Leyla: A Hidden Gem of the Upper West Side

After six months of relying on just takeout and delivery due to the pandemic, Leyla, an Upper West Side bistro located on West 74th Street, officially reopened for indoor dining. The quaint space has been impeccably designed to ensure a safe dining experience and features MERV 13 filters, UV lighting, glass partitions, and seats up to 16 people. Serving Turkish-Mediterranean fusion, some of the menu’s highlights include Pides, a signature flatbread with varieties such as Slow-Cooked Short Rib paired with kashar cheese and Lahmacun (minced meat, sumac, onion, parsley and tomato). Mezzes and salads are bountiful on the menu, with options like Eggplant Caviar, hummus, and Shaved Zucchini & Asparagus Salad. Hot starters like the Pacanga Boregi, a pastry filled with pastirma, kashar cheese and green peppers, are worth a try as well.

For dessert, you can enjoy a Pistachio Mud Heaven, made with dried kataifi, roasted pistachios and sherbet, Tahini and Honey Flatbread with toasted walnuts or Hazelnut Rice Pudding.

Leyla offers an expertly curated list of Turkish wines as well as a number of options from the U.S., Italy and France. Select cocktails include the Botanist, made with gin…