Laya

Located in the sprawling former Le Jardin space, this upscale Middle Eastern concept comes from Top Chef Middle East winner Charbel Hayek, the Lebanese-born chef behind West Hollywood’s Ladyhawk. The minimalist-meets-Tulum design feels warm and inviting, with plenty of comfortable lounge seating, a fire pit and two bars perfect for catching a drink before or after a nearby show. Among Laya’s smaller appetizers, I enjoyed the Australian Wagyu kibbeh nayeh and freshly made pitas paired with olives, balls of goat cheese and za’atar spice in olive oil. There’s also a section of straightforward, vegan-friendly kebabs and larger entrées. For dessert, ask about the off-menu knafeh, which pairs sweet cheese and phyllo dough with a fragrant simple syrup, or opt for the showier rose soft serve topped with a delightful cotton candy cloud. A meal at Laya largely stays within the lines of a see-and-be-seen Hollywood hot spot, but Hayek’s thoughtful sourcing and attention to detail still manages to make almost every dish shine.