Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine

Leyla holds its position as Charleston's only authentic Lebanese table downtown, run by owner Dolly Awkar, who still comes out from behind the kitchen curtains to walk newcomers through the menu and hand-makes the pistachio ice cream herself. The braised lamb shank — meat pulling cleanly from the bone — and the dessert roster (knefe, ashta, meghli) are the real anchors; meze plates like hummus and falafel draw more divided opinions, and Charleston Magazine put it plainly: the high price doesn't always match the level of service. The space has earned a reputation as a genuine change of pace on a street dominated by raw bars and BBQ joints, but the tab for a full meze spread can surprise even regulars.