Opened last December 2016, Layla is a very cool eatery and bar that looks like a loft with on one side, comfy sofas, cocktail tables and a bar with a nice view of Dong Du and the other side, a nice outdoor terrace for smokers. Explore drinking at Layla – Eatery & Bar with Saigon Life Style Guide!
Layla – Eatery & Bar
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Location: 63 Dong Du 2nd floor, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Phone number: 028 3827 2279
- Hours: 4 PM – late, daily
- Price: 120,000 VND – 7,000,000 VND
- Most popular menu item: the cocktail selection is one of the best curated in the city
- X-factor: Layla is a sister business of one of Saigon’s local coffee institutions, The Workshop Coffee
Nestled discreetly on the second floor of a colonial heritage building along one of Saigon’s most iconic roads, Layla – Eatery & Bar is a hidden gem offering an enticing array of experimental cocktails, delicious bar bites, and an ambiance that effortlessly blends modern sophistication with colonial charm.
Led by Jay Moir, an Australian passionate about hospitality, Layla boasts a team of well-trained bartenders who infuse the space with a vibrant energy, making it a standout destination in the city’s evolving cocktail scene. Despite being situated in an area known for its older local bars and uninspired hotel establishments, Layla – Eatery & Bar sets itself apart with its unrivaled location and spacious open floor plan.
The impeccable service and seamless operation are a testament to the team’s dedication to excellence, likely honed through their association with The Workshop Coffee, Layla’s sister business. Each visit to Layla – Eatery & Bar is a testament to its commitment to providing a memorable and elevated dining experience in the heart of Saigon.
Layla’s wonderful space and service
The music resonates through the air, setting the perfect vibe, while the ambiance wraps around you like a warm embrace, creating an inviting atmosphere. It’s the kind of place ideal for gathering with friends, the anticipation of a night out palpable in the air.
As you enjoy the music and soak in the atmosphere, you can feel the excitement building, knowing that the night is just beginning. And when it’s time to move on to the next adventure, you’ll find the service impeccable, efficient, and attentive. The staff, fluent in English, cater to your needs with precision, ensuring every detail is taken care of, leaving you free to revel in the moment.
Drinking at Layla – Eatery & Bar
It is also really good to discover a food menu that brings something different from what we can usually get at the other bars, to escape from the ordinary. For example the trio of dips with homemade warm pita bread or the prosciutto, rocket, artichoke and shaved parmesan cheese on flatbread. Discover the full food menu here.
The other good reason to go to Layla – Eatery & Bar apart from the food, the service and the ambiance, is the creative cocktails they provide. Indeed, they propose surprising cocktails such as salted caramel espresso, Nutella negroni and Kiwi basil delight. But if you are not ready yet to try on those cocktails, you can go for some regular cocktails like gin tonic where they offer to make it more sophisticated for you, by letting you choose among about 8 different kinds of gin, about 5-8 different kind of tonic and about 8 different kinds of combos with 3 ingredients such as basil, strawberry and cucumber or thyme, pepper and orange.
Besides their very large choices of cocktails, they also have a good wine menu with for example La Planta red wine, which I highly recommend. If you prefer the wine by the glass, it is a really good value for money as the glass is a maximum of 80,000 VND ++ and the beer is 50,000 or 60,000 VND, depending on the one you pick.
Some advantages of Layla – Eatery & Bar
Design: Nestled within the historic confines of a colonial-era apartment building, Layla – Eatery & Bar boasts a prime location overlooking the bustling Dong Khoi Street, placing it squarely in the heart of the city’s vibrant entertainment district. Seating by the window offers patrons sweeping views of the lively thoroughfare below, complemented by the charm of the adjacent historic edifices. Inside, the ambiance exudes a delightful eccentricity, marrying industrial design elements with contemporary artwork, creating a uniquely inviting atmosphere. Ample seating options cater to varied preferences, with a particularly inviting corner adorned with an oversized, luxuriously comfortable sofa, beckoning guests to sink into its embrace.
Beyond the bar area, a charming covered garden terrace awaits, adorned with wooden furnishings and verdant plants, providing a cozy retreat for patrons seeking al fresco relaxation.
Cuisine: Culinary delights await those seeking sustenance, with Layla’s menu offering an array of Mediterranean-inspired fare. From Spanish omelets to succulent chorizo, the offerings tantalize the taste buds with their flavorful compositions. Seafood aficionados will delight in selections like fresh oysters and tender calamari, while groups can indulge in generous charcuterie platters designed for sharing. To conclude the gastronomic journey on a sweet note, several dessert options beckon, promising a satisfying conclusion to the meal.
Drinks: It’s the libations that truly steal the show at Layla – Eatery & Bar. The bar’s pièce de résistance lies in its meticulously crafted cocktails, showcasing a diverse selection ranging from inventive creations to timeless classics. Manned by a team of talented and personable mixologists, the bar ensures each drink is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. For the adventurous palate, the option to concoct a custom cocktail from a curated list of ingredients adds an element of excitement to the experience. Alternatively, patrons can explore Layla’s extensive wine list, featuring dozens of varietals, or opt for beer, whisky, or liqueurs to suit their preferences.
Layla – Eatery & Bar welcomes guests Monday through Saturday from 4 pm, with Sunday hours commencing at 12:30 pm. The allure of Happy Hours from 5 pm to 8 pm Monday through Saturday, coupled with the Sunday Session starting at 12:30 pm, entices patrons with enticing deals on their favorite libations, ensuring a memorable experience for all who venture through its doors.
Why we like Layla – Eatery & Bar
At Layla – Eatery & Bar, the essence is straightforward: unwind and indulge in exceptional drinks and cuisine. The staff, along with the regulars (ourselves included after a few visits), cultivate a laid-back atmosphere. What keeps drawing us back to Layla is primarily the cocktails. With reasonable prices and swift service, they offer inventive concoctions that often win over our group. Among them, their interpretation of the whiskey sour stands out as a favorite. Additionally, the food holds its own, featuring a diverse array of tapas, communal dishes, and desserts to suit various tastes.
Tips for a better experience
The space is divided into four distinct sections: the bar, high table area, lounge, and a generous outdoor smoking space. While the bar and high table area offer views of bustling Dong Khoi Street, they tend to be a touch too noisy for our liking. However, the industrial-chic aesthetic with exposed concrete, brass fixtures, and metal tables creates a vibrant ambiance, particularly on weekends when it takes on a club-like energy.
For a more relaxed experience, we recommend visiting during quieter times or taking advantage of happy hour when the crowds are thinner and the noise subdued. Conversely, the lounge area and outdoor smoking space, both non-smoking zones, consistently provide inviting settings, perfect for a romantic rendezvous or unwinding with friends any day of the week.
If you’re seeking a novel experience tonight, look no further. Layla – Eatery & Bar is the destination that promises to surprise you in myriad ways. Embark on a journey of discovery and delight, where every moment unfolds with unexpected wonder.
Leave a Reply