Ayla's Social Kitchen in Ottawa

While meeting with 2 girlfriends I haven t seen in bc a while, we enjoyed this fabulous food, in a wonderfully warm atmosphere xx There was no rush for us to leave and the staff were amazing. I want to tell everyone about this hidden gem !!

Had a fantastic dinner at Ayla s Social Kitchen! We had the lamb hummus, hot labneh, mediterranean chicken, and the cake of the day. All so flavourful and delicious. Would absolutely recommend this place! Only thing is I would ask management/ownership to consider turning off the overhead lights and just have the chandeliers, sconces, and table candles to create a cozier atmosphere. With the ceiling lights it feels a bit more cafeteria-like. However, I still loved this place and will be coming back!

Had an excellent meal with friends. The service was very nice to us both waitress and the Chef, suggested a Weeping Zaatar drink and a not on the menu meal, again excellent. Thank you! Food : 5/5

Great spot, great food, great drinks, great service

We had a delicious dinner with friends here in Sept 2024. Everything we ordered was superb. Nice fusion-y takes on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean classics. I really enjoyed the Moroccan stew. Its a small space, so reservations might be a good idea. Vegetarian options: Yes Wheelchair accessibility: Its below grade via stairs

Beautiful calm ambience, delicious and well thought of food and a great staff!

Vegetarian options: Vegan options Food

Such great service. Owner and employees are super sweet and attentive.

This place is truly a hidden gem! The food was absolutely delicious, the service was exceptional and the entire ambience was amazing. Can t wait to go back!

Delicious dishes and cool appetizers that are perfect for sharing between two people. It s a bit pricey, but the quality makes it worth it compared to other similar restaurants in Ottawa.

I want to start off by saying Aylas kitchen is an amazing restaurant! Amir and his team won us over with their care, attention to detail and passion for food. Im not usually someone who curses, but when I tasted the pistachio hummus dip and Aylas kabob, I thought to myself f### yeah! This is amazing. The flavours were so strong and I could tell they were using quality ingredients. Everyone at our table agreed that the food was special. I just wish our corner had a little speaker because the music from the front had a hard time making it to us. But once our group got chatting, it didnt really matter. I highly recommend Aylas kitchen and I cant wait to go back.

I absolutely loved it! The food was incredible and delicious. The service was very friendly, and I can t wait to go back.

It came highly rated and did not disappoint. Authentic Iranian type Mediterranean food. Great flavors throughout. Do not skimp on the appetizers as they are the best part of the meal. Saffron and pomegranate typify some of the tastes.

Top quality Lebanese Mediterranean fusion

Went for dinner on a Friday night, even though we were late for our reservation they were very accommodating. The servers were incredibly friendly and helpful. I cant stop thinking about how absolutely delicious the food was. We especially loved the beef brisket and Aylas kabab. I cant wait to go back !

Fantastic place with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The staff is incredibly friendly, and the food is absolutely amazing.

Small, unassuming space. But very good food and service. We didn t have to wait long for our courses to arrive, and they were all delicious. I recommend the halloumi fries, and would definitely return

Ayla s Social Kitchen exceeded all my expectations, with the meal being undeniable delicious. The chef personally brought out our dishes, showcasing a stunning array of flavors and presentation. Each dish was bursting with flavor and the presentation was a work of art. Our lovely waitress provided excellent service, enhancing the overall experience. She also enhanced the evening by surprising us with a birthday card signed by the entire staff. The dessert was a delightful finish. I Highly recommend this gem!

I dined at Aylas with a group of friends and we all very much enjoyed the experience. Excellent food and service! Vegetarian options: There are several different vegetarian options on the menu.

What a gem!! The food was excellent, so fresh and tasty and well priced!! And the service was warm and friendly. I cant wait to go back!!

Amazing food, lots of vegetarian options. The owner was really nice and helpful, he gave us good wine recommandation.

First time at Aylas. The service was fantastic, Jacqueline was helpful with all the menu items. I had the brisket which was tender and you added as much spice as you needed. Had the best chocolate cake I have ever had, light and moist and the icing was not too sweet. I would recommend this restaurant.

Love this spot. Refined, upscale, yet unpretentious food with wonderful flavours. The place has a cozy, home kitchen kind of vibe. The chef and rest of the staff really make it special. Everyone will feel welcome when they arrive and they will all feel full by the end of an evening at Aylas. Vegetarian options: Great options

Absolutely delicious- definitely would recommend! Every dish we tried was marvellous

Celebrated my birthday tonight. The food and drinks were amazing ! The service was top notch. Kudos to Amir and his staff for being great hosts. And thanks for the birthday card. So cute and personalized. Will definitely be coming back. Food : 5/5

Fantastic food, exceptional service.

Very tasty appetizers and the corner booths are so cozy.

