Layali Halab Mediterranean — Restaurant in Creve Coeur

We stopped by Layali Halab Mediterranean on an early Friday evening. It’s tucked into a small, humble strip mall with plenty of parking - easy to find and easy to get to. We were the first ones in the restaurant, which gave us a chance to take in the space. The décor reminded me of a 90s-style Middle Eastern wedding hall. Maybe not my style, but there was a nostalgic charm to it that I actually enjoyed.

This is a family-run restaurant, and the son was our server, a kind and respectful young man.

We started with the za’atar manaeesh, a baked flatbread topped with za’atar and olive oil. The flavor was nice, but it was cooked a bit longer than I prefer, making it more cracker-like. We had asked if it came with traditional sides like tomatoes or mint and were told it came with cucumber. To our surprise, that meant two slices which felt a little skimpy and underwhelming.

I ordered the chicken shish tawook, which came with rice, grilled vegetables, salad, Middle Eastern pickles, and garlic sauce. The chicken was nicely seasoned but a bit dry in spots. The grilled veggies were good, I just wish there were more of them. The rice was flavorful but had more of a packaged rice texture (like Uncle Ben’s) than the kind you’d expect in a traditional Middle Eastern kitchen. The garlic sauce was tasty, but the portion was very small, especially since it helped balance the dryness of the chicken and rice.

My dining partner had the Falafel Arabi sandwich, which was probably the most unique part of the meal. It was basically a deconstructed falafel wrap: thin pita with crushed falafel, a bit of tomato and lettuce, hummus, and tahini served on the side. The flavors were good, but the structure made it awkward to eat and not what you’d expect if you’re familiar with how falafel sandwiches are usually served across the Middle East. Nice idea, just not the most successful execution.

The homemade kanafeh though was the highlight of the meal. Made by the mother, it was rich, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. If the rest of the meal had matched the quality of the kanafeh, I would’ve easily given five stars.

The menu has a good variety, and despite a few misses, I’d definitely return to try other dishes. There’s clearly a lot of heart behind this place, and with a few tweaks, I think it could be a real gem. Just maybe skip the Falafel Arabi and go straight...

Updated review- came back couple times the last week to try their hummus and lamb shank. Both were delicious!!!!

Original review We came to Layali Halab, owned by a Syrian family for dinner on a Saturday night. The space was relatively small but good lay out and sparkling clean. Chairs were so comfortable. Our food and drinks came out pretty quickly after we ordered. I just wished they refilled water for us during our meals. Other than that, service was nice and friendly.

I really liked the Ayran (salted yogurt drink) here so I actually ordered it twice. I've been to several Mediterranean restaurants in STL and I don't think they serve ayran. Therefore, I was so excited to see ayran on the menu. Our sever was surprised when I ordered Ayran. She said not many people liked it. But it was very delicious and refreshing. I liked how it was served on ice in copper mugs here than in glass cups. We also got the fresh strawberry juice and lemonade with mint. They were alright. Nothing special. We both loved the baba ganoush( smoked eggplant dip) here. 10/10 - creamy texture with smoky flavor. I also liked that it came with pickles and raw carrot/cucumber/tomato to dip with on top of soft/fluffy pita bread. The best baba ganoush dish I've had so far. My partner really liked the Mankoushet Lahma but I didn't care too much about it. I got myself a mixed grill (beef/lamb and shrimp). It was served with rice or yogurt drink. I chose rice this time but next time I would take yogurt drink since the mixed grill already came with pita bread and salad on the side. I was satisfied with the dish. Overall, we had good time here. Good portion and decent price. I can't wait to go back for more aryan and baba ganoush. I wanted to try their lamb chops or lamb shank next time as well....

Restaurant opened 2 weeks ago when visited as a family. Interior is very comfortable, unique and inviting. Seating chairs are the highlight. Food is delicious, familiar and yet unique. Some entrée portion sizes a little small. Pricing is ok. Service is little slow, new, working out the kinks. Family run-friendly. Easy tableside ordering and paying. Great location, much needed halal restaurant in the area. FOOD: Kibbeh was delicious with their unique touch I've never experienced before. Falafel was also excellent and presentation was great. The cheese flatbread pie was small for the price but delicious. The mixed grill entrée portions of meat and rice was lacking for the price but again it was delicious and unique; chicken and lamb pieces were a little chewy. also there was barely any rice under the meat. With the entrée was also a half flat bread folded in with a savory sauce spread with some pickles inside that was delicious when wrapped with some of the meat. At the end of our visit the owner came out greeted us explaining the slow service due to short staff mishap. All good. We came in on a Sunday night and it was busy with families and couples. We will...