Layalena Restaurant & Bar

Authentic Mediterranean cuisine with signature cocktails, hookah, and Lebanese family recipes crafted with pride.

Layalena Restaurant & Bar on San Mateo Avenue in South San Francisco offers a Middle Eastern menu that works especially well when several dishes are shared. Shawarma, falafel, and grilled meats provide familiar starting points, while lamb dishes and appetizer combinations invite a larger spread. We like the flexibility between a simple plate and a more leisurely group meal. Chicken shawarma and lamb-and-beef shawarma come with rice, onions, and tomatoes. Grilled choices include lamb chops, kofta, and chicken shish tawook, giving the table different meat preparations to compare. Baklava or kunafa adds a sweet finish, with Turkish coffee and mint-accented drinks offering accompaniments. The appeal is a varied Mediterranean restaurant menu with both quick-meal favorites and dishes suited to sharing over a longer visit.