Layla

Layla is on the top floor of The Den in Whitefield and follows the minimalist theme of this stylish hotel. The colours are muted and the chairs and sofas add a bright note. There’s an outdoor deck, a windswept space, where you can lounge on comfortable seating, sipping cocktails and taking in the view – of highrises and moving traffic below.

At Layla, they’ve made the bold leap to go with a small, compact menu of Mediterranean classics. And the restaurant deserves credit for just that to begin with. So, those whose constant restaurant refrain is ‘not enough choice’ are going to be less than pleased here. Here, you can graze through a well-designed selection of cold and hot meze platters and then choose from a dozen entrees.

The cold meze comprises small plates of dishes like Msabbaha, which is hummus with extra attitude, and sweet-smoky Chargrilled Bell Pepper with chunks of feta and swimming in oregano oil. Then, there’s the Roasted Eggplant, which is mashed and enriched with loads of butter and pistachio. It’s delicious scooped up with warm pita. My pick from the hot meze is the Sardines Shallow Fried, simply cooked and topped with lemon zest and walnuts.

If you want something familiar from the entrees, there’s a nicely executed Agnolotti filled with Ricotta and spinach. The Shakshuka is all runny egg, tomato and peppers. The Braised Lamb Shanks at Layla, made slightly sweet by the apricots and pumpkin it is cooked with, is another star dish.

For dessert, there’s the sweet-salty, rich Knafeh as also Roasted Figs topped with almond crumble. A good wine list and cocktail selection round off the Layla experience. This is a place for elegant, refined Mediterranean fare.

Address: The Den, ITPL Main Road, KIADB Export Promotion Industrial Area, Whitefield, Bengaluru 560066
Ph: 080 4512 8657
Meal for two: Approximately Rs.2,000 + taxes, without alcohol