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.
This place is literally my second home I go so often. The best food the best staff the best vibes!!! Try to find I better espresso martini I dare you. Bitter lettuce salad? Inhaled in 30 seconds. Pasta wednesdays? Give me 2 servings!!!! Love you guys sm!!
Le service & la nourriture sont excellents.
Nous avons prit la pieuvre (un must), la stracciattella (le beurre à la sauge est hors de l'ordinaire), la salade amer (très bonne & spéciale), le poulet (tendre & juteux), la dorade (excellente) & le dessert à la pistache (WOW).
Pour boire nous avont prit un espresso martini (un des meilleurs en ville) & un martini tomate & basil (bon & spécial).
Une expérience vraiment mémorable sur le boulevard Saint-Laurent. Nous avons adoré chaque bouchée, de la salade généreusement garnie d'oignons croustillants jusqu'aux pâtes délicates surmontées de petits poissons.
La présentation des assiettes est superbe avec ces motifs travaillés sur la céramique. C'est rare de trouver une cuisine aussi fine & authentique dans une ambiance si accueillante. Une adresse incontournable pour les amateurs de belles tables.
One evening, feeling kind of defeated on our trip, my husband & I walked by here looking for a place to eat. We looked at the menu outside, & there was no mention of gluten free so were ready to keep walking, but a fellow popped his head out the door, & showed us immediately what he could offer gluten free. Because it was between 5 & 7 pm, they also had 5$ negronis & peronnies (?), well sold! It was such a gold star on this vacation, that I had to write a review. We had escargots & they offered salad for me instead of bread, we had octopus, & homemade lamb sausages. It was a warm & comforting atmosphere, just what we needed. This restaurant is a gem.
Cute spot in the mile end with great service. The salad, escargot, beef cheek & lamb pasta (A+) were great. The olive & shishito would have been great except the ratio was way off with there being way too many olives. The dessert was underwhelming & had no soul.
I think that was some of the best service I have ever experienced in my life. Our server took such care of us, care in the truest meaning of the word. I finally understand the difference between service & hospitality.
They had to turn the table over so instead of just doing that, we knew the deal, they gave us 2 desserts on the house for the trouble. Which is just so above & beyond.
This place has so much heart, is so well managed, the bitter salad was delicious, a fantastic new spot.
The Salad was good with twist of bitterness & the crispy onions. The lamb seemed a bit undercooked but flavour was on point. The guinea fowl was a 10/10 flavorful with the lemon sauce & mushrooms.
Sardine toast was probably my favourite, wish there was more. Sardine spaghetti was ok, i found the sardines to have a completely different texture than the sardine toast which i personally didn't like. The spaghetti itself was well cooked & flavourful.
The desserts were average, nothing special.
The ambience is very cozy. The service was very friendly but a little too slow.
Expérience mitigée comparé aux attentes: je m'attendais à un concept fusion savoureux basé sur le travail sur les réseaux sociaux du chef qui a démarré ce restaurant, mais j'ai été très déçue.
Les portions sont clairement à revoir pour les prix qui sont proposés. Les merguez & le plat de dorade étaient succulents, mais j'ai été déçue par les Spaghettis au pesto (quantité minime, froides… j'avais l'impression de manger une salade de pâtes faite maison avec peu d'efforts), aussi déçue par les haricots blancs qui goûtaient la boîte de conserve de tomates.
Le service était HORRIBLE (même pour Montréal) pas nécessairement en raison des serveurs, mais plutôt le temps d'attente pour recevoir sa commande mais aussi sa facture. Ils étaient clairement understaffed en cuisine ou en serveurs, mais ça ne fonctionnait pas.
L'endroit est chaleureux: la petite salle au fond style speakeasy est cute.
Bref, il faut travailler sur le menu, augmenter les portions & proposer un meilleur service si on veut maintenir cette tranche de prix.
J'y retournerais pas d'aussi tôt, mais peut être mérite une meilleure chance dans le futur s'ils continuent de se développer!
