Leila is described as a warm, intimate spot with a lively yet relaxed vibe and a menu that blends Mediterranean and North African influences with a focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients. Dishes like sardines on toast, octopus, merguez, bitter lettuce and artichoke salad, and pasta such as cavatelli and tagliatelle ragu are highlighted for their balance of technique and rustic charm. The setting includes a backroom speakeasy style bar and a welcoming terrace, making it popular for dates and gatherings alike. Service is repeatedly praised for attentiveness, knowledge, and hospitality, while the atmosphere and cocktails, wine list, and overall value receive strong notes of praise. A few voices mention small portions or high prices relative to portion size and occasional slower service, but the prevailing sentiment is that the experience is memorable, distinctive, and worth returning to for the food, the vibe, and the sense of being cared for.
I attended a private party in the back room - so my review speaks only to this experience, which I cannot recommend unless you want to be trapped in a small space for 4 hours at dinner time, eating miniature food samples paced 30 minutes apart. The food was decent - the red sauce was fresh, but the *three* (lol) pieces of rigatoni pasta I received were very overcooked.
I don't enjoy leaving bad reviews, & I'm sorry for that. But when we left, I was so hungry & cranky I couldn't speak to staff. & I think It's important for people to know what to expect: for two guests - we spent 200$ to eat out of takeout containers, & drink on an empty stomach. Sure food can be costly, but I've never experienced this anywhere else in Montreal, & we eat out a lot. Anyways, this is one place we won't be going back to.
Great food great service! Everything was fresh & tasty service was excellent. Giving 4 stars instead of 5 on food because nothing was life changing but everything was great.
This place was recommended by a friend. Parking was tough & called in to say we may be a bit late & we were comforted that our table would be waiting. Once there, we were warmly received. Our waiter Danny was excellent. Was very enthusiastic about his presentation & adept in both French & English. Decor was nice as well as the atmosphere. The wine list was good but not many value options. Thought that pricing was high & could use more lower price options. I liked the small'market fresh' menu. As for the food, there were some winners & some losers. The buratta straciatella was good but the brown butter wasn't browned enough in my opinion. We were told easily shared among us 4 but better for 2. The sardines on toast was delicious & again, good for 2. The bitter salad was excellent & was a play on a Caesar salad & that was ok for 4. The merguez sausage was by far the most disappointing dish of the night. As soon as the plate was placed on the table, I could smell how gamey the lamb was. It was way too strong & they said it was Quebec lamb but smelt more like New Zealand. Nobody at the table was a fan. Three at the table took pasta as their mains & the portions were quite small. The cavatelli fagioli was ok. Nothing really special about it. My Guinea fowl was well prepared & juicy with crispy skin. The beans on top were ok & I find detracted from the delicate meat & I found the $58 price tag a bit steep. The food was very homestyle. With a few adjustments to portions & plate composition, this place could easily be 5 stars. The highlight was definitely the service which is a great place to start.
Cocktails were alright (good but not superb), red wine selection was great, staff was really kind & informative, food was good (menu was seasonal, so fresh, but lacked information online), playlist was absolutely superb & created a nice atmosphere. Speakeasy in back lacked atmosphere however (consider lowering lights & maybe raising music volume). Overall would return :)
a delightful dive into the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. This charming restaurant embodies the genius of simplicity, with no forced themes, instead opting for an authentic experience that focuses squarely on the food. From the cloth napkins to the plates my grandma would have, it felt like being invited into someone's home.
We started with the sardines on toast, which might be one of the best entrees I've ever had. Equally surprising was the bitter lettuce & artichoke salad. Something I typically never order - yet here, it was a revelation. The balance of flavors & the vibrant presentation transformed my perspective on salads entirely.
Finally, the pesto cavatelli was beautifully crafted & wonderfully fresh.
To accompany the meal, we couldn't resist the $5 special on Peroni & Negroni (that rhymes).
Seated on the terrace in a laid-back atmosphere surrounded by fragrant basil plants & the gentle hum of good music, we truly felt comfortable.
A celebration of Mediterranean cuisine in its most straightforward form. No need for extravagant flair when the food speaks for itself. A restaurant that values quality & simplicity.
