Reviews for Ayla's Social Kitchen in Ottawa, ON
Beautiful gem in little Italy! So happy to have found this place - staff and owner were very knowledgeable, friendly and... professional. Perfect spot for date night, girls night or as a group. Cozy, beautiful, and intimate setting. Quality, quality,quality! Food was absolutely delicious and filling, don?t let the size fool you! We will definitely be back! Read more
Went there for dinner with friends and everyone left amazed by the quality of food. Let?s begin with parking, not a hassle if... you try the side streets. The place is few steps down the stairs and it?s very cozy little place. Service was very kind and thechef kept coming out to bring the food and check how we were doing. The appetizers were very creative combining middle easternflavours to western food. Mains were fine, the shrimp dish wasn?t my favourite but everyone loved Ayla?s kabab.. for dessert theapple cake was average and the coconut was definitely refreshing. They also got a patio for warmer days.. Read more
This gem of a restaurant had a ton of charm. The flavours were incredible. Ordered the Brie, feta/pistachio dip, halloumi fries... and Egyptian labneh. ALL 5 stars for presentation AND taste. Warm naan bread and crostinis served on the side. It all workedwell together. Mains ordered were the Ayla kabab and Persian beef kabab (with risotto) were all SO GOOD. The salad and sauces inthe plate were fantastic. The owner was kind and responsive and came over multiple times to check on our table. Desserts we hadwere halva sundae and cake of the day - huge hits. Service, speed, presentation and taste were all excellent. Highly recommend! Read more
Ordered the halloumi fries, whipped feta and pistachio dip, and Mediterranean meatballs. The food tasted great and the service... was friendly. The patio is really cute too! Read more
First time coming here with my wife. Setting is cozy, comfortable, and pleasant with the right amount of lighting. Staff here is... professional, knowledgable, but very positive and welcoming. Just from having the appetizer, I knew this place is a gem. The redwine sangria was fresh,well made, and had great balance. The lamb shank entree was so satisfying with amazing depth of flavorsin the rice and perfectly cooked, tender meat that falls off the bone. For dessert, the coconut pana cotta was executedprecisely with amazing flavors and citrus highlights from the unique grapefruit garnish. Definitely coming back here for thenext Ottawa trip. Highly recommend anyone who did not try this place to not hesitate coming here. Lastly, I highly suggesthaving the chef to do a chef's entree as well (maybe seasonal), since there is a chefs cake of the day on the menu because thisguy can cook. Read more
We were a group of 6 people and we ordered the halloumi fries and baked Brie to start off. We intended to share but they weren?t... the most generous portions so it?s good to keep that in mind. For mains, we ordered the lamb shank which was extremely tender &flavourful. Loved the mushroom risotto that came with it. We also ordered the Ayla?s kabab, the Garlic ginger shrimp bowl, theMediterranean chicken and the Lamb pitas. We really liked the flavour of the food, but again, the quantity could?ve beenmore. The garlic ginger shrimp bowl came with spinach couscous but we let the chef know of a dietary issue and he was kindenough to accommodate us by substituting the couscous with paella, which was great! Wouldn?t recommend this place if you?relooking to eat as a family and intend to share. But could be a cosy, intimate spot for special date nights. The interior iswell-decorated but it?s a small space. Read more
This family-owned restaurant is indescribable. Everything was perfect, from the scenary to the service, to the food! You're in... for a treat if you've been looking for a local Mediterranean restaurant. I ordered about a quarter of the menu and everythingwas made to perfection. The pistachio feta dip was a highlight as well as the arancini for appetizers! The fall-off-the-bonebraised Lamb Shank and the pulled Lamb Pitas were *chef's kiss*! And don't get me started on the Coconut Mango Panna Cota.You'll need to call to make a reservation, but it is so worth it! Read more
Don?t judge the book by the cover. I had to call them to find their exact location. When the gentleman informed me that they... were ?downstairs? I was skeptical however the reviews were amazing so ? we gave it a shot. Everything from the food, service,cozy environment was 5 ??. The owner/chef suggested a few things and they were delicious. Lamb pita with fries, Persian Kababand lamb hummus. ???? Thank you for an amazing dinner! Read more