Laili

4.7

2864 Reviews

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Make a booking

2 people

24 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 16 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighbourhood gem
Great for outdoor dining
Good for special occasions

Laili is our expression of love through food and service. We offer a unique menu made up of fusion Afghani Mediterranean items that include kabobs, wraps, flatbreads, pastas, and spiced lamb and chicken dishes as well as delicious vegetarian options.

Laili Restaurant "BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT", Good Times 2023, Voted #1

Rich Mediterranean Flavors with a Unique Afghan Twist in the Heart of Downtown Santa Cruz.
Currently taking reservations for lunch and dinner, walk-ins welcome too.

Dine in our elegant, secluded, off street patio. Visit our website for event information.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Afghan
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(831) 423-4545
Website
http://lailirestaurant.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Get Laili’s Food at your location! Call or email us for prices and availability. Parties 50-500
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate gathering, Laili Restaurant can accommodate all your special event needs.
Private party contact
Xander Nicolai: (831) 423-4545

Location
101B Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Area
Santa Cruz
Cross Street
Pacific Avenue
Parking details
Take advantage of free parking located on River Street at Front Street. In addition to metered street parking, there is also a parking lot at Front Street and Soquel and also at Locust Street and Pacific Avenue.
Additional
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Experiences

Lunchtime Oasis
Multiple dates available
Come experience lunch time at Laili, the hidden gem of Downtown Santa Cruz! Sit and relax on our gorgeous patio and enjoy the sunshine, the beautiful vines and flowers all around that envelop you with the feel of a secret garden, and of course, our delicious, fresh food! We offer special lunch time combos, an amazing wine list and delicious and refreshing non-alcoholic options like our fresh Ginger Lime Soda. Take some time to slow down and treat yourself.

Popular dishes

Mediterranean plateUS$15.00
hummus, tabbouleh, babaghanoush, cucumber yogurt
Maush-awa soupUS$15.00
5 bean soup with braised lamb, qurut yogurt
Vegetarian Maush-awa soupUS$14.00
5 bean soup, qurut yogurt
Kadoo boraneeUS$16.00
butternut squash, garlic, qurut yogurt, mint
BolaniUS$15.00
crispy flatbread filled with your choice of spinach or butternut squash

Salads

Add: Chicken $12, Grilled Prawns $14

Mixed greensUS$11.00
pomegranate seeds, cardamom-herb dressing
- halfUS$11.00
- fullUS$14.00
Moroccan beet saladUS$16.00
turmeric, coriander, marinated beets, wild arugula, goat cheese
Cilantro caesar saladUS$12.00
romaine, cilantro, mint, parmesan, house made naan crisps
- HalfUS$12.00
- FullUS$16.00
Greek saladUS$13.00
romaine, feta, kalamata, tomato, cucumber, onion, lemon vinaigrette
- HalfUS$13.00
- FullUS$17.00
Spinach saladUS$14.00
pickled onion, candied walnuts, seared halloumi, balsamic vinaigrette
- HalfUS$14.00
- FullUS$18.00

Wraps and Flatbreads*

Veggie wrapUS$18.00
hummus, wild arugula, cucumbers, tomato, red onion
Saffron chicken wrapUS$20.00
wild arugula, tomato, red onion
Lamb wrapUS$20.00
wild arugula, tomato, red onion
Eggplant parmesan flatbreadUS$20.00
caramelized onions, fresh tomato sauce, qurut yogurt, mint
Grilled chicken flatbreadUS$22.00
parmesan, apricot chutney, medjool dates, pomegranate, mint
Pear gorgonzola flatbreadUS$20.00
caramelized onion, balsamic reduction, microgreens

Entrees

Arugula pestoUS$22.00
house made pasta, sundried tomato, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts
Salmon pastaUS$29.00
house made fettuccine, creamy tomato basil sauce, capers
Braised lamb pastaUS$29.00
house made fettuccine, tomato cream sauce, zucchini, green onion
Pomegranate eggplantUS$25.00
saffron basmati rice, chard, caramelized onion, qurut yogurt
Roasted cauliflowerUS$25.00
chickpeas, tomato ginger sauce, saffron basmati rice, salata
Pomegranate chicken kabobUS$26.00
saffron basmati rice, arugula
Filet Mignon KabobUS$34.00
Filet Mignon with a garlic lime sauce, kabuli rice, mixed vegetables
Lamb kabobUS$36.00
saffron basmati rice, arugula
TroutUS$29.00
lemon, parsley, garlic, saffron basmati rice, salata
Lamb BurgerUS$25.00
topped with mint aioli, butternut leaf lettuce, red onion, tomato, and swiss cheese, mix greens: served with roasted paprika potatoes and mix greens salad

