Father's Day at Layla

Father's Day is all fun and games for dads. For the rest of us, it's simply a reminder of how hard they are to shop for. We'll do you one — if he loves his grill and appreciates a little spice, Layla in West End has you sorted. Smokey charred flavours? Check. Bold Middle Eastern spices? Check. And bragging rights? Check because it's one of the most anticipated openings of the year.

The kitchen is helmed by acclaimed chef Shane Delia, who has been championing Middle Eastern flavours in Melbourne for two decades. His flagship Maha restaurant, a local institution for spice-fuelled dishes, has birthed two spin-offs and a neighbouring bar.

Tucked away in the heritage-listed Queensland Ballet headquarters, Layla is Shane Delia's debut venue in Brisbane. Here, he turns fresh Queensland produce into Middle Eastern- and Sri Lankan-influenced feasts worthy of a king (or a dad). Expect sharing mezes like an arak-cured kingfish and grilled Goan sausage combo, alongside smoked hummus and flatbread. Bigger plates include an Iranian roast duck stew with buttery walnuts and pomegranates, Turkish dumplings and an elevated take on butter chicken.

There are two set menu options — one curated by Chef Delia and the other by the kitchen team. All Layla gift cards are 20 percent off on Father's Day weekend, so you might as well go all out.