Amazing spot for such a delicious/fresh food from all cuisines with a great presentation. I just knew about it

Amazing food! Great chef and very nice staff. Highly recommended

Excellent food and great service! Just tried this restaurant for the second time and it did not disappoint.

Had a wonderful dinner this past Saturday evening! The lamb hummus starter was delicious, I had the amazing brisket with couscous & my husband had the kabobs which were cooked to perfection. The home made chili/coriander sauce is wonderful (super hot ), cocktails were yummy & chocolate mousse dessert was just the right sweetness level. It was my husband s birthday & he was given a birthday card signed by the whole staff! Highly recommended!

The food was phenomenal and the service was amazing! Would definitely come back again :)

We visited Ayla Social Kitchen today, and despite the restaurant being almost full, we were fortunate to snag a table for two. If youre planning to come with a larger group, be sure to book your seats a couple of weeks in advance. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, thanks to the great people working there from the chef to the owner and our server. It felt like a family-run operation, and it turns out they might actually be brothers, which adds to the charm of the place. I had the flank steak, which was excellent, perfectly cooked, and served with flavorful Spanish rice. While the portion was on the smaller side for a main course priced at $35, the quality made it worth every penny. Dont miss out on the special cake of the day it was amazing and the perfect way to end the meal. If youre a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, Ayla Social Kitchen is a must-visit in Ottawa. Highly recommended!

Cozy atmosphere, excellent service, delicious food. Believe the rave reviews!

I can t stop thinking about the tender kabab (9.5/10) and the mini lamb pita (10/10). Delicious food, would definitely be visiting soon!! :)

Went there for a bday party. We were 10 ppl. Food was delicious, service was good.

We had an exceptional meal at Ayla s yesterday. The service was fantastic and the food was even better. The halloumi veggie burger was absolutely delicious. Highly highly recommend. Vegetarian options: Super tasty vegetarian options.

It was a really good restaurant with some amazing food. I just felt like the meals werent super filling for the price that they cost.

Great service by Jess and the owner! Small place, with lively clientele. Food was rich and delectable Food : 4/5

Sooooo good. My favorite restaurant of all time! Such unique twists on all foods, so delicious.

Cozy cute spot. Highly recommended.

Food is prepared and presented exceptionally, one of Ottawas best restaurants.

Everything was great, food was excellent, service was the best I ve had in Ottawa to date just a little pricey, if they knocked off around 3-4 dollars off of each item on the menu this place would be a hard 5 star

The halloumi fries are amazing with the sauces!! We had the chicken meal, so fresh and tasty. The service was great and the chef hand delivers the main dish which was a really cute touch. The place is small inside but really cute, so if you want to come make a reservation just to be safe.

I had an incredible dining experience at Ayla social kitchen.The food was exceptionally flavorful and delicious. The chef personally came to ask for our preferences, ensuring that every dish was tailored to our tastes. The service was outstanding, making the entire evening delightful. Highly recommend!

Excellent service. Impressive food quality and presentation. Very professional and classy staff/chef. We will be back !

Excellent staff, food and service

I have been here so many times and recommended this place to many! The food is amazing and the staff is so nice!

Food was just ok. Mushy Spanish rice with mediocre chicken (about 4-5 cubes). Side salad was nice. Kebab, again, was just ok. Went based on recommendation and Google reviews. Wanted to love it. But not going back. (Location is weird too... In a basement)

The food was amazing! I was eating so slowly because I didnt want it to end. Everything was so flavourful and the staff was so kind.

We were just there this past Friday to celebrate our best friend Nadia s Birthday and let me tell you all, this restaurant is the epitome of delicious food and hospitality! Between the owner/chef Amir and our server Jacqueline, we were treated with royalty! The simple selection of food DELICIOUS! The exquisite selection of cocktails DEVINE! We have never been to a restaurant where the owner/chef not only brings you the food but truly connects with his clients. Excellent service where we would definitely drive back from Wakefield to indulge and enjoy again! Thank you!!!

Food was good. Highly recommend to try for something different in ottawa. Hummus was really good. Kebabs too. Drinks were also very well done, we got the passion fruit margarita and another drink I can t remember right now. Good service too.

Solid spot for Mediterranean fusion food. Appreciated a walk thru of the menu with recommendations from the boss. Happy to finally have checked this place out.

Delicious! I love Persian food and it s so great to have a cute place in such a central location.

Delicious food

Delicious food great service, solid choice!

Great experience. We were in a group and their service was fantastic. The food is delicious, everyone in the group was happy with their order. Especially the appetizers were really creative and tasty. The cocktails and wine were ok but if the restaurant wants to up their game so that the drinks match the qualityof their food, thats probably where they can focus on for improvement. The ambiance is cozy, unpretentious and very welcoming. Will definitely be back.

Wow. What an incredible meal. Fantastic people that took the time to explain their unique dishes and make recommendations. The food was absolutely phenomenal. Highly recommend going to this fantastic spot.

