Layla restaurant opens at Thomas Dixon Centre in West End

The man behind one of Brisbane’s most highly anticipated restaurant openings of recent times is promising invention, experimentation and, above all, the best of Queensland’s produce mixed with exotic flavours.

Sharna Vadasz, Shane Delia (restaurateur) and Lottie Benmayor from the new Layla Restaurant in West End. (Image/Josh Woning)

The highly anticipated Layla restaurant has opened in West End’s Thomas Dixon Centre, marking the first foray into Queensland for acclaimed Melbourne chef Shane Delia.

At an opening soiree on Thursday, Delia told guests Brisbane had “an air of hope”.

“You might not see it,” he said, “but when you come here from another state, it feels like there’s something to look forward to, there’s a drive, there’s desire.”

Delia has devised a menu that blends Middle Eastern flavours with prime Queensland produce.

Think pistachio-crusted Brisbane Valley quail with tahini; Hervey Bay scallop with carrot hummus; and coriander and lime king crab with charred pineapple and smoked pepper.

“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,” Delia said.

Inside the new restaurant Layla Restaurant. (Image/Josh Woning)

Manning the pans is head chef Simon Palmer, well known to local foodies from his time at Black Hide by Gambaro, Urbane, Gerard’s and E’cco.

Delia said Brisbane was “continually showing ambition as a vibrant new culinary destination”.

“We’ll be exploring spice in an inventive way, but we’re not here to educate people. Layla is about bringing people together around the table, sharing really tasty food and memorable experiences.”

Designed by Melbourne architects Studio Y, Layla seats 90 across the main dining room, private room and outdoor courtyard.