Layla Is Shane Delia's Pop-Up Outdoor Restaurant Taking Over Bond Street This Summer

When Shane Delia's celebrated CBD restaurant Maha reopens this week, it'll also show off an impressive new addition. Namely, a snacks and cocktails-focused outdoor pop-up known as Layla. Yep — the stretch of Bond Street outside Maha will temporarily close to traffic and be reimagined as a COVID-safe hospitality space, playing host to this playful marquee site that's set to become Melbourne's new Mediterranean and Middle Eastern summertime haunt of choice.

Slated to make its grand debut as Maha reopens next Wednesday, November 11, Layla is here to cure a few of those travel cravings, serving up the kind of vibe you'd be revelling in on some far-flung overseas holiday.

Expect a different focus and energy here to the classic Maha offering, or even to siblings Maha Bar and Maha East, beginning with a fixed-price Middle Eastern brunch, served yum cha-style from 9.30am on weekends. Doing the rounds will be small plates starring the likes of kataifi-wrapped haloumi with fennel seed honey, or perhaps an assembly of fried eggs, burnt sesame butter, challah and sujuk. Eats are matched with a rotation of fresh juices and luxe picks from an impressive champagne menu, plus four-legged pals are allowed to join the brunch festivities.

Outside of brunch, the revelry continues with mezze showcasing that trademark Delia flair, along with upbeat tunes and Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails. Think, hibiscus spritz, a sumac-infused pink negroni, and the za'atar margarita blending Alipus mezcal with grapefruit, lime and spices.

You'll be able to book a table at Layla via Maha's website (online from Wednesday, November 4), although there'll be some space set aside for walk-ins as well.

Find Layla at Bond Street, Melbourne from Wednesday, November 11. It'll open from 5pm Wednesday–Friday and from 9.30am Saturday–Sunday.