As Brisbane continues to get bigger and better, everyone wants to get in on the action. The latest interstate import? Acclaimed Melbourne chef, restaurateur and television personality Shane Delia (Maha, Maha North, Maha East, Jayda) who is opening his first Queensland restaurant, , on Friday 28 March.
In a flavourful collision of Middle Eastern influences and local Queensland produce, Layla is based in the Thomas Dixon Centre, the home of Queensland Ballet. The restaurant will serve as an extension of the Centre’s artistic excellence, with an immersive menu drawing inspiration from global sources.
Image Credit: Layla | Supplied
For 17 years, Shane Delia has been serving up bold Middle Eastern flavors and unforgettable dining experiences at his flagship restaurant, Maha—now a staple of Melbourne’s food scene. And yes, we couldn't be more excited he's now bringing his signature flair for innovative flavours and top-tier hospitality to Brisbane.
“I’m honoured to open Layla as my first venture in Brisbane, a city that is continually showing ambition as a vibrant new culinary destination in Australia,” says Delia.
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Designed by Melbourne-based architecture firm (Stomping Ground Brewery, , Brick Lane Market), Layla is located within the historical, heritage-listed section of the Thomas Dixon Centre, featuring blue velvet finishes, walnut timber, brass accents, and exposed brick walls to reflect the history of the building.
While the restaurant interior is delightfully moody and dimly lit, Layla also offers al fresco dining in the adjoining courtyard—surrounded by natural beige umbrellas, stone-topped tables and lush greenery.
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In collaboration with Delia, Layla’s Head Chef Simon Palmer (Black Hide by Gambaro, Urbane, Gerard’s Bistro, E’cco Bistro) will hero inventive spices and produce-forward dishes. “It has been amazing working alongside Shane, learning from him and his unique approach to spice, and coming up with what we believe is a new offering to Brisbane’s dining scene,” says Palmer.
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On the menu, small bites pack a punch in king crab dressed in coriander and lime, charred pineapple and smoked pepper, and a potato, cabbage, and leek briwat wrapped in Tunisian pastry. Layla’s signature flatbread brushed in toum and fennel seed za’atar is complemented by a whipped smoked hummus, while generous mains include Delia’s iconic eight-hour slow roasted lamb shoulder with smoked eggplant. The Middle Eastern influence also extends to the handful of indulgent desserts, from the watermelon and rosewater granita with chocolate mousse to the peanut butter parfait with tahini caramel.
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“There’s so much incredible produce in Queensland that you can’t get anywhere else in the world, it’s been a lot of fun experimenting with ingredients that I’m not typically known for. Kaffir lime, ginger, lemongrass; I’m excited to test something new at Layla,” says Delia.
As for drinks, sip your way through a seasonal cocktail list, curated to highlight native Queensland ingredients. Layla’s sommelier Darcy Curnow (Rockpool Bar & Grill, Delia Group) is also behind the considered 150-bottle wine list, featuring local and international varietals from small batch makers, sustainable growers, and traditional winemakers.
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“Brisbane’s subtropical climate played a key role in shaping our wine selection at Layla. I wanted wines that would thrive in the city’s warmth—crisp whites, vibrant rosés, and elegant, lighter-bodied reds that could be enjoyed whether you’re sitting in the sun with a seafood dish or settling into a cosy dinner in the cooler months,” says Curnow.
The 90-seater venue serves as the perfect host for a variety of occasions, from enticing pre-theatre dinners to private events in the dedicated dining room. Whether you opt for the a la carte offering or one of the two banquet menus, you can expect an aromatic feast for the senses at Layla.
Want to be first through the door? Exclusive priority booking is now available at Layla .
THE DETAILS:
What: Layla
Where: Corner of Montague Road and Raven Street, West End
When: Tuesday to Wednesday 5:30pm – 10:30pm and Thursday to Sunday 11:30am – 10:30pm
For more information and to book, head .
Main Image Credit: Layla | Supplied