[Sam]

I haven't seen much about this restaurant other than occassional mention in the Wed. chat, but a friend and I went there last night for dinner. In comparison to Lebanese Taverna, I must say this is much better. Note: we split 5 mezzas and they were all vegetarian as my friend doesn't eat meat.

We stuck with your basics standards but thought they were well executed. Had a pomegranate hommass-your basic hommos with with pom. juice on top. (we actually ordered a 2nd one later since we liked it so much). It was well made, very smooth and creamy, not too garlicky, but the juice just added a nice sweet/tart note that is a bit unexpected (but in a good way)

Had the moussaka-eggplant, onion, tomatoes, chickpeas. We both enjoyed it, but definitely had other favorites of the night. It was cold which we weren't expecting, and came as a bit of a shock since we were expecting something else. It was a good melding of flavors in more of a vegetable stew kind of dish, rather than a layered casserole that I think of when I think moussaka.

Middle Eastern cheese-2 1/2" thick, maybe 6" long slice of cheese, said to be served warm, we found ours to be at best lukewarm. Probably the least liked of the bunch. One was covered in black sesame seeds, the other in zaatar. I just found it didn't have a whole lot of flavor.

Spinach Fatayer-a good rendition, nothing mind-blowing, not too inventive, just a good spinach pocket. Very generous on the filling, which I have found can be stingy at some places.

Last, vegetarian kibbeh-I think this was my favorite of the night. Triangle shaped filled wheat shells with walnuts, peppers, and pom. sauce, then deep fried. The outside had a wonderful crispness to it without being greasy at all. The inside was so hot I burned my mouth a bit, but is was a wonderful oozy gooiness. Not to oozy to spill everywhere, but enough to feel a wonderful texture contrast in your mouth.

That's it, sorry to be so long, hope I didn't bore you! Our bill was $42 (6 mezzas and one iced tea), not including tip. The interior was very nice-the usual Middle Eastern decorations, but tastefully done. It was not crowded at all when we were there, but I could see this being a nice place to bring a date on a weekend. Very large selection of vegetarian choices-I would say over half of the menu actually.

[Yentruoc]

This place is on my way to my CSA pickup, and I've been curious...thanks for the report.

[MichelleW]

Unearthing this thread because Layalina has long been one of my favorite "secret finds" in North Arlington. My fiance, his mother, and I had mezze for about $50 (no drinks) before we went to the theater last night. I have introduced any number of ex-boyfriends and friends to the place, which is far better than Lebanese Taverna, never as crowded, and far more reasonably priced.

One thing I will say for Lebanese Taverna: they know how to do the bread. But it doesn't justify the inflation of their prices or the ridiculous waits or their unwillingness to take reservations for the entire restaurant. Layalina's atmosphere is so much more laid back, the people always recognize you, and the food is simply wonderful. I truly cannot say enough good things about the restaurant. Go here! It does tend to get crowded on Friday and Saturday nights but, otherwise, it's seems to be pretty quiet.

(Maybe they do a respectible lunch business?)

[Nadya]

MichelleW, on Dec 20 2005, 12:14 AM, said:

(Maybe they do a respectible lunch business?)

They don't, actually. But they should.

My boss took me to Layalina for a celebration recently, and I thoroughly enjoyed. To my dismay, we were a second table in an otherwise empty dining room. Why is that happening when the nearby Potbelly and lord knows what other class of establishment are jammed with khaki-clad crowds, is a mystery I will never comprehend.

The trouble with dissecting the food you were raised on is that it never really feels like dining out. It feels like home. Like eating in your friend's mama's kitchen, where you expect no Michelin-style perfection but a heart-warming meal, not crisply elegant service but plenty of good cheer. That type of food, you simply can't critique. So I will just say that it felt like home to me.

The dining room looks just a hair width away from the Middle Eastern theme park, with every class of gong and trinket occupying every bit of wall and corner space. What would look garish elsewhere feels endearing here because see above, you don't expect perfection.

