LĪLA Coastal Mediterranean — Restaurant in Tequesta

This place could be great with better attention to details. When you as a manager ask someone "how is everything" ? pertaining to our Greek salad.... and our reply is honestly the star of the dish the tomatoes were mushy.... the reply should not be oh I will let the chef know. Really? I had to request they bring some different tomatoes, which were marginally better but ehhh. The reason gave was "they are Heirloom tomatoes and tend to be that way" UMMMM BS I buy them and use them often, no mush from Whole Foods. Get a better supplier and check your products before service. So, the salad could have been great with one change. Entrees: Seared scallops are my favorite when done properly, and based on reviews and photos, I got a rush job. I was let down. They were fresh, but no sear and what really sucked was the awesome mushrooms underneath were not hot at all. On a bright note, the roast chicken was just awesome, really flavorful, hot and cooked perfectly. I am not a PITA I just know the difference of what great food should be. And for $200 plus yes, I expect nothing less. If the manager or owner is reading this, they should take it seriously as this is the time to make these corrections. One last picky thing: We sat at the bar and although both servers were friendly and did their best, we both felt neglected from start to finish. They are clearly mixing drinks for the entire restaurant in no particular location. So, you may have someone squeezing lime into someone's drink 5 feet in front of you and get squirted in the eye with citrus as you are eating. Fun! They should have designated staff in a designated area to make drinks for the restaurant while the bar staff really waits on the patrons sitting there. Have to say it, and not sure if this is their first restaurant. This was amateur hour. And with some changes it could be great. One more suggestion. Get a black drape to section off that huge unused bar area with junk laying on that counter. Sorry I only tell...

This used to be a restaurant called Andalusia, which wasn't very good. It was great to see something else replace it. It is clear that the owners spent a lot of money redoing the inside. It looks great! Unfortunately, this is where the positives end.

I was taken aback to see valet parking now. This is a quiet little neighborhood and Lila has an appropriately sized parking lot, so it is unclear why this is necessary. While "complimentary," this is a hassle and expense. You still have to tip the valets, and you have to remove valuables from your vehicle. Odd choice since there is a lot with ample spaces.

I went with a friend and we each ordered a cocktail. The happy hour prices were fair but the drinks were pretty meh, and we each ordered a different thing. I'm a vegetarian and was disappointed with the extremely limited offerings. I ended up ordering the $29 cauliflower steak because it was the only plant-based entree. The server asked me how I wanted it cooked. LOL - that should have been a signal to me to leave! I felt super ripped off - it was just a half head of bland cauliflower with some brussels leaves (I think) and it lacked any flavor. AND IT COST TWENTY-NINE DOLLARS! So disappointing and really expensive. Most of the entrees cost a lot more - yikes! Honestly I feel like a fool for paying for it but was curious. Lesson learned.

Another weird thing is that the check is brought in what looks like a cigar box. I am truly not sure what this adds to the dining experience but I found it bizarre. When I paid by credit card, it was returned to me in a different wooden box with the lid closed?

Hopefully Lila can make some adjustments and take this feedback to grow. My friend lives right in Tequesta Oaks and told me it is always empty, as it was when we went the...

This is a new restaurant that opened up so I hate to give a 3 star review but I always keep it honest on my reviews.

This used to be a different restaurant which was awful so I’m happy something new is here. However, there were a few disappointments. Everything seemed to just be lacking flavor. It feels like they are very close to becoming a great restaurant but need to work out a few things.

The waiter didn’t seem to know about gluten allergies. There’s no gluten free options on the menu but there are gluten free options if you ask for them but I’d be careful about it. The impression I got is that they are figuring things out as they go as opposed to figuring it all out before they opened up their doors.

The service and atmosphere was fantastic so they did a great job on that. The food just lacks flavor and taste. Nice presentation just was a bit of a disappointment and it’s not like it’s a cheap dinner. They have a side of mushrooms which had 0 taste and no seasoning. It was not pretty and you can see it in the pictures I posted. They tried to do much with the beef tartare and way too much garnish. Less is more with beef tartare. The ceviche was also lacking flavor as well as the pasta. The chorizo croquettes they absolutely got right and that was the only dish I truly enjoyed.

I hope this restaurant can turn it around and become a staple in Tequesta. Good luck to the owners and wish you nothing but success. I hope to dine here again once they are more prepared with gluten allergies and more flavor to their food. If that happens I’d love to come back here one day and hopefully change this review to 5 stars. Until then it’s a 3-3.5 stars.

If you’re the owner reading this feel free to contact me directly if you...