Nicole

Leila in North Park never disappoints. Charles behind the bar was amazing friendly attentive and made the whole experience feel easy and welcoming. The kitchen staff bringing out each dish with such warmth really stood out everything was delivered with care and a genuine smile. Great food great service and an overall great vibe. The ambience is something that you would see in a movie. You’re literally dining under stars, with waterfalls nearby, an upstairs filled with exotic carpets with an energy that is unmatched. The Knafeh Sundae at the end was the most decadent dessert that I’ve ever tried, it blends crispy, cheesy Knafeh with pistachio ice cream.

+3

Justin W

This place is amazing. The atmosphere and the food was incredible. We had a great server named Nick that had some great food and drink recommendations. Definitely do again.

+4

Ben Kurz

This was one of the best Mediterranean restaurants I have ever been to, from the apps to the entrees and cocktails. Everything was a wild ride of flavor. Reservations need well in advance, they have a small bar that doesn’t require a reservation, just don’t count on it being available. We were moderately hungry, ordered the shareable tray with another couple, and split the lamb shank between my wife and me. It was the perfect amount of food. The bartenders were all extremely helpful with the food and very knowledgeable about the food allergies. Thank you!

jesci mari

We absolutely loved Leila. The food was amazing and full of flavor. Price was decent and they had shareable portions. The decor is truly beautiful and unique. Our server, Tina, was fantastic and made us feel so well taken care of. Just make sure to plan ahead because reservations book up months in advance. It’s totally worth it though. We can’t wait to go back and highly recommend it.

+1

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I visited Leila last week with my girlfriends and we had such a lovely time. The atmosphere is beautiful and cozy—perfect for catching up and enjoying a relaxed night out. The food was delicious, well-presented, and full of flavor, and the service made us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the evening. It’s the kind of place that feels both special and comfortable at the same time. We left happy, full, and already planning to come back. Highly recommend for a girls’ night or a casual but elevated dinner.

If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. The food was unbelievable. The service was excellent with the nicest people. The atmosphere is unlike any other. I loved the vibe so much. Probably the best dining experience I've ever had.

Wonderful experience, good food, courteous service!!! We went to celebrate a friend and had a really good evening!! Authentic flavors, God portions. Vegetayoptions available as well. Very different and unique interiors, music.

+1

Sharon B

We had a great experience at Leila. It was hard getting reservations for a party of 6 but we finally was able to get a table for dinner on a weeknight that worked for all of us. It's easier getting reservations for parties of four or less. Reservations are highly recommended. The starry lights weren't working that night but the decor inside was beautiful. Everything was very ornate and lush. Our server was great. He helped us decide what to order and had good recommendations too. We really enjoyed everything we ordered. We will be back to try more things off their menu! Parking is easy if you park in the North Park garage down the street. It was a flat $5 fee.

+6

Linus

I will say after looking at the reviews I was hesitant to go for dinner and be disappointed in the food. But wow this place was EXCELLENT! the service was great and honestly the atmosphere was perfect for a date night ! I thought it would be loud and over stimulating but it wasn’t if anything very relaxing and each table was private and you couldn’t hear other people conversations around you. The chicken was excellent and so juicy ! My partner got the salmon and said it was delicious and flavorful. We also got Muhammara and wow it was soo good !

+4

We had a wonderful time spending an evening here. Reservations highly recommended, but they do have a bar inside you can sit at (open seating). We ordered the Salatim platter and the Soltani platter. Was a bit much for three people, but would be perfect for four people so you can try a little bit of everything if you are a first timer. The drinks are a little pricey, but that is standard at CH locations. The Tangier Twilight was fun and felt never ending although if you are not a fan of warm/sweet drinks, this would not be for you. It does serve 3-4 people. The vibe was relaxed and great for dinner with friends. Staff all very friendly.

+2

From the moment we opened the doors to walk in, our dining fun began. We were pleasantly greeted and seated quickly. The atmosohere was stunning. Our server(s) were completely charming and very knowledgeable of the menu as they made recommendations for us. The food was delicious and the servings were ample. Loved the mocktail! One of the best I've had! I will come back. I do wish they had at least, valet parking as the parking situation is not great. Uber or plan to allow enough time to hunt down a street parking place.

I celebrated my 50th birthday at Leila last night. The food, service and atmosphere were wonderful. A bit too dark and the music a bit too loud for conversations. The later being the only thing I would strongly recommend be changed. Our server Natalie was exceptionally good. The signature cocktails were excellent as well.

+2

Courtney Carlson

Leila is an out of this world experience. Stunning atmosphere that takes you to a Moroccan garden with a starry sky and river running through the restaurant. Beautiful tapestries and lamps abound. The food is incredible. It’s elevated Mediterranean fusion that is worth the long wait for a reservation. We had the salatim platter, chicken shwarma hummus, and soltani platter, which were perfect for our party of five (plus a little box of leftovers). I didn’t partake, but my family loved the drink menu as well! I had some tea with honey which really hit the spot. And let’s not forget the knafeh sundae, which was so good I didn’t get a chance to photograph before we ate it. Not too sweet, well balanced, and true to middle eastern flavors of orange blossom and pistachio. My Jordanian mom was in heaven (we all were). The server was knowledgeable, kind, and attentive. Our visit lasted about 90 minutes for a full dinner service. The pacing was perfect so we could savor the flavors throughout the meal.

+3

The atmosphere is stunning! It totally immerses you in another world. It's truly stunning! The service was top notch! I have 2 food allergies (gluten and dairy) and our server, Emi, was very knowledgeable about what was safe. I was able to eat the falafel, roasted cauliflower, steak skewer, and saffron rice (they were modified for me to be GF/DF, so make sure to tell your server and also ask them to notify the kitchen.) Everything tasted delicious and was so full of flavor! We had a wonderful experience and are already looking forward to going again in the future.

+3

This is a great option for a date night, birthday, or other festive meal out. The ambiance is playfully immersive. If you’ve been to Mothership in South Park, I would put it in a similar category— dreamlike and imaginative world-building in a bar-restaurant. The open kitchen is a component of the entertainment, and the music adds to the experience. If you don’t like loud, lively environments, this might not be the place for you. But if you enjoy a visual and auditory feast to accompany your dinner, you’ll have a good time here. Be an adult and make a proper reservation, and you won’t have to kvetch like several of the disgruntled reviewers who have nobody to blame but themselves. The drinks are creative, delicious, and strong. The food is delicious. The service is attentive and kind, albeit busy at times. Overall, I’ve recommended it to friends and colleagues several times since I paid Leila a visit, and will continue to do so…unless you’re picky and no fun.

