Ayla Restaurant

There are so many new normals we’ve already grown accustomed to – everything from turning masks into gloves, social distancing into the new hang standard, and a slew of fun activities like bike rides, backyard drinks and so on—just goes to show how quickly we adapt to whatever craziness life throws our way.

Well, another incidental of this viral way of living, eating out… I feel like this pandemic has forced business worldwide into a new phase of bizdev (business development). Much like how gyms quickly took to online platforms, restaurants created take-out/delivery menus for the catered home experience that feels like restaurant dining. They’ve become readily available on every app out there to ensure that their eager foodies all get their hands on those scrumptious chef-cooked meals.

Before quarantine hit, Ayla was due to open. But then, as the story goes – well, they didn’t. I got a glimpse into their online menu and had a few friends over for outdoor girl’s night – we ate basically everything from the menu and wowzers! It was all so sensational.

Ayla is an Eastern Mediterranean concept restaurant offering the family-style eating experience. Everything is “best when shared.” That’s their mantra. All the dishes are generous portions and are meant to allow you to taste a little bit of everything. 

A restaurant brought to you by the movers and shakers who brought us Ryu and Livia – Ayla is another slam dunk – we all reached for seconds! My favourites included the taboon roasted veggies which features eggplant, tomatoes, onion, brussel sprouts and tahini, I loved the whole roasted cauliflower, the shrimp à la plancha really hit the spot, and I usually don’t do fried and gluten but I definitely had to try the challah, yemenite pita and schnitzel just for good measure and I can honestly say, I was delighted. 

I believe restaurants are slowly starting to open up again and hopefully means we all be able to slowly integrate back into the resto scene, even if only on terraces through the summer. Ayla is located in Griffintown and from what I’ve seen, the dining room will absolutely transport you. It might be a whole before you make it out, but for now, take a look at the menu online (click here) and make a night of it. Click on their dinner playlist to add a little more vibe to your evening. Do these pictures not make you so hungry!? Bon appetit!

Photography by Patricia Brochu