A first look at Styxx, a middle eastern skewers and grill bar from the team behind Leila

Opening on November 7 along Teck Lim Road, Styxx is the newest concept from the founders of gastrobar Leila. 

This time, it’s a cosy skewers and grill bar that continues to celebrate Middle Eastern flavours — and it’s located right beside Leila itself.

The modernity that runs through Leila is equally evident in Styxx, giving the space a contemporary edge without overshadowing its laidback atmosphere.

While Leila centres on refined theatrics and modern, moody interiors, Styxx is more intimate in a way where it invites slow conversations over good drinks and flame-kissed meats.

The space takes a familiar shape to Leila’s, with a bar greeting you upfront and an open kitchen at the back where skewers sizzle over open flame. Yet, Styxx carries a noticeably more relaxed energy.

Styxx focuses squarely on the grill — on meats served on sticks. Even its name plays cheekily on “sticks” and the “xx” of the flame’s kiss.

Still, the spirit of sharing remains. The menu is designed with the convivial nature of Middle Eastern dining in mind, served with finesse and char.

When asked about the new venture, founder Yogev Vardi says that Styxx isn’t meant to be a more casual spin-off of sister-neighbour Leila. Rather, it’s envisioned as a space that fosters connection and conversation, rather than showmanship.

The menu

Begin with the complimentary freshly baked saluf — a housemade flatbread, baked using traditional methods.

It is served with an array of dips: Black tahini (black sesame and black garlic), matbuha (spicy tomato relish) and pickles that add a bright and crunchy contrast.

From the grill, we started with the layered kebab (S$16) — alternating layers of minced beef, lamb fat, and pink beetroot tahini.

The meat was tender, juicy, and seasoned well with a good touch of smoke. It set the benchmark high from the get-go, delivering richness without feeling heavy.

The king oyster mushroom (S$18) skewer was one of our favourites. Grilled and skewered with asparagus, the dish offers an earthy depth with a meaty bite.

It comes sitting on a bed of baba ganoush,  a smoky, velvety vegetable pairing that absolutely works with the charred mushroom.

The fish (S$19) came layered with green pepper, striking a balance between its crispy exterior and soft flesh. The peppers added a gentle heat and sweetness, while the light smoky finish ties it all together.

It is accompanied, like most dishes here, by a refreshing onion salad that helps reset the palate between bites.

Another highlight would be the half chicken (S$26) is brined for 24 hours, marinated in harissa, and smoked in applewood. Expect about a 20-minute wait for its preparation, but we say this is well worth the patience.

The chicken is juicy and tender, with a slight kick of heat from the harissa and a sweet-smoky profile from the applewood. 

For more than two people, you should get the whole chicken (S$43) for enough to go around.

For something indulgent, get the Alaskan king crab leg (S$69), poached in smoked garlic butter. The flesh is sweet, soft, and slips easily from the shell. 

The dish’s butteriness is lifted by an oceanic brininess that feels both rich and fresh.

To complete the table, there are dishes designed to complement the grilled plates. 

The freekeh salad (S$17) — made with toasted green wheat and smoked labneh — offers a wholesome nuttiness and subtle tang. Meanwhile, the hummus baladi & falafel (S$18) is one for purists — creamy and authentic.

Desserts and drinks

If there was one thing we were looking forward to — especially having tried Leila’s unforgettable knafeh — it was the desserts, and Styxx didn’t disappoint.

For the baklava & kadaif (S$15), a sheet of rice paper is placed over the top and lit to give the kadaif its delicate char — a small act of theatrics and a flair that nods to Leila’s spirit.

The kadaif’s golden threads are crisp, offering the most satisfying crunch in each bite, while the baklava at the centre is nutty and sweet to just the right degree.

Together, they make for a perfectly textured finale — warm, crunchy, and comforting. I could’ve easily gone for another portion.

The drinks menu here is impressively extensive too, spanning beers to wines that pair seamlessly with the grilled fare.

Styxx also offers Lebanese wine, such as the Chateau Heritage 2023 Saint Elie Lebanon (S$29 per glass) — sweet and almost champagne-like, with a light fizz that cuts through the richness of the meal.

Honestly, I’d come back just to sit at the bar with a drink in hand and a few skewers to pick at over conversation. 

Styxx carries a modern and unhurried charm — where authentic Middle Eastern food and drinks and some good company naturally come together.

This was a hosted tasting.

For more ideas on what to eat, read on McDonald’s new Tom Yum burgers and the new openings of October 2025 in Singapore.