Aya specializes in authentic Lebanese preparations that emphasize traditional charcoal grilling techniques and aromatic spice profiles. Guests encounter a diverse selection of skewered meats, including tender shish taouk and seasoned kafta, alongside signature cold mezzes like silky hummus and baba ghanoush. The menu focuses on fresh ingredients integrated into robust, flavor-forward dishes that represent classic Middle Eastern culinary heritage. Vibrant tabbouleh and crispy fattoush salads provide essential textures that complement the savory protein offerings. Each plate highlights a commitment to traditional preparation methods that maintain the integrity of regional staples. The dining space features an uncomplicated, functional aesthetic designed to facilitate efficient service for patrons seeking consistent flavor profiles. This establishment prioritizes the delivery of high-quality, grilled specialties within an accessible setting that reflects the fundamentals of Levantine cooking.
Aya offers an upscale and elegant dining experience featuring authentic, flavorful Lebanese cuisine prepared with high quality ingredients and expert skill. The restaurant serves generous, fresh portions that are beautifully presented, with standout dishes ranging from classic mezzas and charcoal grilled items to a variety of delicious tasting menus. Guests frequently praise the chic, calming atmosphere and the beautiful, spacious interior, making it an ideal destination for everything from intimate date nights to large celebrations and corporate events. The service is often described as warm, professional, and attentive, complemented by a curated selection of cocktails and fine wines. While some diners note that the experience can be an investment, many find the exceptional food, welcoming hospitality, and sophisticated environment to be well worth it, cementing Aya as a standout culinary destination.
We have a feeling that many West Islanders are not aware that we have a magnificent upscale Lebanese restaurant right here in Kirkland & thought I throw them out a little love. My husband & I have been to Aya ( 16977 Autoroute Transcanadienne…corner of St. Charles) several times & it's always a beautiful date night out…without the hassle of driving downtown…potholes, traffic, finding/paying for parking, etc. The food is constently fresh, flavorful, cooked with skill, & presented with attention to aesthetics, the service is professional & warm, & the atmosphere is surprisingly chic. They offer hot & cold mezzas, charcoal grille items, a gorgeous full bar of cocktails & wines, & a variety of tasting menus. Some of our favorite items are the hummus, baba ghannouj, kibbe nayyeh (beef tartare), grilled octopus, grilled rack of lamb with roasted potatoes, & their homemade freshly baked pita (they bring to you hot). Although we have not experienced a private event or wedding there, we've seen the pix, & what a WOW way to make a fancy affair! The owner, Maurice, puts his heart & soul into his business, & you can feel it while you're there. Now that the snow has cleared, they offer terrace dining as well. We've turned on so many friends & family members who have also fallen in love with Aya, so felt compelled to put it out there to WIC. Hope you enjoy it too! Now I'm hungry, damnit, & they're closed on Sundays! 😉
We had our wedding here on May 2, & it was amazing! The food was extremely delicious, & for $79, there was really a lot of food.
The interior is beautiful, & the staff were super polite, helpful, & attentive throughout the event.
The owner & manager were especially kind & made the whole organization process much easier for us. They even gave us a private room on the second floor, which made the celebration feel even more special.
This place is now one of our favorites, & we highly recommend it! ❤?
May 14, 2026
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Overall I had a great experience at Aya. The restaurant is huge with nice decor, it is not cheap but quality & service is on par. On the night I went it was pretty empty aside from what I think was a corporate event upstairs but it was also a random Tuesday.
Me & my group of 3 went out for dinner on a somewhat rainy Tuesday night.
All night the service was excellent, staff is friendly, attentive & knowledgeable being able to explain what a lot of these dishes were to us.
We started with cocktails, trying the Pomegranate Mojito & the New York Sour, both were good.
For the appetizers we tried the Kebbe, Grilled Octopus + Salada, Soujouk (beef sausage) & the grilled Halloumi. The standouts were the Grilled Octupus & salad for sure, both were exremely flavorful & might be the best grilled Octopus I had in a very long time. The Halloumi was also great, not being too salty & the Soujouk was very good as well. We were also given warm pita to pair with the apps. The Kebbe we found a little bland, I would have skipped that one next time.
At this point for the mains we were all pretty stuffed. We ordered the Sea Bass, Salmon & the Beef Kefka. The presentations continued to be great & all were delicious but we over did it on the apps so most of that was brought home.
I would say best bet is to do 0.5 to 1 app per person if you were going to do a main, or just order 2 apps per person & skip the mains.
& then for dessert, cause there is always room for dessert. We had the Creme Brulee & Layali Lubnan which is a wafer topped with a ashta/cream & was light & delicious.
They also offer a tasting menu ranging from $70 to $100 which could be a good option.
I would definitely go again, it is not cheap but again for quality like this it is worth it. Cocktails or a glass of wine around about $15, the apps range from $20 to $30 & the mains from $30- $45.
Every milestone I've ever celebrated has taken place in this venue-from my bridal shower to my wedding-& each experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. The team here truly goes above & beyond. They anticipate your needs before you even think to ask, & every detail feels personal, thoughtful, & perfectly executed.
The space itself is stunning-elegant yet welcoming-& the ambiance makes every occasion feel special. Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime event or just popping in for a fun Saturday night dinner, the experience is always exceptional.
The food is consistently spectacular, with flavors that impress even the toughest critics at the table.
This place feels like home, but with all the magic & care of a five-star experience. We keep coming back because we know we'll be treated like family-& because no other place compares.
Really beautiful restaurant, amazing food, great atmosphere & staff. The food is truly delicious!! Wether for an event, office gathering, or to enjoy a nice romantic evening, you will have a lovely time.
I had a wonderful experience with the amazing service & delicious food. The owner was incredibly friendly & welcoming from the start. If you're planning a large event, I highly recommend this establishment.