I cant express enough what a wonderful experience this place was! Sad we dont live closer to make it our regular date night location. The food and drinks were exceptional, the service was friendly, informative and attentive, the owner is very hands on helping cooks, serve, bartend and the entire atmosphere was enjoyable. Reserve your seat and enjoy

Hands down the BEST mediterranean food I have ever had. The food is implacable, the service is astonishing, and the atmosphere is memorable.

Great food and drinks! Loved the whole vibe and the service was excellent. Will definitely be back to try more!

Honestly wonderful restaurant. Great chef! Amazing food. Outdoor area can be improved.

Dining at Ayla s Social Kitchen was an exceptional experience, highlighted by the Chefs Special Kebab, Pulled Lamb with Mushroom Risotto and Ginger Garlic Shrimp Bowl, both a fusion of bold flavours and artful presentation. Chef/Owner Amirs passion for Mediterranean flavours shone through every dish, making the evening a memorable celebration of taste and craftsmanship. This Little Italy gem is a must visit for an impeccable blend of ambiance, service, and culinary delight.

Food was phenomenal and staff was incredible!!

Our group of 8 had an incredible dining experience at Ayla s! We loved every bite - from the halloumi fries to the steak kebabs with risotto, lamb hummus and egg rolls. We very much appreciated Amir s passion and enthusiasm for his menu. Highly recommend and am looking forward to our next visit!

Fantastic place, our server Bobby was amazing. The service is great, they are all very friendly, and the food is delicious.

Came here for dinner for a friends birthday. Great atmosphere, Jacqueline is an amazing server and chef came out to tells us about his delicious plates. Food and drinks and reasonably priced for what feels like an upscale dining experience. Highly recommend trying multiple dishes! Vegetarian options: Vegan Lentil Balls are delicious Vegetarian options with dairy

I ve waited for time to pass to make this review. After the first meal at Ayla s Social Kitchen we were totally impressed, but I thought that a key to success was sustainment. My family has now visited this restaurant about 12 times over the last 18 months, and we have to say that Amir and his staff have hit it out of the park every time. Everyone can have a bad day, including restaurant reviewers, which is the reason why I waited to have multiple meals to make a review. The hospitality is above and beyond where the owner/chef comes to your table to ensure that you are satisfied. It s a blend of Mediterranean fusion that exudes flavour and quantity for the price. He pairs the wine for your meal and sometimes custom creates for special occasions. Without a doubt, this is a strong 5/5 established, consistent restaurant that is more than worthy of repeated meal pleasures. Many thanks and we will be back with family and friends.

Recommend the lamb and brisket. Great sauce and flavour.

Our experience was nothing but amazing. The food was great, the service was wel coming and the owner was very charming. We will definitely return.

I had a good time with my friends at Ayla s! It is a nice cozy restaurant. We ordered 6 plates and split as a group, the food was delicious! Compliments to the Chef! Although, the drinks were lacking a little bit Most of them tasted like juice and not a cocktail. We also had wine, which was good. The staff was really nice and sweet. Overall I recommend and would go back for the food.

A real gem. Cocktails were delicious, starters were delightful, our mains were great and desert was lovely. We were served our mains personally by the chef/owner. The restaurant was full but we had our food and drinks quick! The restaurant has good acoustics so it does not get as loud as many places. Very strongly recommend this terrific restaurant. :) Will be back many times.

I had the new lemon French cocktail and I was so very yummy! I will be back again just for that drink!

5 stars doesnt reflect the 10 stars this place deserves. Food was mind blowing. Service was astounding. Tremendous value. Food : 5/5 |

I went to this place having high expectations based on the rating online but I was very disappointed. I had the med vegetarian burger and the portion is very small for what you pay (came to ~$30 with taxes and tips). The burger was mainly bun as opposed to any filing so if you are vegetarian dont get the burger its just one piece grilled cheese and few spinach with some sauce (the sauces were very good and so was the small salad that came with it). Me and my friends left feeling very hungry because the portion size was not enough.

Perfect experience at this little gem of a place. Went here on a whim after wanting to try it for months. Our family had the baked feta, chef s kabab, shrimp, and delicious desserts and coffee. Everything was inventive, beautifully presented, and perfectly flavoured. Service was kind and attentive. I think we re going to become regulars.

Great atmosphere, great food!

The food and service were so amazing! We were a little late to our reservation and the staff was still super friendly and accommodating. They even had a delicious non alcoholic cocktail!

The food here is bursting with wonderful flavours, served by staff and an owner who genuinely care and consider your every need. Be cautious: asking the chef about his favourite dishes might pose a dilemma, as every dish is treasured like a distinctive child, each with its own character and idiosyncrasies. For those in our group with specific dietary preferences, the chef went the extra mile to accommodate, all the while lavishing the rest of us with a spread that was both delightful and extravagantly generous.

