Had such a great experience at Aya! Everything we ordered was delicious, but the scallop appetizer was definitely one of the highlights. The scallops were perfect and the flavors were so good. The hummus was also amazing and easily some of the best I've had. We finished with the tiramisu, which was incredible and the perfect way to end the meal. The atmosphere was beautiful, the food felt elevated without being overly complicated, and everything we tried was genuinely excellent. Service was amazing. Definitely a spot I'd recommend and will be going back to! read more

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I made a reservation for 7:00 p.m. on a Saturday for my friend's birthday. I'm glad I did because the restaurant was quite busy. As the night got later it got busier. Aya is a beautiful restaurant starting at the entrance. We can tell there was a lot of thought to put into the restaurant atmosphere . Even the bathrooms are really nice . The service was superb and staff very friendly. The Kharouf Shank was very good. The lamb meat was tender with good flavor and not over seasoned. The spaghetti was also good but very rich. After having the falafel, oyster mushroom, black truffle arancini, and black truffle fries I could hardly finish my meal. But I still had dessert which was okay. I had the pistachio tiramisu. While it was good it didn't have a strong taste of espresso which you typically will find in more traditional tiramisu. My friend has a Sticky Toffee pudding which she described as similar to eating a pancake texture. We also were given a complimentary dried apricot ( at least that's what I think it was). Just to note, that the restaurant can get very loud. With a couple drinks, 2 entrees, 4 shareable plates, and 2 desserts the bill came out to around $245 without tip. read more

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Absolutely had so much fun at Aya! Everything we ate was delicious and the whole experience made for a great night. We grabbed a drink at the bar before being seated for our reservation, and the bar was very cool with a great atmosphere. For dinner, we ordered a bunch of shareable plates so we could try a little of everything! We started off with the grilled octopus served over split pea puree, which was cooked perfectly and exactly what I was hoping for. My favorite appetizer of the night was the classic hummus. It was honestly some of the best hummus I have had in MKE! The homemade pita was warm, fluffy, and absolutely perfect. Other shareables we had were the oyster mushrooms, the venison kebab, and the yellowtail sashimi (from the raw bar). We really enjoyed everything. For dessert, we ordered the pistachio tiramisu that made my mouth water. We were also celebrating my birthday, and the staff gave us a complimentary slice of short cake that made me feel extra special (and very full). Will definitely be going back soon! read more

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aya was amazing!!!!!! The inside is absolutely beautiful & not somewhere you want to come underdressed to. Our server was great and answered our many, many questions and gave great suggestions. My favorite thing we got was the mezze sampler because we got to try all the dips and then we each ordered our own pita which worked great for our group of 6. The martini was also great. There were so many things I wanted to try on the menu it was hard to only order a few. Can't wait to go back and try more items! read more

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Brunch at Aya is new and absolutely a must try. Start with the beet hummus and date french toast, transition to the shakshuka and spicy Rigatoni and don't forget the flat breads. The truffle fries really stole the show in my opinion. The staff is so friendly and has great drink suggestions and the restaurant is so well designed. Cant wait to go back for dinner. read more

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My friends and I had a lovely time sharing dishes and having cocktails at Aya! The restaurant is decorated very well, making it a great vibe for a date night or girls night. Our server was so kind and friendly, and was the perfect amount of attentive while also letting us chill and chat. The cocktails and wine we had were delicious. We shared a hummus, sampler, lamb kebab, and sticky toffee pudding. I loved the variety of the items in the sampler and the sticky toffee pudding was amazing, I definitely recommend those items. The other items were good, but for the price were just a little disappointing, but everything else more than made up for it. Overall, it was a unique and fun experience. read more

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Excellent dinner date option! This is a swanky place near Cathedral Square. The entrance is a huge wooden door that leads to small(ish) dining space with bar seating and some tall buys by the kitchen. Make a reservation otherwise you may have to wait. There are floor to ceiling windows with blinds that they roll down if the sun gets too intense. There are so many elevated details like the chandelier, ceiling-high tree inside (could be fake), wait staff in emerald green uniforms, moist hand towels to freshen up before you eat and your choice of a complimentary stuffed date at the end of your meal which the resultant manager offered to us. The aesthetic is eye-catching but not in an overwhelming way. It's all very on theme. As for the food we loved the flavors and how so many dishes were made to be shared. The mezze plater is an absolute must. It comes with one piece of fluffy pita per person and you will need more. There aren't many vegetarian mains on the menu but there's plenty of small plates to bite from. We loved the grilled asparagus as an add on vegetable. When it comes to dessert we don't typically have room for something sweet but we decided to try the kunafa. It was divine! It was our first time trying this and we both loved it. It was just so unique, delicate and satisfying. Definitely will return for this and to try the Lotus Biscoff Cookie. Quick note on parking because it can be tricky. There aren't a lot of readily available street spots (which are metered) so be prepared to circle a few times or park and walk. There's also a Hop stop out directly outside the restaurant. read more

