdig (also extra charge) for the crispiest rice to pair with everything !! - lassi: a yummy, non-spirited mango lassi cocktail! not too sweet and a perfect drink to have alongside the food! beware that parking here is absolutely terrible LOL but it's expected since it's in a downtown area. come early and be prepared to circle around for awhile looking for parking on the streets! also for bigger groups, they may sit you at a table that is more tightly packed and cramped, so sharing dishes is a great way to make space. overall, we all really liked our food and would definitely be back if we're in san diego again! read more

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San Diego has an Instagram problem. If we are ever going to be taken seriously as a food town, pretty places with exorbitant pricing, bland food, and single visit ideology have got to get it together. North Park seems to be at the epicenter of this trend. Walking in is like stepping into the set of a romance novel. Dramatic, dark, moody. The staff follow suit. Professional yet distant. Congenial yet aloof. The service was timely, uneventful, and well presented. Not camera shy. The drinks were as good as they are at every bar in San Diego. Best enjoyed at F2.8, 1/60. The food? Family style, bland, and uninspired to the palate, but colorful and appealing to the eye. Takeaway was: it's an experience for the eyes but I can fly to eat at halal guys in NYC and eat the same food curbside for about the same price. read more

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One of the more talked about restaurants in SD. Wanted to wait until the hype died down to try but it never did. The ambiance is what's talked about so I was prepared to just enjoy the vibes while eating somewhat generic food. I was wrong. Order their fish. It's a deboned sea bream and the best thing on their menu. All of their servers know the menu and can make great recommendations. I will definitely be back. read more

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Vibe, ambiance, service 4-5 star, the food probably 3-4 depending on what you're ordering, the appetizer platter in my opinion had very small portions of hummus etc, it came with the 3 breads, the garlic one was a table favorite. We shared the lamb shank plate and in my opinion was fall of the bone and tasted good but drier than my liking. Would come back to explore more options. Price point on the higher end. read more

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Finally got a coveted reservation as a belated Valentine's date night. As is the case with most of the CH businesses, Leila transports you to another world. The lanterns, the river, the trees, the SKY!!! I can't even describe how beautiful it was. Unfortunately, the chicken hummus, lamb shank, and beef koobideh were the only items on the menu that are currently halal- kind of a bummer! The food was better than I was expecting it to be, but still didn't blow my socks off. We ordered a few of the mocktails, the olives, and the Soltani platter. For the meat, I can only speak for the koobideh, which I thoroughly enjoyed! The meat was tender and juicy. The toum was different from what I've had and I wish it were more garlicky. The basmati rice was fine (I preferred the barbari that came with the platter). At the end of our meal, the waitress remembered that we were celebrating an anniversary and comped us dessert. This was so unexpected and appreciated! Overall, with CH you go for the atmosphere more than the food. I enjoyed my experience, but the price point to food ratio is a little hard to swallow. read more

Leila - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Diego, California

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Leila's decor & ambiance is very immersive from the moment you walk into the restaurant. The seating on the bottom floor was very lively versus the top where it was more tucked away and intimate. Unfortunately after waiting a month for a 5:30p reservation, me and my friend got placed upstairs in the far back left corner where it wasn't as atmospheric as the bottom floor. Which was a bit disappointing given there wasn't many people in the restaurant to fill the bottom floor around that time anyways. The drinks were good but pretty standard for ch places, but the food stood out for me & my friend where we shared the salatim platter and salmon skewers. Loved the variety of bread & sauces! Our waiter was very attentive and very knowledgeable about the cocktails :) definitely would visit again but only for a seat where you could actually appreciate the starlit ceiling and decor. read more

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Stopped in for a quick drink. The vibe was so cool! I got the jasmine ice cream and a drink both were so good. The ice cream had a cotton candy like layer on top that added a delicious layer. Bartender was super cool. She was very knowledgeable about the venue and drinks read more

Leila - Dessert and drink - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Diego, California

Dropped in for dinner with a friend and enjoyed cocktails, apps, and a delish pistachio dessert. Food was solid, although the wait times for service were a bit slower than we would've liked. The upstairs seating is a cool different vibe than downstairs, so it was cool to see what that space was like read more

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We first found this spot last year, and it is absolutely worth the 30+ day wait for a reservation! We arrived right at 5 p.m. for our date night, and the host outside was kind and helpful. The ambiance is perfect--I love the dark, low-light vibe. We were seated upstairs near a relaxing, flowing waterfall/pond feature just below us! Our waitress was fantastic and helped us navigate the menu. We started with the 'Riad' (a fancy, generous Old Fashioned) and the Salatim Platter, which featured incredible dips with assorted breads. For mains, the Kabobs and Tah Dig (crispy rice) were cooked to perfection. We finished with the Knafeh Sundae and Pistachio ice cream--the ice cream was a standout! Highly recommend this spot for a romantic night out. read more

