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 is widely celebrated as a premier destination for authentic and upscale Lebanese cuisine, offering a menu filled with fresh, flavorful dishes such as grilled meats, mezze, and high-quality seafood in a sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing environment. Many diners praise the professional service, the owner's dedicated hospitality, and the elegant decor, which make it an ideal venue for both intimate date nights and large celebratory events. While the majority of guests have exceptional experiences and highly recommend the restaurant, some feedback highlights occasional inconsistencies in service timing, pacing issues during busier periods, and concerns regarding pricing relative to the overall experience. Despite these isolated critiques, the restaurant maintains a strong reputation for its culinary quality, warm atmosphere, and commitment to making special occasions feel memorable for its patrons.
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! 😉
If you are looking for authentic Lebanese cuisine, Aya is an absolute gem. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is welcoming, but the food is the real star of the show.
Everything we ordered tasted incredibly fresh & high-quality. You can tell they use premium ingredients, & the flavors are perfectly balanced-exactly what you hope for with traditional Middle Eastern dishes. Whether it's the hummus, the grilled meats, or the fresh salads, every bite was delicious.
Beyond the meal, the service was top-notch. The owner & the entire staff were remarkably kind & attentive, making us feel like welcome guests in their own home. It's rare to find a place that hits the mark on both exceptional food & genuine hospitality.
I highly recommend Aya to anyone in the area. We will definitely be back!
The restaurant is beautiful & food is very fresh & tasty. Unfortunately it was a dead friday night, not much atmosphere...poor woman singing no one was really clapping.
But thats fine.. it was quiet & its not the resto's fault.
We got there at 8... place is supposed to close at 11. At 100$ person, I do not expect to be rushed in anyway. We ordered the full 3 course experience cockails & wine. We got cocktails after our appetizers.. we told the waiter about a nut allergie.. we got walnuts & pistachios in our dishes. At 10pm we were told the kitchen was closing so they wanted to bring the desserts right away with my meat on the table, we took it to go! Bill came right after... I dont mind dropping 400$ on a dinner when the experience comes with it.... but this place fell short of that. Great food... but don't seem to really want you to have an memorable experience.
Nov 15, 2025
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When you walk into the venue, the interior design is breathtaking! The arrangement of tables allow for an intimate dining experience. Definitely a first date restaurant. The four rambunctious children at the next table were almost bearable at the distance from our table. Had it been anywhere else, we would have asked for another table or left. Our waiter was very professional (Gibbys should send some of their waiters here for training). The food was beautifully presented but not stellar. My Bass arrived 10 minutes after my husband's meal had arrived. Our wonderful Waiter gave a detailed description of the Bass that I could almost visualize the Fisherman reeling it in from the Mediterranean. I was extremely disappointed on what I had received. One portion was rubbery, lukewarm, & spongy. The other portion was mediocre. I was expecting the fish to be grilled & I even asked if the filets had been frozen. I ate the fresh one & even pointed out the difference between the skins/flesh of the fish. I was not expecting any reduction of price but for the time difference in main meal arrivals & elevated price I would have expected a manager to apologize for the delay (10 minutes is excessive) or an explanation/inquiry on why I thought the quality of the fish was not appreciated.
Aya Lebanese Restaurant is an absolute gem in Montreal, especially for those seeking incredible vegetarian options. From the moment we walked in, we felt warmly welcomed by the ambiance & the staff, but what truly made our experience exceptional was the personal touch provided by the owner, Maurice. The vegetarian entrée options at Aya are simply amazing. Each dish is crafted with care, bursting with authentic flavors that transport you straight to Lebanon. We started with a variety of appetizers, & every bite was a delightful surprise of rich & fresh ingredients. Maurice went above & beyond to make our visit memorable. He personally ensured that our main courses were tailored to our preferences, creating the most delicious falafel I've ever tasted & a wonderfully flavorful okra rice dish. It was clear that he takes immense pride in his restaurant, & his passion for serving high-quality, authentic Lebanese food shone through in every detail. The combination of outstanding food, warm hospitality, & a cozy atmosphere makes Aya Lebanese Restaurant a must-visit. Whether you're a vegetarian or just love good food, I can't recommend this place enough. We'll definitely be returning to experience more of Maurice's culinary magic!
We had high expectations for this restaurant & Aya exceeded all of them! We opted for the tasting menu as first-time diners & the plates did not disappoint. The dishes were savoury & fresh. The staff was equally amazing. Ask for Matthew - his service was impeccable! Will definitely be returning.
