Leyla

- 108 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023

Tucked away on a quiet street on the Upper West Side, **Leyla** is a Turkish restaurant that offers a culinary escape to the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean and beyond. More than just a place to eat, Leyla provides a truly unique dining experience, combining an upscale yet cozy atmosphere with a menu that is both authentic and innovative. It's a cherished neighborhood spot that has gained a reputation for its excellent food, romantic ambiance, and a hidden gem that locals rave about: a beautiful back garden.

Leyla is the kind of restaurant that feels special, whether you’re on a first date, celebrating a milestone, or simply craving a delicious and high-quality meal. The decor and vibe are a perfect blend of casual, trendy, and romantic, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. The menu, which features an array of traditional Turkish dishes alongside Mediterranean-inspired plates, is designed for both sharing and individual enjoyment.

While the service can occasionally be hit or miss according to some reviews, the consistently excellent food and beautiful setting are the main draw. Leyla is particularly popular for dinner and solo dining, but also offers a brunch menu for a delightful weekend experience. With a great wine list and impressive cocktails, it’s a destination for both food lovers and those seeking a great night out. Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, as the restaurant often has a wait, especially for its coveted garden seating.

### Location and Accessibility

Leyla is conveniently located at **108 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023**. This address places it in the heart of the Upper West Side, a vibrant and historic neighborhood known for its cultural institutions and beautiful residential streets. Its location makes it an ideal spot for a meal after a visit to Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, or a local show.

The restaurant is committed to accessibility, offering a **wheelchair-accessible entrance**, a **wheelchair-accessible restroom**, and **wheelchair-accessible seating**. This ensures that all guests can enjoy their visit comfortably. Getting to Leyla is easy via public transportation. It is just a short walk from the 72nd Street subway station, which serves the 1, 2, and 3 trains. For those who drive, paid street parking and paid parking garages are available in the surrounding area.

### Services Offered

Leyla provides a variety of services to enhance the dining experience for its customers.

• Dine-in: The full table service dining experience is a core part of Leyla's offering. Guests can enjoy their meal in the cozy and romantic interior or the beautiful back garden.
• Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to eat at home, Leyla offers convenient takeout and no-contact delivery options, making it easy to enjoy their delicious food anywhere.
• Reservations: Given its popularity, the restaurant accepts and recommends reservations for dinner, ensuring a spot for you and your group.
• Brunch and Dinner: Leyla caters to different dining times, with a dedicated brunch menu for a weekend treat and a full dinner menu for a special night out.
• Catering: The restaurant offers a catering menu, perfect for special events, parties, or corporate gatherings where you want to serve authentic and high-quality Turkish food.
• Payment Options: Leyla accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, for a smooth and easy transaction.

### Features and Highlights

Leyla is known for several key features that make it a standout destination on the Upper West Side.

• Beautiful Back Garden: This is arguably the restaurant's best-kept secret and a major highlight. The back garden provides a serene, picturesque, and romantic setting for a meal, a rare find in the city.
• Authentic Turkish Cuisine: The menu features a variety of authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, from flavorful mezze and hot appetizers to traditional pide from the stone oven.
• Great Wine List and Cocktails: Leyla is praised for its extensive wine list and well-crafted cocktails, which perfectly complement the flavors of the food. It's a great spot for a drink, whether at the bar or with your meal.
• Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance is often described as cozy and romantic, making it a fantastic choice for a date night.
• Healthy and Vegetarian Options: The menu includes plenty of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, ensuring that a wide range of diners can enjoy a satisfying meal.

### Contact Information

Address: 108 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023, USA
Phone: (347) 334-7939

### What is Worth Choosing

A visit to Leyla is a choice to experience a unique and authentic Turkish dining experience in a beautiful setting. While some reviews mention mixed service, the overwhelming praise for the food and atmosphere makes it a worthwhile destination.

The **pide** (Turkish flatbreads) from the stone oven are a must-try. The **Vegetarian Pide** comes highly recommended and is a perfect example of the restaurant’s delicious and authentic fare. Another standout is the **Mezze Trio**, which allows you to sample a variety of flavorful dips and spreads, such as **Hummus** and **Muhammara**. For a starter, the **Falafel** and **Shaved Zucchini & Asparagus Salad** are also popular choices.

For the main course, the **Lamb Shank** is a perfect choice for those who love rich, savory flavors. Seafood lovers will be impressed with the **Grilled Branzino** and the **Pan Seared Salmon**. The **Vegetarian MANTI**, a vegetarian version of the traditional Turkish dumplings, is a creative and well-executed dish that is highly praised.

Beyond the food, the drinks are a key part of the experience. The cocktails are excellent, and the extensive wine list is well-curated to pair with the food. The desserts, particularly the classic **Baklava**, offer a perfect, sweet finish to the meal.

Ultimately, what makes Leyla a great choice is the combination of its delicious and authentic food with a setting that transports you to another place. The lovely back garden, in particular, is a highlight that makes a meal feel extra special. While a longer wait or slower service might be part of the experience, the high quality of the food and the beautiful ambiance more than make up for it. It's a place where you can relax, enjoy a great meal with friends or a loved one, and discover a taste of Turkey right in the middle of New York City.

Leyla

108 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023, USA