Laya Restaurant, a venture by Sunset Entertainment Group (SEG), is preparing to open its doors at 701 Fifth Avenue in the bustling Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. This marks SEG's second venture into the restaurant industry, following the success of their Hollywood location.
The San Diego branch will take over the space previously occupied by the Sugar Factory within the Theatre Box complex. This new establishment aims to introduce San Diego to a unique dining experience that blends Middle Eastern cuisine with California's fresh, local ingredients, in an area renowned for its vibrant nightlife.
SEG is an independent entertainment company known for its work in artist development, management, and music production. Their expansion into the culinary sector with Laya showcases their ambition to diversify their business interests. SEG's collaboration with Chef Charbel Hayek has been instrumental in this venture, leveraging his culinary expertise to bring an authentic yet innovative dining concept to life.
Chef Charbel Hayek, originally from Beirut, Lebanon, began his culinary journey in his mother's kitchen before training at the French School of Excellence in Paris. His career trajectory took him to Los Angeles where he worked under Chef Josiah Citrin at the two-Michelin-starred Mélisse. Hayek gained international recognition after winning Season 2 of "Top Chef: Middle East" and has since opened two successful restaurants in Los Angeles, including Ladyhawk in 2023, which set the stage for Laya. At just 26 years old, Hayek has become a notable figure in LA's dining scene, bringing upscale Middle Eastern cuisine to West Hollywood before this latest venture in San Diego. His Ladyhawk restaurant was just named as the #1 Best New Restaurant by LA Magazine.
Laya's Hollywood location, which opened on July 2, 2024, is situated near the Hollywood Farmers Market, where Hayek sources fresh produce weekly, reflecting his commitment to using local, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's menu at its LA location features a mix of appetizers like charred beetroot hummus with hot, house-made pita, starters including lamb ribs and fried kibbeh, and skewers of wagyu beef or octopus. Hayek's culinary style highlights the grill with dishes like red seabream with mojo chile tahini and a mixed grilled platter that showcases various meats with an array of accompaniments.
The design of Laya in Hollywood, crafted by Studio Mood, transformed the 6,500 square-foot mostly outdoor space into a Tulum-inspired setting with muted tones, custom banquettes, a fire pit, and two bars, all under a custom cover to ensure comfort in colder months. This aesthetic might influence the design of the San Diego location, aiming to replicate the laid-back yet sophisticated vibe.
Adam Ohler, a sommelier with experience at Republique, Bavel, and Lucques, has curated a wine list that complements each section of Laya's menu, featuring selections from Lebanon, France, California, and beyond. Bobby Jackson, a seasoned bar specialist, has designed the cocktail menu, offering both original creations and twists on classics, with drinks like the Llamas de Vida, which pays homage to the restaurant's Middle Eastern roots with its Aleppo pepper rim.
Laya is expected to open by late summer at 701 Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. For more information, visit layarestaurant.com.
Originally published on February 12, 2025. Information first reported by Joey Reams of What Now.