+6

Excellent food. Superb experience. Atmosphere was unlike anywhere we’ve been. Yes, you have to make reservations far in advance! Once you do, it’s an incredible experience. Will definitely be back!

I was hesitant to book Leila after looking at its Google reviews, but now im so glad I did. Most of the bad reviews I see pertain to the service, which I can understand to an extent. The ambiance is so beautiful you expect service of an upscale restaurant. The staff had more of a casual uniform, attitude and I had to ask for water refills for the table a couple times (not a big deal). With that said, my server was also very friendly and even offered me a free drink when the bar made the wrong one by mistake! They also are informed on what you’re being served and explain dishes to you after they are served. The food was delicious! The dips and spreads we ordered were amazing. They had a lot of flavor. The Kebobs we ordered were slightly overcooked and lacked flavor, but were saved but the array of dips we ordered as an appetizer. The drinks were amazing. Also the ambiance is something out of a movie. It felt completely unreal walking into. I would absolutely come here again!

Make your reservation at least 3 weeks out! I have a friend who tried to come here and she ended up waiting for a seat at the bar all night and never got to eat. There are two lines when they open, one for reservations and one for walk ins and both will be long by the time they open so if you chose to walk in then get there early. Walk ins are not garenteed! I made my reservation a month out! My friends and I were seated right away. The inside is absolutely beautiful and stunning making you truly feel like you are not in America anymore. The music is good and really sets the mood and changes to setting to enhance your experience. The bathrooms also feel out of this world. The architecture is truly eluring to the Persian culture while also being so inviting! We started off with the Tangier Twilight cocktail to share which came in a gorgeous pitcher that the server pours us in small glasses. They were served hot and it was very good. Also swerved with some candy and fruits on a cute little tower try. For an appetizer, we ordered Hummus Bi Tahina, the Green Tahini and the Fire Toasted Cauliflower. The Hummus Bi Tahina and Green Tahini were served with naan and they were both absolutely amazing! The best Hummas I have ever had and I truly couldn't decide which one I liked more! The Fire Roasted Cauliflower was so fresh and flavorful and I really could have eaten it all night! It was delicious and done so well, again.. the best Cauliflower I have ever had.. For dinner, my wife and I shared the Braised and Grilled Lamb Shank and my friends ordered the Steak Kabob Shishlik. The Lamb Shank was served over the most beautiful mountain of saffron rice. I say mountain because it was so much rice! Not complaining though, it was delicious saffron rice with a layer of crispy rice from the bottom of the pan which I genuine enjoyed! The Lamb was so tender with amazing flavors that stayed true to the persian cuisine. The Steak Kabob was such a tender steak well seasoned and melted in your mouth. Overall the food was amazing. Beyond any expectations I had. And I really think this is such an experience and worth the waiter eating here. We paid about $200 for four people and I think the pricing was absolutely fair. AMAZING OVERALL!

+6

This might be one of my new favorite places in San Diego! The atmosphere is beautiful, the food is deeeelicious, they have genuine Turkish Coffee and our server Mia was top notch, knowledgeable, really fast and friendly. We had a reservation and got our table lickety split!

+2

I was pleasantly surprised by the food & drinks here ! The atmosphere automatically 10/10. Food was delicious, staff super friendly

Not just a cool restaurant, the food is actually delicious and authentic Iranian food. Super high quality! We enjoyed our tiki style drinks too. I was so pleased to get a seat at the bar without a reservation on a Wednesday night around 8:30pm. I was fully expecting to be turned away but the bar is first come first serve and we lucked out. There’s two bars with seating and you could probably camp out and wait for an opening if you have a small party. I’ll definitely come back next time I’m in town!

+1

This restaurant is amazing! You have to see the interior to appreciate it. Words and photos will not do it justice. The food is great. We chose a family style platter and we all couldn’t stop talking about how good everything was. The service was great too! Be sure to make reservations in advance.

Our group had an incredible experience at Leila! Like others, I am questioning the poor reviews. Many of them seem to be sour about the reservation system, but it is what it is. If you have to set an alarm at midnight one month in advance, then that’s what you have to do. Also, for those complaining about the lantern centerpieces and getting burned, I think you need to just be a little bit more careful, take some accountability, and not blame the restaurant. We were all schooled as young children to not touch flames and candles. We had reservations for opening time, which is 5:00 PM. The lines forming outside were lengthy and as a suggestion to management, it would be helpful if you had some signage dedicated for guests who have reservations and one for walk-ins. The hostess seemed bombarded with people who were trying to figure out where to check-in and which lines were which. We were seated immediately in the upstairs area, which we actually preferred, as it was a little more secluded and quiet. I can’t speak highly enough about the ambiance; it’s simply incredible and out of this world- from the water flowing, to the starry sky, the enchanting lanterns, the bridge, the litted trees, and the open kitchen was also fascinating. Our server Justin was terrific- knows his menu, gave wonderful recommendations, he was friendly and not overbearing, and just provided us with the best service (he also takes great photos!). The salatim platter IS A MUST! You will not regret it. It’s perfect for sharing. I’m still daydreaming about the dips and the variety of breads. The tah dig saffron crispy rice was a lovely accompaniment to the joojeh chicken and beef koobideh. The chicken was slightly underwhelming; it lacked some flavor, but it is a minor knock off. Both the saffron ice cream and pistachio ice cream will change your life. I will return here just for the ice cream alone. Also the foozool cocktail is worth mentioning, especially if you love tropical drinks. Overall, I was highly impressed and cannot wait to return. For those walking in with no reservations, please be patient just like we were who booked well in advance.

