Layla by Meir Adoni

Layla by Meir Adoni: Middle Eastern Cuisine Reimagined

After his award-winning restaurants in Tel Aviv and New York, renowned star chef Meir Adoni opened his first establishment in Central Europe with Layla. As an Israeli chef with Moroccan roots, he created a distinctive culinary signature by combining Mediterranean modernity with Oriental tradition. On special evenings, Layla surprised both the eye and the palate. Although the Israeli celebrity chef’s restaurant was located in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, it was far from a classic hotel restaurant: guests entered Layla directly through a private entrance opposite the Tempodrom, where a large bar first welcomed them.

Layla’s cuisine was modern, bold, and playful. Meir Adoni drew inspiration from Middle Eastern street food and his grandmother’s recipes, elevating them to the level of casual fine dining. His complex flavor blends rarely used fewer than twelve ingredients. This made Layla one of Berlin’s most exciting restaurants for those who expected something special.

Signature Dishes and Atmosphere for Great Moments

The restaurant offered around 80 seats and a large open kitchen, allowing guests to experience the preparation firsthand. The interior was stylishly elegant: soft lighting, dark wood, lounge furniture, and warm earth tones. The menu was designed for sharing – which made the evening a true experience, especially for special occasions with a large group. The menu featured appetizers such as smoked trout donuts, confit duck in Lebanese pancakes with beetroot leaves, as well as the restaurant’s signature dishes: Layla veal tartare with smoked eggplant cream and goat labneh, and smoked eggplant carpaccio with feta, tahini, dates, and pistachios. Layla by Meir Adoni deliberately disregarded conventions.