LEYLA Opens on the Upper West Side of NYC

LEYLA, which means dark beauty in Turkish, is a new brasserie melding rustic and new world Turkish cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Opening on March 6th, the restaurant was conceptualized by Huseyin Ozer (BODRUM NYC) and his business partner Berna Erbilgin Gundogdu. The duo always wanted to bring a piece of their home to New Yorkers and spent a great deal of time finding the perfect welcoming location before landing on the picturesque brownstone and tree-lined West 74th street. Helmed by Executive Chef Met Kaba with the help of General Manager Murat Akinci, LEYLA will plate up a masterful and surprising menu of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes designed to inspire guests' palates and conversations.

All designed to be shared, LEYLA's menu presents an array of mezzes, salads and main dishes, all showcased on colorful imported Turkish ceramic plating. Begin with a selection of small plates such as Branzino Crudo with pickled sea fennel found off the coast of Greece dressed with a gremolata; a mouthwatering Sun-Dried Eggplant stuffed with pilaf, tamarind, currant and pine nuts; and a surprising Muhammara, which is normally used as a breakfast spread in Turkey, featuring pomegranate molasses, walnut and olive oil for an intriguing bite; Eggplant Caviar, a playful dish that lets out a puff of smoke upon opening the container to reveal a salad of charred onion, bell pepper and garlic served with house made toasted sourdough bread; and Quinoa Hummus Salad with crispy chickpeas, cherry tomatoes and pomegranate molasses lemon dressing.

Pide is a menu highlight made a la minute in a special ceramic oven, which can be seen being prepared by the chef through the open kitchen from the main dining room. Selections include a Slow Cooked Short Rib Pide with an eggplant spread and kashar cheese; Lahmacun, with minced meat, sumac, onion, parsley and tomato is known as a Turkish pizza and is meant to be rolled up and eaten with your hands; and Vegetarian Pide with broccoli rabe, bok choy, spinach, leek and charred bell pepper.

Other signature highlights include Braised Beef Tongue in a jus with homemade pickles; crunchy Kataifi Zucchini Fritters, a traditional Turkish beer hall staple served with mint yogurt sauce; and Karides Guvec made with shrimp, bell pepper, cherry tomato and shitake mushrooms.

Main Courses highlighted will include Lamb Shank, slow cooked with porcini orzo risotto; Erishte, a creamy and decadent hand cut Turkish pasta dish with cubed lamb, sumac and cumin in a brown butter yogurt sauce; and a Frekeeh Risotto with asparagus, mushroom, string beans, zucchini and parmesan.

For dessert guests can indulge in Laz Boregi, a phyllo dough filled with milk pudding adorned with pink peppercorns or a crispy and sweet Tahini and Honey flatbread with toasted walnuts that will leave you wanting more.

Design: LEYLA's interior and branding was designed by Matt Murphy of MMD, whose previous clients have included the neighborhood's e's BAR as well as Spotify. Inspired by owner Huseyin and Berna's vison, the space resembles a chic neighborhood apartment with Turkish accents throughout. The restaurant is divided into three sections: the bar, the main dining area and the garden room dining area.

Upon entering the restaurant, a beautiful bar showcases golden globes and baskets that hang above to create an intimate glow. Anchored at the center of the restaurant is an open kitchen highlighted with a stunning ceramic oven that bakes fresh bread daily. The main dining room features wooden tables and chairs with beige booth seating, giving guests the opportunity to see all the action. Tables of two are set up with blue velvet chairs as one continues through the space for a more private dining experience with Ikat textiles from Turkey aligning the walls. Mirrors can be found throughout the space to create a sense of activity and the backroom serves as a private dining space, highlighting Turkish cookbooks to create the perfect setting for friends and family parties.

LEYLA is located on 108 West 74th Street New York, NY 10023. Visit: www.leylanyc.comor call 347-334-7939. You can follow them on INSTAGRAM: @leylanycity. The restaurant is open Mon - Thurs: 5pm-10pm; Friday & Saturday: 5pm-10:45pm; and Sunday: 4pm-10pm.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of LEYLA

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