Very good food, I already ordered take out. The price is good also. I spent more than usual because we had a few drinks. The only problem is the bathroom are upstairs. Food

Simple menu with amazing choices. The quaint resto had amazing customer service and inviting us back with options not chosen. Pleasant surprise.

Lovely patio with great service. Great food. Try the watermelon salad!

It was my first time visiting this restaurant and it was fantastic! I loved the atmosphere, everyone was so friendly, and the food was incredible!!! I will definitely go back. I overheard someone in another table say that they visit regularly - I can totally see why that is.

Amazing food and service! So fresh and celiac safe for any one gluten free! Can t wait to go back!

Best birthday celebration ever! The food was affordable and amazing. Highly recommend.

Hi, we had dinner last night. Loved the cozy atmosphere and decor. The food was great. My wife is Celiac - both the owner and server took the time to explain the options and insure that her food was gluten free. A delightful experience. We will be back.

Enjoyed a nice dinner here with the missus. Service was great (friendly, attentive). Food (lamb hummus, lamb shank, ayla kabob) were very good and I can see why people like to come here and their high reviews.

This restaurant is an absolute gem. This is our second time here and it was delicious. My daughter said that the ginger shrimp bowl was her favourite meal ever. The kale salad and corn salad are so flavourful. Thank you for another memorable meal.

Food, ambiance and service were all top notch! I already recommended this place to friends and family. I definitely want to go back!

The food is good but the service is okay . I called ahead of time to tell them it s my birthday please put a candle on the dessert I will be ordering . The owner on the phone said no problem , will do that for me . I was very happy bc to me it s important to blow candle for one s birthday. However when I ordered the dessert , there was no candle or anything on the dessert . I was disappointed bc the owner said don t worry I will do that for me on the phone . I won t be returning for any celebration for that reason.

We visited for Valentine s Day and had a fantastic experience 10/10. Great for vegetarians; the halloumi fries were unreal good. See you next time!

Cool vibe and location. But the food was below mediocre at best to be completely honest. Ive had better kebab at hole in the wall locations and ive never had a drier shish in my life. This would all be fine if the food wasnt crazy overpriced with tiny portions.

The place is so cozy and pretty inside. The FOOD. The food made me want to cry. I havent had a meal this good in years, and I mean that. The chef came over repeatedly to check in, which was lovely, and our waitress Samantha was adorable in mannerisms and knowledgeable of the menu. Its literally my new favorite place, and Ill be back repeatedly until Ive tried every item on the menu.

Great food that is off the beaten path. Make reservations. Appetizers serve 2+. Great service

Went for the first time and it won t be our last! Delicious food, beautifully presented and A1 service!! Owner came out and explained all the dishes and answered all of our questions. Very impressed with this relatively new restaurant! Food

I love going to Aylas. I always feel welcome, and am greeted with so much warmth. The food is fresh, unique, delicious, and of high quality. I could go on and on. Just delicious!

Incredible meal, had the special eggrolls with mint and feta and honey drizzle. Honestly blew my mind the taste profile for each dish was fantastic. Had the lamb pita for the main and it s was delicious.

This Mediterranean restaurant is a true gem, offering a welcoming atmosphere, comforting cuisine, and top-notch service. Whether youre a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a delicious meal in a cozy setting, this establishment is sure to exceed your expectations. Bonus: vegan options are available!

Went here for the first time for a girls night. There service was fantastic and the food was good. We each tried a different cocktail ($16 each) and split four appetizers ($17-$19 each) and one main. The arancini and halloumi fries were what stood out the most

Extremely cozy spot (definitely recommend making a reservation) with delicious food. Perfect for intimate or casual dining. Everything we ordered (one dish of which was not on the menu yet and recommended to us) was phenomenal. Great option for vegetarian eats! Great service when it came to allergies as well. Would happily come back!

A cozy and beautiful ambiance with delicious and high-quality food and an excellent presentation! The appetizers were unique and so tasty. The main course was flavorful and mouthwatering. See the pictures! Chef Amir is so friendly and welcoming. He came to our table and asked us how everything was. All in all a wonderful experience! Make sure to book ahead of time as it gets booked up quickly!

One of the best meals and restaurant experiences I ve had in a while. There is pride and passion in the outstanding service. There are original dishes. We really enjoyed the hot mezze and the veggie pita with charred eggplant. Vegetarian options: Great options and a vegan option if you are vegan (otherwise steer to the great veggie options).

Weve been coming several times now and trying to try out everything on the menu. It s an explosion of flavors every time! Personally I have a weakness for the Ginger Garlic Shrimp Bowl We also usually have the Cake of the Day and we really appreciate having new flavors to try each time. Definitely in my top 2 of the best restaurants in Ottawa.