+3

We had mixed expectations reading other reviews the night before, but honestly do not understand the complaints. We had a phenomenal time enjoying a fantastic meal and amazing service. We don’t venture down to North Park often but were familiar with this block because of wonderful Caffe Calabria across the street. We braced for horrible parking but got lucky when a spot opened as we pulled up right in front of the restaurant. Fifteen minutes before opening, two sizable lines had already formed outside the restaurant door, with staff checking people in on a tablet. Not sure where to go, we just asked the people already in line and settled in to wait. They started letting us in right on time, and we were seated by our 5:15pm reservation. The atmosphere wows immediately as we crossed a small bridge lit by beautiful lanterns and climbed the stairs under a starry ceiling. Our cozy table was tucked in a corner upstairs, and staff was so attentive from drinks to dinner, recommendations, dessert, refilling our water, and always on top of our complimentary tea service. Loved everything we tried! I especially enjoyed the crunchy quinoa in the tuna tabbouleh, trying all the dips in the salatin platter, and the lamb shank paired so well on the tahdig. We even received a complimentary ice cream for my friend’s birthday, looking very unique with its candy floss. Our knafeh sundaes also did not disappoint. Happy to say our experience more than lived up to the hype! Make sure to have a reservation, and hope you will have the same! Thank you, LEILA, for a wonderful double date night. We’ll come back with sweaters and a request for a downstairs table to try a different view next time.

+6

Finally scored a reservation for Sunday night at 5:15 for 4. The place is absolutely gorgeous and fully immersive. I ordered the lassi and it was very good. My friend got the tonic and it was huge and came with a Pepsi bottle too! We got the appetizer platter, which came with 3 different types of bread and a bunch of dips. We also ordered the soltani platter which all in all was enough for 4 people. We ended taking leftovers home. The meat is very good and the dips were very flavorful too.

+6

I came out to visit a friend of mine in LA from Philadelphia and we both saw this place and decided it was worth it to make a 4+ hour round trip drive to check LEILA out and it did not disappoint!!! Everything from the food, the service and the ambiance was absolutely on point! Our server was Natalie and she was so lovely and patient as my friend and I were a bit undecided and asking a lot of questions. She was knowledgeable on the menu and didn’t make us feel rushed at all! Gerardo was a server assistant I believe and he was so quick sometimes we didn’t even realize he had been there filling our cups! We were never without full water cups or in need of anything. Their attention to detail was amazing. We also had several other servers touch our tables and they all took the time to see if we needed anything else before walking away. My friend and I were so impressed with every detail of LEILA and will absolutely be trying to get in again next time I visit SoCal. I can’t recommend LEILA enough. The people leaving 1 star reviews are out of their mind and/or just looking for a free meal.. please ignore those reviews and go find out for yourself!

I understand that it's hard to make a reservation (had to do it at 12am a month before) and that people are leaving low reviews based on political/religious views, but I'm going to rate the restaurant based on food and experience. The atmosphere is beautiful with the decor; it's like being in an Arabian marketplace at night under stars with low light candles. My issue with our seating was we were right by the kitchen, which made it brighter, but it was our first time there, so seeing the food being prepared and plated helped us decide on menu items! Our server Olivia was attentive, super nice, and really helpful, suggesting menu items and drinks based on our flavor profiles. We found the Soltani platter to be plenty of food to share along with a side of Muhammara to try the garlic bread and sauce. It was our favorite dipping sauce and we used it with the platter too. The chicken was super flavorful and moist, was our favorite, with the filet mignon skewer a close second. Next time we will get the lamb. This is a place to go for a special occasion as it is costly, but definitely worth the overall experience and food.

+4

The restaurant is beautiful. Such a neat experience. Food was excellent! Our server Masado was so friendly and attentive. No complaints!

Amazing atmosphere! Food is pricy but all was tasty (drinks, apps, kebabs). In my opinion, worth the up charge for the unique & fun ambiance. We walked in and waited about 20 minutes for bar seating & had great service at the bar.

Walked in on a Monday night and was able to get a table for later that evening (do reserve 30 days out if you can though!) and was anticipating a typical consortium holdings experience- gorgeous space, solid but expensive cocktails, and not bad food but nothing to gush over. And we were wrong! Everything was FANTASTIC! We ordered the sampler platter, the gem lettuce salad, a beef kabob, the lamb shank and the chicken tahchin for 4 and it was the perfect amount. Tip- save your sampler sauces to put on the rice with your mains. The kabob was soooo tender and amazing flavor! The lamb was fall-off-the-bone perfectly cooked too. The rice with the lamb needed a touch more seasoning. The sundae was very yummy too While I am not Persian, I can’t help but notice many of the one star reviews have middle eastern names. Yes, this may not be the absolute most authentic but that doesn’t mean it isn’t delicious. Maybe it helped that we went on a Monday as opposed to a weekend and the head chef was there. Would highly recommend and go back if I could get in again!

I’m not sure why there are such negative reviews about this place. I’m Egyptian and I’ve eaten at many Persian restaurants. The food here was exceptional. The falafel was even better than my mother’s ( but don’t tell her that). Everyone was friendly from the hostess to the bartender and server. The atmosphere was just amazing!

I highly recommend their bread platter and their kebab platter, especially if you're with a group of 6 people.

+2

Everything was perfect, beautiful, and delicious. This restaurant takes you to another place. The food is really tasty too. Lots of unique cocktails. If you don't drink alcohol they have other drinks but only cola if you are a soda drinker. I am addicted to their complimentary black tea!!!

This was by far the best dining experience I had during my visit to San Diego. Incredible food and exquisite decor. No notes.

I am perplexed as to why this place has a low (3.5 as of my review) rating. The ambiance is unmatched and the food was incredible. The restaurant is a work of art inside. Its just beautiful. And everything we ate was delicious.

If you want good food, ambiance, and cocktails, you need to check this spot out. This place was an axe throwing location and has been converted to a beautiful Mediterranean experience. The interior is amazing, as is the customer service. The food and cocktails are delicious. A mixology approach is used when crafting cocktails, and your meal will be nothing but delicious. Check it out. You won't be disappointed!

