Laili Restaurant — Restaurant in Santa Cruz

Update on my past review. First i would like to let you know that my old review is still at the bottom of this update and you can read it if you would like to know what my thoughts were before this update about this place. We visited this place frequently since my last review, we felt that we had found the place that never drops the quality of service but( I know these is always a but) the last couple of time we had food there (to be fair take out only), as hard as it is for me to say, but it was not good. my meal was not to par to what I normally would expect from this place. The steak was watery on the inside and cut like an after thought, the food seemed very unappetizing. it was a rare feeling to say the least, as I always praised the place to my highest regards. So after deciding to visit Santa Cruz again, my wife and I decided to order take out again, this time ordering for my kids too. Once again I was let down by the way the food was presented and packaged, my kids pizzas, I can not even describe it but my kids did not eat them once they saw how they were packaged. Now my food was ok I decided to order something else but what got my a little upset was that the order was not complete and there were stuff missing on the bag. by the time i got back to my hotel, they were close and i just did not have the energy to make a big deal about it. Hope this does not comes as a negative review but an opportunity to hear from someone that has always love the place and love to experienced the food as it used be. Please know that, this is just my opinion, some may find their food to still be out there with the best, that's ok, i am just sharing my last couple of experiences at the restaurant. Thank you and i will see you around! We decided to visit this place and we were happy that we did. First of all, they allow dine in right now, one thing it is noticeable is that the first part of the experience may be a little frustrating because it get busy and trying to keep social distancing while waiting for your table can be a little difficult. Once we were able to sit down, things rapidly changed. The service was great but the food, Believe me it was great. I have not eaten middle easterners food like this before, it was great. For full discourse, we visit the same restaurant the very next day to see how consistent it was, and yes, we were not disappointed. I truly feel if you can over seem the little chaos at the entrance, you will find a place that will keep you having great food. Thanks you and I’ll...

I had not been to Lali for a few years, and I am sorry I took so long to remember how great this local restaurant is. I like everything about this place and I always have. I guess I just don't get out often enough to get back around to this one. I will not let that happen again, because this place is too good to forget, and I think it's in the top two or three restaurants in Santa Cruz, and I sure would not argue if someone claimed it was the best.

Our most recent experience was a busy Saturday night, and though we arrived 10 minutes early for our reservation, they were so gracious and sat us almost immediately even though they were full and had folks waiting for tables. Our service was almost perfect, we were served drinks and wine quickly and we all ordered the same fabulous entree, the Filet kabobs. I knew from previous visits that this was not to be missed and my guests took my lead, so all four of us ordered the same thing. I know, not adventurous, but still a great choice as we all raved about how great the whole entree dish was presented and the fabulously tasty and tender steak. The steak is served with saffron rice with black currants and it was a great compliment to the steak and the three dipping sauces that come with it. Even the steamed vegetable were cooked perfectly and looked fresh and appetizing

The only glitch was that one of our appetizers didn't make it to the order. The waitress was so awesome about the mistake, and even though we said it was ok, the other appetizers were great, so we didn't miss it, she still had it brought to our table so we could taste it anyway with our entrees, and we were not charged for it. Nice recovery! She also brought us a taste of the pistachio ice cream to taste too. She just went out of her way all through the dinner to make us feel special. Just really great service from start to finish, and that is so nice to complement great food.

So, this place has earned a well deserved five stars from me and I will return...

All dishes we ordered looked and tasted amazing. I ordered the lamb kabob, my companion ordered the roasted cauliflower. We shared two appetizers of 3 bean with lamb soup and spinach Bolani. The 3 dipping sauces complimented the Bolani very well. I particularly loved the apricot sauce. For desert, I ordered an excellent chocolate mouse. It was light and airy, like a good mouse should be. My companion had the rose meringue with balsamic strawberries, Chantilly creme, pistachio crumbles and mint. The chef really has a flair for combining flavors that make for an amazing dining experience. The wait staff was very attentive, polite and friendly. The seating on this warm day was in the outdoor patio, but they have a very spacious indoor dining room as well. Both are very pleasant settings. The patio was filled with lots of broad-leafed ferns and trees shading the entire area. If it gets cold, there are also heaters. One wall of the patio is covered with a climbing vine that was displaying its glorious Fall colors. It was a fabulous dining experience and I can't recommend Laili highly enough. As we were leaving someone entering the restaurant asked how we liked our meals, he said he heard it was the best restaurant in Santa Cruz. Well, as for me, it was most definitely the best meal I've enjoyed in Santa Cruz. The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the meal. Do yourself a favor and give it a try. It is a popular dining location, so reservations are...