The first time we went to Ayla s, was completely a shot in the dark and we were not disappointed! We loved it so much we ve been 5 times in less than a year. The service is always quick and friendly, the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming and the food is always very delicious. It s packed with different flavours but not overwhelming. The desserts are equally delicious. My favourite is the pana cotta. The cake of the day is always different but still always very soft and flavourful! I would give 10 stars if I could.

Wow . What a Gem of a place. Very knowledgeable staff « Deanna ». The food is fantastic, the cook brings you the food, it s exactly what a restaurant should be. Loved everything.

One of the tastiest meals Ive eaten in the city.

Great food, great atmosphere, great service . We loved that vibe of the restaurant, and that it was not pretentious. Cocktails and mocktails were also great. Vegetarian options: Not many places have 3 vegetarian options. It was excellent Dietary restrictions: Great vegetarian options

Had a wonderful dinner at this place. Recommend the vegetarian hummus and Ayla Kebab dishes. Everything was tasty and fresh. The team checked on us frequently which was a nice gesture. The booths are comfy and the overall space is nicely designed. Highly suggest to make reservations as it gets booked quickly.

Awesome food and service- if you want to experience a little Moroccan food this is the place!

Cozy and elegant atmosphere. Amer and his team presented wonderful dishes to the eye and mouth . There was an unusual combination in each dish; that was the cherry on top. The staff were so nice and informative. The alcohol variety were so good too. And the music were exactly what we love, the 80 s , 70 s and 60 s. Would definitely go again. Thank you ameer for the food and the beautiful restaurant and staff.

Fresh, delicious, different, exquisite!! Deserves 5/5

Called in a while back to ask if they still had a table for 2 on a Friday night, but no luck, so made a reservation for our visit on a weekday night last week. The restaurant was 1/3 full when we arrived at 6:30 but got busier and pretty much full after. We were amazed by how smooth the service was considering there was only 1 waitress, and a waiter that served the food out to everyone s table, who we found out later to be the owner/ chef Amir. We enjoyed every time when he presented each course, you for sure would feel his passion for his food. Ordered Baked Brie, Lamb Hummus, Ayla s Kebab and Braised Lamb Shank (with no gamey taste at all!) were all really good, also learned a new word Sumac, the main spice that was used in the kebab, the taste reminded us of tamarind, and Ayla is Amir s daughter s name. Overall great service with awesome food, a restaurant with 4.9 rating should be like, will be back for sure, ty team Ayla

The food at this place is very well presented! You definitely get a good amount for the quality that you pay for. This being more of a fusion restaurant is a nice twist. That being said, my thoughts on the mushroom risotto upgrade instead of rice for the kebab dish, I give my humble opinion that it could use improvement. Traditionally in Italian cooking(where risotto originated from), risotto would have much more of a creamy texture and consistency. The one served here may be using different techniques from what I m used to. It came off as more of a drier and pastier dish. Not sure if this may be home to a different ethnic cooking technique, but it was not my forte. It would ve also been nice if there were options to substitute the salad, as many of us wouldn t put kale near the top of our list for sides. Hope this helps, will definitely try this one again!

Terrific family run restaurant with an interesting menu. We have eaten here twice. Delicious mixed drinks. The house-made loaded labneh was yummy as was the Olive tapenade. The waitress brought extra crostini without even having to ask as we ran out. Lamb hummus was delicious as were the Halloumi fries. Ginger garlic shrimp was a hit with our son. The beef kabob was a generous serving of tender marinated beef. The marinated chicken was moist and delicious.. The salads on our sides were flavourful and very fresh. This is exactly the kind of restaurant I would like to see more often. Creative, delicious, authentic.

Warm and welcoming. But the rice had an odd flavour and the meat lacked the charcoal taste that you want in kebabs.

The food was delicious, unlike anything I have tasted before. My favorite were the arancini and the beef brisket- so tender! And the service was amazing, our waitress was very attentive without being overbearing which can be hard to do in a smaller setting like this one. We will certainly be back !

Such a flavourful, moist Koobideh (kebab) Such a perfect meal, rice was warm & buttery, salad was the right accompaniment and tzatziki was just right. Highly recommend this place!

Food and service was amazing!

The place is very small but cozy and quiet. The food was absolutely worth it! Their meat is high quality and marinated so well!! I do have allergies and the chef personally came to our table and helped me order a dish as well suggested a few substitutions for the dressings and sauces that won t cause a reaction. All staff member were super positive, kind, and genuinely welcoming! Yet, they didn t make us feel like they bothered us which is rare! They took a pics for us, laughed with us and were super patient with us taking time to order our food and drinks. Their drinks menu is on par with the food menu so won t be disappointed! A great place for a celebration, or a get together with a small group of friends!

Food was fantastic. Service was amazing. The owner Amir was attentive and you could tell he took pride in his business.