+6

I've been trying to get a reservation at this restaurant for a while but it was always fully booked. It was definitely worth the wait! The muhammara was the best I’ve ever had and the beef kebab was just as incredible. But beyond the food the atmosphere alone makes it a must visit experience ps: absolutely perfect for a date but make sure you go with someone special :)

+2

Me and my friend had a delightful experience at Leila today. This is my second time at this restaurant and I highly recommend it. I love all CH Projects’ restaurants for the story they are telling, for the attention to detail, for the overall elevated experience and how the ambiance uplifts my energy. Leila is also special, because its decor is so unique, but it doesn’t look “plasticy”, amusement park type of unique, where if you look closely, it’s all cheaply made. Here everything was thought through, the details were amazing, the creek running through the restaurant, the black ceiling with pinhole lights that look like stars, the hot tea in the beginning of the meal, beautiful lanterns, rugs, velvety fabrics - it was all so immersive! We ordered Steak Kabob Shishlik and Joojeh Chicken - both were 10 out of 10, tasty, very soft and flavorful. From appetizers I recommend Chicken Shawarma Hummus. Dessert was phenomenal, my friend didn’t want to order at first and then when he tried mine he decided to go for it, it was so good. Pro tip: when reserving through open table, look for tables for 4 people or more, because the restaurant has more of those and less tables for 2 people. Also, you can put a special request in the comments section, which I recommend using. If reserving a table for 2 or 4, and if you want to sit in the most picturesque area, mention: please give us a table under the big tree. The second floor has nice seating too, but main beauty is on the first floor.

+6

Stunning! The decor and ambiance was a feast for the eyes and ears. From the water features, to the starry ceiling, the alluring music, and even the glasses and plate settings, everything was well thought out and a welcome departure from the same old ambiance of a typical restaurant. Leila isn't just about style though, the food itself was excellent! We shared a pita/bread platter with about 7 different sauces each better than the next. My salmon skewers were perfectly cooked, the teas refreshing, and the Turkish coffee both bold and flavorful. My whole party enjoyed the experience and already want a return visit.

+5

restaurant is def well know for having a beautiful interior. the maast o mousir and hummus bi tahina were good, absolutely devoured the beef koobideg and steak kabob shishlik. the knafeh sundae was so decadent and smooth.

First time we came here we couldn’t get a reservation so we waited in line when they opened to get a seat at the bar. The second time we came, we had a reservation and it was a Monday, so there were also a lot of available seats at the bar. Both times the food and service were great! I recommend the muhammara with the fry bread and the green tahini sauce. For protein, the koobideh is my favorite and the joojeh chicken is awesome as well. We got the 2 platters to try everything. It was a lot of food for 2 people but worth it to try most of the menu. On our first visit, we tried the chicken tahchin, and I wasn’t a fan. The rice was so sweet it tasted like there was caramel sauce in it. Saved some room for the knafeh sundae and I’m so glad I did.

I really don’t know how to describe my experience. First entering to the place, it’s amazing to see such decoration and details they used to create this place. Having 2 bars and also lots of tables is great, but still hard to find a free spot. I was lucky to find a spot at the bar in upper floor since we’ve been told there are not free tables (I was here for 1.5 hours and there was few free ones the whole time that could fit me and my gf). Overall I liked how it looks inside. It’s more of Arabian and Moroccan style than Persian style specifically considering type of music that plays. The food had a different story for me. Zeytoon Parvardeh olives are not really the type it name offers. Doesn’t taste bad but also does not have same marinade of Zeytoon Parvardeh. For Koobideh Kebab, it mentions in menu that comes with Barbari bread which is a fluffy larger size bread. Instead we got a thin slice of a bread (which is not barbari bread) beneath the Koobideh. Koobideh tastes ok, not the best in town I should say. Then we decided to try Knafeh, which is a desert that has cheese inside. The one served here with ice cream scoop on top is not how a knafeh is. Tastes good but it’s not knafeh. Overall it was a good experience. Next time I come here I will try drinks and some snacks maybe, but not the food probably.

As soon as you walk through those black wooden doors you step into a whole new world. Think Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and the Arabian Nights theme. The interior design is so impressive. The ambience, decor, high vaulted starry night ceiling, and warm lantern lighting sets the mood for a romantic night or a cozy dinner amongst friends. Leila is an absolute hidden treasure! You’re welcomed with a warm, stylish atmosphere that feels both culturally modern and inviting. The service is top-notch—attentive without being overbearing, I never felt rushed, we were there for over two hours, our server was wonderful she even brought me cough drops as I had a mild cough and cold—and the food? Absolutely delicious. Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor, beautifully plated, and made with fresh ingredients that showcase the chef’s creativity and passion. When it comes to Persian food—this restaurant is on the pricier side. In terms of style it’s a blend of Persian and middle eastern. The sauces are great however the maust o moseer is not traditional Persian. We ordered the appetizer platter(all the breads are made in house— soo good) and the Soltani platter— we upgraded to the salmon and steak skewers for $5 each more. We were stuffed and had no room for desserts but I would definitely try them next time. Whether you’re on a date, out with friends, or just looking for a memorable dining experience in North Park, Leila is a must-visit. It took me 6 months to finally get a reservation. The online booking prioritizes parties of 4 so book for 4 and you’ll get a reservation. If you book for 2 it’ll be impossible to get a reservation. I was able to get a reservation at 5:30pm for 4 people and we were a party of 3. When we arrived there was already a line out the door which moved fast and we were seated at 5:15pm. They accept walk ins for tables and bar seating but you have to go first thing when they open the restaurant to get a table. I would come back for the ambience and unique dining experience. It truly is a special gem.

+6

The atmosphere is like 6 out of 5. The decor and level of detail was stunning. First couple of minutes was just taking pictures. The service was great. The food was good, but for a place of this magnitude I would expect perfection. The appetizer was amazing, lamb shank was good, and so was the whole fish, but the whole fish platter could go easy on the sauce. Overall great experience.

The cuisine was exceptional, featuring grilled meats prepared in front of guests. The bread was delightful and fluffy. Additionally, the restaurant offered impressive cocktails, including a mocktail made with Coke that I thoroughly enjoyed, although I cannot recall its name. The service was outstanding, and Elsa, the hostess, provided a warm welcome, setting the tone for a fantastic dining experience. Overall, every aspect of the meal was impressive. Notably, the ambiance was spectacular. It is worth noting that guests should allocate approximately an hour or more for parking.

+6

Leila was an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. The food was incredible—beautifully presented, full of flavor, and clearly made with care and intention. Every dish exceeded expectations. Our server, Olivia, truly made the night unforgettable. She was top-tier in every way: attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable about the menu, warm, and genuinely welcoming. You can tell she takes pride in what she does, and it elevated the entire experience. Between the outstanding food, great atmosphere, and Olivia’s impeccable service, Leila is a must-visit. We can’t wait to come back!

