Meet Layla: Shane Delia's First Brisbane (and Queensland) Restaurant Is Opening in West End in March
Expect spicy flavours at Queensland Ballet's Thomas Dixon Centre, whether you're eating in the main dining room or enjoying the outdoor courtyard.
2025 has been waiting for this: by the time that March is out, Brisbane will be home to a new restaurant from Melbourne-based chef and restaurateur Shane Delia. News arrived in 2024 that the high-profile culinary figure was heading north, opening his first Brissie — and Queensland — eatery. Now, that soon-to-launch dining spot has a name: Layla.
Delia joins the list of well-known hospitality folks setting up shop in Queensland, after Adrian Richardson launched BŌS, and Andrew McConnell opened both Supernormal and Bar Miette. While that trio of venues all made a beeline to Brisbane's CBD, Layla is settling into West End as part of the Thomas Dixon Centre, Queensland Ballet's base.
Angharad Gladding
The opening date: Friday, March 28. When Delia's newcomer joins Delia Group's roster of venues alongside the Victorian capital's Maha, Maha North, Maha East and Jayda, diners can expect Delia's focus on Middle Eastern flavours and rich, bold, spice-fuelled dishes — plus an evolving menu. The venture is a partnership with Queensland Ballet, with Delia Group teaming up with the former's hospitality partner VenuesLive.
Delia has appointed Simon Palmer (ex-Black Hide by Gambaro, -Urbane, -Gerard's Bistro, -E'cco Bistro) as Layla's Head Chef, with the pair working together on the menu, which will be on offer for both lunch and dinner. For seating options, whether you're heading in before a show, for a date or to celebrate an occasion, patrons will be able to choose from the main dining room and an outdoor courtyard.
"It has always been a dream of mine to open a restaurant in Brisbane. I'm super excited by the opportunity to contribute to the dining landscape here, taking guests through an unrestricted spice journey with Layla," said Delia.
"All of my venues have a Middle Eastern overlay, which will still be a part of Layla. Opening a restaurant in an entirely different climate, I'm excited to do something different and draw inspiration from other parts of the world, working with incredible fresh Queensland produce," adds Shane.
The eatery will anchor the Thomas Dixon Centre's dining options, not only adding to the performing arts precinct but helping it become a new arts and hospitality hub.
Maha East
Maha North, Pete Dillon
Layla will open at the Thomas Dixon Centre, 406 Montague Road, West End on Friday, March 28, 2025. Head to the venue's website for more details and reservations.Top image: Angharad Gladding.
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