Went for dinner and had the pulled lamb mini pita. It was so good! The pita was soft, and the lamb tender, juicy and flavourful. The fries seasoning and texture was perfect as well. The waiters were all so friendly and we got our food pretty fast. This place is very much worth visiting, can t wait to come back and try more of their food :)

One of my favorites in Ottawa.

the vegetarian food was AMAZING!! cant recommend the veggie burger enough, I would go back just for that alone.

I took my dinner club (30) for a special family style menu at a set price. Finding the location in the lower part of the building was tricky. However, as soon as you step inside you are treated to a warm and comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff. After speaking with and organizing for this event, Amir, stepped out of the kitchen with a big endearing smile. The dining room was set up with 4 tables of 6 with room to add another guest to any table. We had three original and unique mouth watering appetizers to share. This was followed by 6 different plates of main dishes to share. No one left hungry! The wine menu is a nice assortment varying from Europe to south america to Australia averaging $50/bottle or there were by the glass options. I choose to finish my meal with an exceptional espresso martini prepared by Amir himself! We all had the feeling of being in someones home and had so much fun! I am sure most of us will be returning individually to have a full meal of our favourite!

Went for the first time and left extremely satisfied. The restaurant has a great atmosphere with friendly staff and very flavorful food. Would definitely go back and recommend to friends!

The food was amazing and I was pleasantly surprised to see multiple vegetarian options. The restaurant was beautifully decorated and the service was excellent. This was my first visit to this restaurant and I will be a repeat customer!

Lovely efficient and friendly service with delicious food (amazing hummus)

Went for dinner with friends and we absolutely loved our experience here! What a phenomenal restaurant. The staff was super friendly and kind, the chef also came out to see how we were doing. The environment was cozy and intimate. The food was super flavorful, colorful, beautiful presentation and more than fairly priced. Service was great. We will definitely be going back for more!

Good ambience, delicious food

Great little place in the heart of Ottawas Little Italy. Essentially Mediterranean fusion of Morrocan, Greek, Italian, Lebanese and Persian influences. Always fresh made daily and awesome drinks as well. Strongly suggest making a reservation especially for Fridays and Saturdays as space is limited but it makes for great ambience and a fine experience.

Amazing dinner at this restaurant. I had the Ayla kebab, and my wife the Persian kebab. My wife is gluten free and they only had three main dinner options, but we had two of those options which were great. We shared the baked bree to start, absolutely amazing, drank wine and a alcohol free cocktail. All in all a great dinner. We sat inside, patio not open.

Delicious food, attentive service. Highly recommend this charming spot in Little Italy.

Not good, never go there again. Wheelchair accessibility: No wheelchair access Food : 1/5 |

I had sumactini, the word is a mixture of martini and sumac. I enjoyed drinking it. It was quiet strong in a good way. The chef himself serves the food as a sign of hospitality.

Amazing meal with a great combination of flavors. Halloumi fries were fabulous the and the lamb shank was very tender.

We ate here during the tulip festival. All restaurants on the street were fully booked but the chef here was kind enough to accomodate us. We were the last group he entertained without reservations. Service was spot on. Portion sizes seemed a little small for the price however the flavours were good.

Really great food with fantastic service. Drinks: The Weeping zaatar was delicious. On the sweeter side and I loved it. Pomegranate martini was also lovely. Also enjoyed the Rose negroni. Food: I really enjoyed the halloumi fries and Aylas kabab. Had the halva sundae for dessert which I think they can improve on for presentation (but not a big deal because it was yummy).

Good service but the food was only ok . The rosewater negroni barely tasted like rosewater. The Labneh app was dry, didn t have any loaded flavours and was served with off tasting croutons. Ayla s kebab was overcooked and chewy, and the saffron rice wasn t really a saffron rice. Sadly the small salad that came with the plate didn t taste like tahini at all either. Disappointing for a $35 plate.

Recent visit at this restaurant was very good. I had the tender khabab dish as pictured. It was very tasty and the flavors were layered. The meat was tender and not fatty. Overall very pleased with my meal. The cook who I believe to be the owner came to our table and explained the dishes which was a nice personal touch. The service overall was very good. My gf had the pulled lamb which she liked but said she preferred my dish. The location is not fancy and small but then again you go there for the food.

Ive been eating Persian food in so many places and countrys and this my take on your presentation: the plate was poorly presented, I dont mind that the chef add hes own touche to the menu if that will make the food taste better, in your case as an example the labneh appetizer was taste less ,it should have been the traditional dish lebnhe garlic and peppermint served cold ,the beef kebob was chewy , the sangeria was watery May be you should give your menu some thoughts.

Food was delicious and atmosphere was amazing. Clean restaurant, good serving size, and reasonably priced. The halloumi cheese sticks are a must try appetizer!! I preferred the beef kebab to the Mediterranean chicken, but both are good.

