Layalina Middle Eastern Restaurant — Restaurant in Biddeford

I love Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food and it’s difficult to find in Maine so I was excited to try this place out. The food wasn’t bad but shawarma sandwiches did not have much filling or substance seemed like a lot of bread. I called ahead and asked about the fries that are listed on the menu with the sandwiches. They couldn’t tell me why the gyro sandwich didn’t include fries. Then once I got my food I realized the fries were actually in the sandwich itself which was very strange and not traditional.. it seemed like a way to make the sandwich more robust without adding any actual meat/veggies/sauce.

Whenever I go to halal place I always get baklava because it’s my favorite. I usually order large pistachio chunk. Maybe I ordered it on a bad day but the baklava I had was mushy and soaked with honey to the point the pistachios were not crunchy. Usually baklava is crisp but this one was soggy. I think they either ordered it from elsewhere or had it sitting in the display for too long.

As a side note: prices were on the high end which was fine but food quality should equal the higher prices.

On the upside I loved that they had authentic Middle Eastern 7-Up. They make the 7-Up differently there without corn syrup and with real cane sugar. Whenever I go to the Middle East I always enjoy the soda there so having authentic halal 7-Up was a real treat. The 7-Up was my favorite part of the experience.

I will probably come again and give the food/baklava a second try because it seemed like it could be a very good place to eat and maybe I just caught them on a bad day. I wouldn’t order the shawarma with French fries again.. that was a weird experience. I’ll probably go for the Gyro and see how...

From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with a warm smile and genuine hospitality that makes you feel like family.

The standout dish? Without a doubt, the samosas. Perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, each bite reveals a flavorful filling that’s both savory and satisfying. Whether stuffed with spiced potatoes, tender ground meat, or a delightful blend of herbs and vegetables, these samosas are crafted with care and bursting with authentic flavor.

What truly sets this place apart, beyond the incredible food, is the consistently friendly and attentive service. The staff go above and beyond to make sure every guest feels welcomed and appreciated. It’s rare to find a spot that balances heartwarming hospitality with top-notch cuisine so seamlessly.

If you’re craving comfort food with soul or wanting to try something new, this Middle Eastern haven is not to be missed. Highly...

During these cold, dark, and shortened southern Maine nights, Layalina is the bright sun over a vast Middle Eastern landscape, warming our lives with flavors and service that titillate our senses and enthrall the imagination of what a good dining experience can be in Biddeford.

The revelation that is the Lamb biryani harkens to a simpler time with family and loved ones coming together for a celebration hosted my grandparents and elders dispensing wisdom and telling stories of adventures of a more unbridled and less restrained youth.

The stars of a dark and clear eastern sky are matched by the variety and wonder on offering in the pastry case. The fıstıklı sarma, an intense concentration of skill and quality pistachio flavors really hits the spot.

Would I recommend Layalina to someone that enjoys Middle Eastern cuisine in a clean and friendly establishment? Too late, I...