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Laya Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Laya Restaurant
8.8
Laya is a chef-driven Middle Eastern restaurant just off Cahuenga, pairing Lebanese-inspired mezzes and skewers with cocktails in a moody, design-forward space. It’s where Hollywood comes for lively, shared dinners that feel equal parts night-out destination and serious modern cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beetroot hummus with warm pita, Charcoal-grilled lamb skewers, Sumac-roasted chicken with toum
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Chef Charbel Hayek’s polished Eastern Mediterranean cooking in a high-energy, design-led room.
Who should go: Diners seeking scene-y, upscale Middle Eastern with serious cooking
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners for peak patio and bar energy
What to order: Beetroot hummus, mixed grill skewers, seasonal seafood specials
Insider tip: Book patio seating for the best mix of people-watching and ambiance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Cahuenga is limited after 6pm; several paid lots within a 2–4 minute walk; no on-site valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; most guests dress up a bit for the scene, but elevated jeans and a nice top are fine.
Noise level: Lively and music-forward; conversations are doable for small groups but softer talk may get lost during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; early dinners before 6:30pm are also manageable.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection of mezze, salads, dips, and vegetable-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Moderate—several mezze and salads can be made vegan; mains are more limited.
Gluten-free options: Multiple gluten-free options including skewers, salads, and dips; staff is used to guiding GF diners but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Laya’s lighting, cocktails, and high-energy room create a strong first-date atmosphere, especially if you sit on the patio or at a quieter corner table.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky on weekends; walk-ins are usually seated before 6:30pm or after 9:30pm. The bar and patio offer limited first-come seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal; the space skews loud, adult-focused, and cocktail-driven. Older teens may be fine, but families with small children will likely prefer quieter spots.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward ambiance, creative cocktails, and chef-driven mezze make it a top pick for nights out and stylish group dinners.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large-format family-style platters, or traditional Middle Eastern cooking without the nightlife energy.
Laya Restaurant
8.8
Laya brings a chef-driven Middle Eastern menu to the Cahuenga Corridor, pairing charcoal-grilled meats and mezze with cocktails in a moody, design-forward room. It feels built for nights out—whether that’s a lingering date, a celebratory brunch, or a group sharing spread of dips, skewers, and family-style dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beetroot hummus with warm pita, Grilled octopus skewers, Kafta bil sanieh baked kibbeh
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Chef-driven Middle Eastern cooking in one of Hollywood’s most stylish dining rooms.
Who should go: Diners wanting a scene-y but serious Middle Eastern dinner.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings or Sunday brunch for full energy.
What to order: Beetroot hummus, grilled octopus skewers, kafta bil sanieh.
Insider tip: Bar seats are easier to snag and still get the full menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Cahuenga is limited after 6pm; nearby paid lots run $10–$20 depending on events.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; most guests dress for a night out, but elevated jeans are fine.
Noise level: Moderate-loud during peak hours; conversation is doable but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on show traffic and nightlife crowd.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short 5–10 minute seating time if brunch/lunch service is active.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—mezze, salads, and several mains are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—2–3 mezze and modified salads can be vegan.
Gluten-free options: Many charcoal-grilled items and mezze can be prepared gluten-free; ask for server guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, cocktails, and a polished Middle Eastern menu set a stylish but approachable tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—bar seating is your best bet; walk-ins during peak dinner may face a sizable wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children; the room skews adult, especially during nightlife hours. Older teens are fine during earlier seatings.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward ambiance, cocktails, and shareable mezze spreads that lean upscale compared to nearby Middle Eastern spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, budget-friendly plates, or fast-casual Middle Eastern—other Hollywood options fit those better.