"Leila, what owner Samy Eid likes to refer to as “Phoenicia’s younger, playful sister,” is a modernist take on Lebanese dining in the heart of downtown near Capitol Park. Each dish is traditional yet updated. In addition to freshly baked pita, the kibbeh niyee featuring ground lamb, cracked wheat, jalapeño, and onion cups is a must-order. The baba ghanoush is smoky-sweet and comes littered with crunchy pomegranate seeds. Other hits include the exceptional batata harra and the Armenian Lebanese lahmajeen flatbread meat pie. Each dinner features a bottle of deliciously rich Lebanese olive oil, which you’ll want to use liberally. Leila is all about big, energetic, Beirut-style dinners. Bring a group, and order so many plates that you can barely see the table. Reservations are available through Resy and the restaurant also accepts orders through Toasttab." - Danny Palumbo
