We came tonight for a friend’s birthday dinner and everyone loved their dishes . Atmosphere, decor, service , food ! everything was perfection . Drinks were so pretty and tasty and the service was impeccable!
We stopped in on a whim and were delighted with the food! I wish I had been hungry enough for an appetizer too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
WY - Yousmgmt
Went in with high expectations. At first glance, the menu appeared creative and full of appetizing options, but the food ultimately did not live up to that promise.
The lamb hummus dip was particularly disappointing. It had only a very thin layer of minced lamb, which left the hummus greasy and we expected lamb pieces. There were barely any pine nuts or pomegranate, and it was served with what tasted like store-bought Greek pita not home made. At $21, this was underwhelming for an appetizer.
The main course was the biggest letdown. For a $36 kabob plate, expectations were understandably high. While the beef itself was tender, the rice was completely flavourless — not even salted — and tasted as though it had been reheated in a microwave? The kale salad lacked any real dressing and simply tasted like plain kale. The labneh sumac sauce didnt go the best with beef.
When charging premium prices, the food should exceed the quality of the many kabob houses nearby. Several newer Turkish kabob spots in Ottawa offer far better flavour, larger portions, and significantly better value at nearly half the price.
Overall, very disappointing. The food feels more geared toward diners unfamiliar with Middle Eastern cuisine rather than those who understand and appreciate it.
Food: 2
Service: 4
Sarah K
Such delicious food and amazing service! We had the lamb pitta & beef brisket, both amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
steffie amaro
Came here with my spouse for a impromptu new years eve dinner and we were both pleasantly surprised! Love the little corner booths and the food was delish! The brie was amazing!! def coming back :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heffat Hussaini
I had dinner reservations here for New Years Eve and we were so blown away by the quality of the service and food. The halloumi fries were to die for and the Ayla’s kabob was the most tender kabob we’ve ever had. You can tell by the presentation of the food and the ingredients used, that there is so much care that goes into each dish. The chef even brought out each dish to everyone’s table which isn’t something I’ve seen before. 10/10 recommend and I’d visit again! 😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Halloumi Fries, Ayla's Kabab
M J
We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Ayla’s Social Kitchen. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm, intimate, and welcoming, specially the owner Amir. Perfect for a relaxed yet elevated dining experience. The food was outstanding. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour, clearly made with care and high-quality ingredients. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is creative without being overwhelming, and everything we tried was perfectly balanced and satisfying. What truly sets Ayla’s apart is the exceptional service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about what they do. We felt well taken care of without ever being rushed, which made the evening even more enjoyable. Overall, Ayla’s Social Kitchen delivers on every level — food, service, ambience, and experience. It’s the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit. Highly recommended for date nights, special occasions, or simply a great night out in Ottawa.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Halloumi Fries, Halva Sundae, Ayla's Kabab
air plant jess
It was our lucky day to get a same day reservation as a table for two cancelled just before I called. My friend and I truly thought everything was perfect. The service, the seating, the food….perfect. The food was so high quality and there were so many amazing flavors. It was our first visit and definitely lived up to the hype I have heard from anyone I know that has been. For dessert we had the off menu option and it was an a basque cheesecake, light espresso flavor. I love cheesecake and I think it was the best cheesecake I’ve ever had.
Incredible food, and cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angela Paas
What an amazing experience! The restaurant is so cozy and comfortable. The service was spot on and the food - omg the food was delicious. So pleasantly happy with our whole meal this evening and will definitely be back again.
Had an amazing meal last night at Ayla’s! Was so impressed with the service and hospitality. We were there for my friend’s birthday and the staff even made a point to give her a birthday card signed by all of the staff. I had the lamb shank which was delicious. The recommendations given by the chef were amazing, especially the cheesecake (not yet on their menu). Drinks and wine were also delicious.
Excellent food, ambience and caring staff - I felt I was being served by a very loving family at Ayla's - we were a group of 9 so we were able to try each other's meals and they were all excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A T
Had a very good experience at Ayla’s! The food was absolutely delicious. I had the lebneh appetizer and the marinated chicken entree. The Spanish rice under the chicken is the best rice dish I’ve had. And I will think about that lebneh for a long time. I also loved that the owner came to our table to check on our experience. Great service and very friendly! I will definitely return and recommend this restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Denys Koren
Delicious food and friendly staff. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
AT Baer
Had dinner here last night for the first time and wow! The food, service and atmosphere was amazing. Had the halloumi fries for an appetizer, followed by Ayla’s kebab, beef brisket and garlic shrimp and panna cotta for dessert. Highly recommend all of these dishes! I will definitely be coming back!
