Leyalina

Leyalina, meaning ‘the night is ours’ in Arabic, is a renowned Egyptian restaurant in Melbourne’s Carlton that is for many the default destination for a traditional Middle Eastern feast. The ethos at this restaurant cleaves close to Middle Eastern and Arabic culinary culture, from the social dining mode to the technique in the kitchen. Ideally, diners visit Leyalina in a large group, breaking bread together in a way that’s more than simply designed to satisfy an appetite. North African tagines and charcoal-grilled meat and vegetable dishes are the highlights on the menu at Leyalina’s Lygon Street address, with the lavish mixed grill and the okra and lamb tagine coming particularly recommended. Melbourne’s vegetarians have something to celebrate here, too, with every single one of the vegetarian main courses a chef’s recommendation.