Monday, January 13, 2025

Laylak: Modern Lebanese Cuisine in Toronto





Laylak, which means “lilac” in Arabic, promises diners authentic Middle Eastern flavours while encapsulating the culture of Lebanon in a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. A gorgeous cream and gold dining room with high ceilings, elegant padded walls, pillowy soft velvety ultrasuede banquettes, custom floral light fixtures and colourful blown-glass bottles, the atmosphere at Laylak is like dining inside of a jewellery box. Designed by Lavish Design and inspired by Lebanese architecture, the visual pièce de résistance is an enormous celestial centerpiece of 36 gold and white chandeliers, ingeniously, extravagantly, and laboriously fused together into a glorious tangle that descends from the ceiling.

Co-owned by Youssef Harb and Hashem Almasri, Laylak serves a seasonal menu of authentic Lebanese dishes and imported ingredients, showcasing their commitment to Lebanese cuisine. The menu is put together by Executive Chef Hazem Al Hamwi who grew up in Syria, son of an accomplished home cook, and who later cut his culinary teeth as chef to American ambassadors in both Damascus and Beirut. 

Using generations-old recipes passed down through the ages to the vibrant spices and flavours that tell stories of an ancient culinary heritage, Laylak's dishes represent the rich tapestry of Lebanon’s cultural legacy in every bite. The menu features a range of authentic Lebanese dishes, including classic mezze plates like hummus, baba ghanouch, and kibbeh, as well as heartier mains like Freekeh with Beef Cheek, Chicken Tawouk, and lovely grilled seafood. Each dish is expertly prepared using only the freshest ingredients, with a focus on locally sourced, sustainable produce and meat.

Bar manager Wei Zhou is also committed to telling the restaurant’s story through his bar menu. His eponymous Laylak is a balanced cocktail with sour and sweet notes and hints of lavender, the gin-based beverage is finished with a sprinkling of butterfly pea powder that turns it light purple — both gorgeous and delicious. With its combination of expertly prepared cuisine and extensive wine list, Laylak is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning diners.


Interior of Laylak

Enormous celestial centerpiece of 36 gold and white chandeliers, ingeniously, extravagantly, and laboriously fused together into a glorious tangle that descends from the ceiling 

Laylak namesake cocktail made with lavender-infused gin and a blue syrup extracted from 
butterfly pea blossoms that when mixed with lemon juice, elderflower liqueur and mint, 
alchemically morphs into a majestic shade of purple

Laylak Basil Hayden Old Fashioned

With a crunchy outer shell of lean ground beef and bulgur seasoned with ground cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice filled with ground brisket, the Kibbeh is served on a creamy bed of Beirut-style hummus 

Whipped Labneh with 
beets, frissé and roasted almonds

Hummus Tenderloin with pomegranate seeds and nuts

Chef Hazem Al Hamwi’s pillowy pita

Smokey Baba Ghanoush made with fire-roasted eggplant, tahini and lemon

Kefta Kebab with parsley salad, vegetables and salsa verde

















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