Leila Restaurant
Reviews
Name: Alan Brush
Occupation: F & B Purchaser
Lives In: Delray Beach
Restaurant Pick: Leila Restaurant
Reviewed: Leila Restaurant
We always have the Mezza Tour. It lets you taste a bunch of different things. This time: Sambusik; meat, onions, pignolis in a pastry; kibbeh beef, onions in a bulgur wheat shell, Jibnee Mishwieh - halloumi cheese grilled; Na’anak - lamb sausage; falafel; Koosa B’dibs; Zucchini in pomegranate syrup; Foul Salata; fava bean salad.Zahra; cauliflower. Everything is always excellent. We love the bold flavors of the Middle East Za’atar - cumin, ras el hanout, garlic, citrus. All the dishes are different and interesting. There’s a few things that we always get, but each time, we try something new as well.
We tried the dessert tour this time. The Baklava (this one is made with pistachios) is very good. If you’re used to the Greek version with walnuts or almonds, this is much more subtle. The Knaffe is certainly different. It’s good, a little odd in texture, and NOT sweet like western desserts, but good. It’s a farina cake with cheese and pistachio. Sokseh, kind of a Lebanese brownie. Again, not sweet but good.
There is a full bar and a nice wine list with some different choices. I’ve had a Turkish wine and a Lebanese wine there that were very good. Good value and service. The food is always consistent and delicious. We always recommend it to people, it’s one of our favorite places!
Name: Corinne Smith
Occupation: Realtor
Lives In: Pompano Beach
Restaurant Pick: Ian’s Tropical Grill
Reviewed: Leila Restaurant
The minute we entered Leila Restaurant, we felt welcomed and comfortable. The dining room sparkled. The blue walls, white table cloths and lighting make for a cozy and elegant atmosphere. Since I had had limited experience with middle-eastern dining, much of the menu was new to me. The dishes were clearly described but the waiter was very helpful about things we didn’t understand. I cannot say enough about our waiter. It was a busy evening and she had quite a few tables but she was so smooth. She was never flustered and quietly answered our questions and made terrific suggestions. We ordered drinks – Sauvignon Blanc for me scotch for my husband. The wine came perfectly chilled. We ordered 4 appetizers because we could not resist trying everything. I wish we had read a bit further because there is Mezza tour with a sampling of six. The kibbeh which is served raw or cooked is only prepared on Saturday. We had the raw which is like a steak tartar. Wonderful - bright and fresh as were the tabbouleh and grape leaves. I had to try the Jibnee Mishwieh which is a grilled Halloumi cheese drizzled with olive oil. Interesting texture and taste. Everything was beautifully presented on white china dishes. We opted for the Leila’s Mixed Grill – grilled shrimp, lamb, beef and chicken kabobs served with couscous and rice (couldn’t decide so waiter offered both) and grilled veggies. Everything was perfectly cooked. Meats were juicy and flavorful, and the sides were tasty, and veggies not overcooked and, again, beautifully presented. For dessert, we chose Knaffe, a farina cake with sweet cheeses and pistachios. It had a very unusual texture –flavorful, but not too sweet. We had Turkish coffee with dessert. Rich and thick but not bitter. During the main course the dancer entertained us. She was described as a belly dancer but had no belly. Her moves were fluid and mesmerizing. After dinner we went out to the patio where there were several groups celebrating special occasions. The atmosphere outside was very festive. There were people sitting on couches enjoying their hookahs and cocktails. We chose an apple wood flavored hookah with which I had a cognac. It was a treat since we have quit smoking. All in all, our experience at Leila was wonderful. The host and staff made us feel as I would hope guests in my own home feel. Top-notch in every way. Wish we lived closer.
Name: Andy Winer
Occupation: Teacher
Lives In: West Palm Beach
Restaurant Pick: Grease Burger Bar
Reviewed: Leila Restaurant
Located at a corner building spot in downtown West Palm Beach, parking was easily accessible and plentiful. We were the only customers inside when we were seated. Our friendly waiter offered any table available, and we chose one in the corner. After enjoying a crisp glass of prosecco, we absolutely loved the foul salata appetizer - the fava beans were delicate and very flavorful in a lovely garlic sauce. My entrée of rack of lamb was perfectly prepared and very juicy. The rice pilaf was fluffy and moist. The roasted veggies (zucchini, onions, peppers) were cooked just right...crisp but not overcooked. Portions were large and you get what you paid for. Our waiter was extremely personable and efficient. Soon after our arrival, a large family group arrived with a very loud and constantly crying baby. The waiter apologized for the noise and was soon followed by the owner who also apologized and offered us a complimentary glass of prosecco. We appreciated their concern and felt like they really cared about our dining experience. Bravo to them for their sincere concern and the way they handled it! That alone (along with the great food) makes Leila worthy of a return visit!
Restaurant Information
Location: 120 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL
Parking: parking lot in the back
Phone: 561-659-7373
Website:leilawpb.com
Restaurant Owners: Alex Awad
Executive Chef: Mireille Awad
Pastry Chef: N/A
Type of Cuisine: Mediterranean
Signature Dishes: N/A
Vegetarian Options: yes
Alcohol Served: yes
Corkage Fee: yes
Bottle Limit: no
Restaurant Hours:
Monday – 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM 5 PM -10 PM
Tuesday – 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM 5 PM - 10 PM
Wednesday – 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM 5 PM - 10 PM
Thursday – 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM 5 PM - 10 PM
Friday – 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM 5 PM - 11 PM
Saturday – 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM 5 PM - 11 PM
Sunday – 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM 4 PM – 9 PM
Meals Served: Lunch and Dinner
Prix Fix Menu: no
Take-Out: yes
Delivery: no
Average Dinner Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 20% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $25 - $40
Average Lunch Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 20% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $12 - $16
Payment Options: do you accept credit cards and if so, which ones? Yes, major
Accept Reservations: yes
Need Reservations: yes
How far in advance do you require reservations be made: 2 – 3 days
Accommodations for Children: yes
Dining Style: casual
Disabled Access: yes
Restaurant Size: 150 seats
Accommodate Groups: yes
Private Dining Room: yes
Tables with Scenic Views: no
Outdoor Dining: yes
Entertainment: yes