5 stars on all counts, took the lady out for a cute date night and had a fantastic time. The ambiance is amazing and seating at the bar helps skip the wait time. We loved the fact the plates were big enough to share and will definitely be recommending this place to our friends. Shoutout to our amazing server I wasn’t able to catch their name but the experience was fantastic

What a beautiful experience. The food was excellent. I was blown away by the sweet service from Gina and her band of supporting crew. Our waters were never empty. The food was delivered in a timely, nicely spaced fashion. The decor is magical. And the food was excellent and not absurdly priced. I highly recommend the lamb shank and falafels.

I’m surprised to see low reviews this place is amazing! yes reservations are hard to get but it’s this place is viral and new so it’s to be expected and honestly worth the wait! The service was amazing, very attentive, the man walking around ( not sure if he may be the manager) was very warm, kind and thanked us a few times throughout our visit, felt very special and comfortable! We got there a little earlier than our reservation in the hopes we could be seated early and we did! Our waitress and anyone else who came to our table were great, water was always filled and we never felt like we weren’t checked on. The food was great, we got the platter and it was plenty for two people to share ( would possibly even say 3-4 people could share, we had a ton of leftovers), the drinks where amazing and the atmosphere you really can’t top the whole restaurant is just stunning and beyond beautiful! As san diego locals who have lived here all our lives one of the best experiences and new restaurants we have been to, highly recommend! Don’t let the hard to get reservations intimidate you it’s really not that big of a deal and so worth it, seeing how blown away people where when they walked in ( including us!) was fun to watch!

I know reservations are hard and walk ins are limited but it’s worth it! If people are saying service is slow it’s because they want u to take your time and enjoy your meal! I came for my birthday and everyone walked away stuffed yet satisfied . We tried the drinks and both platters from the apps and main menu. FREAKING HEAVENLY!

+5

Wow I mean where can I begin .. atmosphere was amazing , interior was magical and the food was absolutely memorable from the drinks to the entrees to desert I love love loved the whole experience. ✨ My favorite was the falafels 🧆 thank you so much

Leila is an absolute gem. From the moment you walk in, the warm and inviting atmosphere makes you feel right at home. The food is beautifully presented and full of authentic flavors — every dish tastes fresh, well-balanced, and clearly made with care. The service is exceptional: friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without being overwhelming. You can really feel the passion behind both the kitchen and the hospitality. Whether you’re there for a casual dinner or a special night out, Leila delivers a consistently memorable experience. Highly recommended if you’re looking for high-quality food, great vibes, and outstanding service. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Charlie at the bar was an amazing host during our dine-in experience. The food and drinks were incredible and were beautifully complemented by the exquisite interior decor. Overall a great experience and would be great to try again.

Had a lovely Galentine’s Day dinner here. There was were some issues with delayed drink order and food orders; however, the server rectified the situation. As for the food, top tier. Leila’s ambiance is beautiful and soothing. The music, vibes, and decor: chef’s kiss. Despite the drink and food issue, I still would give this place 10/10.

Leila is so lovely 🥰 I think it should be on your top 3 date night spots in San Diego! My husband and I love finding new and amazing local places to eat in SD! Leila did NOT disappoint! Food, excellent! Staff, wonderful! Ambiance, stunning!! Everything was perfect! My family has Lebanese roots and I can tell you this middle eastern food was perfection. I love everything about this restaurant.

I had such a great experience at Liela Restaurant! The prices are very reasonable, the vibe is lively yet comfortable, and the atmosphere is excellent for both casual dining and special occasions. The service was attentive and friendly, which made the whole experience even better. On top of that, the restroom design was super unique and added such a fun touch to the place—it really shows the attention to detail. Overall, it’s a spot I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for good food, a great atmosphere, and solid value.

+6

My wife and I finally made it to Leila after trying to get a reservation for weeks — and wow, totally worth the wait. The atmosphere is unreal — easily one of the coolest, most stylish restaurants in San Diego. The lighting, decor, and energy of the whole place make it feel special from the moment you walk in. The food was really good too — everything we ordered was fresh and flavorful. But honestly, it’s the vibe that steals the show. We had an awesome night and can definitely see why Leila’s become one of the hardest reservations in town. Highly recommend.

The place is Amazing, inside it looks like a fairy tale night dinner from Aladdin, the food was sooooo good, I have the steak shish kebab and the hummus platter, the Service was great and friendly, great experience and please remember to make reservations definitely coming back.

Blown away with this place. Went here on my anniversary and it was beautiful 😍 the food was delicious ( best chicken shwarma Hummus) drinks were on point and our server Jamal was the best!!! Can't wait to return!

Wow! This restaurant is a gem. Delicious Persian restaurant in North Park. When you enter, you're in a magical world. Arabian lamps, bridge over a pond, twinkle lights in the night sky of the ceiling. The staff are so friendly and welcoming taking the time to explain all their dishes and recommending items. There were six of us and we all got drinks and they were fantastic. We got the appetizer sampler and the kebobs platter to share. They were both excellent. The complimentary tea was delicious. Great food/drinks, welcoming staff and a magical environment...I highly recommend this restaurant! We will definitely be back.

+6

Anita Dauer

Overall worth the experience! We (4) feel this place is underrated. The food and drinks were great, we had a nice server and the atmosphere is Moroccan magical. We didn’t mind having to wait 15 min but the hostess could be more humble and polite ;).

+1

Alicia Sanchez

So we've been waiting a long time to come here and eat. We took my parents for their birthday. The sampler platter for the appetizer was a delicious variety we all enjoyed it. The shared meat dinner platter was also great. We added a skewer of salmon and steak to it. It's a given, but parking always sucks in that area and my parents are handicapped so it was quite a walk for them. The birthday dessert was not great but the Sundae we shared was good. The server Fiona was very efficient and great at explaining all the food. She answered all of our questions with her at the ready knowledge of the menu and items.

+6

I really enjoyed my food, drink, and the atmosphere! I recommend making a reservation. We went on a Monday night and although there were many open tables, we were told they were for parties with reservations, even though many tables were unoccupied by the time we left. We were, however, able to snag seats at the bar, where Charlie served us. Charlie was able to answer all of my questions about the food and cocktail menu and led me to the perfect drink and dinner choices. By the way, my drink was really good and the food was delicious.