One of the best restaurants where I ate in Ottawa, the food is so delicious and the staff is so friendly, the chef is very good I hope I can visit again and enjoy the same experience Food

Highly recommend this a rare find! The food was spectacular ! Original spins on some classics as well as dishes I ve never tried before. I m very impressed with the high quality taste, food and presentation. The service was incredible - you truly do not find restaurants that go above and beyond the way they do. The chef came out and provided recommendations. The server was great.

Such a great restaurant. They make good food & have wonderful staff/owners. We really felt the owner s passion for his restaurant and we felt really welcome and attended to throughout our date. Thanks for a nice evening out with delicious meals.

This has definitely climbed to the top of my favorite restaurants ever. The fusions here are ones you will never forget and you ll want to savor every bite. I d highly suggest the Moroccan brisket, Lamb Shank and the Halloumi fries.

Simply the best. We love eating out and know almost every place in Ottawa. It s the shame we discovered this one only recently and it got right on top of our list. Highly recommended. Make a reservation!

delicious food, friendly service, fashionable environment. quiet and cool indoors. lots of selection of persian-inspired dishes - the beef kebab w mushroom risotto was yum, partner had a braised lamb dish with pearl couscous. fun cocktails (mine had zatar theme) that make use of the ingredients without tasting gimicky. chef was around and explaining things which i love! patio outdoors might be a bit noisy on busy days, we went inside and it was comfy and cool. access notes: patio is at street level in front of building (facing preston). full indoors, including washrooms, is down a relatively steep flight of stairs. nice private washrooms, though slightly awkward to access via a narrow hallway.

Loved our experience and meal at Ayla s! We were visiting Ottawa for the first time and would highly recommend Ayla s for an evening out. Very friendly, helpful and the food was amazing!

Great experience

We came here for our friend s birthday and we all absolutely loved it! The food was amazing, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was great. They were kind enough to let us bring a birthday cake and serve it, and even signed a birthday card for our friend! The chef came around to make sure the food tasted great and our server was really sweet and friendly. Overall a very welcoming and warm atmosphere and the food was perfection :)

My second time here, since my first time made me want to order everything on the menu! Service is always amazing and the food is delicious.

My husband and I wanted to try something different and boy were we impressed! Great customer service with a family feel, fantastic food, and a chill relaxing experience. We had the steak and beef kabobs and the pistachio feta dip so balanced and amazingly delicious. If you are looking for a great night out this is the place to go on Preston!

Excellent service and recommendations from Jacklyn (Jack)! What a warm and welcoming atmosphere with delicious and fresh food. The owner is also the chef and you can tell he is extremely passionate about his business. Can t recommend enough! You need to check this place out.

Excellent food and service, cute patio area. My favourite dish was the braised lamb shank, it was tender and flavourful. The beef brisket was very good too, I enjoyed the pearl couscous. Reasonable prices for the quality of food. Highly recommend this place!

Absolutely fantastic. Cozy atmosphere, delicious food, friendly service. Appreciated the owner personally checking in on guests and engaging with them; this restaurant understands the concept of hospitality.

Stunning food, reasonably priced and extremely well-portioned. Staff were very kind and friendly and the chef was attentive enough to ensure all the courses were to our satisfaction. We will definitely be back!

Amazing service! Every person we engaged with was knowledgeable and friendly. The food was yummy but we had two vegans in our party and the options are quite limited. The lentil balls were so so flavorful but could have used more sauce. For vegans, there are two app options (both delicious!) and zero desserts. Another entree option would be amazing. Atmosphere was super cozy in the restaurant but the entrance/washroom areas could use some love. Overall a great experience!

Yummy in my tummy Vegetarian options: Some gluten free options. Food : 5/5 |

Loved Ayla s kebab. Highly recommended. Couldn t find anything to complain Food

The first time I went was last year for my birthday dinner. The owner was personally checking on us, making custom drinks, and gave us truly top-tier service and food quality. Every time we ve gone the food is cooked to perfection, and the flavours are so fresh- my partner and I go absolutely feral for the whipped pistachio feta dip. Like want to lick the plate clean level good. The halloumi fries are amazing and the shrimp & chicken entrees were also perfect. This year when I mentioned it was my bday they surprised me with a birthday card signed by all their staff. It s family-run businesses like this that you can really feel the heart and pride they have in the service quality. I can t recommend enough; they really go above and beyond to make dining there feel special.

Loved my experience at Ayla s!! The staff were so friendly and welcoming, and the food was absolutely delicious. I had the Ayla s kabab dish and would definitely return to try the other dishes on the menu. The pistachio feta dip as an appetizer was very tasty as well. Everything was well seasoned, Persian style food is one of my favourites. The decor and interior of the restaurant was classy and pretty, good vibes :)) Thank you!

Fantastic high quality food! Amazing service! Highly recommend.

Absolutely loved the food! I Recommend everything on the menu!! Very delicious. You should definitely try. Will come back again soon!

Best. Food. EVER.

