Leila
Lebanese restaurant · Downtown ·
Modern Lebanese mezze, grilled meats, and creative cocktails
Modern Lebanese mezze, grilled meats, and creative cocktails
"This sophisticated destination brings an innovative approach to Lebanese food to downtown’s Capitol Park. Owned and operated by the father and son duo behind Birmingham’s critically-lauded Phoenicia, Sameer and Samy Eid, Leila is primarily on mezze, the small snack plates meant to be shared family-style. Guests can mix and match cold dishes like tabbouleh and labneh with hot items like grilled kibbeh, makanek (spicy lamb sausage), and falafel. With an impressive, open interior that looks into an open kitchen, Leila also offers a private dining space in the basement." - Serena Maria Daniels
"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
"Carolyn Chin, contributor, Eater Detroit: Regular destinations: Leila, Supino, Selden Standard, El Barzon." - Serena Maria Daniels
"This sophisticated destination brings an innovative approach to Lebanese food to downtown’s Capitol Park. Owned and operated by the father and son duo behind Birmingham’s critically-lauded Phoenicia, Sameer and Samy Eid, Leila is primarily on mezze, the small snack plates meant to be shared family-style. Guests can mix and match cold dishes like tabbouleh and labneh with hot items like grilled kibbeh, makanek (spicy lamb sausage), and falafel. With an impressive, open interior that looks into an open kitchen, Leila also offers a private dining space in the basement." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Located in Detroit, this restaurant's former pastry chef, Monica Greer, said she was laid off on March 16 and has been fruitlessly trying to obtain unemployment benefits amid an overwhelmed, confusing state system. Under Michigan’s stay-at-home extension through May 28, the establishment—like other restaurants in the state—was barred from dine-in service but allowed to continue limited carryout, delivery, curbside, drive-thru, and walk-up window operations, and many local food-and-drink businesses pursued temporary relief through the state's spirits “buyback” program as staff faced prolonged financial strain." - Brenna Houck