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    Leila

    4.0 (1.1k reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

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    LEILA ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Leila

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    Summer S.

    Came here for dinner on a Sunday with my husband and friends and had a great time, we really enjoyed ourselves. This place books out 30 days in advanced so make sure to set your alarm and go online asap as they fill quickly. Sometimes you can get lucky and wait for a table or bar seat but with a bigger group, we made sure to make a reservation. The food was amazing. Incredibly flavorful and filling. Love that everything is family style, makes for such a great dinner. Obviously the vibe and decor are amazing! Make sure to get some cute photos while you're there.

    Jeannie L.

    Food & Drink: 4/5 food was great! We ordered the manakish za'atar (flatbread served with yogurt) and the soltani platter (2 beef koobideh & 2 chicken joojeh and some side dips/sauces). There was two of us so there was plenty Service: 5/5 service was good! The only thing that could have been improved was more frequent water refills as there was a few times we went without water. Other than that, food was quick and we were in and out in less than 1.5 hours. They gave me a rose & a cute dessert with a candle for my birthday. The rose is such a sweet touch. Ambiance: 1000/5 the theming is really what you're paying for, floor to ceiling decor, feels like you're transported. Really great date spot! Would highly recommend reservations. Prices are on the higher end but you're paying for the ambiance. Parking can be tough on the street but there are some paid lots nearby.

    Christian U.

    Leila is a hidden gem in San Diego and damn let me tell you it did not disappoint!! Parking is kind of difficult so your best bet will be either valet or uber . As soon as you enter it's as if you're entering a different world. The lighting is very dim and the decor is impeccable! Great opportunities for amazing photos! The service is on point super friendly and helpful they made some great recommendations! The food pricing is high but it's so worth it ! Check the out if your around the area

    Menu
    Sammi Y.

    This place definitely lives up to the hype. The ambiance is amazing - it's so fun and lively. Every attention to detail. The service is great too and I like the fact that you can see the open kitchen. The food was solid. I definitely recommend getting the Salatim platter so you can try all of the different appetizers - worth it! Plus you get to try all of the breads. The chicken tahchin was crispy rice and well cooked but I do think it la led some flavor. The dessert knafeh sundae was absolute perfection - so different and tasty. Try it! The drinks are super fun and unique.

    Salatim platter
    Cindy P.

    The ambiance of this Mediterranean restaurant is worthy of all the hype. It's a magical place with starry ceilings and a mystic setting where you feel like you're eating in Aladdin's world. The drinks and food, however, wasn't worthy of all the rave reviews, especially since it took a month to reserve our table. We ordered the Salatini and Soltani Platter for our group of 4, based on our server's recommendation. The portions were plenty for us. Although the dips and bread were tasty, the meat skewers were mediocre, and the veggies that came on the Soltani platter were bland. The salmon was the best part, though there weren't as much of it as the other meats. Drinks were on par and a good size. A tiny birthday cake ended our evening, which also lacked much flavor (but I guess no expectations should be had for a free cake!) Overall, a unique dinner experience for a group, but not a repeater for me.

    Salatim Platter
    Stephanie S.

    Right when you walk in to this restaurant you notice the beautiful decor, the ceiling, the river and all the details of the interior design. The service was slow both times I had went and it was really busy. The lassi drink and all the food was good.

    Carlos S.

    I came to Leila's for my birthday and left feeling mixed. The space is beautiful. The decor and ambiance are easily the standout. It feels special, stylish, and thoughtfully designed. If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere, Leila's does that well. As for the food, it was fine, but nothing memorable. The kabobs were the highlight of the meal, and the pistachio ice cream was delicious. Everything else was pretty underwhelming and not something I'd come back for. Overall, the experience felt more about the setting than the food. Great ambiance, a few bright spots on the menu, but not a place I'd return to for the meal itself.

    Fire roasted cauliflower and muhammara
    Amanda N.

