Lila Restaurant — Restaurant in Vancouver

Went here for a date night and was very disappointed in the food. But the service was good, they offer complimentary sparkling water, and the cocktails were yummy.

It’s described as modern indian and I feel like they’re trying to offer a certain higher quality dining experience (based on price, they offer an amuse bouche to start the meal, menu design etc). But the quality of the food and final touches of the restaurant decor just doesn’t really match up. They say their menu is “playful” but I didn’t really see that come through in the dishes.

We were recommended their top four dishes and they were all pretty average. The candied walnuts in the beet salad ($17) were good but the salad itself was fine. They shredded the beets so i feel like you lost out on some of the juicy texture and some bites were too heavy with fenugreek. The pakoras ($15) were pretty oily and the vegetables inside weren’t cut up that small so the bites were a bit awkward. The salmon with tomato sauce dish ($24) was whatever, nothing wowed me and the portion was small. We ordered flatbread to eat with it and those were oily too. And then the portabello curry dish ($30) was good but very soupy, the paneer was too squeaky and stuck to your teeth when you chew, and again the mushrooms were so oily. Also the rice was overcooked. The amuse bouches were also oily and the spices weren’t balanced.

The waiter did ask us how the food was halfway through the meal and i said it was fine. They never asked about the food again after that.

There’s been quite a few reviews that mirror mine (oily, overcooked rice, bland flavours etc) so it doesn’t seem like they are taking those into consideration or making changes. But there’s also a lot of good reviews for the place too so I guess just take this as my opinion.

In my opinion there’s a lot of really good indian food in the city and a lot of really good upscale indian restaurants here. Lila doesn’t offer anything unique for me...

We were so disappointed in this place. Giving 3 stars feels a bit generous, considering the overall experience.

First of all, the food. All the curries we received tasted remarkably similar, with very little distinction in flavor or spice profile. It felt like the same base sauce was used for everything, which made the meal monotonous and underwhelming.

We also tried the tasting feast, which was unfortunately a major disappointment. At $75 per person, the food totaled $300 for our group of four. After reviewing the menu more closely afterward, we realized that ordering the same dishes à la carte would have cost about half as much. That oversight was on us, but is poor value.

The portion sizes were not adjusted for a group of four—each dish was essentially a single portion, shared among us—so it didn’t feel like we were getting anything extra for the price. If you are considering dining here, I would strongly recommend asking in advance what dishes are included in the feast and comparing the cost to ordering individually. For us, it simply wasn't worth it—especially given how underwhelming the food turned out to be.

Here is the manager's response:

"I want to clarify that we call it Lila's Feast, rather than a Tasting Menu, because it is a curated feast made by our Chef, Meeru Dhalwala. We love this option for our guests because it allows our guests to sit back and connect while our team showcases a meal that best represents Lila's range. The sides that are served with the main course are all bottomless, which we need to account for. Maybe your server did not make you aware of this and we will touch in with our team about this."

--- rice and bread does not account for over $100 worth of food.

Similar to another review: food came before cocktails.

Overall, was super excited to visit this restaurant. Super bummed about...

Lila Rest - A Culinary Gem in Vancouver

Lila Rest, an Indian fusion food haven, offers an unforgettable dining experience. We had the pleasure of sampling almost 90% of the menu, and every dish was exceptional. The restaurant's commitment to vegetarian-friendly options is commendable, making it an ideal choice for plant-based diners.

The sharing-style meals are perfect for groups, allowing everyone to indulge in the diverse and intricate flavors. Among the standout dishes, the portobello mushroom and paneer in creamy onion gravy was an absolute favourite. The halloumi cheese and peas in a spicy curry, paneer truffles in mustard seed curry and potato tikki chaat were also something I’ll come back for. The simplicity and delicacy of the flavours truly shine in each bite, bringing nostalgic memories from Rajasthan, Mumbai, and South India.

One of the highlights of our visit was meeting the owner, who graciously greeted us and shared fascinating insights into the menu's creation and the restaurant's philosophy. Their tips on how to mix and consume each dish added a unique touch to our dining experience.

Our server, Jyoti, ensured we felt welcomed and comfortable throughout our meal. Her keen insights on the menu enhanced our appreciation of the dishes.

Don't miss the patio in the back, where you can enjoy a serene garden setting. They use fresh herbs and ingredients from their garden, adding an extra layer of freshness to the culinary delights.

Overall, Lila Rest is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional Indian fusion dining experience...