Leila serves as a vibrant hub for authentic Mediterranean flavors that celebrate the simplicity of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu highlights expertly prepared sardines on toast, tender octopus, and a variety of house-made pastas that define the kitchen identity. Each dish relies on bold seasonings and vibrant combinations to create a comforting, home-style eating experience. Warm lighting and an intimate layout contribute to a cozy atmosphere that makes the space feel like a natural extension of a family home. Knowledgeable staff members add a layer of genuine hospitality to the surroundings by sharing their passion for the food. This neighborhood spot provides a consistent, flavorful escape where the focus remains entirely on the sensory pleasure of a well-crafted meal in a relaxed, inviting setting.
Leila has quickly become a celebrated destination in the Mile End, recognized for its warm, unpretentious atmosphere and exceptional hospitality. Many diners praise the seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired menu, frequently highlighting standouts like the sardines on toast, octopus, and expertly prepared pastas as evidence of the kitchen's focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. While the majority of guests describe the service as personal, attentive, and passionate, experiences with portion sizes and value vary, with some finding the plates generous and others feeling they are on the smaller side for the price. Overall, the combination of a cozy setting, a thoughtful wine list, and a vibrant, authentic vibe makes it a highly recommended spot for both casual outings and special occasions.
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.
Jul 2, 2026
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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!
