Leila

"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

"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

"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

"A new restaurant Leila opened in downtown Detroit this week, bringing modern and sophisticated Lebanese cuisine to the neighborhood. Anchoring a corner of the renovated Farwell Building, Leila joins an increasingly buzzy crop of restaurants and bars encircling the perimeter of Capitol Park." - Brenna Houck