    (This review is only for my experience during a weekday night at the bar, ordering 2 appetizers. I did not try any of the entrees.) Wow! This is the most beautiful restaurant I have ever had the privilege of dining in. The outside was pretty but unassuming. I've definitely walked past the outside a few times without a second glance. However, I was starstruck when I walked inside. It is a gorgeous space that's worth a walk through if you're in the area. My friend and I arrived late on a weekday night and managed to get 2 bar seats on the second floor. Based on the recommendation of some people I met, I ordered the fire-roasted cauliflower and the muhammara (comes with crispy, warm bread). Not too salty. Good balance of flavors. Maybe not the best food I've ever had but solid food nonetheless. Both were delicious and filling enough for 2 people. We also ordered the tea, but the bartender forgot and was kind enough to give it to us on the house when we inquired. Parking sucks, but it's North Park so not unexpected. If you don't mind bar seating, I recommend coming on a weekday night because you won't need reservations to eat at the bar, and there likely will not be a wait. (If you would like to dine at a table, reservations book out 1 month in advance.) Overall, great experience. The decor is amazing. Recommend trying the appetizers if you're on a budget. (Can't give any recommendations about the entrees.)

    Ailin J.

    I get the hype. East to miss entrance since there isn't an obvious sign but just look for the random pretty door. Beautiful interior and design, worth seeing for sure! As long as you don't mind seeing people take photos left and right when you're eating, it's a fun restaurant. I love that you can see the food being grilled right in front of you. The open kitchen concept is fantastic and makes you feel transported!

    Salatim platter
    Chelsea N.

    Absolutely gorgeous restaurant. When you walk in you're greeted with a gorgeous star filled sky, it's beautiful - every aspect of the inside was well planned. We were sat upstairs and our server was friendly and attentive. She answered whatever questions we had and explained what each item was on the platters we ordered. The food was delicious. The chicken kabobs were juicy and flavorful, the hummus was creamy, really good flavors all around. It's an expensive restaurant but it was a good experience overall.

    menu
    Amanda Z.

    I visited Leila on a Saturday evening for dinner with my friend. I have been meaning to try this spot for a couple of years now, but it's always so difficult to book a reservation. Since we weren't able to get a reservation, my friend & I just walked in & asked if we could sit at the bar. Fortunately, they had a few spots available! Parking near the building was a bit tricky, so we just opted for street parking a few blocks away. We were in awe of the interior design & the attention to detail with the decor of the restaurant. My friend & I first started with their foozool cocktail to drink as we perused the food menu. After a difficult decision, we both decided to order the joojeh chicken kebab & tah dig to share. We both enjoyed our meal & thought that everything was absolutely delicious. I would love to visit again with a reservation for a bigger group in the future!

    salatim platter
    Karen N.

    this restaurant is truly hard to get a reservation for, but it's so worth it! my friends and i booked our table of 5 a month in advance, and everything from the vibes of the restaurant to the food were really enjoyable. - salatim platter: so good !!! a great way to try all the dips that leila has to offer. i loved being able to mix and match different combinations with the 3 different breads that are included. - soltani platter: really good option if you have a group of 4 since you can get 1 skewer each and it comes with all the veggies and dips! we were able to substitute the 2 chicken joojeh for the steak kabob shishlik too for an extra charge. the meat for both the beef koobideh and steak were super flavorful and tender, and they were huge and filling too! pro tip: substitute the basmati rice for the tahdig (also extra charge) for the crispiest rice to pair with everything !! - lassi: a yummy, non-spirited mango lassi cocktail! not too sweet and a perfect drink to have alongside the food! beware that parking here is absolutely terrible LOL but it's expected since it's in a downtown area. come early and be prepared to circle around for awhile looking for parking on the streets! also for bigger groups, they may sit you at a table that is more tightly packed and cramped, so sharing dishes is a great way to make space. overall, we all really liked our food and would definitely be back if we're in san diego again!

    Caroline K.

    Wow wow wow - I can't wait to come here again! The food - amazing, the vibe - incredible, the drinks - delicious, the service - great, the restaurant- 100/10! Came on a double date, was such an incredible time. Drinks were flowing food was devoured. Pro tip if you're not able to get a reservation... Which seems to be impossible, they have two different bars that you can eat and drink

    Soltani Platter

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    Leila Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Leila

    Are toddlers allowed?

    They're not not allowed but it's a nice upscale restaurant that has a small river in the interior and tables are close together, so not a lot is space for a stroller or car seat. Maybe let the kiddo stay home for the evening and enjoy a baby-free… Read more

    Is there anything dairy free on the menu?

    Yes, I would say the majority of the menu is dairy free.

    Is this a kid friendly location?

    Is it halal?

    Only the beef koobideh, lamb shank, and chicken hummus are halal.

