Laili – Middle Eastern
Laili invites guests into a fragrant oasis where the smoky char of Mediterranean kabobs and the delicate, spice-infused warmth of traditional Afghani dumplings transport the senses to distant shores. The experience unfolds amidst an atmosphere of refined comfort, where robust lamb dishes and zesty wraps are perfectly paired with crisp local brews, finishing with the lingering, aromatic sweetness of hand-crafted desserts.
101 Cooper Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://lailirestaurant.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, vegan, vegetarian, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, aip, renal, tlc, lectin-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Laili
Dairy-Free at Laili
Laili in Santa Cruz has 3 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Authentic Spiced Desserts, Mediterranean Kabobs and Lamb Dishes. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Laili
Laili in Santa Cruz has 2 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Mediterranean Kabobs and Lamb Dishes. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Laili
Laili in Santa Cruz has 2 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Authentic Spiced Desserts and Afghani Dumplings. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Laili
Laili in Santa Cruz has 3 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Authentic Spiced Desserts, House Selected Wines and Non-Alcoholic Beverages. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Laili
Laili in Santa Cruz has 4 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Authentic Spiced Desserts, Afghani Dumplings and House Selected Wines. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Sodium at Laili
Laili in Santa Cruz has 4 low-sodium-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Authentic Spiced Desserts, Afghani Dumplings and Non-Alcoholic Beverages. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Paleo at Laili
Laili in Santa Cruz has 2 paleo-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Mediterranean Kabobs and Lamb Dishes. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Pescatarian at Laili
Laili in Santa Cruz has 4 pescatarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Authentic Spiced Desserts, Afghani Dumplings and House Selected Wines. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Laili
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb Dishes | 29.6 g | 18.1 g |
| Non-Alcoholic Beverages | 6.7 g | 0.5 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Tuesday - Sunday
- 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
- Tuesday - Sunday
- 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its outstanding food and welcoming atmosphere, guests love visiting for special occasions and highlight the delicious, well-prepared burgers as a standout menu item. Reviewers frequently praise the accommodating and attentive service, noting that the inviting ambiance and high-quality preparation make it a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.
Menu
Main Courses
Ancient Silk Road flavors including kabob style entrees and traditional Afghan recipes.
- Mediterranean Kabobs: Assorted grilled meats and vegetables Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lamb Dishes: Spiced lamb prepared in traditional Afghan style Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, AIP, Renal, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Afghani Dumplings: Traditional stuffed dumplings with regional spices Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spiced Chicken Dishes: Chicken seasoned with Silk Road spices Available at: dinner, lunch
- Kabob Style Wraps: Grilled meats or vegetables wrapped in fresh bread Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
Sweet endings featuring global herbs and spices.
- Authentic Spiced Desserts: Sweets incorporating authentic herbs and spices from around the world Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol
Beverages
A curated selection of wines, microbrews, and soft drinks.
- Local Craft Beers: Selection of local and artisan beers on tap and by the bottle
- House Selected Wines: Wines selected to complement Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Assorted soft drinks and specialty non-alcoholic options Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
Frequently Asked Questions about Laili
- Is Laili dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Laili has 3 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Authentic Spiced Desserts, Mediterranean Kabobs and Lamb Dishes.
- What can I eat at Laili on a dairy-free diet?
- Authentic Spiced Desserts, Mediterranean Kabobs and Lamb Dishes carry the dairy-free tag, out of 3 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Laili have vegan options?
- Yes. 3 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Authentic Spiced Desserts and House Selected Wines.
- Is Laili gluten-free?
- 2 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Laili?
- Lamb Dishes, at roughly 18.1g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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