In major-major patio news, there's a new restaurant set to take over the former Primo's space on Dallas' McKinney Avenue. Called Lyla, it's a Mediterranean restaurant from Dallas-based hospitality entrepreneurs Veeral Rathod and Obi Ibeto of GAP Concepts and concept partner Reham Choudhury, in partnership with Refined Hospitality Concepts, who were/are the owners of Primo's. That's quite the team.
According to a release, it'll open at 3309 McKinney Ave. in August.
Lyla is visioned as a casual yet sophisticated hangout, channeling the chic beachy vibe of destinations like Santorini, Mallorca, or St. Barths. The team is already busy reimagining the 3,000-square-foot dining room, lounge, and terrace, which was a pioneer on the patio front.
Rathod is a Dallas native with a background in finance and private equity whose resume includes cofounding custom clothier J.Hilburn, holding the CEO role at Spence Diamonds, and serving on the board of menswear company Knot Standard.
“Growing up in Dallas, I spent countless hours on that patio," he says in a statement. "We’ve long had our eye on the prime site, and we’re so excited to have the opportunity to be part of bringing it back better than ever."
The food and drink will be coastally-inspired Mediterranean cuisine with a creative beverage program.
Leading the kitchen will be Chef Cristhofer Sanchez, a native of Palm Beach, Florida who previously worked at high-profile spots such as Carbone, Uchi, Zaytinya, Top Knot, and Kai at Legacy West.
The food will focus on European coastal classics, paired with an extensive cocktail and wine offering. Food willinclude sharable apps like specialty dips, crudo, pizza, salads, pastas, wood-grilled fish, chicken, and steak.
Decor will include an entry fountain, whitewashed walls, lush plantings, arched windows, a one-of-a-kind pergola patio cover, bleached seating, classic Azulejo blue & white tile accents outdoors, an open bar, an eclectic mix of indoor and alfresco furniture including beachy banquettes, woven pendant lighting, feature art walls, and tropical greenery.
"Our intent is to offer a unique and elevated experience keeping with the area, and we also want Lyla to become a warm and inviting neighborhood bistro with a menu and ambience that we hope will entice guests to become regulars," Ibeto says. "Ultimately, it’s a place to relax with friends – and make new friends - over drinks and light bites, just like you would at a seaside cafe."
