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ZipPicks Awards
Best Middle Eastern in Hollywood
Best Mediterranean in Hollywood
Master Critic Review
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.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet meal, large-format family-style platters, or traditional Middle Eastern cooking without the nightlife energy.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday6pm - 11pm
Wednesday6pm - 11pm
Thursday6pm - 1am
Friday6pm - 1am
Saturday6pm - 1am
SundayClosed