Laili
| Address: | 101 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA |
| Phone: | +1 831-423-4545 |
| Site: | lailirestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | Closed 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
PA
Paul Bacon
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 dont 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 its 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 didnt 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 didnt 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 much sooner.
RO
Robert B
they are to busy to take a togo order for desert? i have eaten here before and liked the food,the fact that you can not call them to order to go or as far as i can tell even make a res.(they only have mess. phone) didnt stop me from driving down there to stand in line to order a desert to go,the lady helping me went and asked here manager he told her to tell me we are to busy,to busy to sell food? that is why you are in business,i own 3 business myself here in santa cruz, i have found it is best to encourage business not dissuade it. i told them if the problem was too much business then i would help with that, i will never go there again,and if we get enough folks to do as i do then maybe they will find time for customers.
JU
Julia Moffett
Absolutely love this place! We ate there once and fell in love with their food so we decided to have our rehearsal dinner there. We went back several times to taste more things and every time our experience was great! Great food, great service, super friendly staff. For our rehearsal dinner (28) they were great! All the food was great and came out hot and together. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The price was also very reasonable. We had several people in our group with allergies and they were able to modify dishes for them to make sure that everyone had something they loved. Weve heard nothing but awesome things from our guests about the food as well. Id highly recommend them!
AS
Ashika Vinod
We went there on Saturday at 5pm. We were disappointed that there was no table available even though they just opened. I could see the whole restaurant was empty but no tables available at 5pm. We ended up trying another restaurant that night. Following day we made reservations for lunch. We sat outside in the patio which was nice and relaxing. The patio has umbrella. They give free naan and sauce which is delicious. I ordered chicken kabobs. I would say the food portion are small. It was delicious. My husband had beef Kabob which he loved it. He had Santa Cruz wine but it tasted as if it was opened for long time. He complained and they replaced with another glass. Overall the food is good here.
JO
Joan LeMahieu
I walked in on a rainy Saturday just after 2 p.m. and was greeted by the hostess Kate. She informed me about the closing time (2:30 p.m.) and carefully described how many people were ahead of me and the fact that I may be waiting until after closing time when she could no longer seat me. I chose to wait and she checked in with me at least three times to update me. Wow! Someone who really cared about my experience here! I was served by Amil who was very friendly, informative and patiently repeated herself as I have a hearing issue. The food was excellent! However, it was the kindness and competence of the staff that made my time at Lailis extraordinary. Thank you!!
JE
Jenelle Collazo
Went for lunch with my friend and husband. The naan was delicious but the meals werent anything to race about. I had the chicken skewers with pomegranate seeds sauce(?) But the chicken was dry breast meat and the pomegranate seemed out of place flavor-wise. I wouldnt order it again. My friend had a salad and my husband had the steak skewers, which when I tried a piece was very chewy. Atmosphere, was great! Outside seating on the patio was beautiful. The side was nice and open and beautifully decorated. It is in downtown Santa Cruz so parking can be on the street or parking garage close by.
JI
Jim Brown
Food is consistently good, menu really hits the good spots of my taste. Try for outdoor seating -- its VERY noisy inside, while the environment outdoors is lovely. Dont even think of ordering a hot drink here (coffee, tea) -- they dont know how to boil water, or to warm the cups they serve it in. There are a few nice beers on tap -- I especially like a local Belgian-style dark ale. Siamese Twin (?) or something like that. Theyre quite popular, so count on a wait without a reservation. This would be 5 stars if not for the cold "hot" beverages and high noise level.
NA
Nalani N
A group of us grabbed a bite here, it was no problem getting a walk-in table for 5 at around 6:30 on a weeknight. The food was wonderful, the restaurant is beautiful inside and out. The service was attentive, friendly, and knowledgable. Portion sizes are very generous. What more could you ask for when visiting Santa Cruz? Bolani Combo - 5/5 Chicken Kebab - 4/5 Lamb Kebab - 4/5 Chicken Apricot Pita - 4/5 Special Peach Salad - 5/5 Trout - 4/5 Pitcher of Sangria - 5/5 ** Not really an Afghani restaurant, more a Mediterranean restaurant. **
FR
Fred Brooks
Excellent once again. We just had the beef roulade and the beef mantu. Yum! No pics but trust me it was great! Sesame seeds in the roulade made it extra good. And the mantis was light and delicate and delicious. A first timer came in behind us and got the custard French toast at 7pm. I did not know you could do that - have had it for brunch but nice to know I can get it at night. This is such a great and reliable place. Small and cozy and authentic. Fabulous attentive service.