aya - Main Entrance - Middle Eastern Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Can't say enough how much I love Aya! My first visit was opening week (in February) and I had to run it back a few weeks later (in March)! The front door alone lets you know you're in for an experience and the interior design was curated perfectly! Both visits, the staff were wonderful! Even with a short wait before our reservation we were seated in their lounge by the bar for pre-dinner cocktails! The food is the star of the show - the flavors, portions and even presentation! Aya is definitely a must try! read more

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This place was so beautiful, we came here to celebrate our anniversary and it was a great choice. The service was amazing everyone was so attentive, our waiter was friendly gave suggestions for food and drinks as this was our first time there. We didn't feel rushed we got to really enjoy dinner. The food was fantastic, I am sure we will be back here very soon! (Had Prawns but we ate them before I could take a pic) read more

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Had the pleasure of visiting Aya this last week. I was there for a work event so I will preface by stating it was not a traditional dinner type visit for a small group. Interior of the restaurant is beautiful! Loved the decor and color scheme. Very boujie and elevated! It does get quite loud as the evening goes on and it gets busy Food was tasty! Ingredients seemed high quality and the medley of flavors in the dishes were unique and really nice. Got the beet salad as an appetizer which was fresh and light. If you like beets I highly recommend! Table shared the seafood tower which was loaded with so many different sea apps including meaty and nice sized lobster tails. For dinner I had the chicken and it was tender and delicious. The rice is super flavorful and the sauce that goes with the dish was smooth and a perfect pairing. Several desserts were shared by the table and all of them were good. My favorite was the cheesecake! Service was a little slow but I'm not sure if that's because of the nature of the event (there was a presentation and not sure if the waiters didn't want to interrupt too often) The waitress was super sweet and receptive. Our water ran out several times and there definitely could have been more bottles on the table for sharing (there was only 1 voss bottle at a time for 6 people) and not refilled fast enough. Dishes are pretty pricey so it feels like more of a special occasion type place than one I'd be itching to go back to often as it can get expensive real Quick. Food was good but I'm not itching to go back to spend such a hefty amount for what we had. read more

aya - Beet salad - Middle Eastern Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Came back for a second visit and was truly impressed by the service team, who recognized me by my reservation name - honestly not common in Milwaukee at all. Love, love, love that hospitality spirit! As for the food, we got the lamb chops, halloumi, and oyster mushrooms as appetizers; the chicken and rice with roasted cauliflower for the entrée; and the kunafa plus mango baklava for dessert - and truly enjoyed every single dish. Highlights for us were the incredibly flavorful and beautifully cooked lamb chops and oyster mushrooms, the creamy kunafa dessert, the refreshing mango baklava, and especially the deliciously fragrant rice in the chicken entrée (our picky toddler ate half of the rice). If we had to pick on one thing that they could improve would be the chicken in the entree - a bit dryer than we like in in our experience. Overall, we will definitely be back! read more

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Highlights 1) Beautiful Restaurant 2) Flavorful Food 3) Fun Drinks Aya has been at the TOP of my want to try list for so long! You absolutely need a reservation. We came on a Wednesday night with a 7pm reservation and it was completely packed. We were seated at the bar to wait for our table. The cocktail list is fun and the wine list (even wine by the glass!) is great. We were seated about 10 minutes after our reservation, Per our servers recommendation, we ordered a bunch of dishes and shared everything. We did a maze platter, lamb kebabs, chicken, halloumi, and sticky toffee pudding for dessert. From start to finish service was great and food and drinks were flavorful! Looking forward to coming back and trying more of the menu! read more

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Aya is the newest addition to an already incredible food scene in Milwaukee. They specialize in elevated Middle Eastern/Mediterranean cuisine in a vibrant, elegant atmosphere. Since it opened it has already become a popular must stop for any foodie. It is the same owners of Saffron, and they draw on the influences that has made that restaurant a smash on the Milwaukee dining scene. This is another home run and one of the most unique dining experiences in the city. We tried many plates: the mezze sampler platter, Wagyu Shish Taouk, Lamb Shish Kebab, and Oyster Mushrooms. Everything was absolutely delicious, and the presentation was spectacular. Our standouts were the Wagu and Oyster mushrooms. You must try them! Them mezze sampler was also incredible. The cocktails we ordered were also fantastic. The atmosphere and presentation of everyone was beautiful and elegant. Besides the amazing food, the service was also top-notch, friendly and attentive. If you are lucky enough to snag a reservation, don't pass it up. Go now! read more

