Laila's Kitchen

- 220-02 Horace Harding Expy, Bayside, NY 11364

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers in the Queens area, particularly those in Bayside and surrounding neighborhoods, Laila's Kitchen has emerged as a premier destination for experiencing the rich, aromatic, and comforting flavors of Syrian and broader Middle Eastern cuisine. Located conveniently on Horace Harding Expy, this restaurant offers an authentic culinary escape, bringing the warmth and tradition of the region’s cooking right here to New York City. Laila's Kitchen is more than just a place to eat; it's a casual and welcoming establishment where every dish is prepared with a hint of love and an unwavering commitment to authentic ingredients and time-honored recipes. The focus is on providing a genuine taste of Damascus, using spices and condiments that are true to the origin, creating a 'taste of magic' in every bite.

While the atmosphere is casual, the quality of the dining experience and the depth of the menu are anything but simple. Laila's Kitchen is well-regarded for its extensive selection of hot and cold appetizers, hearty grilled meats, and traditional 'Grandma’s Kitchen' stews and specialties. This blend of classic comfort foods and more elaborate, feast-worthy dishes ensures that the restaurant caters perfectly to a spontaneous weeknight dinner, a quick takeout lunch, or a full, relaxed meal with friends and family. The commitment to providing both no-contact delivery and comfortable dine-in options further solidifies its role as a versatile and dependable neighborhood favorite in the competitive Bayside dining scene.

Location and Accessibility

Laila's Kitchen is perfectly situated at 220-02 Horace Harding Expy, Bayside, NY 11364, USA. This location places it in a highly visible and accessible area of Queens, making it a convenient stop for locals and a viable option for a trip from across the borough. The address is right off a major expressway, which facilitates easy travel by car, and its presence in Bayside—a diverse and bustling part of New York—makes it a central point for residents seeking authentic, international dining.

The convenience of its location on Horace Harding Expy is a significant benefit for customers. While public transportation options in the area are typical for Queens, the ease of vehicular access is a major plus for many New Yorkers. The establishment's focus on accommodating various service options, from dine-in to no-contact delivery, ensures that the restaurant remains a reliable source of quality Syrian cuisine regardless of how far a patron is traveling or how they prefer to enjoy their meal. For a casual dining spot in Bayside, the accessible location contributes significantly to its popularity and convenience for the local community.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Enjoy a relaxed meal in the casual, welcoming setting of the restaurant.
• Takeout: Conveniently pick up your order to enjoy authentic Syrian cuisine at home or on the go.
• Delivery: The restaurant offers standard delivery to bring meals directly to customers.
• No-contact delivery: For maximum convenience and safety, a dedicated option for no-contact delivery is available.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Syrian Cuisine: Laila's Kitchen specializes in authentic Syrian food, with an emphasis on rich, traditional flavors and preparation methods, sourcing authentic ingredients, spices, and condiments from Damascus.
• Extensive Appetizer Selection: Features a wide array of delicious starters, including popular cold appetizers like Hummus, Baba Ghanogh, Labneh, and Muhamara, as well as hot appetizers such as Falafel, Spicy Potato, Kibbeh, and various Borak (fillo dough pastries).
• Hearty Grilled Meats: Known for its perfectly seasoned and grilled offerings, including Shish Tawouk (marinated chicken cubes), Kufta Kebab, Laila Mixed Grill, and specialties like Lamb Chops and Filet Mignon Kabab, all typically served with grilled vegetables, rice, or fries.
• Traditional 'Grandma’s Kitchen' Specialties: Offers unique, homestyle Syrian dishes that are rarely found elsewhere, such as Fattet Mozat (Lamb chunk over tahini sauce, mixed yogurt garlic, rice, and chopped pita) and Stuffed Cabbage or Grape Leaves.
• Variety of Shawarma Options: Includes both Chicken Shawarma and Meat Shawarma, prepared with special Lebanese or Syrian seasoning blends.
• Seafood Offerings: Features a selection of fresh grilled seafood, including Grilled Branzini, Syrian Salmon, and Grilled Octopus.
• Casual and Inviting Atmosphere: The dining environment is designed to be casual, making it a comfortable and unpretentious setting for an enjoyable meal.

Contact Information

Address: 220-02 Horace Harding Expy, Bayside, NY 11364, USA

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Laila's Kitchen offers New Yorkers a chance to delve into the captivating world of authentic Syrian cuisine without leaving Queens. What makes this establishment particularly worth choosing is its uncompromising commitment to authenticity and the depth of its menu. This is not a generic Middle Eastern spot; it’s a focused culinary experience where the food is prepared with genuine Syrian spices and techniques, promising a truly unique and memorable flavor profile.

The must-try items fall into two main categories: the expertly grilled meats and the distinctive homestyle specialties. For meat lovers, the Shish Tawouk and the various Kebab plates, especially the Laila Mixed Grill, are excellent choices, showcasing the kitchen’s mastery of grilling and seasoning. However, to truly appreciate the Syrian culinary tradition, patrons should explore the 'Grandma’s Kitchen' section. Dishes like the Fattet Mozat or Fattet Makdous offer a complex layering of textures and flavors—tender meat, aromatic rice, yogurt, garlic, and tahini—creating a profoundly comforting and unique experience not easily found in other NYC restaurants.

Furthermore, the comprehensive selection of appetizers, from the perfectly balanced Hummus and Baba Ghanogh to the delightful Spicy Potato and various filled pastries, makes Laila's Kitchen an ideal place for tapas-style dining and sharing with a group. The ability to choose between a casual dine-in experience or any form of convenient delivery, including no-contact, adds a layer of flexibility that perfectly suits the Bayside lifestyle. Laila's Kitchen stands out as a genuine, high-quality, and deeply flavorful Middle Eastern option, making it an essential visit for any New Yorker looking to expand their culinary horizons with a taste of Damascus.

Laila's Kitchen

220-02 Horace Harding Expy, Bayside, NY 11364, USA