"Sorry to Hollywood’s many rooftops, but the hottest outdoor space in town can be found ground-level at snazzy Middle Eastern spot Laya. This massive patio on Cahuenga was a string of messy club concepts for years, but now has matured into a proper restaurant with an enormous patio, complete with fire pits, fig trees, and spacious curvy banquettes. A towering white wall in the back makes the place look like a studio backlot, while illuminated stone archways give the effect of a courtyard in a grand Mediterranean estate. The menu of dips and skewers holds its own, too. Prioritize appetizers like a za’atar and goat spread with pita and roasted sweet potatoes drizzled with avocado green goddess." - brant cox, arden shore, sylvio martins, cathy park