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We went for Mother's Day and the whole place is just gorgeous! A little issue on timing due to a larger party very soon after they opened but food was delicious, service overall was wonderful, and so excited to see one of my favorite restaurant owners (saffron) expanding! They always have creative dishes, drinks, and a nice selection of mocktail options as well read more

We came into aya to celebrate a birthday and had a great time! The staff was so attentive and kind, the restaurant beautiful and the drinks were quite creative. The menu had something for everyone - we opted to share a bunch of mezzes including the sampler, halloumi, skewers, and Muhammara. The muhammara and the baba were our favorite dips, and the halloumi and falafel were delish! The skewers were the star - chicken was so flavorful and juicy. I didn't try the venison or lamb but was told they were good. I would say Aya can be quite pricey - we spent almost $400 between three of us, and another couple spent $300. While the food was delicious, the portions were small for the price. Likewise - they only provide one pita with a dip, and extra pita is $5 for a single pc. Having been to several similar restaurants in other cities like Chicago, phx, dc, nyc...pita refills are usually provided for free or at minimum each person is provided with an individual pita. This wasn't the case which made it difficult to finish the mezzes without ordering extra pita. We had a fantastic time and the food was high quality, and delicious. The service was great. We will come back, but with the price point it will likely be more of a special occasion spot. read more

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We decided to stop in to celebrate a special occasion and I appreciated being seated promptly. There is not great parking the area so be advised and I do think maybe a valet would have been a nice touch for a fine dining experience. The service was tremendous as the staff was super attentive we did have an earlier reservation but nonetheless they were on top of everything. The ambience is a nice elegant touch for a fine dining experience. I think they really thought through the decor and presentation of everything. The food my favorites were the lamb hummus and my branzino. Their version branzino had great flavor. Their version of a pide was a nice touch different than the Turkish pide I've had in the past. My wife got the chicken dish which was a little overcooked and dry unfortunately. Overall, worth checking out and giving a try. read more

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Such a solid new restaurant spot for the Milwaukee food scene the restaurant was fully booked for last Friday night, but we tested our luck around 6:45 hoping to snag a seat at the bar and we did! A couple others opened up after us too, so I would definitely encourage this approach as it's full-service and, honestly, probably the best seat in the house! I will say, the area of the restaurant is kind of random and parking will probably be a hit or miss. The bar area is stunning. With a huge marble accent wall, white quartz countertop and mid-century modern touches mixed with contemporary glam. The wait staff all wear suits as well which lends itself a certain elegance. The rest of the restaurant is spacious, tall ceilings. Not much architectural excitement happening in the building, but it's clean and pretty to look at. The drink menu is creative and bougie, many of the drinks having special touches to them that entailed bartender tricks. I got thee gin drink which resembled a pisco sour (a bit sweeter but really tasty) and my husband did a smoked bourbon drink. The food was outstanding! We chose to do a mix of tapas and honestly, every dish was better than the last. We tried the wagyu carpaccio, yellowtail (honestly the biggest pieces of sushi I've ever been served, huge portion), fattoush smash (this was a delightful surprise of a dish!!), spicy Muhammara (one of the best I've had!) with delicious naan, and the wagyu skewer. Had to finish off this 10/10 meal with dessert and opted for the tiramisu Everything was amazing and we can't wait to go back! read more