This restaurant offers a lovely atmosphere with a warm and inviting vibe. Specializing in Persian cuisine with a modern fusion twist, it provides a unique dining experience. A nice touch is the complimentary hot tea served at the beginning, adding to the hospitality. The food is flavorful and well-prepared, though it doesn’t quite reach the level of a five-star dining experience. Portions tend to be on the smaller side, so you may need to order additional dishes to feel fully satisfied. However, the dessert truly stands out—rich, well-crafted, and worth returning for on its own. Next time, I might just stop by for dessert!

+4

The interior was gorgeous, which was expected. The servers were also decently attentive. However, my family ordered the appetizer and entree platters and agreed there is better Mediterranean/Persian food in San Diego that is far less expensive. While the food was not bad by any means, this place might be better as a bar experience with great ambiance. Otherwise, not sure it was worth the month wait.

+2

My friend had no luck securing a reservation more than a month in advance for our good friend’s birthday. So, we decided to wait by the bar in hopes of a table or bar seating to become available on a Sunday at 5:30pm. A big thank you to the hostess on 9/29/2024 who helped us obtain a beautiful table to the right of the bar for our group of 6. The restaurant decor was absolutely stunning. The drinks were fun, flavorful and unique. Unfortunately, the food was only so so. Our group of six shared the appetizer sampler and kebab sampler. The flat breads and sauces were delicious. The meats were on the dry side and the chicken was overly salty. The complementary tea at the beginning of our meal was delicious and a nice treat. What stood out most was our warm and playful waitress, Fiona. She made our friend’s birthday extra special with a surprise ice cream treat at the end of our meal and some extra tea. Thank you, Fiona!

Here i am at @leilanorthpark finally☺️ I was under the impression that Leila could be overrated and pricey but actually i was so satisfied with the atmosphere , the food taste, the portion and the price. Despite that is hard to get a table but is totally worth it 😍

+6

I saw a lot of mixed reviews on this place, but luckily my experience was a really good one. The food, service, and atmosphere were all great. I had reservations for over a month before coming in. The only times available were later than I usually eat, around 9 PM, so I was a little nervous after reading reviews about people waiting too long for food or drinks. We ended up arriving a little early, and for us, everything went fine. We took a Lyft to avoid parking and got there right on time. We only waited about four minutes before getting seated. Our table was upstairs to the right of the bar. We started with two Mexican Mules that were made perfectly. For food, we ordered a few different things. First was the Salatim Platter for 38 dollars, which came with hummus, muhammara, cucumber yogurt, green tahini, shallot yogurt, pickles, and olives. It was served with naan, roasted garlic fry bread, and pita. We loved all the sauces except the pink one. It was a little too sweet for us. Our favorites were the green tahini, roasted olives, cucumber yogurt, and all the breads. We also got the Chicken Shawarma Hummus, which came with naan and was delicious. Lastly, we tried the Joojeh Chicken Kabob. The chicken was cooked perfectly, super tender and flavorful. I’d definitely come back and try more, maybe the beef or lamb next time.

+3

Leila’s aesthetic absolutely lived up to the hype, as soon as you step inside you feel transported out of North Park. The vibe is intimate, cozy, and they spared no budget in going all out of design. Everywhere you look is something new to enjoy. I thought the food was really good and would absolutely come again; my partner said it’s some of the better middle eastern food he’s had in San Diego and agreed he would come back. We enjoyed everything we tried and the plates were easily shareable. There were four of us and we found 1 salad, 1 bread, 1 rice, 3 kabobs, and 1 dessert was the perfect amount to split. The waiters are also really great about providing guidance on which dishes and how many of each to order if you’re unsure. Their whisky and wine lists were extensive and they have lots of unique liquors available. That being said, the non-alcoholic Kolada and Lassi drinks are SO GOOD!!! If you order anything, make sure it’s one of these!

+3

This restaurant was a memorable and really nice dining experience. It is a Persian/middle eastern with its warm and ambiant Persian decor all around, as well as the Persian cuisine . The beef kabob is highly recommended by many, including myself as it is very tender and tasty. Their service was attentive and the restaurant is also two floors with the continued elegant and sophisticated Persian decor.

+6

Avishai Adato

Leila has great potential, but our experience was mixed. The flavors were really good and the dishes seemed thoughtfully prepared, but unfortunately the food came out cold and the service was quite slow. It felt like the kitchen and staff were a bit overwhelmed that night. The atmosphere was nice and the menu itself is promising, so I’d be open to giving it another try hopefully with warmer plates and quicker service next time.

+1

Sun Lee

Leila has great potential, but our experience was mixed. The kitchen is absolutely gorgeous with open fire cooking and fresh bread making.unfortunately the cocktails sounded amazing but really lacked anything to remember. Tommy was an excellent bartender but the cocktails are all overly sweet, I would stop using rum for the everything... The atmosphere was absolutely astounding and the menu itself is promising, so I’d be open to giving it another try hopefully with warmer plates and quicker service next time.

+2

John Benoit

This restaurant boasts beautiful decor, but the service and food leave much to be desired. I had high hopes for this place, and the ambiance was impressive when we entered. However, our small round bar table with a separate auxiliary table felt cramped and uncomfortable for our party of three. The low lighting made it difficult to read the menu or see our food. Two of our three cocktails were undrinkable, but the server graciously returned them and didn’t charge us. The chicken hummus was a standout appetizer, the best dish of the evening. On the other hand, the sultanas platter was a mixed bag. The beef and salmon were added to the sultanas, but the chicken was bland and dry. I wasn’t particularly keen on dessert. Overall, it was a mixed experience.

Came for a birthday dinner in December. The restaurant is gorgeous. However, it gets really hot inside due to the open kitchen layout - no dings for this, just more of an FYI. Our server was attentive and made recommendations. Unfortunately the food was surprisingly bland - which was shocking considering it’s a Persian restaurant. The naan was also overcooked and really hard to eat - which was disappointing considering it is made in front. Now for the cocktails- they are SWEET and unbalanced. They had two savory drinks (their take on a martini and bloody) but that was it. I ended up getting a vodka soda — unless you like overly sweet drinks, I’d stick with ordering like it’s a dive bar where you keep it simple. We had the sampler with all the dips, cauliflower, and the kabobs - we left most behind due to lack of flavor or being overcooked. Also, they gave us a free slice of some rose cream desert and it was like you were eating rose perfume - clearly and overuse of rose oil. A nice gesture but we also didn’t eat it. Maybe if they had a good happy hour - I’d give it another shot, but for the price and quality, I wouldn’t go back and pay full price.