    Do they offer wine?

    Yes

    Is there an age requirement?

    I saw kids at the bar with their parents and at tables dining.

    Do you need reservations to grab a drink at their bar?

    No, if there is a seat available, you can walk right up to the bar.

    What's the dress code?

    Whatever you feel like but most people are casual to dressy casual.

    Has anyone tried to add one more person to their reservation on when they got there and where they okay with it if you have?

    I requested this via email and they had to change our reservation time. I wouldn't recommend just showing up and doing this - definitely coordinate in advance!

    Is Leila has music?

    Yes

    Is take out available?

    Yes

    Which items on the menu are gluten free?

    From reading the reviews, it sounds like the cauliflower dish and the muhammara (without the fry bread).

    Anyone know if their meat and chicken is halal?

    I don't recall seeing any halal certifications so my Guess is no.

    Are there good vegetarian options?

    Yes, there are!! Mediterranean food always has great vegetarian options.

    How do you make a reservation for a large party? How long does it take for them to respond to emails?

    Open table reservations. Not fast enough. if you email. But you can always try. 😉

    Is this place suitable to take my parents, 70+ years?

    Yeah, the music isn't too loud, if they have issues with mobility make sure to ask to be sat downstairs.

    Do you need a reservation?

    Yes! Although they take a few walk-ins but you'll need to arrive early! Use OpenTable, they book 30 days out and are typically full

    Is this restaurant only 21+?

    There was a family with children near our table when I was there

    Are there gluten free options?

    Yes. Lots of just meat items

    Do they have hookah?

    No they do not.

    View All 49 Questions

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    insideOUT

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    1.1 miHillcrest
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    We met up with a friend out here. This place has been on my list for quite some time so I was glad…read morewhen she recommended it. As soon as you walk in, you are captured by the beautiful parade of cherry blossoms and flowers. It definitely felt like spring when you're in there. Everywhere you look it's a beautiful scene. The bar is beautifully set up where you look through a waterfall. There's open air seating, surrounded by towering buildings. It is multilevel, so it is neat to see the layers of the space. Our server was very welcoming and pleasant. He was on it. He checked on us often. Our drinks tasted great. Perfect balance of a cocktail. I really enjoyed my lychee Martini. We ordered a charcuterie board with meat and cheese, and it was a perfect amount for three of us to enjoy with our drinks. I would recommend coming to this spot to enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather in a beautiful space.

    The restaurant is beautiful with an amazing ambiance and many great photo opportunities. I found…read morethe drinks to be fun and tasty, and the food was delicious. However, I did find the bathroom setup quite unusual; the coed design lacks privacy as the interior is visible from the outside. Additionally, the parking situation was very frustrating. It took me 25 minutes to find a spot, and I eventually had to park quite far away to ensure I wasn't late for my reservation. Moving forward, I would recommend that guests use a rideshare service instead of driving.

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    Common Stock - Charred Brussels -- love!

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    4.7(1.2k reviews)
    1.7 miHillcrest
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    I am honestly surprised I have not written a review for this place yet, I found this place in 2021…read more I bring visitors here all the time, and it has become my ultimate comfort food spot. I tend to keep it simple and order the same items every time. My go to is the crispy Brussels for $14 and the chicken sandwich for $16, and I usually rotate in the parmesan fries for $10. While they do offer other dishes that are worth trying, these favorites always keep me coming back. The service and ambiance are consistently great. It is located in Hillcrest, so the area is always lively, which adds to the overall experience. The energy, combined with the quality of the food, makes it a reliable choice whether I am dining with friends or hosting out of town guests. Parking can be a bit challenging, but that is typical for Hillcrest. I usually plan ahead and look for street parking nearby.

    3 stars for the food, 5 stars for the drinks, so I gave em 4 stars. Got the brussels sprouts and…read moreartichoke hearts and they were doused in far too much sauce and insanely salty. I love the vegetables for what they are and want sauce and seasoning to enhance them, not be the star of the show. Got the hot honey chick and pork belly bao buns which were pretty good, nice and fluffy. Drinks wise, I got the blueberry bramble as well as the berries & cream (both vodka drinks). they were fantastic, so refreshing. Old fashioned was also top notch! server was wonderful and kind. the ambiance is amazing and is a great spot for a date or cozy evening with friends.

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    Common Stock - Great food & drinks ....friendly welcoming service !!! Thank you HARVEY !!!!