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I don't normally try a new restaurant until it has had some time to settle into a rhythm. The issues that we had might resolve themselves over time. We had 7:15 reservations on a Wednesday night. It was busy, about 3/4 full. Food: We started with a couple of their specialty cocktails. My wife got the Smoke Thyme Manhattan, and I got the Fig. This is not something that I usually say, but for me the best part of the meal was the Fig cocktail. It was expertly made, a bit like a latte, with nice foam and some stenciled artwork. For starters we got the Classic Hummus. It was nicely textured, not overly creamy, with good flavor and some roasted chickpeas on top. The pita was super puffy and still warm from the oven. For shareables we got the Beets, Grilled Octopus, and the Wagyu Shish Taouk. The beets are multi-colored and sit atop a bit of ricotta and champagne vinaigrette. The beets were nicely chilled and the flavors were good, but they were a bit overcooked and soft. The Wagyu was good, cooked to medium, and had decent flavor, but it was not as tender as you would expect. The grilled octopus was a disappointment. It was nicely charred, had good flavor, and the pea purée was tasty. Unfortunately, it was overcooked and the inside was actually a bit "mushy." Probably the worst piece of grilled octopus that I have had. We wanted to leave on a high note, so we ordered a couple of desserts: the Sticky Toffee Pudding and the Mango Baklava. Both of these were made in a very unconventional manner. The sticky pudding cake was dry (as opposed to being soaked with the syrup) and sitting in a bowl of date compote and caramel syrup. The baklava had layers of dry phyllo pastry and could have benefited from more mango filling. They were both good, but not great. Service: Service got off to a slow start and was spotty throughout the 1.5-hour meal. When we were seated it took about 10 minutes for our server to arrive, so we sat there with empty water glasses as hurried servers passed our table. When our server arrived they were extremely pleasant and friendly. However, they were not very helpful with some of our menu questions ("Sorry, I haven't tried that," or "No, I haven't heard much about that.") We specifically told them that we weren't in a hurry and wanted to pace the meal. No problem, they said they would submit the tickets to make that happen. The hummus came out first, and then while we were still finishing that, the other three items arrived. It made for a very crowded table. I mentioned that to the food runner and got literally a blank stare. There were also other small things, like having to ask for more water. One more note on the staff. This is one of the few places where the staff wear uniforms. While I don't think that is necessarily a bad idea, they should probably ensure that the uniforms they assign fit properly. I think they could use a good tailor. Atmosphere: It's a beautiful place. The furnishings and design have a high-end feel. When we arrived I thought it was very noisy, and it was, but the table that we had was built for two and it was relatively easy to have a conversation. As I mentioned earlier, they are just getting started and I would expect things to improve. In the meantime, I will dine at some of the other excellent Mediterranean restaurants that Milwaukee has to offer. read more

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So exciting to try a new place, walking in is like stepping into the Mediterranean, with classic finishes and olive trees. The big windows overlook the city in a nice way. The menu is large with familiar options and Mediterranean and indian fusion flavors. The cocktail and drink menu features many fun options. Out waitress provided some great recommendations and was able to help guide us to our choices. We got the Manakeesh Za'tar pita to start, followed by Batata Harra, and our entrees Kharouf Shank, and Dukka Crusted Prawns paired with a glass of Syrah and Petra Mocktail. Everything was delicious the pita was fresh and warm, the batata was delicious and had a hint of spice, and the lamb shank just fell off the bone. The combination of flavors was great with a nod to multiple cultures. I wish we had saved some room for dessert! Overall, beautiful restaurant and great menu with so many delicious sounding options, we are already taking about what we would like to try next time we stop in. read more

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Wow! This place is beautiful!!! My friend and I had such a great dinner at Aya the other night. We split the mezze sampler, which is the only thing we got besides the flan. It was more than enough food for both of us. It is on the pricier side, but I would say it's worth it given the portions and display. This is definitely an experience, so remember that when dining! The sampler was delicious!! All of the dips, potato's, veggies, falafel.. just amazing with flavor. I got the espresso martini, which was not my favorite but I could see how some may like it. I loved the Levant cocktail, beautiful and delicious. The flan was to die for!! Omg I could go back and eat so much more of that. Service was amazing. Highly recommend this spot! read more

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We have eaten at the restaurant multiple times and found the food and service and wine list to be excellent. Given the experience, we elected to host our anniversary party in the private dining room. Again everything was excellent! The room comfortably sat 12 guests at one long table. Lots of flexibility in the menu selection. Would definitely consider for future dinner parties. read more

Came here to celebrate with a friend. It's a beautiful restaurant, very attentive staff, you can tell they've put a lot of thought and love into the space. We tried a few different dishes as well as entrees. The highlights were the lamb ragú hummus and the truffle fries both flavored very well! We all enjoyed the other dishes over the entrees. My chicken was dry and the shank needed a little more flavor. For the price we were hoping for a bit more. Overall, enjoyed the dinner, will definitely come back for drinks and small dishes! read more

