Laili Restaurant

The food is delicious BUT we have received word from two waiters at separate times that they deal the rice pot with bread dough, which is not celiac safe. Aside from the rice, the rest of the food is really good and I’ve never had an issue eating there. The restaurant did not respond to an email about this issue. The takeout we ordered without rice came with it, and made the meal feel somewhat unsafe. If it weren’t for the contaminated rice it’d get 5 stars.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

No separate gluten free menu but every staff member for each time I’ve come here had been incredibly knowledgeable on what dishes are gluten free and even their limitations on celiac safety. I have celiac and have been safe and delighted every time I eat here. Very committed to allergy safety and informing the customer on what is cross contaminated while offering viable substitutions to dishes. EVERY TIME WITH EACH WAITER truly outstanding. Love it. Highly recommend. Am a local to the town as well and am very picky about my restaurants but this one is truly a diamond in the rough in Santa Cruz

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The server I met today during lunch service was clearly not familiar with celiac disease and did not seem to know anything about what would contain gluten besides the bread & pasta. She did not inspire confidence that she would take my needs seriously so I left without eating. Not worth the risk, especially considering that service was very slow despite the restaurant being half empty. Really disappointing.

Delicious GF mediteranian food! Staff is very knowledgeable about gluten and their are quite a few options on the menue. I have Celiac and have never had any issues eating here.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Highly recommend the eggplant dish- melts in your mouth!

Laili was wonderful! I had heard great things from my daughter and son in law and experienced just a bit while on a Santa Cruz food tour. The food , service and atmosphere is amazing! The wait staff was very knowledgeable of the menu and gluten free items, in fact all of the current entrees were gluten free, along with many salads and about half of the appetizers. This made me extremely happy. The Anar chicken was delicious. We all enjoyed our meals very much and I am definitely going back because I felt great after eating there!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Friendly, vegetarian and gluten free choices! Excellent Pomegranate chicken!