Leila - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#918 of 1,740 Restaurants in Honolulu Mediterranean

Leila

4.0(2 community reviews)
Upscale ($$$)

About

Discover Leila, offering the best Japanese experience in Kaimuki. Enjoy Upscale ($$$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Slice of the Mediterranean on Kapiolani

Stepping into Leila, the bright, airy aesthetic immediately transports you away from the humid Honolulu streets into a polished Mediterranean oasis. The scent of wood-fired flatbreads and fresh citrus hits you the moment the heavy glass door swings open, mingling with the low hum of clinking glassware and energetic conversation. It is a space designed for those who appreciate a sharp, modern interior that doesn't feel overly stiff.

The Culinary Focus

Chef-driven plates define the experience here, focusing on bold, sun-drenched flavors that highlight local Hawaiian ingredients through a Levantine lens. The menu is anchored by signature mezzes and expertly charred proteins. Their hummus is notoriously silky, often arriving topped with seasonal garnishes that provide a necessary crunch against the smooth base. If you visit, the house-made pita—served blistering hot and dusted with za’atar—is non-negotiable.

The Neighborhood Pulse

Positioned in the heart of Honolulu, this spot captures the local demographic well, balancing a sophisticated lunch crowd with a relaxed, cocktail-forward evening vibe. It is ideal for an intimate date night or a high-energy group dinner where sharing is encouraged. Keep in mind that as the evening settles in, the acoustic profile of the room rises; it is a lively, high-decibel environment, perfect if you prefer your dining with a bit of momentum. Parking in this part of town can be a bit of a localized sport, so arrive a few minutes early to scout a spot along the nearby side streets.

Photos

Leila - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Leila - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Leila - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Leila - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Leila - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Leila - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Leila - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Leila - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Amenities & Features

Location

1108 12th Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816-3767

Directions

Reviews

Showing 7 of 2 community reviews
J

Jeff LawiGoogle Maps

Recently

Delicious food - I had high expectations given the connection to Miro and 430, and I wasn't disappointed. Every course was creative and balanced. The atmosphere is intimate, with mood lighting and an inviting blue and gold aesthetic.

E

EGoogle Maps

Recently

We had dinner at Leila on Saturday night and it was such a blast! The dishes are served family style which makes it super interactive and fun. I was impressed by the zero proof cocktails, seven course salad, wagyu, lamb, dessert and the service was so friendly from the hostess to servers and runners. We opted for add ons like the couscous and the meat pie which were totally worth it! Can’t wait to go back when the next menu rolls out!

T

Trase WagnerGoogle Maps

Recently

A true gem that exceeded every expectation. The omakase menu was a journey through Morocco’s varied flavors, with each dish beautifully plated and perfectly balanced in spices and textures. We opted for the wine pairing, and it was a brilliant choice – each glass complemented the food beautifully, enhancing flavors without overwhelming them. After the first bite of the seven salads, I understood the rest of the meal was going to be phenomenal and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend and will come back again soon.

K

K HGoogle Maps

Recently

For a while, I’ve been unable to feel “wowed” by food when eating out… finally with the first bites here I was wowed. Everything was spectacular from beginning to end, the food was delightfully complex. We are Lebanese and enjoyed the creative approaches to typical dishes like the Labne for example. Knowledgeable staff and attentive service, every bite was delicious with complex flavors— you can tell the chef is very passionate about his food. Highly recommend if you’re in Waikiki and looking for a break from all the Asian/Japanese fusion. Amazing!!!

G

GFLPGoogle Maps

Recently

LEILA IS SUCH A GEM! stumbled upon a reservation and made our first dinner in Honolulu unforgettable! The restaurant is small but mighty - I love how quaint it was and how everyone seemed to know each other - it was like a big dinner party! The star of the show were the 7 salads, wow I loved every single unique salad/dip/spread. The savory flavors and even the sweetness from the tomato jam - glorious! I would buy each of those and have them in my refrigerator on deck if I could. Also the fresh baked bread *chefs kiss* For the main entree we were able to get a meet and veggie - we chose the lamb and cauliflower. The presentation of the lamb was incredible and flavors were irresistible. The cauliflower was a great compliment and loved the pairing. We also had tea and the caramelized date cake with their house gelato. There was a party of flavors in mouth and wow were they having a blast! One of the best meals I’ve had on 3 of the islands I’ve visited I highly recommend this restaurant and tasting experience! Cannot wait to go back!

R

RoninGoogle Maps

Recently

Just opened today, first seating at 5:00pm. This Moroccan restaurant was absolutely delicious. My coworkers and I had to try it...not knowing they just opened. Atmosphere had a cool relaxing earthy vibe. Music played in the background. The noise wasn't bad, enough to mask the neighboring tables but soft enough to hear your own conversations. Service was especially on point. You were not rushed. They allow time between course to enjoy the food at a leisurely pace. Since the dishes didn't come out at once. You could enjoy each dish and focus on it's taste. Staff watched your water levels, offer flat or sparkling water, and fold your napkins when you leave the table. Very cool attention to detail. The food was amazing. The menu seems complicated but it's actually simple. 3 course, the first and second are set. The third course is a shareable protein. We selected short ribs and lamb. Both dishes were soft, tender and moist. A balance of favor, no single element overpowered the other. Lastly, they had four specials of the night, we selected a puff pastry duck confit (like a pie). It was delicious. Next time I go back, I want to try the other items. I highly recommend the zero proof drinks. Only two available, I got the spicy trade, then I moved to an alcoholic beverage. Amazing over all, especially a must try for couples. I recommend to at least go once. Prices are slightly higher, but I think its worth it.

T

Tommy TangGoogle Maps

Recently

Absolutely unforgettable experience! Everything single dishes was amazing, we ordered everything and love their oysters 🦪. The soup was definitely unique and unexpectedly delicious, I also done the wine pairing as well. Totally worth it! We were so lucky to have Brenda, the general manager to serve our table, he is absolutely fantastic and we had so much fun and highly recommended this restaurant. FYI, their entrance is slightly low-keyed.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Leila

Common questions from diners about Leila in Honolulu.

At the moment, Leila is unable to accommodate strict vegan and vegetarian diets.

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