Laila Bayridge

- 8530 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking an escape to a vibrant culinary destination without leaving Brooklyn, Laila Bayridge offers an exquisite journey into authentic Syrian and Mediterranean cuisine. Located in the heart of the lively Bay Ridge neighborhood, Laila is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience brought to life by owners Amal and Alan Dakhlallah, who have successfully expanded from their original Staten Island location. This Brooklyn gem stands out for its commitment to tradition, using authentic ingredients and recipes straight from Damascus—one of the oldest cities in the world. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a breathtaking Middle Eastern ambiance. The interior features elegant decor, exposed red brick, beaten brass trays, and a beautiful canopy of greenery, creating a warm, inviting, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion, from a casual lunch to a special evening out. Patrons consistently praise the generous portions, the beautifully presented dishes, and the feeling of being treated like family, a testament to the warm hospitality that defines the Laila experience.

Laila's menu is a comprehensive tour of Syrian flavors, featuring numerous sections and up to 90 dishes, including a unique selection of 'Grandma's Kitchen' plates that showcase homestyle cooking. The food is often described by critics and customers alike as phenomenal, rich, and flavorful. Standout dishes include the perfectly seasoned kebabs, the creamy hummus, the superb bread dip known as Mama Ghanogh (fried eggplant with fried sweet peppers and olive oil), and especially the made-to-order grape leaves filled with lamb and rice, which have garnered high praise. Whether you're a lifelong connoisseur of Middle Eastern food or experiencing it for the first time, Laila Bayridge promises an unforgettable feast rich with the taste of magic and homemade love.

Location and Accessibility

Laila Bayridge is conveniently located in the thriving Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, New York, making it an accessible destination for locals and visitors across the city. The restaurant’s precise address is 8530 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, situated right on the corner of 86th Street and 3rd Avenue. The location boasts beautiful, inviting outdoor seating with small teahouse tables and flowering foliage that flourishes as evening approaches.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the restaurant is easily reachable. The closest subway stop is the R train at 86th Street, which is a short walk or quick bus ride away. For those driving, the area offers both free street parking and paid street parking options nearby. The restaurant itself ensures that all patrons can enjoy the experience comfortably, offering wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating. Its location on a major avenue in Bay Ridge makes it a prominent and easy-to-find spot for both pre-planned dining and spontaneous outings for lunch or dinner.

Services Offered

Laila Bayridge is dedicated to providing a flexible and full-service dining experience.

• Dining Options: Available for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert with comfortable Table Service and Seating in a cozy, trendy, and casual atmosphere.
• Reservation Policy: The restaurant accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially during peak times like Friday and Saturday nights, due to its popularity.
• Off-Premise Services: Customers can enjoy their meal through Delivery, Takeout, and Curbside Pickup options. No-contact delivery is also available.
• Bar Service: A Bar onsite serves a full array of beverages, including Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine, in addition to excellent Coffee.
• Entertainment: The venue features captivating belly dancing performances and a DJ on select nights, enhancing the lively and cultural atmosphere.
• Payment Methods: Accepts various payment options, including Debit cards and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

Laila Bayridge is celebrated for several distinctive features that elevate it beyond a typical Mediterranean eatery.

• Authentic Syrian Cuisine: The core feature is the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Syrian food, with a comprehensive menu including signature 'Grandma's Kitchen' homestyle dishes like Fattet Makdous and Stuffed Grape Leaves.
• Exceptional Ambiance: The stunning interior design, featuring exposed brick, brass trays, and beautiful wisteria blossoms, provides a unique and inviting Middle Eastern setting.
• Outstanding Service: The staff is consistently noted for their exceptional service—attentive, friendly, and committed to making every guest feel special, often going above and beyond.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: Catering to all palates, the menu includes Halal food, Healthy options, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options, alongside hearty Comfort food and a dedicated Kids' menu.
• Signature Drinks: Known for its Great cocktails (like the fig martini mentioned by one reviewer) and refreshing non-alcoholic options, such as Lemonade Mint and Strawberry Lemonade Mint.
• Fast Service: Despite the high quality, the service is highlighted for being quick and efficient.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or place an order for delicious Syrian food:

Address: 8530 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA

Phone: (929) 416-5295

What Is Worth Choosing

The vast menu at Laila Bayridge is brimming with must-try items that capture the essence of Syrian culinary art. When deciding what to order, guests are encouraged to explore the less common, highly-praised dishes alongside the familiar classics.

Starting with Cold Appetizers, the Laila Combo ($26.40)—a selection of Hummus, Baba Ghanogh, Labneh, and Muhamara—is the perfect way to sample the exceptional dips. For a heartier starter, the Kibbeh ($16.80), with its cracked wheat dough filled with spiced meat and pine nuts, comes highly recommended. Don't skip the Spicy Potato ($14.40) from the Hot Appetizers section—diced and fried potato sautéed with cilantro and onions, it’s a flavorful side or small plate.

The "Grandma's Kitchen" section is where the heart of Syrian home cooking lies. The Fattet Makdous ($36.00)—stuffed eggplant with ground meat over tahini sauce, mixed yogurt garlic, rice, and chopped pita—is a joyous casserole and a true highlight. If you love savory meat dishes, the Lamb Chops ($42.00) or the Laila Mixed Grill ($42.60), which combines Kafta, Shish Kabab, and Shish Tawook, are grilled to perfection and served with grilled vegetables, rice, or fries. For seafood enthusiasts, the Grilled Branzini ($42.60) is seasoned with aromatic Syrian spices and served with Muhamara, offering a fresh and flavorful option.

Finally, no authentic Middle Eastern meal is complete without dessert. While classic Baklava ($14.40) is always a fantastic choice, the warm, gooey Kunefe ($14.40)—shredded phyllo pastry filled with cheese and served sweet—is a popular, traditional finish. Paired with a refreshing Lemonade Mint ($8.40) or one of their superb cocktails, you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal. The generous portions mean you’ll get great value and a taste of the most astonishing, high-quality Syrian food available in the city.

Laila Bayridge

8530 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA