Chef Charbel Hayek’s second Los Angeles restaurant builds on the Eastern Mediterranean flavors he’s known for, but with a different approach. Here, the menu centers on skewers—marinated chicken, spiced minced lamb, Australian lamb, Wagyu beef, and octopus—each served with thoughtfully paired garnishes and sauces. The result is a dining experience unlike most in Los Angeles, including his other Mediterranean standout, Ladyhawk.
Most of the dining area is a sprawling, multi-level patio open to the sky—an enchanting setting on a warm summer night. With a DJ spinning club tracks, Laya feels like both a lively destination for a night out and a place that suggests the evening could take you anywhere. Its central Hollywood location makes it an ideal stop for a pre-theater dinner or a bite before heading to one of the many nearby venues.
“I made sure to offer a different experience, and I believe it’s working,” says Hayek. “I still have guests who come to Ladyhawk on Tuesdays and Laya on Fridays,” he adds, noting the restaurants’ distinct personalities.
