Gastro-bar Leila has opened its doors on Teck Lim Road in Chinatown.
This polished yet approachable venue embodies hospitality with a contemporary edge, weaving together bold regional flavours of the Middle East and Balkans with modern sophistication. The result is an experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly current – a dynamic evening destination where soulful sharing plates meet thoughtfully crafted cocktails in perfect harmony.
THE LEILA EXPERIENCE
Leila presents an intimate escape characterised by warm terracotta tones and ambient lighting that shifts from relaxed early evening gatherings to spirited late-night celebrations. Comfortable seating encourages both intimate conversations and lively group celebrations.
From housemade breads to grilled meats and fresh seafood, each plate showcases authentic flavours rooted in Middle Eastern and Balkan traditions. Currently open for dinner and beyond, the venue invites guests to transition from day into relaxation and indulgence.
Whether for intimate dates, celebrations with friends, or post-work unwinding, Leila offers the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections over exceptional food and drink.
FLAVOURS CRAFTED FOR SHARING
Helmed by Head of Culinary Operations Chef Zul and developed in consultation with Le Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Moran Aharon, Leila’s menu celebrates vibrant, soul-warming cuisine. Drawing from Chef Aharon’s expertise in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, the dishes strike a balance between heritage and innovation, thoughtfully designed to encourage conviviality amongst guests.
The culinary journey opens with Kubana Bread ($15) – warm Yemeni brioche served with tahini and tomato paste, which pairs beautifully with the Spicy Plate ($13), a delightful trio of grilled peppers, harissa, and garlic confit.
Alongside fresh Oysters ($13 each, $41 for 5) with uplifting a Mediterranean mignonette, the Balkan Anchovy Bruschetta ($21) stands as a highlight – toasted homemade challah bread is crowned with a roasted eggplant cream, chopped Kalamata olives, cornichons, pickled onions and finished with Greek olive oil.
Fire and flame bring out the best in Grilled Halloumi Steak ($24) sprinkled with za’atar and glazed in citrus and honey. A riff on arayes; the traditional Middle Eastern fried stuffed bread, Arais Cigar ($24) transforms the classic into crisp deep-fried spring rolls enveloping minced beef, perfect for dipping in silky tahini.
Seafood options are plentiful at Leila. Tripoli Freekeh Fish ($35) pairs market-fresh fish fillet and freekeh (a popular Middle-Eastern grain) with a slow-cooked robust and spiced tomato sauce that speaks of both comfort and refinement. Meanwhile, Green Chilli Shrimp ($26) presents juicy smoky-charred shellfish cloaked in piquant Tatbila green chilli sauce alongside a chopped salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and fresh herbs. Seafood Plate ($29) offers a bounty of prawns, clams and calamari sautéed in butter, garlic, Chardonnay, and Mediterranean spices.
Those seeking heartier fare can indulge in meaty Beef Kebab Skewers ($25) with herbs and chilli, complemented by an intense mashwiya sauce made with roasted peppers and tomatoes, and balanced with a generous drizzle of homemade tahini. Manseef ($35), a flavourful Balkan specialty, features tender minced chicken sautéed with onions on a bed of hummus, tahini and crowned with a dollop of harissa.
Bold creativity emerges in dishes like Moroccan Sashimi ($25) with raw fish slices, gazpacho, lemon, and fiery harissa, and Ku-Be-Nye ($26), a Lebanese beef tartare with sumac aioli and crunchy bulgur.
Additional sharing plates include the Artichoke on Labneh ($27) – warm pan-fried artichoke hearts nestled amongst greens, capers, Kalamata olives, sumac, and cherry tomatoes, as well as a colourful Ness Cherry Burrata ($31) with creamy burrata cheese, sweet macerated cherries, pomegranate, olive oil, and balsamic.
SWEET ENDINGS
The meal concludes with a thoughtfully curated selection of desserts that celebrate the region’s love for aromatic spices and textures. The standout Knafe ($21) offers a modern interpretation of the beloved Middle Eastern dessert, featuring crispy kataifi pastry, mozzarella, cinnamon, pistachios, and ice cream. Vanilla Medina ($15) combines luscious vanilla cream with crunchy nougatine, cardamom, and oranges, while the Chocolate ($15) dessert showcases rich 70% chocolate with honey tuile and olive oil.
SPIRITED LIBATIONS AND CURATED WINES
At Leila’s cocktail bar, spirited libations await, each one skilfully crafted to complement the vibrant dining experience. Drawing inspiration from journeys across the Balkans and Middle East, the signature cocktail collection captures the essence of travel and discovery.
The signature cocktail collection includes creative combinations like a refreshing Green & Tonic ($23) with gin, cucumber, Greek olive oil and ginger, the tropical Dardar ($23) – a wild desert breeze combining white rum, Campari, passionfruit, pineapple and lime shata. The elegant Balkan Sunset ($23) features vodka, St-Germain, ouzo, raspberry, lychee, lemon, and egg white, while the Mediterranean-inspired Yellow Shams ($23) marries limoncello, gin, lemongrass, and fresh lemon juice for a sunbeam-in-a-glass experience.
Completing the signature selection are Amira Sis ($23) – a tribute to bold spirit and timeless elegance with Campari, gin, caramel, pineapple, and mint – and Arak Bit ($23) comprising arak, red grapefruit, anise, mint, and lime. Classic cocktails and refreshing mocktails round out the offering.
Complementing the cocktail programme is a thoughtfully curated wine selection spanning the Mediterranean and beyond. The compact list features quality producers from Italy’s Il Sole to distinguished French selections including Burgundy from Domaine Elodie Roy and Champagne from Louis Brochet, emphasising accessibility and food-pairing potential.
THEMED NIGHTS TO ESCAPE THE DAILY MUNDANE
Adding to its vibrant nightlife offerings, Leila presents a series of rotating curated experiences for different days of the week – starting with Ladies’ Night on Wednesday. With its blend of sophistication and spirited energy, this midweek celebration offers the perfect antidote to the everyday.