Amazing food, service and great little patio!

Great cosy restaurant. Modern dishes with a touch of Persian cuisine. I enjoyed this place and their food. Thanks for your service

Very cozy place, with a beautiful decoration; its very intimate. Despite this, we dont have the impression of being in a crowded place in terms of noise. Can be a place for a formal or very informal meal. The staff listens to customers and is very friendly.

A hidden gem ! Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in Ottawa

Best restaurant in Ottawa, and its not even close. The food. The drinks. The service. Everything was world-class

Expensive for what they offer on the menu

Last night was my first time at Aylas and it did not disappoint! The food is amazing and we will be back! Everyone at the table loved their mains and we shared baked Brie and the hummus which was top tier! Wish I had taken some photos. Also had great service and the chef if clearly passionate about what he does! Thank you Ayla s! Vegetarian options: Vegan lentil balls are a must!

Pleasantly surprised by this place- we ordered the halloumi fries, Moroccan brisket, Mediterranean chicken, and ground beef Kebab and everything was scrumptious! They sat us in a cozy booth in the corner of the restaurant and service was top notch. A great Mediterranean spot in the heart of Little Italy. Would wholeheartedly recommend!

Lovely place, super nice owner, unique flavors!

An utterly wonderful experience all the way through. Great selection of cocktails to start, including some excellent non-alcoholic options. The appetizers were fantastic, especially the olive tapenade. The main courses were brilliant and beautifully presented. We saved just enough room for dessert which was a fabulous topper to the whole experience. Bottom line: All the rave reviews you read here are spot on! Ayla s Social Kitchen is a must-do.

Incredible restaurant. My third time there. Celebrated after my wedding with my family and we loved it.

Had the brisket and was amazing. Will be back for sure.

Ayla s is the perfect spot for mid-price Mediterranean food in Little Italy. I ordered the beef kebab and my friend ordered the lamb shank and both were delicious. Staff were friendly and helpful.

Loved the appetizers, unique and tasty. we got the mozzarella sticks and the lamb hummus. Main dishes were very tasty too and the chef was so friendly and welcoming and gave us complimentary fries which were good too!! Just a note for families, the restaurant doesnt have a high chair Food

This place is next level cosy and beautiful. Wonderful atmosphere. My husband and I were seated at one of the booths and it instantly made for an intimate and cosy vibe and elevated our experience. We had the halloumi fries. They were out of this world. We were literally licking the plate after. As for the mains we took the Tender Kebab. The flavors were wonderful, as well as the different textures. I would have liked it more though if the rice was less mushy. We also took the persian style beef kebab. It was cooked to perfection and had wonderful flavors to it. The tzatziki was heaven! Last but not least the dessert. We took the raspberry cake. It was just perfect, moist and light and the right amount of sweetness along with the sour raspberry flavor. Amazing experience. Going there again, but will be getting a mix of mezze plates instead of getting mains. The mezze options seem very interesting.

My husband and I visited Aylas Social Kitchen for the first time on October 28th. We had reservations at the comedy club and wanted to grab a bite to eat first but were running late so we just popped in for a drink and an appetizer. We had the humus with lamb and it was outstanding and we swore we would come back to enjoy a full meal. We went back again on November 24th and the food and service did not disappoint! The owner was present again and is completely invested in his establishment, food, and service! Amir is fantastic. Our server was Zana and she was beyond fabulous! She was extremely friendly, provided excellent service and even offered up a recommendation for our next meal there. This time around I had the Braised Lamb Shank and my husband had the Aylas Kabab. The food was cooked to absolute perfection, seasoning was spot on - there was nothing missing from our meals! Thank you for such a wonderful evening and we will definitely be back. Keep up the wonderful work :)

This is one of my favourite restaurants! It has a smaller menu, but Ive tried almost everything and Ive never been disappointed! The owner and staff are great and very attentive. Definitely recommend!

The food was really good and the chef was kind to keep checking on us throughout our time there. The reason why I can t give higher than 2 stars is because I was really upset that despite mentioning my friends birthday many times, we didn t even get a happy birthday or anything like that from the waitress. i was really upset as this place is very upscale and it is not cheap, i ve never been to a restaurant that didn t make it a priority to ensure that celebrations were taken very seriously. we always get a small treat like a dessert, candles, and just any treatment in general that would make the evening special. So this was something that i was really upset about and would not recommend coming here for a birthday, anniversary or any special occasion as I don t think they take these things seriously there.

Highly, highly recommend. Wonderful service, cozy but beautiful interior, and amazing food. Perfect proportions, lovely flavours, and felt full but good afterwards. Food

Food was excellent: the braised brisket was out of this world, the lamb shank was outstanding. The halloumi fries left is craving more, while the labneh was refreshing and tasty. The restaurant is cozy with nice touches, and the service was excellent. Well be back.

Zana was attentitve and recommended delicious food.