Layalina is obsessed with pomegranate seeds and juice and ladles it on everything on the menu, from which it mostly benefits. The food, let's see, roast eggplant with walnut and parsley and pomegranate extract was divine, packing all the requisite smokiness and richness of eggplant flesh accented with pomegranate tartness and crunchiness of nuts, check. Stuffed grape leaves, a classic and never wavering, check. Kafta bil jawz, they say it's an ancient Syrian recipe, but really who can tell who got there first, we are still steaming over Azeris stealing out dolma primacy, anyway, check, kafta was delicious, a touch dry but flavorful grilled chunks of mincemeat, if there were walnuts and bulghur in the mix, they must have been ground into submission. It came with a generous side of tomato slices, onion rounds and greens, and no one at home ever worried you need to go to your next meeting with onion breath, and what kind of sissy are you anyway to be concerned with these things, and the salad that could have been very generic was made special by a sprinkling of tart, sour red ground spice I couldn't place at first.

"Sumak," said an elderly gentleman who kept a languid eye over the dining room. You know the type, heavy-lidded, unhurried, commonly found in abundance on porches and courtyards of Levant or Maghreb, playing sheshbesh, sipping tea, dispensing life wisdom. "It's called sumak. Would you like a bit?" He strolled in and out of the kitchen and handed me a small container full of reddish powder. "Try it. If you like it, Halalco has it." Just like your friend's mom will hand you her dog-eared recipe.

I hope they do a brisk business for dinner because I would love them to stay in business. I don't feel like home very often.

[mdt]

We were looking for a new place in the Courthouse area to go for dinner last night. I remember driving past this place a couple of weeks ago on an errand and figured it would be worth a try. I should have figured that someone would have posted about it here, but I had spelled it incorrectly and did not find the thread until now. All that said, we had a good Sunday dinner that started with a couple of mazza and entrees. We had the following Hommos M'Damas, Mousakaa, Shish Tawook, and Kafta Bil Jawz and all were delicious and full of flavor. The hommos was different (at least to me, in that it was not pureed) and refreshing and I really enjoyed my Kafta, although it was a bit dry as noted above. The garlic sauce served with the shish tawook was great went very well with the cubes of chicken. My only complaint is the lame pita that they serve.

On top of everything this is a family owned place which is great to see and support. Entree prices keep this out of range for a $20-Tuesday, but it would make for a decent casual week night dinner.

Restaurant info here.

[mtwright72]

This restaurant gets little attention, but thought it should be brought back up. Just returned from a really nice meal there. It was as comfortable as ever, I had the friendliest service I have received in Arlington in as long as I can recall, and it didn't break the bank. This is a great "off the beaten path" restaurant that deserves far more attention then it gets.

[Kibbee Nayee]

This is my birthday restaurant, and I just enjoyed another one. Friendliest service you're likely to encounter, and the food is first rate.

I had a few mezze with my partner, the highlight of which was a large (and cold) artichoke with a dipping oil filled with spices and herbs. Leaf by leaf, it was very nice. Girlfriend and I also split a baba ghanouj and lubei bil zet (okra in tomato sauce). The tastebuds were all atingle.

For my main course, I ordered kibbee nayee (duh!) and it was superb. Fresh, meaty, soothing....it was accompanied by iced onion leaves and an onion paste, plenty of fresh mint and lots of good pita. I could have easily downed two or three portions, and then ordered another one to roll around in on the floor.

Girlfriend had the stuffed eggplant with beef, which was delicious but seemed to be more of a cooler weather dish. Nonetheless, not a single bite was unenjoyable.

We (mostly me) finished with a nice glass of cloudy arak, followed by a Turkish coffee, and we left satisfied and happy.

[jtlinva]

This little gem will reward you greatly ... if you can find it. Located in a non-descript strip mall in Arlington, but worth the search . Have had the typical and most popular Lebanese dishes and look forward to expanding my choices. No misfires here yet. Bread a good as Lebanese Taverna, excellent sauces and a respectable Turkish (Lebanese coffee
) Relatively inexpensive fo portion size and very hospitable staff make for a pleasant evening.

[Kibbee Nayee]

It's worth keeping in mind that this restaurant actually has a few distinctions from all the other Middle Eastern restaurants around town. First of all, it unabashedly announces that it serves Syrian food, along with Lebanese food. That's an important distinction -- Lebanese food is generally Levantine cuisine with a French influence. Syria was smack dab on the spice caravan routes from the Orient to Europe. Some of the vegetarian appetizers, like the (count them!) 7 hummus dishes, and the roasted eggplant salad, are very Syrian. Oh yeah, and if you call ahead for Rima's Chicken Special (whole stuffed chicken dinner that serves two, or just me), you'll be eating Syrian love on a platter.

