TLDR
A hip, pretty Turkish spot on the UWS w/ cozy vibes & great for date nights [4], [8]. Known for Mediterranean & Turkish dishes, though some find it average [9], [12].
Details
LEYLA is a charming Mediterranean restaurant on the Upper West Side, known for its hip and pretty ambiance [4]. It's particularly recommended as a cozy spot for date nights and offers a good balance of savory and sweet dishes, especially for brunch [8], [10]. While many praise its Turkish cuisine, some find the food to be a bit bland or average compared to other establishments [9], [12].
Food Overview
LEYLA offers Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, with suggestions for brunch dishes and mentions of Mihlama [8], [14]. While often recommended as a "terrific Turkish restaurant" [6], some patrons have found the food to be average or bland [9], [12]. One reviewer noted a preference for Tanoreen and found the DJ at night created a club-like atmosphere [12].
Caveats
One diner found the food to be somewhat bland [9]. Another commenter noted that while the food was good, the atmosphere could be hectic or club-like at night due to a DJ [12].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LEYLA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Dinner Spots For Taking Out Visiting Parents In
"Leyla is suggested as a good choice for dining."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Spots For Taking Out Visiting Parents In
"Leyla is described as a nice spot for dining."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Eat Turkish Breakfast In Nyc Must Have
"The user suggested Leyla on the Upper West Side for Turkish breakfast, noting that their homepage features a picture of Mihlama."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Out Of Town Guest Uws Or West
"Leyla was listed as a nice option on the UWS."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Date Night Options Around Central Park
"Leyla is one of the recommended restaurants for a date night."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Date Night Options Around Central Park
"This is a cozy and romantic spot that fits the criteria for a casual date night."
PositiveFrom post: Might Be An Unpopular Take But I Had A Truly
"Despite finding the atmosphere hectic, the commenter felt the food at Laila was very good."
PositiveFrom post: Might Be An Unpopular Take But I Had A Truly
"The commenter found the food at Laila to be average, preferring Tanoreen. They also noted that the DJ at night created a club-like atmosphere, which detracted from the dining experience."
NegativeFrom post: Solo Brunch In Midtownuws
"This user commented that while Leyla is conveniently located, they found the food to be somewhat bland."
NegativeFrom post: Solo Brunch In Midtownuws
"This user recommended Leyla as a lovely Turkish spot on the UWS for brunch, noting it has a good balance of savory and sweet dishes and a serene patio."
PositiveFrom post: Best Turkish Food In Manhattan
"This user agrees with the recommendation of Leyla as a great Turkish restaurant in Manhattan."
PositiveFrom post: Best Turkish Food In Manhattan
"This user recommends Leyla as a terrific Turkish restaurant in Manhattan, in response to a recommendation for Bodrum."
PositiveFrom post: Greek Food Near Or Around Midtown
"The user found Leyla to look amazing after it was recommended as a hip small Turkish place."
PositiveFrom post: Greek Food Near Or Around Midtown
"Leyla is a very pretty, hip, and small Turkish place on the Upper West Side, considered a good option with easy subway or Uber access to the theater."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants Built Into Townhouses
"This restaurant was suggested as an option with cozy vibes, fitting the criteria of being built into a townhouse."
NeutralFrom post: Tiny Restaurants In Nyc On The Upper West Side
"Recommended Leyla and also Osteria 106, noting that Osteria 106 is cozy but not between brownstones."
NeutralFrom post: Tiny Restaurants In Nyc On The Upper West Side
"Recommended Leyla."
Neutral