Laili

4.7

2877 Reviews

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 34 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
Charming

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
Neighborhood
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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

Salads

Add: Chicken $12, Grilled Prawns $14

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

Wraps and Flatbreads*

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

Entrees

Arugula pesto$22.00
house made pasta, sundried tomato, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts
Salmon pasta$29.00
house made fettuccine, creamy tomato basil sauce, capers
Braised lamb pasta$29.00
house made fettuccine, tomato cream sauce, zucchini, green onion
Pomegranate eggplant$25.00
saffron basmati rice, chard, caramelized onion, qurut yogurt
Roasted cauliflower$25.00
chickpeas, tomato ginger sauce, saffron basmati rice, salata
Pomegranate chicken kabob$26.00
saffron basmati rice, arugula
Filet Mignon Kabob$34.00
Filet Mignon with a garlic lime sauce, kabuli rice, mixed vegetables
Lamb kabob$36.00
saffron basmati rice, arugula
Trout$29.00
lemon, parsley, garlic, saffron basmati rice, salata
Lamb Burger$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 2,877 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
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Overall
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Food
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Service
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Ambiance
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Best Value
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Innovative
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Healthy
Santa Cruz / Capitola / Aptos
Neighborhood 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 in Santa Cruz is celebrated for its "delicious food," "excellent service," and "beautiful ambiance." Guests love the courtyard dining and diverse menu, featuring standout dishes like lamb shank and eggplant. Although some find it "noisy" or "pricey," most patrons praise the "wonderful service" and "satisfying experience."

2,877 Reviews

M
Maxwell
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I don’t love this place the food is Fantastic! The staff is very friendly and attentive.
Is this helpful?
B
Brooke
VIP
San Francisco
15 reviews
2.0
15 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
I usually love this place but bummed valentines wasn’t my favorite experience. I understand it’s a busy holiday but prefixed menu sucked , dessert I ordered sold out … just disappointing. I expected a lot more given the price .
Is this helpful?
B
Bryan
Central Coast
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Dined on Valentine’s Day where they offered only a prize fixe menu which offered little variety and nothing that really appealed to us. The prices were jacked up for the occasion and the food was as okay but nothing great. I had dined at this place once before and was impressed, but this experience did not leave us wanting to return any time soon.
Is this helpful?
X
Xavier
VIP
San Francisco
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, amazing service. Highly recommend . What a treat
Is this helpful?
T
Terri
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server Alyssa was terrific. Attentive, and a wonderful server. Great experience.
Is this helpful?
C
Cathy
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Wonderful complex flavors. We always enjoy eating here.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrea
Greater Boston
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really pleasant place, great inner courtyard, sweet server, very nice food. We enjoyed the borani appetizer: both butternut squash & spinach fillings were delicious, and the flavoring of the spinach was unusual & excellent. It's always fun to eat somewhere where you don't know how to make that dish at home. Portions were generous, plates were very pretty, and the food was good. Thanks.
Is this helpful?
D
Diana
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Hi quality at all levels. We look forward to going back. Their appitizers are wonderful to share at a table. We tried four of them and they were all delicious.
Is this helpful?
H
Henry
San Francisco
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My daughter and son in law suggested this eatery to me because I was meeting a long time friend for lunch. We both liked the food. My friend Ann had the Lamb wrap and I the Chicken kabob with Jasmine rice and a small salad. I think the waiter should have told me a small green salad was included. I did order a side mix green salad too. The waiter should staff were very attentive. We appreciate that too. We rate this restaurant 10+.
Is this helpful?
J
Juliana
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Laili is one of my favorite local restaurants. Their filet mignon kabob is incredible (hats off to the kitchen staff). The wine selection includes some local wines and the staff crew are so kind and friendly!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

Laili is rated 4.7 stars by 2877 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 34 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

101B Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Pacific Avenue
Neighborhood
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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 reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Lunchtime Oasis

Pomegranate Eggplant

Lamb wrap

Lamb Pasta

Appetizers

Mediterranean plate$15.00

Maush-awa soup$15.00

Vegetarian Maush-awa soup$14.00

Kadoo boranee$16.00

Bolani$15.00

Salads

Mixed greens$11.00

Moroccan beet salad$16.00

Cilantro caesar salad$12.00

Greek salad$13.00

Spinach salad$14.00

Wraps and Flatbreads*

Veggie wrap$18.00

Saffron chicken wrap$20.00

Lamb wrap$20.00

Eggplant parmesan flatbread$20.00

Grilled chicken flatbread$22.00

Pear gorgonzola flatbread$20.00

Entrees

Arugula pesto$22.00

Salmon pasta$29.00

Braised lamb pasta$29.00

Pomegranate eggplant$25.00

Roasted cauliflower$25.00

Pomegranate chicken kabob$26.00

Filet Mignon Kabob$34.00

Lamb kabob$36.00

Trout$29.00

Lamb Burger$25.00

Lunch Combo

Bolani

Maush awa soup

Mixed greens

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Laili offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Laili restaurant rated?

Is Laili currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information