[MichelleW]

Has anyone had any of the call ahead items on the menu? It's been awhile since we've been to Layalina and I think we need to drive up to Arlington for a visit.

[KMango]

After a long morning of hiking and chasing turkeys in Maryland (long story), I stumbled into Layalina this afternoon for a belated take out lunch. It’s been almost two years since my last venture here.

I had forgotten how welcoming the restaurant appears, both in décor and demeanor. While awaiting my order, I sat at the bar with a cup of coffee and talked with the owner (and husband of Chef Rima), Sam. Learning his story of how a commercial pilot became a banquet manager who became a restaurant owner inspired me on multiple levels.

When I arrived home, Bamieh Lamb Shank, rich with okra and tomato, and hummus with pistachios and cilantro disappeared as quickly as my hunger. Wholesome, satisfying, and hearty--an antidote for the Narnia-winter skies (the one in Michigan, not of Tumnus.)

For anyone sans Turkey Day plans, take note: Sam mentioned that Layalina will be open tomorrow with full menu service available.

[Kibbee Nayee]

KMango, on 25 November 2009 - 03:14 PM, said:

After a long morning of hiking and chasing turkeys in Maryland (long story), I stumbled into Layalina this afternoon for a belated take out lunch. It’s been almost two years since my last venture here.

I had forgotten how welcoming the restaurant appears, both in décor and demeanor. While awaiting my order, I sat at the bar with a cup of coffee and talked with the owner (and husband of Chef Rima), Sam. Learning his story of how a commercial pilot became a banquet manager who became a restaurant owner inspired me on multiple levels.

When I arrived home, Bamieh Lamb Shank, rich with okra and tomato, and hummus with pistachios and cilantro disappeared as quickly as my hunger. Wholesome, satisfying, and hearty--an antidote for the Narnia-winter skies (the one in Michigan, not of Tumnus.)

For anyone sans Turkey Day plans, take note: Sam mentioned that Layalina will be open tomorrow with full menu service available.

Reminds me of Thanksgivings past. My parents both passed away this year. Growing up, my Syrian mom had a Thanksgiving feast with a turkey as the centerpiece, but with all Syrian sides, including the most to-die-for rice and lamb and pine nut stuffing imaginable. When I would bring an occasional friend to Thanksgiving at our home, the raves would follow for months. Desert was her home made baklava....thanks for the very sweet memories.

[ScotteeM]

Heading for North Arlington to run errands yesterday and looking to try something new for lunch, we settled on Layalina, based mainly on Don's placing it at the top of his list for that area in the Dining Guide.

OK, it was raining, but we were the only diners in the place the entire time we were there. Service was gracious and welcoming. The decor was charming, and helped us feel like we were being swept far away from Northern Virginia.

To our extreme regret, we weren't very hungry, and WW was going for a run with the dog later, so we decided to share only three small plates: artichoke salad, the daily special of roasted cauliflower, and the soujuk. Wow!!! We practically licked our plates! It was our first time trying Syrian cuisine, and we loved every bite. The salad seemed simple enough, but was refreshing and light, and a good contrast to the complex beef sausage and the cumin (?) flavored cauliflower. Pomegranate seeds provided lovely punctuation marks everywhere.

We discussed our next visit even as we finished our little meal, and spent the rest of the afternoon wishing we could go right back for more. Based on comments above, I'd love to try Rima's chicken that requires 24-hour notice. The Kibbee Nayeh sounds so good it might be worth breaking my gluten-free diet to try (not much is worth that). This lovely place will become a prominent part of our rotation, to be sure!

As others have said, this is not just "middle eastern" cuisine, but uniquely Syrian (and Lebanese, which we look forward to trying). It is certainly a cuisine I'd like to get to know better.

