Leila serves authentic Mediterranean plates marked by bold flavors and fresh, seasonal components. Signature items like tender octopus, savory sardine toast, and creative handmade pasta define the menu, while the extensive wine list complements every bite. The space feels warm and inviting, providing a sophisticated backdrop for quiet evenings or lively gatherings. With its attentive staff and vibrant, cozy atmosphere, the restaurant provides a polished yet deeply welcoming setting for a memorable meal.
Leila has quickly become a standout dining destination in Montreal, celebrated for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine and incredibly welcoming atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the high quality of the seasonal dishes, with the sardine toast, octopus, and various pasta options frequently highlighted as must-try menu items. Beyond the flavorful food, the restaurant is defined by its exceptional service, where the staff is often described as passionate, knowledgeable, and treat diners like family. Whether seated at the bar, the cozy dining room, or the back speakeasy-style space, visitors appreciate the thoughtful attention to detail and the warm, relaxed vibe. It is widely considered a gem of a neighborhood spot, perfect for intimate dates or gatherings with friends, leaving most guests eager to return for another memorable experience.
I've been to Leila a few times now, & both the food & service are amazing. The flavors are great, & their seafood is fantastic.
?The only thing that falls a bit flat is their dessert. Even though the ingredients are fresh, it feels a bit too basic & rustic. Nonetheless, still an amazing restaurant overall & well worth a visit in the Mile End.
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!
