In Layla’s First Year, Shane Delia Has Tapped Into The Vibrant Potential Of Brisbane Dining

As Brisbane continues to get bigger and better, everyone wants to get in on the action—including Melbourne chef, restaurateur and television personality Shane Delia (Maha, Maha North, Maha East, Jayda) who opened his first Queensland restaurant, Layla.

In a flavourful collision of Middle Eastern influences and local Queensland produce, Layla is based in the Thomas Dixon Centre, the home of Queensland Ballet. The restaurant serves as an extension of the Centre’s artistic excellence, with an immersive menu drawing inspiration from global sources. 

Image Credit: Layla | Supplied

"What has surprised me most is just how much Brisbane has grown over the past decade," said Delia. "I remember coming here 10 years ago and struggling to find even one or two genuinely exciting cafés. Now the city is full of venues doing great things not just locally but on a national level. There is strong representation across every category, from great sushi and premium dining through to casual. It feels like a city that is bursting with life, energy and opportunity." 

Image Credit: Layla | Supplied

Designed by Melbourne-based architecture firm Studio Y (Stomping Ground Brewery, Nick & Nora's, Brick Lane Market), Layla is located within the historical, heritage-listed section of the Thomas Dixon Centre, featuring blue velvet finishes, walnut timber, brass accents, and exposed brick walls to reflect the history of the building.

While the restaurant interior is delightfully moody and dimly lit, Layla also offers al fresco dining in the adjoining courtyard—surrounded by natural beige umbrellas, stone-topped tables and lush greenery. 

Image Credit: Layla | Supplied

Led by Delia, the stellar team here hero inventive spices and produce-forward dishes—from Layla’s signature flatbread brushed in toum and fennel seed za’atar complemented by a whipped smoked hummus to generous mains including Delia’s iconic eight-hour slow roasted lamb shoulder with smoked eggplant.

"Surprisingly one of our biggest sellers is a snack I nearly took off the menu: our toasted corn tostada with burnt pineapple and urfa biber paired with a crab salad. It is a dish that really captures what Layla is about—layering cultures and flavours in a way that feels natural and expressive. It is bold, a little unexpected and clearly resonating with guests."

Image credit: Layla | Supplied

Our tip? Leave room for dessert because the whipped knafeh with lemon verbana syrup, vanilla bean and lime ice cream is delicately indulgent and one you don't want to miss. 

As for drinks, sip your way through a seasonal cocktail list, curated to highlight native Queensland ingredients. Layla’s sommelier Darcy Curnow (Rockpool Bar & Grill, Delia Group) is also behind the considered 150-bottle wine list, featuring local and international varietals from small batch makers, sustainable growers, and traditional winemakers. 

In its first year, Layla has proven to be a welcome addition to Brisbane's dining scene and continues to adapt to our ever-evolving culture. "The first year was about understanding what our guests want from us, versus what we thought we needed to bring," said Delia. "Now there is a lot more clarity. While people have embraced the vibrancy and the cross cultural influences, there is also a strong appetite for the Middle Eastern flavours I have built my career on. Over the next 12 months you will see Layla evolve in that direction—still creative, still layered, but anchored more firmly in that space."

Image credit: Layla | Supplied

As for Delia himself, Layla has served as an eye-opener on the potential that lies in our humble River City. 

"There is a real sense of optimism here—a 'have a crack' Australian spirit that runs through the industry. People are taking chances, backing themselves and there is a feeling they are being supported, whether culturally or through what is ahead for the city. There is a strong sense of community and momentum and it is contagious."

Book here. 

Main Image Credit: Layla | Supplied