Lunch Combo

Two of the following items $22, All three of the following items $29

Bolani
butternut squash or spinach
Maush awa soup
with lamb or vegetarian
Mixed greens

What 2,864 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Overall
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Food
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Service
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Ambience
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Value
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Innovative
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Healthy
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Neighbourhood gem
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Great for outdoor dining
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Romantic
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Good for special occasions
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Laili offers a delightful dining experience with "fantastic food" and a "beautiful outdoor patio." Known for its Mediterranean-inspired menu, it features standout dishes like the pomegranate eggplant and lamb shank. Guests appreciate the "friendly service" and unique flavors. While some note occasional service lapses, the overall ambiance is "lovely," making it a must-visit.

2,864 Reviews

A
Anne
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great accommodation of a large party. Thank you for having us. All the food was delicious and I’m sure you will have our business in the future.
Is this helpful?
A
Anil
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and ambiance. Service was timely and staff was knowledgeable and helpful.
Is this helpful?
C
C.
VIP
San Francisco
43 reviews
5.0
43 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent service with delicious food in a lovely courtyard
Is this helpful?
D
Donald
San Francisco
47 reviews
4.0
47 reviews
Dined on 11 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The four of us had the trout, the lamb burger, the salmon filet and the squash appetizer. Everyone enjoyed their selection.
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 8 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Excellent menu options. Eclectic and oh so good. Service delightful.
Is this helpful?
N
Neil
San Francisco
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on 8 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Seated outdoors cold and wait person did not want to move heater.
Is this helpful?
S
Sheri
San Francisco
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 6 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great evening with good friends and a delicious meal. The service was impeccable!
Is this helpful?
S
Sabina
VIP
Seattle
127 reviews
5.0
127 reviews
Dined on 30 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful restaurant with a lovely outdoor space as well. The food is amazing, savory and fresh. Nice wine list too. Had the lamb burger with salad and potatoes... To die for! Also had the meringue and strawberry dessert which was delicate and beautiful to look at. Really a stellar experience. Would highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
E
Erin
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 30 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We’ve been dining at Laili for years and we’re HUGE fans! You cannot go wrong with this simple but yet exquisite menu! One of my favorite things about this establishment is the consistency with their delicious food and wonderful service. This place is a gem!!!
Is this helpful?
H
Hugh
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 24 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was the best we’ve experienced in Santa Cruz. Very well trained staff!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Laili offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Laili also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 423-4545.

Laili is rated 4.7 stars by 2864 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

24 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 16 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

101B Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Pacific Avenue
Area
Santa Cruz
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–8:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mediterranean, Afghan
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Take advantage of free parking located on River Street at Front Street. In addition to metered street parking, there is also a parking lot at Front Street and Soquel and also at Locust Street and Pacific Avenue.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://lailirestaurant.com/
Phone number
(831) 423-4545
Catering
Get Laili’s Food at your location! Call or email us for prices and availability. Parties 50-500
Private party facilities
Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate gathering, Laili Restaurant can accommodate all your special event needs.
Private party contact
Xander Nicolai: (831) 423-4545

Laili

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Lunchtime Oasis

Pomegranate Eggplant

Lamb wrap

Lamb Pasta

Appetizers

Mediterranean plateUS$15.00

Maush-awa soupUS$15.00

Vegetarian Maush-awa soupUS$14.00

Kadoo boraneeUS$16.00

BolaniUS$15.00

Salads

Mixed greensUS$11.00

Moroccan beet saladUS$16.00

Cilantro caesar saladUS$12.00

Greek saladUS$13.00

Spinach saladUS$14.00

Wraps and Flatbreads*

Veggie wrapUS$18.00

Saffron chicken wrapUS$20.00

Lamb wrapUS$20.00

Eggplant parmesan flatbreadUS$20.00

Grilled chicken flatbreadUS$22.00

Pear gorgonzola flatbreadUS$20.00

Entrees

Arugula pestoUS$22.00

Salmon pastaUS$29.00

Braised lamb pastaUS$29.00

Pomegranate eggplantUS$25.00

Roasted cauliflowerUS$25.00

Pomegranate chicken kabobUS$26.00

Filet Mignon KabobUS$34.00

Lamb kabobUS$36.00

TroutUS$29.00

Lamb BurgerUS$25.00

Lunch Combo

Bolani

Maush awa soup

Mixed greens

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Laili offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Laili restaurant rated?

Is Laili currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information