Leila Cafe: Affordable Middle Eastern cuisine in Center City
Posted by Deidre Wengen
Living in Center City Philadelphia offers me a wide variety of dining options on a daily basis. Chinese one night, Italian the next. Brunch on the weekends and burritos for a quick, nightly pick-up. And it seems like the area around my apartment is constantly evolving. Since moving in over a year ago, I've witnessed at least six new restaurants open in a three-block radius.
My latest go-to place for good food is Leila Cafe, located on 13th and Pine Street. This small, family-run establishment serves up tasty, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at prices that won't break the bank.
The tiny restaurant boasts a menu that contains something for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Appetizers include lemony Baba Ghanoush served with warm pita bread, Tabouleh and Grape Leaves. Or you can try a bit of everything by order the Leila's Maza.
Fare suitable for lunch and dinner makes this the perfect choice for a mid-afternoon work outing or a romantic evening out. The large platters are served with spiced basmati rice and hummus. The choices range from the flavorful beef gyro platter to a delicious falafel one. And all generous platters and sandwiches are available for under $10, making this corner cafe an affordable dining-out option.
Leila Cafe also serves as a hookah bar for those that like to indulge. With over 10 different flavors of tobacco to choose from, you're sure to find something to your liking.
The service here is usually quite friendly, albeit a little haphazard. The owners definitely take pride in their work and that sometimes means customers have to wait a bit longer for their food to come out. Also, the staff is minimal, so if it gets really busy, prepare yourself for a few hold-ups.
The one minor drawback to Leila Cafe is that it's an alcohol-free establishment. No bar, no cocktails and no BYO beverages. However, the menu drinks contain freshly-blended fruit smoothies, delightful turkish coffee and quite possibly the best iced tea (flavored with honey and spices) that I've ever had.
This place is well worth a visit if you find yourself in the city. For more information, check out LeilaCafe.com
