Aya is widely described as a refined Lebanese restaurant in the West Island with an elegant decor, a strong wine program, and a warm, inviting atmosphere suited to dates, business dinners, and celebrations. The menu features flavorful, well presented dishes and includes standout items such as grilled octopus, kebbe, hummus, fattoush, sea bass, and beef options, with a tasting menu and a range of dips and salads that guests frequently praise, while the Lebanese wine recommendations from a sommelier are noted as elevating the experience. Service is generally attentive and knowledgeable, though a few reviews mention occasional staff shortages during busy times, and the dining room is described as spacious yet intimate with a vibe that can be lively for large groups or quiet on slower nights. Pricing is often described as on the higher side for the area, but many feel the quality, presentation, and hospitality justify the cost, making Aya a go to for celebrations, office events, and romantic evenings. Overall Aya is viewed as a standout Lebanese option in the area, delivering solid flavors, refined ambiance, and reliable hospitality, with guests returning for the diverse menu and memorable experiences.
Wonderful service by Louis & we shared about 10 appetizers that were absolutely delicious. Too full for the main dishes but we'd all go back in a heartbeat!
was highly recommended to this resto. very anxious to try..
WHAT A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. Tried the taster menu option..besides the price being very high, we specifically asked the waiter if its a lot of food..He tried to say he has seen many people finish it & if not, you can take it home..
they made a BIG issue over 1 substitution from perhaps close to 15items.
first the hot & cold appetizers arrived (hot one wasn't hot but didn't complain)
main course arrived which consisted .
after tasting 1-2items the waiter appears & asks how everything is..not having much of a chance to sample much, we politely replied fine or good..
well, other than the french fries that were hot, all the meat..the kibbe,lamb chop,shrimp & shish taok was dried out, over cooked & room temperature. We ate the 1 pathetic lamb chop each & the 3 shrimp & after small tastes of the chicken & kibbe..all was left behind. We then told the waiter our thoughts explaining that we fully intend to pay but we are advising him as we were very very disappointed.. all he kept repeating at least 6-8times, how sorry he was & we should have told him when he asked 1 minute after putting the food on the table..we repeatedly told him we aren't asking for anything but we feel they might want to know as the restaurant is only 7 months old. He then lets us know the $9.00 bottle of sparkling water will be deducted from the bill..In the interval, he went to see "his boss" to see what he could do..
best joke..he comes back with the bill & the $9.00 water is on it..(HE IS STANDING OVER US THE ENTIRE TIME) so I say, by the way, the water is on the bill...his reply was "MY BOSS DIDN'T WANT TO DEDUCT IT"..this was so unproffessional!!!
he still was insisting that we should have told him when he asked about our meal before most anything was tasted..then he could have taken it back & they would have started over.
the irony of it all is I tried to tell him that if he would have taken it back , being that everything was overcooked, they would have to start all over again & throw out this platter of food but yet now he can't do anything!!!
As mentioned, we ordered the tasters menu & were prepared to pay the exorbitant asking price & besides being terribly disappointed in the food, the waiter seemed to have NO jurisdiction, NO common sense & "THE BOSS' even less..
sadly, just as word travels quickly when a place is great, staff & owner proffessional...the reverse happens as well.
I am speaking from experience as I was in a customer service business for 40years..
Please everyone, rethink going to this place..There are no shortages of middle eastern foods in our city that are far less expensive & are more interested in pleasing their customers..
Jun 26, 2022
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