We came tonight for a friend’s birthday dinner and everyone loved their dishes . Atmosphere, decor, service , food ! everything was perfection . Drinks were so pretty and tasty and the service was impeccable!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Halloumi Fries, Baked Brie, Ayla's Kabab
We stopped in on a whim and were delighted with the food! I wish I had been hungry enough for an appetizer too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went in with high expectations. At first glance, the menu appeared creative and full of appetizing options, but the food ultimately did not live up to that promise.
The lamb hummus dip was particularly disappointing. It had only a very thin layer of minced lamb, which left the hummus greasy and we expected lamb pieces. There were barely any pine nuts or pomegranate, and it was served with what tasted like store-bought Greek pita not home made. At $21, this was underwhelming for an appetizer.
The main course was the biggest letdown. For a $36 kabob plate, expectations were understandably high. While the beef itself was tender, the rice was completely flavourless — not even salted — and tasted as though it had been reheated in a microwave? The kale salad lacked any real dressing and simply tasted like plain kale. The labneh sumac sauce didnt go the best with beef.
When charging premium prices, the food should exceed the quality of the many kabob houses nearby. Several newer Turkish kabob spots in Ottawa offer far better flavour, larger portions, and significantly better value at nearly half the price.
Overall, very disappointing. The food feels more geared toward diners unfamiliar with Middle Eastern cuisine rather than those who understand and appreciate it.
Food: 2
Service: 4
Such delicious food and amazing service!
We had the lamb pitta & beef brisket, both amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here with my spouse for a impromptu new years eve dinner and we were both pleasantly surprised! Love the little corner booths and the food was delish! The brie was amazing!! def coming back :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had dinner reservations here for New Years Eve and we were so blown away by the quality of the service and food. The halloumi fries were to die for and the Ayla’s kabob was the most tender kabob we’ve ever had. You can tell by the presentation of the food and the ingredients used, that there is so much care that goes into each dish. The chef even brought out each dish to everyone’s table which isn’t something I’ve seen before. 10/10 recommend and I’d visit again! 😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Halloumi Fries, Ayla's Kabab
We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Ayla’s Social Kitchen. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm, intimate, and welcoming, specially the owner Amir. Perfect for a relaxed yet elevated dining experience.
The food was outstanding. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour, clearly made with care and high-quality ingredients. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is creative without being overwhelming, and everything we tried was perfectly balanced and satisfying.
What truly sets Ayla’s apart is the exceptional service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about what they do. We felt well taken care of without ever being rushed, which made the evening even more enjoyable.
Overall, Ayla’s Social Kitchen delivers on every level — food, service, ambience, and experience. It’s the kind of place you leave already planning your next visit. Highly recommended for date nights, special occasions, or simply a great night out in Ottawa.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Halloumi Fries, Halva Sundae, Ayla's Kabab
It was our lucky day to get a same day reservation as a table for two cancelled just before I called. My friend and I truly thought everything was perfect. The service, the seating, the food….perfect. The food was so high quality and there were so many amazing flavors. It was our first visit and definitely lived up to the hype I have heard from anyone I know that has been. For dessert we had the off menu option and it was an a basque cheesecake, light espresso flavor. I love cheesecake and I think it was the best cheesecake I’ve ever had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Halloumi Fries, Ginger Garlic Shrimp Bowl, Ayla's Kabab
Incredible food, and cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What an amazing experience! The restaurant is so cozy and comfortable. The service was spot on and the food - omg the food was delicious. So pleasantly happy with our whole meal this evening and will definitely be back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Had an amazing meal last night at Ayla’s! Was so impressed with the service and hospitality. We were there for my friend’s birthday and the staff even made a point to give her a birthday card signed by all of the staff. I had the lamb shank which was delicious. The recommendations given by the chef were amazing, especially the cheesecake (not yet on their menu). Drinks and wine were also delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Halloumi Fries, Baked Brie, Braised Lamb Shank
Excellent food, ambience and caring staff - I felt I was being served by a very loving family at Ayla's - we were a group of 9 so we were able to try each other's meals and they were all excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had a very good experience at Ayla’s! The food was absolutely delicious. I had the lebneh appetizer and the marinated chicken entree. The Spanish rice under the chicken is the best rice dish I’ve had. And I will think about that lebneh for a long time. I also loved that the owner came to our table to check on our experience. Great service and very friendly! I will definitely return and recommend this restaurant!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food and friendly staff. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had dinner here last night for the first time and wow! The food, service and atmosphere was amazing. Had the halloumi fries for an appetizer, followed by Ayla’s kebab, beef brisket and garlic shrimp and panna cotta for dessert. Highly recommend all of these dishes! I will definitely be coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Halloumi Fries, Coconut Panna Cotta, Ginger Garlic Shrimp Bowl, Ayla's Kabab
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