Shane Delia brings his signature Middle Eastern style to Brisbane’s West End, blending bold flavours with warm hospitality
The Brisbane Travel Guide acknowledges the Turrbal and Jagera people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Stilt’s Restaurant is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
Located in Brisbane’s West End, Layla is the first Queensland restaurant from acclaimed chef Shane Delia.
Housed in the heritage-listed Thomas Dixon Centre, the restaurant offers a menu inspired by Middle Eastern flavours, with a focus on local Queensland produce.
The space is stylish and inviting, designed to suit both special occasions and relaxed nights out.
In this review, we take a closer look at the setting, the food, and what makes Layla a welcome addition to Brisbane’s dining scene.
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The Vibe
Set within the beautifully restored, heritage-listed Thomas Dixon Centre—also home to Queensland Ballet—Layla feels more like a destination than just a dining spot. The space itself is rich in character. It occupies what was once a World War II bunker, now transformed into a moody, stylish haven.
The interior is warm and welcoming, with soft lighting, curved archways, and earthy tones that create a relaxed atmosphere. There’s a balance between old and new, with design elements that nod to traditional architecture alongside clean, contemporary finishes.
The space feels calm and comfortable, whether you’re visiting for a quiet dinner or a group catch-up. The subtle Arabic background music is gentle, the lighting soft, and the service friendly.
While the design and setting are carefully considered, they don’t overshadow the main focus — good food and genuine hospitality.
The Chef
Layla marks the highly anticipated Brisbane debut of acclaimed chef Shane Delia, a leading figure in Australia’s culinary landscape and the creative force behind Melbourne restaurants like Maha, Maha East, and Jayda.
With over 15 years of experience redefining Middle Eastern cuisine, Delia is known for his bold use of spice, deep cultural storytelling, and commitment to pushing traditional flavours into exciting, contemporary territory.
Delia brings his signature style north at Layla, crafting a uniquely Queensland menu, shaped by local produce and inspired by Brisbane’s diverse dining scene.
The Menu
With dishes designed for sharing, Layla’s menu is a vibrant celebration of Middle Eastern and South Asian influences, thoughtfully reimagined with Queensland produce.
Starters
The dining experience begins with an array of starters, including the Moorish brisket borek bun with sticky turmeric and chilli jam, and the Hervey Bay half-shell scallop paired with carrot hummus and Persian lime.
For those seeking plant-based options, there is the potato, cabbage, and leek briwat wrapped in Tunisian pastry.
We skipped the starters and went straight to the small and large sharing plates.
Small and Large Plates
Layla’s menu is designed for sharing, and we fully embraced the communal dining approach during our visit. We started with an impressive line-up of small plates:
- Flatbread brushed with toum and fennel seed za’atar
- Whipped smoked hummus topped with pine nuts and lamb
- Lebanese cucumbers with black sesame, yoghurt, and mint oil
- Arak-cured kingfish with cranberry hibiscus and pickled Turkish chilli
- Turkish beef dumplings with mushroom XO, sujuk, yoghurt, and spiced burnt butter
Each dish was packed with flavour and served in generous portions — we could have easily stopped there and left satisfied. But we couldn’t resist continuing with one of the larger plates: the Habibbi butter chicken, smothered in a rich ras el hanout-spiced gravy.
It was paired with jewelled aged basmati rice pilaf, a colourful mix of barberries, lentils, and toasted seeds, and the signature Layla Fattoush — a fresh, crunchy salad of purslane, walnuts, mint, and crispy sumac-fried bread, finished with bursts of pomegranate.
We also had our eye on other large plates like the eight-hour slow-roasted lamb shoulder with smoked eggplant and za’atar sauce, and the coal-grilled swordfish T-bone with burnt orange and saffron — both of which will be on our list for next time.
Desserts
By the time dessert rolled around, we were absolutely full. We told our waitress we’d just share one, but she convinced us to order one each, and we’re so glad she did. We both had the whipped knafeh, and to our surprise, we each polished off every bite.
The dish was a standout — light, creamy, and beautifully balanced with lemon verbena syrup and a scoop of vanilla bean and lime ice cream. It delivered just the right mix of sweetness and citrus to end the meal on a high note.
Other desserts on the menu include the mandarin and kaffir lime basboussa, a modern take on semolina cake with toasted almonds and a touch of Aleppo pepper chantilly. For something cool and refreshing, the watermelon and rosewater granita is layered with chocolate mousse, Turkish delight jam, and a nostalgic hit of peppermint crisp.
Banquets
For those wanting a more curated dining experience, Layla offers two “Feed Me” feasts — one at $90 per person and a premium version at $135, both with optional drink pairings.
We opted for the $90 option, which included all the dishes mentioned above. If you’ve got a decent appetite, it’s a fantastic way to experience a broad cross-section of the menu without making tough decisions — you get a little bit of everything.
Drinks
Layla’s drinks menu is carefully designed to complement the bold, spice-forward flavours of the food, with a thoughtful mix of wines, cocktails, and traditional spirits inspired by the Middle East.
We began the evening with the signature Layla cocktail — a refreshing blend of vodka, lychee, basil, Arak, and lemon. Alongside, we tried the Turkish Delight mocktail, made with cranberry, rosewater, and lime — light, floral, and surprisingly complex for a non-alcoholic option.
We also sampled Arak, a traditional anise-flavoured spirit popular in the Middle East. It was served traditionally, with a decanter of water and a glass of ice, allowing us to dilute it to taste.
The wine list leans toward light and fresh selections that suit Brisbane’s warm climate, focusing on small-batch producers and sustainable vineyards. Think crisp whites, vibrant rosés, and elegant, lighter-bodied reds — all chosen to work harmoniously with the spice-driven menu.
Cocktails take cues from regional ingredients like pomegranate, rosewater, citrus, and spice, while the non-alcoholic offerings are equally considered. You’ll find house-made sodas and well-crafted zero-proof cocktails that ensure no one misses out on the full experience.
The Service
The service at Layla was warm, welcoming, and genuinely attentive from the moment we arrived. The team struck a great balance between professionalism and personality, friendly without being overbearing, and clearly passionate about what they do.
We were particularly impressed by how well-staffed the restaurant was. Despite being a busy Friday night, someone was always nearby if we needed anything, and our food and drinks arrived perfectly.
Each dish was introduced with a brief explanation, adding context to what we were about to enjoy. Staff were also happy to share their personal favourites and offer thoughtful recommendations based on what we liked.
It didn’t stop at the food, either — we were even given tips on nearby bars to check out after dinner, which added a personal and generous touch to the experience.
It’s clear that the team at Layla not only care about the food but also about creating a memorable night out.
Bookings
Layla is open for lunch and dinner from 12 pm Thursdays to Sundays and for dinner only on Wednesdays from 5.30 pm.
Reservations are recommended to secure a table at this popular dining spot.
To book, visit the Layla website or call 07 2113 8489.
Enjoy Layla
Hopefully, you found this review of Layla Restaurant helpful.
Why not check out some of our other reviews of great restaurants in Brisbane, such as the Stilts, Poca Madre or Bacchus.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland and Brisbane Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great tips on things to do in and around Brisbane.