[Kibbee Nayee]

ScotteeM, on 18 January 2010 - 10:51 AM, said:

Heading for North Arlington to run errands yesterday and looking to try something new for lunch, we settled on Layalina, based mainly on Don's placing it at the top of his list for that area in the Dining Guide.
OK, it was raining, but we were the only diners in the place the entire time we were there. Service was gracious and welcoming. The decor was charming, and helped us feel like we were being swept far away from Northern Virginia.
To our extreme regret, we weren't very hungry, and WW was going for a run with the dog later, so we decided to share only three small plates: artichoke salad, the daily special of roasted cauliflower, and the soujuk. Wow!!! We practically licked our plates! It was our first time trying Syrian cuisine, and we loved every bite. The salad seemed simple enough, but was refreshing and light, and a good contrast to the complex beef sausage and the cumin (?) flavored cauliflower. Pomegranate seeds provided lovely punctuation marks everywhere.
We discussed our next visit even as we finished our little meal, and spent the rest of the afternoon wishing we could go right back for more. Based on comments above, I'd love to try Rima's chicken that requires 24-hour notice. The Kibbee Nayeh sounds so good it might be worth breaking my gluten-free diet to try (not much is worth that). This lovely place will become a prominent part of our rotation, to be sure!
As others have said, this is not just "middle eastern" cuisine, but uniquely Syrian (and Lebanese, which we look forward to trying). It is certainly a cuisine I'd like to get to know better.

Welcome to my world. If you need a tour guide next time, I would be honored.

Not to beat a dead horse, but in Sietsema's 50 Favorites, there is not one Middle Eastern restaurant. Simply in terms of atmosphere, ambiance, hospitality and graciousness, this place is easily Top 50, if not Top 10. But of all my favorite Middle Eastern haunts -- Mediterranean Gourmet Market, Lebanese Butcher, Jerusalem and even the resurgent Lebanese Taverna -- Layalina is the most consistent, the most enjoyable and the most Syrian.

[MichelleW]

Kibbee Nayee, on 18 January 2010 - 02:34 PM, said:

Not to beat a dead horse, but in Sietsema's 50 Favorites, there is not one Middle Eastern restaurant. Simply in terms of atmosphere, ambiance, hospitality and graciousness, this place is easily Top 50, if not Top 10. But of all my favorite Middle Eastern haunts -- Mediterranean Gourmet Market, Lebanese Butcher, Jerusalem and even the resurgent Lebanese Taverna -- Layalina is the most consistent, the most enjoyable and the most Syrian.

It's also the best. Lebanese Taverna is seriously overrated in comparison to Layalina, but I am secretly glad that Layalina stays (just slightly) below the radar.

[Kibbee Nayee]

Just enjoyed another fine birthday meal at Layalina last night. I am unabashedly a fan of this place. It is all of mom-n-pop graciousness, honest food great service, good value and warm atmosphere.

Mezze covered the table and we variously chowed down on kibbee footballs (my 15-year-old son ate 12 of them), hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouli, and beets with tabboulli. And, of course, kibbee nayee! Everything was fresh and flawless. The smokiness of the baba ghanouj and the absolute comfort of the kibbee nayee were highlights for me.

Last night, it was Rima's chicken for me and girlfriend, while the kids variously enjoyed warak enab (stuffed grape leaves), shish taouk (chiken kabob) and more kibbee footballs. The warak enab was very nice, with the grape leaf cigars served over pita and yogurt, and with a nice mound of braised lamb shank meat in the middle of the plate. Even my finicky 10-year-old son gobbled down the chicken kabobs with gusto.

Sam is a gracious host. And the kitchen didn't miss a beat even though Rima was out of town on a vacation to Kuwait and Syria. This is my comfort headquarters, and last night did not disappoint.

[Barbara]

Kibbee Nayee, on 31 May 2010 - 11:21 AM, said:

Mezze covered the table and we variously chowed down on kibbee footballs (my 15-year-old son ate 12 of them)

Are you talking about the kind that you brought to the picnic? 12 of THEM??? I mean, I remember my brother at 15 getting up from the dinner table to look in the refrigerator to see if there was something to eat, but that's ridiculous.

[Kibbee Nayee]

Barbara, on 31 May 2010 - 10:02 PM, said:

Are you talking about the kind that you brought to the picnic? 12 of THEM??? I mean, I remember my brother at 15 getting up from the dinner table to look in the refrigerator to see if there was something to eat, but that's ridiculous.

He's 15, but he's 6'3" and weighs 220 lbs., with the appetite of a racehorse. If I had brought him to the picnic I believe the pig would not have made it to the table.