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Think of Persian cuisine as a symphony--where Indian spice meets an orchestra of fresh herbs. The result is something entirely different. Grilled over real charcoal, enriched with aromatics, and finished with bright, sour elements, Persian dishes--from herb stews to kebabs--deliver complexity without heaviness. Paired with freshly baked pita, it's a sensory experience of fire, fragrance, and flavor. Now arriving in San Diego--Leila. A new destination in North Park where Persian cuisine takes center stage, set against a warm Moroccan-inspired ambiance. Led by an Arabic chef and complemented by a beautifully crafted cocktail program, Leila brings a seamless harmony of culture, flavor, and experience to the city. The most desirable new dining experience--and an absolute must in San Diego. read more

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Before we arrived, Doc had made reservations for 3 of us at 7 pm. She forewarned me to bring a nice outfit. Indeed I'm glad she told me and I in turn informed Hubs. Most definitely the most stunning, stop in your tracks, gorgeous beyond belief restaurant have come to including India, Morocco, Abu Dabi, Japan, Prague, Belgium, etc. in my life, literally. The path was strewn with lanterns you can find at the Grand Bazaar. So many seating arrangements for couples, intimate groups, little nooks and even tables up a staircase. The ceiling looked like it was covered very tastefully in a dark sky where millions of stars are visible like in the Australian Outback. The interior was drop dead gorgeous. Told Doc perfect date nite spot, celebrating an anniversary, popping the question special venue. Even my mocktail Lassi was the best I've ever had. The bar, the large open gender neutral cubicles in their restroom was a bit of a shocking luxury with running fountain, beautifully decorated mirror and I was sad for leaving my phone at the table. As you pass the kitchen is right there in plain view with hanging leg of lamb, sizzling grill below. Busy but no noise or loud voices of any kind- a magical space to turn out platters of food. The ice cream flavors were unique, large and intriguing ie saffron, rose, yuzu, pistachio and more. Would I return? Most definitely. The ambiance is drool worthy. Naughty me was thinking a first date here with the right person, low lights, exotic and varied music, you'd make a home run for sure. It must be the fantasy like, seductive Aladdin's magic carpet ride feeling that prompted me to think like that. read more

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Ambience was great however the food was very mediocre. It left a lot to be desired. The beef koobideh was very mushy which after a few bites, made it hard to want to finish my meal. Also, I don't understand how a restaurant like this runs out of tea at the start of their dinner service (which is when the restaurant opens for the day). In terms of decor, the upstairs area was pretty cool compared to the downstairs area. I have been to Morocco and would say it's very comparable. I think overall, if you want to go here for the vibes, definitely go for it but it is super hard to make reservations so plan ahead. read more

Wow, what a place! From the designs of the tables, to the inside scenery, to the bathrooms- such a beautiful and magical restaurant. Gena was helpful, although I wished she would have told us about the $5 salmon upcharge for the Soltani Platter, and discussed the addition to, as opposed to the substitution. We wanted all the amenities. Had we had known, we would have kept the original chicken and beer skewers on there and just paid for the extra salmon, which would have been cheaper. read more

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Absolutely incredibly magical. Everything from the entrance, the ambiance, the lighting to the food is beyond words. We made reservations for Saturday night and I'm glad we did as there was a line waiting at the door just to get to the bar. We were sat at the table next to the kitchen, it was very cool to see everything being cooked. The food... is out of this world. We ordered the Shirazi salad which was so fresh and the flavors made me want to lick the plate. The fire roasted cauliflower was very fresh and flavorful as well. We split the zoltani platter and I highly recommend this. You can choose what 4 kabobs you want which is very cool. The crispy pita on the bottom of everything was perfection. The toum they use on the salad and on the platter is incredibly tasty. The wine was good, nice and cold and our server was very friendly and helped us with the menu. The bathrooms feel like you're stepping into another world. I can not wait to come back here. read more

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This place is absolutely beautiful! The moment you step through the doors it feels like you've been transported to some other place. I especially enjoyed their open kitchen concept and being able to see the chefs cook. Their most popular cocktail, the Foozool was really good. My table ended up ordering 2 rounds of this drink. In terms of the food, the flavors were good and solid. I just felt like it wasn't anything special or the best I've had. read more

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First off, it's beautiful obviously. They really commit to the experience, when you walk in, you're walking into a totally different world from outside. You enter and after checking in you go over a bridge over water and into a lounge with trees and stars on the roof. Outside of the aesthetic, it's actually a good restaurant too. I've been there twice and have been impressed both times. Nothing over the top, just good food. The dip appetizer platter is a must every time. You get to try a little bit of all their dips (spoiler: they're all fantastic) and different breads. The meats are also cooked perfectly and flavorful, our favorite was the steak kebab. The drinks are over the top and look intimidating from the menu because of how complex they are, but they are well balanced so you can't go wrong with any of them ! Service has been great each time I've gone, nothing notable or above and beyond, but consistently good and attentive (which is how it should be, so no complaints) read more

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We went for drinks only and they were strong and tasted great. This was one of the coolest restaurants I've ever been to. If you're in San Diego you have to check this place out. read more

Leila - Middle Eastern Near Me - San Diego, California