From the beginning we were greeted warmly, service was impeccable, food was very tasty & fresh bringing a nice twist to Mediterranean cuisine. Would definitely recommend 10/10
I read the reviews & was excited to try this place but must say fell short of some expectations. The drinks , food ( portion ) are wildly overpriced. Atmosphere is great, service is lacking profoundly. Spent over $100.00 to leave extremely hungry & to some extent upset. The waitress was of no help in any way, hardly ever asked if seconds were required ( this was an event ) . I honestly think they over shot their idea & did not prepare properly as such. Farm fresh to table is not expensive or is not meant to be. If the chef knows his/her stuff then portions would be great & variety inexhaustible. As well asking if allergies are prevalent & offering or discussing a plate , advising it would be served & never was , is misleading & to some extent disheartening. Suffice it to say will not go back nor recommend to friends or acquaintances. A lot to be desired!
I stopped on my way home at 10PM. I was hungry & asked if the kitchen was still open before staying. All seating options were available but I sat at the bar because I was alone.
The food was clean, simple & very tasty. Of course the presentation was also mouth watering. They are doing very complicated things using the best & freshest. What I ordered gave me the impression that everything on the menu is done perfectly. It doesn't matter what you order here as long as you come here & eat!
The kitchen was probably close to the end of service but there was no let up AT ALL on their end. Usually quality fizzles at that time but not at Leila. They are really on top of their service & quality.
The desserts & coffee where served in beautiful dishes. It really does make it taste better. Great touch.
My server (who is the bartender & restaurant sommelier) did a great job explaining the food & even choosing for me. She is extremely dedicated to her work & the hospitality. She really enjoys her craft & this is very evident. A great ambassador to the restaurant.
Last I'll mention the price. There is alot of value in the meal experience for the price you pay.
Very well done by 4 young guys who are probably going to be doing big things
Leila is my new favourite restaurant in Montreal. You could tell a lot of passion goes into their dishes. Quality ingredients & as fresh as it gets. The staff is incredibly accommodating with impeccable service. Can't wait to come back! 😍
May 24, 2025
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Absolutely fantastic experience at Leila! The sardines on toast, seafood salad, bitter salad, & cod cheeks were all exceptional - fresh, flavorful, & beautifully presented. The wine list was spot-on, & Chef Amine's energy & passion truly came through in every dish. A must-visit for seafood lovers!
Wow. The food was absolutely phenomenal. The Cornish hen & beef cheek falling off the bone, the cod cheeks absolutely bursting with flavour. Wow!!!
On top of that, the service was impeccable. Phil was so warm & inviting, & our food arrived in nicely timed, well-served portions.
This restaurant is fresh, authentic & a unique approach to North African food. The Italian influence is subtle, but present. To top it all off, the wine selection is greatly curated, & their sommelier (who is surprisingly young!) is incredibly knowledgeable.
One of the best dining experiences in Montreal! The food was absolutely amazing-flavorful, fresh, & beautifully presented. The service was top-notch, making us feel truly welcomed. Plus, the cozy ambiance made the meal even more enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Leila Restaurant in Montreal St laurent is a hidden gem that delivers an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed with warmth, making you feel right at home.
The salad is a simple yet standout dish-fresh, crisp greens, perfectly ripe tomatoes, & a light dressing that brings everything together beautifully. It's refreshing & full of flavor, proving that the best ingredients don't need to be complicated to be amazing.
Then come the sardines, & they are next level. Grilled to perfection with a light crisp on the outside & tender, juicy inside, they're seasoned just enough to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them. Every bite is packed with bold, rich taste-a perfect balance of tradition & expert execution.
But Leila isn't just about one or two great dishes. From comforting, slow-cooked tagines to perfectly grilled meats & flavorful sides, every plate is made with passion & care.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Leila Restaurant in Montreal makes dining here special. The staff is welcoming & attentive, making you feel like more than just a customer. A BIG PLUS IS CHEF AMINE - JUST ANOTHER COOK - LOOK HIM UP
If you love food that's made with heart, flavor, & tradition, Leila Restaurant is a must-visit in Montreal. Once you try it, you'll already be thinking about your next visit.
FYI: A speakizy hidden in the back. Ask the staff!
Feb 21, 2025
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A really cute new spot that I was super excited to try! & it did not disappoint the food was all very fresh, & well prepared. Some of the best pasta I've had in a while! I was especially pleasantly surprised by the fish dish I had (pictured) The restaurant is a cozy little space, & the staff is excellent. Would definitely go back!