We had our friend’s birthday at Leila. The place appearance and design is quite good and live up to the hype. The staff were quite friendly and welcoming. However, as you may have guessed there is a big BUT in my review. After all this is a restaurant and people come to this place for the food primarily, and the food taste was nothing like Persian cuisine. Kabobs were too spicy and the taste was something different. The lamb was also too smelly which is something I don’t consider positive.

My expectations for this restaurant were high, and while the atmosphere was fantastic, the food fell short. The Tahchin rice we ordered was burnt, and as someone of Persian background, I know this isn’t how it’s supposed to be. When we asked to have it replaced, the server insisted it was prepared correctly and debated with us instead of offering an apology or a solution. The fusion Persian/Arab cuisine didn’t impress. I've had much tastier Persian kabobs elsewhere for a lower price and better quality. I wouldn’t recommend this place for the food, but for a date night, the great ambiance and reasonably priced drinks make it worth considering. However, the forced tip prompt on their payment machines left a bad taste!

The restaurant is beautiful inside and that is the main appeal. The food is good however I do think overpriced. The service was okay our server did forget a few items that needed reminding. Overall go for the atmosphere but not necessarily need to go again.

The atmosphere is beautiful. I had friendly interaction with one staff member Sydney. She was wonderful. However it took us a while to get the attention of anyone when we initially sat down. Appetizers came out fast. Main course took about 45 minutes. Tah Dig was disappointing. I wish they would reconsider their approach on this dish. Overall 3.8 experience.

Like other CH restaurants the ambience is stunning. However, LEILA has some of the worst service I’ve ever experienced at a San Diego restauran. Called ahead to see if they could provide a high chair, which they don’t. No problem, they mentioned we could bring the stroller to our table. When we arrived hostess made a fuss about “just put her on your lap” until another hostess came to say that they reserved a booth that would accommodate us. Waitress forgot to put in half of our order and tried to blame it on us. Based on her expression she realized her mistake but wouldn’t own up to it. Ultimately the food is decent, but very overpriced. I absolutely won’t return based on service and value. Many better places to celebrate a special occasion.

I had high hopes for Leila Restaurant, especially with its claim of being an authentic Persian dining experience, but unfortunately, it fell short in almost every aspect. Starting with the reservation process, it was unnecessarily complicated and left us expecting a busy, well-organized restaurant. However, when we arrived, it was far from that — it took over 40 minutes just for a server to come by, and we had to wait even longer for a simple glass of water. The decor, while visually appealing, has little to no connection with Persian culture. Now, onto the food — this was the most disappointing part. We ordered several dishes, and none of them had the authentic flavors we were expecting. The use of traditional Persian spices was almost nonexistent, making the food taste very ordinary. If you’re looking for a genuine Persian dining experience, this isn’t the place. It’s clear that the owner either doesn’t know Persian cuisine well or isn’t committed to providing an authentic experience. Disappointing and definitely not worth the hype.

+6

The experience was rather disappointing. And probably my only experience where the food did not taste remotely similar to what it should have been . The restaurant claimed to be a Persian restaurant, but it was far from it . The food did not taste authentic and the taste of food was not similar to that of Persian except for the kabob . We ordered tahchin, koobideh, separate saffron rice, mast moosir (yogurt ) . The ambiance was very nice but yet again it was an Arabic influenced decor rather than Persian. Furthermore ,On the reservation we had indicated a birthday celebration and it was not acknowledged . The food was pricy compare to the portion provided. The kabob comes with 1 skewer with no rice where most Persian places comes with 2 skewers and rice for cheaper price that of Leila’s .

Leila in San Diego definitely delivers on ambiance — the decor is gorgeous with a “1001 Nights” Arabian vibe that’s more theatrical than authentically Persian. It’s a nice place to take pictures or maybe have a drink, but that’s really where it ends. The food is a major letdown. Nothing tasted fresh or well-prepared. The kabob was dry and lacked flavor, the rice tasted stale, and the tahdig — which should be crispy and golden — was soft and disappointing. The salmon was way too fishy, which usually means it's not fresh. Even the shallot yogurt didn’t taste like the real deal — more like plain yogurt with something artificial mixed in. If you’re looking for a true Persian culinary experience, this isn’t the place. Come for the decor, not the food.

+2

Bella R

I tried going to Leila several times and, unfortunately, gave up. The reservation system feels unnecessarily difficult, and the host staff has been unwelcoming. They don’t answer the phone, require reservations far in advance, and would not allow me to speak with a manager. 👉 Most recently, we put our name on the waiting list to sit at the bar, and it took 40 minutes to be seated after driving 45 minutes to get there. While waiting, I saw many people come in wanting to eat and being turned away. I overheard the same response repeatedly: “You must make a reservation 30 days in advance.” 👉 Meanwhile, there were about five empty tables sitting unused for over an hour. These could easily have been rearranged for couples, but instead remained empty. Several couples left because they didn’t have online reservations, even though tables were clearly available. What made it worse was the attitude at the front — three hostesses chatting and gossiping, with little interest in welcoming guests. Hospitality should feel hospitable. 😕 This is actually a place I would go to often — with family, friends, and even for business meetings. I love Middle Eastern food, and I love the decor and ambiance. I want to think about the food and atmosphere, not the stress of the reservation system. Because of this experience, I will not be returning and do not recommend this restaurant — not because of the food, but because of the system and the service. There are many excellent Persian, Middle Eastern, and Lebanese restaurants in Orange County and Los Angeles that offer both great food and a welcoming, reasonable process. 🍽️✨ A simple fix would be to reserve a few tables each night for walk-ins or allow walk-ins with a one-hour dining limit to create rotation. In our case, dinner took about 40 minutes, so this could work well. Trying to make dining out feel like buying a Hermès bag or a Rolex may sound exclusive, but when there are empty tables, it just feels unnecessary and unwelcoming. I truly hope management becomes aware of this, because the food and ambiance deserve better service. I also just heard there is a new Middle Eastern restaurant opening in Seaport Village, San Diego. From what I’ve seen in photos and on Instagram, it looks beautiful and the homemade pita bread looks delicious. I’m really looking forward to checking it out — I’m just hoping it’s not run with the same reservation system or management style, so I don’t end up having the same experience again.

