Stepping into this thoughtfully crafted space feels like walking into a love story—one where Indian soulfulness meets Mediterranean sunshine, and the two begin an effortless, irresistible dialogue. Guided by the artistic collaboration of chefs Yuval Ben Neriah and Dolev Maymon, Layla presents not a fusion, but a conversation—flavours that respect their origins yet blend with natural chemistry.
The philosophy is simple yet profound: Indian warmth + Mediterranean clarity = Comfort reimagined.
The meal begins on a high note with the Dosa and Wild Fish Tartar, a dish that surprises you in the best way. The crisp koji dosa carries the freshness of fish tartar, while the aioli sambar and chuma pepper salsa bring a flavour dialogue you don’t expect until it hits you—bold, clever and beautifully balanced. It sets the tone for a dining experience that is both playful and thoughtful.
One of the most comforting dishes on the menu was definitely the Brinjal Sabich. The nostalgia hits you hard with the way the tahini paneer, crunchy potatoes and finely chopped Levant-style salad are combined. Every bite was warm and comforting, like a culture-crossing hug that has made both its home. Whereas the Brinjal Sabich is a warm and cozy dish, Hari’s Farm Brulee Kohlrabi was perfection personified. Soft, gently cooked kohlrabi under a za’atar-feta crust, served with Moroccan bread and fresh arugula, was an exquisite mix of earthiness, creaminess and tanginess. The dish exudes quiet strength – it doesn’t make too much of an effort, yet it still stays in your memory for a long time.
Grilled Squid Kerala-style was all about its smoky appeal. With tamarind chutney and buttermilk, tender squid on a bed of burnt vegetables makes for a dish that tastes like a reminiscence of the Kerala coast, only it has been retold through a Mediterranean lens. The tastes were untainted, gentle and refreshing, yet they have an undercurrent of complexity.
Laffa Lamb Kebab was undoubtedly a selection that will be remembered for the entire evening. Banur lamb of the highest quality is marinated overnight, then hand-pounded and charcoal-grilled to achieve the ultimate perfection. Made with mashewiya salad, warm laffa bread and a silky malai sauce, this meal is the kind of thing which causes you to stop talking mid-conversation. It does speak loudly, is juicy and, most importantly, has a heart.
Organic Chicken Confit Fatteh was a pure delight, with elegance accompanying it. Sumac-spiced chicken, caramelised onions, chickpeas and crispy roti unite under a soothing drizzle of buttermilk. Home-cooked warmth is what it reminds you of, yet it still has the refinement that one would expect from a place like Layla.
Dessert at Layla is like nature’s applause after a demanding show. Basbousa with Chai Ice Cream was a warm, scented and nostalgic arrival. The syrupy Egyptian-style cake paired with chai ice cream, pine nuts, and citrus brings the meal to a tranquil, satisfying finish. It’s a dessert that doesn’t dominate the meal; instead, it is comforting, stays for a while and leaves you with a smile without making an effort.
Layla’s beverage menu adds a smooth finishing touch to the experience, offering a thoughtful selection of hot drinks, coffees and after-meal sips that round off the dining journey without overwhelming it. It’s the kind of ending that lets you linger just a little longer, taking in everything you’ve just enjoyed.
Layla is more than a restaurant, where food feels personal, thoughtful, and deeply connected to two cultures that share a love for warmth and storytelling. It celebrates the warmth of Indian flavours and the breezy simplicity of Mediterranean cooking without losing the identity of either. Every dish feels intentional, emotional and beautifully global. If this is what the future of dining looks like, it’s going to be warm, thoughtful and full of heart.
Experienced and reviewed by TheStyle.World Team
