In Berlin foodie circles, Layla is on everyone’s lips. Occupying the ground floor of an imposing hotel building near Anhalter Bahnhof, renowned Israeli chef Meir Adoni’s Berlin debut leads a new wave of trendy eastern Mediterranean restaurants. But Layla sets itself apart – starting with its elaborate interior of brass, polished concrete and North African tilework. Adoni’s next trick is a high-end menu that brings nonstop surprises. On our visit we had smoked trout doughnuts topped with mandarin aioli, and the “Qatayef” Lebanese pancakes served with duck confit in hot spices and a chili vinaigrette. At the bar, Middle Eastern wines provide the perfect pairing for the cuisine, while the classic cocktails, updated with Mediterranean herbs and botanicals, are reason alone to visit. For dessert we had the deconstructed solet (semolina flour) cream crumble with olives, wild berries, blood orange/arak sorbet and sumac meringue. It’s this kind of bold experimentation that makes Layla one of the city’s most memorable restaurants. (Text: Eric James Bain / Photos: Savannah van der Niet)
Layla, Hallesche Str.10, 10963 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Restaurant: Tue–Sun 18–1h; Bar: Daily from 17h
Also: Layla is also inviting you bring in the new year with an eight-course culinary journey on 31.12.2019. Details and booking online.
@layla_berlin
