Layalina Knightsbridge — Restaurant in London

Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.

The only reason there is even 1 star rating is because of the nice waiter who served us so nicely.

This was a last min restaurant choice as we were in the area. We were greeted and welcomed warmly before we were placed downstairs. We finally got round to ordering and then the wait began. I’ve never been to restaurant that I had to wait 20 mins for the drinks alone to arrive- mini size drinks might I add. Then we had to wait another 20 mins for our starters to arrive. The whole point of ordering starters is to nibble and eat whilst you wait for your main. At this point it just became the hunger games. Our sides that we ordered came before our main meal. The waiter kept apologising and explaining that it’s just a busy night and that it won’t be long. We all sat frustrated, cranky and annoyed at the table and awaited our mains to come in one piece. By the time it arrived our sides were stone cold and unpleasant to eat. Soon after, we noticed another family that were sat. Shortly after, they received their orders, starters- might I add that we waited forever for. There was a mix up with our order and because of that half of the table were still waiting.

When it came to paying the bill, we all opted to exclude the optional service charge. The manager laughed to my face after I explained that we were all unhappy with the service, she dropped the receipt and card machine and got a waiter to finish off our payments. At this point we were just applauded and disgusted that we wasted our...

The waiter and bar manager basically told us not to come back because we didn’t want to pay the optional service charge. Went with group of friends and usually pay the service charge but we didn’t feel service was good. Reasons:

1. Ordered Jameson but were served black label, but we didn’t complain as we like both.
2. All the waiter did was take order and bring the food to the table which is a normal duty of the waiter. They get paid for that. Not once did they come to ask if anything else was needed or if we were happy with the food as a courtesy. Just to clarify we were the only people in the restaurant. So no excuses about being busy.
3. we ordered spicy thigh shawarma which wasn’t brought to us, probably because the waiter was trying to memorise the whole order rather than writing it down, again we didn’t complain because it wasn’t charged so we were ok with keeping quiet.

After this we got the bill and told the waiter to get the optional service charge removed legally under the consumer rights act as we were not satisfied with the service. We were told it’s not possible to remove it as it’s compulsory, which again unless clearly stated it’s always optional if you are not satisfied.

They removed it reluctantly after telling us not to come again.

Very unhappy with service and as they wanted we will never be dining at layalina again and will tell all friends or family to stay away unless they want there...

I was hesitant when i decided to go to Layalina over Maroush which is around the corner and my usual place to feast with friends. I visited just after the businesses started opening after Lockdown. We entered and received a warm welcome by the team and manager. The manager stepped forward and explained the procedure of taking temperature for the safety of customers and staff, which was very polite. We were then sat down at the table and the restaurant is very well kept to the highest standards. After we sat the staff explained the menu is available online which we can access using the QR code with our camera, it was extremely easy. We ordered our food since the kitchen wasn't busy we received our food within 15mins. I must say that i wouldnt have been happier if i would have chosen another place to eat. The grill i ordered was so tasty and juicy that now i have completely forgotten that Maroush even EXISTS( the quality of food and service at Maroush has immensely gone down). You have to order the bread separately here since it's not provided complimentary like at Maroush. I should add that the fresh bread is worth every penny! I have since my visit at Layalina have become an ambassador to promote their food. If you're looking for a treat of good quality food and service in the area,look no further...