Leila's Authentic Lebanese Cuisine — Restaurant in Budapest

We were going with high expectations to try Leila's Cuisine, to try Lebanese traditional food, cause I read a lot of good reviews and opinions. Sadly we left very disappointed. First of all, I have to tell, we liked the meals what we tasted, but its not enough for this price range. The place is nice from inside, but the dirty, scratched windows not that much. Probably we visited in a wrong time period (15:30), just after lunch, but its not okay, to wait 45 mins for a single hummus. It's not okay neither, that they can't bring the two plates in the same time, or at least close. After my girlfriends hummus, we waited 10 mins more for my plate. (Yes, it wont stay warm if she waits for me to eat, as we do it if we eat together). My plate was a mixed grill plate for TWO person. We were a bit afraid we can't eat that much, but the result shocked. It wasn't even enough for me. The waitress came, and without saying anything ("good meal" would be adequate, I think, but maybe just my expectations are high again...), "served" the plate in our table. First I thought it's just the bread, pita, so I was waiting for more. Than after I looked under the bread, and I saw the meat, so I knew I won't get more. I think its okay nowadays, that in a good restaurant, you give smaller portions, but its not okay, if you mention "plate for two person" in the menu, and its not enough for one. (I'm not a monster...:D) They forgot my pickles, I had to ask for it. We wanted to try the stuffed grape leafs, they didn't have any. My grilled onion and tomato meant something cold, mushy thing. Dry coriander in the bottom. I felt like my whole plate was something mixed together what the group before us left. They started reorganizing the tables just next to us, making very loud noise, without saying anything. The 750 Ft tea means one teabag in hot water, I would suggest to try whole leaf tea, not more expensive. Out of the three waitress, one was very polite, the others the opposite (maybe they were just tired) but the service was very low. For all these, I would give 2 stars, but taking into account that the bread they give is the cheapest low quality white flour cold piece of nothing (what you can buy in every Turkish food store), the service quality is low and the plate for two person is not enough for one, and all these compared to the price, i can't give more than one. I felt very bad that we spent our money and time there, and not in somewhere we can eat better quality and bigger quantity cheaper. (Hummus bar for example, they have their own pita). I'm sorry, but we are very disappointed. For this price, you have to be ready at any time period of the day (specially if I have a reservation). I hope others will have better experience there, but I...

For those of you who enjoy Lebanese food, this place is worth checking out. It's cozy and popular, so a reservation is highly recommended. You are greeted by friendly staff the moment you enter.

We ordered a variety of plates to try so I could put in a thorough review. For beverage I ordered the home-made fresh squeezed lemonade. I can't believe I forgot to take a photo of it, but anyways, it came in a mason jar, with mint and a couple of orange slices in it. I have to warn you that though it was good, it's not sweetened. That being said, expect it to be tart but not undrinkable. They water it down perfectly.

For appetizer, we ordered the cheese rolls, kibbeh, hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and seasoned potatoes. For main course we got the meat platter, that included grilled chicken, lamb, and another thing of which I forget the name, but it's basically a deliciously seasoned ground beef sandwiched inside a thin bread that is grilled.

The hummus was delicious and creamy with just the perfect amount of olive oil and parsley garnish. The grape leaves were perfectly sized for two bites each. They are served chilled. The rice was cooked right so you didn't have that slightly undercooked texture at all. It was also just the right tartness so you could enjoy all the flavors. The cheese rolls were ricotta stuffed phyllo dough logs that were perfectly cooked so you got the nice crispy shell and warm delicious rich ricotta flavor inside. The kibbeh here is the best I've ever had in any Lebanese restaurant I've been to. If I come here again, I would order double this because it was just that good. Super tender, rich in flavor and perfectly balanced in spices so you could savor all that was happening in these delightful little treats. Ok, so now on to the potatoes. I have to be honest and say they were disappointing. The presentation was amazing, and I wanted it to taste just as good as it looked, but it fell flat. It was too sour and colder than I would have liked. Given how delicious everything else was, I'd probably not even bother with this dish ever again.

Main course: DELICIOUS. They serve the meat platter with the famous garlic puree that we all love and of which wecan't get enough! The meats were grilled to tender perfection and tasted even better the next day straight out of the refrigerator (totally took the leftovers home)!

Overall, I'd highly recommend this place if you're a fan of Lebanese food. Definitely worth...

During my recent visit to Budapest, I had the pleasure of dining at Leila’s, a charming restaurant nestled in the heart of the city center. From the moment I walked in, I was enveloped by the warm and inviting ambiance that perfectly blends traditional elegance with modern comfort.

The culinary experience at Leila’s was nothing short of extraordinary. The menu offers a delightful array of dishes that showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, prepared with the freshest ingredients. Every bite was a journey of taste, with each dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.

However, what truly set my experience apart was the exceptional service provided by Fatima. Her warm smile and attentive nature made us feel right at home. Fatima’s knowledge of the menu and her genuine passion for ensuring guests have a memorable dining experience were truly remarkable. She went above and beyond to cater to our needs, offering personalized recommendations that turned out to be spot-on. Her dedication and enthusiasm were infectious, adding an extra layer of joy to our evening.

Fatima’s impeccable service and delightful personality were the highlights of our visit. She embodies the spirit of Leila’s, making it not just a restaurant, but a place where guests are treated like family. Her professionalism and kindness left a lasting impression, and it’s clear that she is a valuable asset to the team.

I wholeheartedly recommend Leila’s to anyone visiting Budapest. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or simply a place to enjoy exquisite food, Leila’s is the perfect choice. And if you’re lucky enough to be served by Fatima, you’re in for an even more exceptional experience.

Thank you, Leila’s, for an unforgettable dining experience, and thank you, Fatima, for making our visit truly special. I personally can’t...