@laylabrisbane sits in a lovely corner of West End. The restaurant is modern but nice and cosy at the same time. The room feels considered and decorated with intention rather than trend.
Things took a little while to get started which is forgivable mid-week. Once the orders went through, the evening found its pace and the energy felt warmer. As often the case, the smaller dishes is where the joy sits. They are playful, full of texture, and give you a good sense of how the kitchen thinks.
The Moreton Bay bug pani puri came first, bright and aromatic with harissa and that orange blossom and chermoula water giving it a little lift. The Turkish beef dumplings were good, dressed in mushroom XO, sujuk, yoghurt and spiced burnt butter.
The mains were not terrible, just not what stayed with me. The Habibbi butter chicken had flavours that felt slightly apart, as though it needed more time to settle together. Presentation across the board was excellent though. You can see the pride in their interpretation of Middle Eastern flavours. Some plates worked for me, some did not, but there is nothing wrong with taking a swing. It is worth trying for yourself to see where you land.
Service was warm once things got rolling and the night felt easy enough. Layla has charm, especially in the smaller plates, and the space itself is a winner.