I had one of my most disappointing dining experiences in months at Leila. The ambience, vibe, and decor are genuinely beautiful and unique, but unfortunately the overall maintenance seriously detracts from the experience. My chair and the one beside me were wobbly and uncomfortable, the tableware looked worn, the glass designs were faded, and even the menu we were given was torn. It gave the impression that upkeep is not a priority. We ordered two drinks to start, which arrived quite late. When they finally came, the glasses were dominated by an oversized block of ice, leaving what felt like a very minimal amount of the actual drink. The portion was surprisingly small. For food, we ordered the shishlik kebab, tahchin, and three appetizers. The tahdig on the tahchin was burnt and had an unpleasant, charred taste, and one of the appetizers was incorrect. Since it was already late, I chose not to send it back. At the end of the meal, I shared my feedback with the waiter, but instead of a simple acknowledgement or apology, the concerns were met with defensiveness, particularly regarding the drinks. Overall, while the setting is appealing, the lack of maintenance, inconsistent food quality, and handling of feedback made the experience disappointing.

+6

I’m extremely disappointed with our experience at Leila’s Restaurant in North Park. My friend and I (both African American) visited on Valentine Day after calling ahead. We were told the restaurant was fully booked but that we could still be seated at one of the bars. When we arrived, we stood at the first bar for 10–15 minutes without being acknowledged. No greeting, no “I’ll be with you shortly” nothing. We then went upstairs to the second bar and experienced the same treatment. The bartender looked at us several times but never acknowledged us. It felt as if we were invisible. After traveling over two hours to try this restaurant, the lack of basic customer service was incredibly disappointing. We asked to speak to a manager, who came out overly theatrical and apologetic, but it did not feel genuine. He dismissed the situation by saying this had “never happened before” and handed us a card with an email address to contact if we decided to return. We eat at high end restaurants regularly, and this experience was completely unacceptable.Unfortunately, this was one of the worst dining experiences we’ve had.

From the moment we arrived, we were repeatedly reminded of a two-hour limit—hardly appropriate for a birthday dinner. We were even refused additional food because we “needed to leave soon,” despite still having an hour and a half remaining. During the final 30 minutes, we were pushed multiple times to pay and leave, and told we could “enjoy the table for another 15 minutes.” To make matters worse, some of the food was not fully cooked, and the quality was far below what one would expect from good Middle Eastern cuisine. The entire evening was ruined by poor management and a lack of respect. I have no intention of returning and would strongly recommend choosing another restaurant.

This was supposed to be a birthday celebration dinner at Leila Greek Mediterranean in San Diego, and it turned into one of the worst service experiences I’ve ever had at a restaurant. The food was good, but the service—especially from our server, Gabriela—was completely unacceptable. We originally had a reservation for 10 people, but only 4 were confirmed. My wife and I arrived first and were seated while waiting for our friends. We politely asked Gabriela if we could order appetizers while waiting because we were already hungry. Her response? She told us that the entire party had to be present before we were allowed to order anything. What kind of policy is that? We were seated, ready, and willing to spend money, yet we were denied the ability to order food. That alone set a terrible tone for the night. We also arrived 30 minutes late, and we genuinely appreciated that the restaurant still seated us. However, from the very beginning, there was no warmth, no hospitality, and zero acknowledgment that we were celebrating a birthday. No “happy birthday,” no recognition of the occasion, not even basic friendliness. Gabriela was cold, unfriendly, and made us feel like an inconvenience instead of guests. The worst moment happened at the end. When we were ready to order dessert, Gabriela suddenly said that we could only order cookies because the table was needed for the next reservation, and that the Dubai chocolate sundae was no longer an option. There was absolutely no warning beforehand that our table time was limited. Had we known earlier, we would have ordered dessert immediately. Instead, we were cut off and rushed out without any consideration for our celebration. To make it even more disappointing, there was no complimentary birthday dessert, and not a single staff member—especially our server—acknowledged the birthday at all. For a restaurant that presents itself as upscale and experience-driven, this level of hospitality is embarrassing. Good food does not excuse terrible service, poor communication, and making paying customers feel unwelcome and rushed. This was supposed to be a special occasion, and it was completely ruined by the service. I would strongly discourage anyone from celebrating a birthday or special event here unless management seriously retrains their staff on basic hospitality.

like if you will never come back ❤️ Beautiful atmosphere and décor with great attention to detail, but the food was awful—tasteless or even unpleasant in some dishes. Service matched the poor quality of the food. I’ve enjoyed other restaurants from this group, but this one was a huge disappointment.

If I could give zero stars, I would I rarely write negative reviews, but our experience at Leila was beyond disappointing. The service was absolutely horrible. Our waiter did not listen to anything we asked for. After we clearly placed our order and specifically stated that we wanted what we ordered — not his suggestions — he still brought us what he recommended instead. It felt like our preferences simply did not matter. Just before we finished our meal, a manager came to our table and abruptly told us we needed to hurry up and leave because other guests were waiting for the table. There was no apology, no courtesy — just a blunt demand, followed by him walking away as if nothing had happened. Meanwhile, other tables that had been seated before us were not being rushed. Another manager later came over to “explain,” but the reasoning made no sense and did nothing to justify how we were treated. I dine out frequently and have never — not once — been told to leave a table mid-meal because we were being timed for turnover. Hospitality should never feel like a stopwatch. After reading other reviews, it seems this is not an isolated issue. Unfortunately, it appears management has made little effort to improve the service experience.

We had a reservation for 9:15 PM and arrived 15 minutes early. We gave our name to the hosts, and they told us to wait by the bar—which was already packed. All seven of us had to stand awkwardly in the way, constantly moving so staff and other customers could get by. By 9:30 PM, we still hadn’t been seated, so we asked the hosts for an update. They said, “Just a few more minutes.” We were finally seated at 10 PM. No apology, no explanation. Honestly, what’s the point of having a reservation? As soon as we sat down, they told us it would be last call soon, so we needed to order quickly. We started with drinks, but they only arrived after the food—and only after we followed up on them. At that point, they were basically pointless. The space is stylish and the open kitchen is a nice touch, but that’s about it. The drinks were okay, the food was overpriced for what it was, though the portion sizes were fairly large. What shocked me most was the complete lack of acknowledgment or apology from the staff for the delay and poor service. This was a really disappointing experience, and I hope the management seriously reconsiders how they operate.

+2