Lyla Toronto

Absolutely incredible restaurant. The ambiance feels like you stumbled onto something off the beaten path. It feels like fine dining but the pricing is very reasonable - so this is somewhere you could go to celebrate a special occasion or just meet up for a nice weekday dinner with friends. The food is also incredible, we tried the duck gnocchi and the Bronzino which was absolutely delicious. The restaurant has classic meals with a slight twist making each dish feel unique and special but also still approachable. The service was very friendly and efficient. Our waitress did a great job of balancing that line of interrupting conversation to serve us while also giving us plenty of space. It was a wonderful experience. They also provide complimentary coat check so your coat isn’t handing on the back of your chair. This and other similar small details made for a fantastic dining experience. Highly recommend, I will certainly be going back.

December 17, 2024 on Google

Had dinner here with friends and we had a lovely time. Food was very delicious especially the beef short rib and crispy cauliflower (not pictured). The servers were friendly, service was quick and the ambiance was great. I love the mood lighting of the restaurant, it wasn’t too dark and it wasn’t too bright either. Came here on a Friday night (they had a live DJ playing), which was great. Sometimes this can be a good or bad thing - I’ve been to restaurants where there is a DJ playing and at times, the music can be too loud so it’s hard to have a conversation but not at Lyla, which was fantastic! I was able to have a conversation with my friends and actually hear them. It was a good balance of the sound quality. Recommend coming here!

December 8, 2024 on Google

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lyla for my birthday this past Saturday and I have to say, the experience was almost flawless. The ambiance was absolutely stunning – every detail of the decor was thoughtfully curated, creating a luxurious and inviting atmosphere - MUSIC WAS TOP TIER. The food was nothing short of spectacular, with each dish showcasing incredible flavors and meticulous craftsmanship. A special shoutout to the executive chef Michael, who truly elevated our experience. Not only was his culinary talent on full display, but he also took the time to visit our table and personally present an exquisite caviar service. That level of personal touch and artistry was deeply appreciated and made the evening feel all the more special. Unfortunately, while the food and setting were exceptional, the service didn’t quite match the same high standard. Throughout the meal, we found ourselves frequently looking for our server, whether it was to order drinks, inquire about the menu, or simply move on to the next course. There were noticeable delays between courses, and the lack of attentiveness detracted from what could have been a seamless dining experience. Overall, the food and atmosphere were world-class, but I hope the service can rise to the same level in the future.

November 24, 2024 on Google

Went here for our anniversary dinner and had a great experience. They gave us the best seat in the house and brought us two glasses of sparkling on arrival to celebrate which we appreciated. Service was all fantastic from start to finish. All of the food was also very good. The branzino was the real standout. The skin had a lovely char and was nice and crispy. Also a generous size. The bask cheesecake dessert with salted caramel and whiskey cherries was also really good. Plenty of options on the wine list for <$100 as well. Recommend!

November 23, 2024 on Google

Came here over the weekend for friends birthday! Food was mostly great! Had Beef Tartare which was way too salty, could have been a one off. The beef short rib was absolutely delicious though! Cocktails were amazing here! Basque cheesecake was perfect as well! An overall great atmosphere and crowd!

November 12, 2024 on Google

I recently visited this new location and had a great experience! The flavors were incredibly vibrant, with each dish offering a perfect balance of spices, herbs, and freshness. From the hummus to the grilled lamb and perfectly charred vegetables, every bite was a treat for the taste buds. The restaurant offers a lovely ambiance with attention to detail, but the menu is quite overpriced for what’s served. For example, four small lamb chops for $75 feels excessive. We also ordered the lobster pasta (109$), and if a dish is advertised as containing a whole lobster, it would enhance the experience to present it table side before plating, rather than just having it mixed into the dish. Additionally, the busser kept clearing plates immediately after we finished, which made the experience feel rushed. Overall, while there’s clear effort in the presentation, the portions and service timing didn’t fully meet expectations given the price. Our waiter was not only friendly but also very knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations and making us feel very welcome throughout the meal. It’s rare to find such attentive and personable service these days, and it really elevated the experience. Another downside was that my visit happened to coincide with my best friend’s birthday, and while the meal was wonderful, there was no mention or acknowledgment of the occasion. A little touch, like a birthday dessert or a simple greeting, would have made the celebration even more special. Despite this, the overall experience was memorable, and I’ll definitely be back for more.

November 11, 2024 on Google

Came here on a quiet Monday night and was blown away. Service throughout the night was so attentive. The guanciale pasta was one of the best pastas we've had in the city (and we love Famiglia Baldassare). Crispy cauliflower was lightly battered and so tasty. Cocktails were well balanced and wine menu had good variety. Shoutout to Ovie who made our night incredible. Cant wait to be back!

November 5, 2024 on Google

This place usually takes reservations. But when we walked in, Amen accommodated us. He was very nice and the cook actually brought in the food for us on the table. Ambience is very relaxing and cozy. Amen and his team were excellent. Exceptional hospitality. Food was double portions, so we had good quantity food, which was very good on our palate. Don't forget to dress formally.

November 2, 2024 on Google