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    Good News Bar

    Good News Bar

    4.8(53 reviews)
    0.9 miNorth Park
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    Whether you're sober, sober curious, love someone who is sober or you're looking for a unique space…read moreto work on your laptop and enjoy healthy drinks and food, this is the place! Being a sober girlie, I've heard about this place for years and was thrilled to finally try it so we had to order a few drinks. There's nothing quite like being able to look at a drink menu and know you can order anything from it because it's all sober friendly. They have a CBD infused drink part of the menu, a kava section and a mocktail drink section along with a food menu. The food looked delicious but we came here for a night cap after eating dinner nearby. We snagged 3 drinks- I need to check my notes on which ones we got but they were all so good. This is the type of place you can come here for a first date, date night worh your partner or co-work with your laptop. I saw all varieties of people who were doing their thang and it felt comfortable. The theme is inspired by Mac Miller and the decor is intentional and classic. Word on the street is that the 2 female owners had some disagreements with their investor so there's somewhat bad blood and that's always a bummer to hear people especially those in the sober community not be able to resolve their differences after they've made such an incredibly safe haven for us to enjoy. I get it though, some business partners are bad choices but y'all have made a beautiful experience here and I'm so grateful for it. Owners: Please don't shut this mocktail bar down ever but if you have to branch out, please do another in San Diego.

    Absolutely love the concept and the decor of this place. It feels like not quite a bar, not quite a…read morecoffee shop... very unique for San Diego, and good for any time of day. I really like the growing NA trend, and even though I drink, it's great to have an alternative, safer-feeling, and more inclusive nightlife option. I came with a couple friends on a Sunday night, about a week ago. We all drink alcohol, but we've all been drinking less lately. The place was almost empty around 8pm, which we found concerning for its prospective longevity. We also thought the prices were pretty steep -- maybe I'm biased as someone who drinks alcohol, but if I'm getting a mocktail or other NA drink, I'd like to pay less than $15+ for it. Still, I ordered the Ave Maria and thought it was one of the best mocktails I've ever had. One of my friends got the Malibu (he liked it but did complain about the price), and I don't remember what my other friend got. We sat for a while and played Connect4 using the fanciest set I'd ever seen. Some more people came in, so it didn't feel nearly as empty by the time I left. I'd probably come back, but only if I was with someone who doesn't drink and/or really wanted to try this bar. I hope they make it!

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    Good News Bar - Cool main bar with the best BARTENDERS!

    Cool main bar with the best BARTENDERS!

    Good News Bar - They have merch here. My friend loved it so much she bought a sweater.

    They have merch here. My friend loved it so much she bought a sweater.

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    Key & Cleaver - Tvs!

    Key & Cleaver

    4.8(263 reviews)
    2.2 miCity Heights
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    They have a dedicated gluten free fryer...YAY! The husband and wife team really care and go the…read moreextra mile for their customers. Got the Salute burger and tallow fries-yum!Love this place! A new go-to.

    Another excellent visit at Key and Cleaver! We stopped in on a rainy evening, just after Happy…read moreHour. The place was packed and the cool skeleton "Fred" was posted up at the front door to greet us, so so cool. We are always welcomed as soon as we arrive and we find that to be very very customer service oriented. Everybody that works here has a smile on their face and we appreciate that. We chose a seat right next to the door and there were so many people that it was just an exciting time to be in the restaurant. We love their Rosemary fries and everything about all of their burgers. I love that they have the option to have salad because I'm a salad person but today I specifically wanted a good burger. We ordered the Smashburger, which is two smashed patties with cheese, medium, plus added avocado, and a Western burger medium. We also ordered the No Alcohol IPA and a Ginger Ale Soda. Our food came out hot and yummy. delicious. Our food was so delicious and we were so stuffed that we couldn't enjoy the brownie afterwards. That's OK because we love coming here and will definitely be back. The vibe here is positive and everybody is very friendly and customer service oriented. On this visit, we saw families and other people coming from a formal event. Also, just a whole variety of different customers that really wanna have a good experience. Key and Cleaver also has an upstairs area where you can eat and relax so I love that. that is the option here. Overall, excellent visit as usual, thank you!

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    Key & Cleaver - Best burger in San Diego

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    Inside view of tables & bar

    Leila - mideastern - Updated May 2026

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