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What a gorgeous new restaurant! Sample street parking around the area. Hostess was nice. The food was delicious, but, coupled with the small servings, it was honestly not worth that price. Our waitress also disappeared many times, leaving us waiting 20+ minutes to order and without water refills most of the night. read more

aya - Chicken - Middle Eastern Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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The lamb hummus was delicious, kebabs were like such low quantity for the price so could skip it to be honest and get something from mezze. The drinks were good with very cool presentations. I had one of the best pastas - Lobster Linguine. The dessert was unforgettable misinformed bc the kunafa was more like cheesecake. They were out of lamb shank which was disappointing, was hoping to try that but the lamb hummus made it better a little. Service was great! read more

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We had a great experience at this restaurant. The ambiance makes for a special night out. The food was fantastic. I am vegan and there plenty of options for me. We absolutely loved our server Nathan. I recommend sitting in his section. read more

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The interior of this restaurant is STUNNING! Beautiful, lighting, tables, silverware, glassware etc. The drinks are presented beautiful and taste just as good as they look. The food is delicious and played beautifully. The staffed is dressed well and super professional. Highly recommend! read more

What an amazing new spot!! Would highly recommend checking it out. The inside is very elegant with great mood lighting. The staff are all very welcoming and helpful. Our server, Chris, was great and had so many recommendations. The food was INCREDIBLE!! We got the ceviche, mezze platter (the labneh!!!), waygu and prawn skewers, the lamb chop entree and lobster bisque pasta. And dessert was the pistachio tiramisu and the sticky toffee pudding (star of the show imo). Got a mix of cocktails and wine for drinks and ended with their version of espresso martini! Made with Turkish coffee and za'atar sprinkled on top?? Say less. 10/10! read more

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A new upscale dining experience filling a gap in Milwaukee's restaurant market. This Mediterranean spot had only been open for one week when I visited but they were very organized and were operating like a long term staple. We had the Mezze platter (hummus, babaganoush, picked vegetables, etc.), Greek salads, Chicken kabsa tangine, Kharouf lamb shank, Wagyu shish and Branzino. The salad, Mezze platter and Branzino were my favorite dishes. The Wagyu was a bit overcooked for my liking. I felt welcomed and well taken care of. read more

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This place is great for a date night or a girl's night out. We ordered a variety of dishes and loved everything! Our server was very attentive and so nice! I can't wait to come back and try more of their menu. read more

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I was invited to the soft opening and I was blown away. The DETAILS in the design of the restaurant are out of this world. Everything is gorgeous. Service was great even before "officially" opening. We tried a few random menu items and loved them all. Mezze sampler is a MUST. also loved the short rib. Don't sleep on this spot! read more

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I was invited to to try Aya during their soft opening, and what a privilege to enjoy the space in her early days. The restaurant is bright and airy with Mediterranean inspired feminine touches throughout. There are so many areas that would be great for a day or night with friends, an intimate date night, or even to host events. We were taken care of by Aaron, who was personable, knowledgeable, and attentive. He was pleasant and offered great suggestions of food and drink options. There were 4 of us dining, and we opted to try a variety of things to get a well-rounded feel of the menu. My favorite, by far, was the mezze platter. I could eat that Labneh and pitas for the rest of my days. I think because I like a little bit more of a sear on my cabbage, that was my least favorite item. It still was very good; it just was at the bottom for me of everything we tried. The ingredients were all fresh, and each item was beautifully plated. Lastly, I tried the Mirage for a drink, and it was aptly named. It was clear, so the flavors were unexpected. I don't know that I would order it again, but I would return to try some of the other drinks. Overall, I can't wait to return to my new favorites and explore more of the menu! read more

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After having a great meal at Saffron, I was excited to try out Aya, their new Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant. First off, the place is lovely. High ceilings, nicely decorated, great staff. The overall experience was really great. Owing to Aya's prime location and beautiful environment, the price point here is also elevated. I took my father out for dinner, and we walked out with a $140 bill for a few beers, appetizers, and dessert. OK, that would be all good and fine if the food lived up to the price. While I really enjoyed the falafel (the added red pepper spice was a welcome treat), the hummus was not the best I've had. Lebnanni House still wins for that. Plus, there was only one light pita offered, albeit on a beautiful wooden tray with wheat accents. My father had the prawns, and that turned into a really messy affair. I also had the fattoush salad, which had so many ingredients in it that my brain didn't know where to go. It was fresh and tasty, but overwhelming. Lastly, the desserts were the most beautiful presentations but lacked in flavor. The mango baklava tasted like whipped cream on thin wafers. The flan was also gorgeous, but unfulfilling. I give a a four-star rating because I can see a lot of work went into this place and there is lots of potential. It just wasn't there yet. read more

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My first time at Aya. Possibly my favorite brunch in a vey long time. The flavors, presentation, ambiance, and service were all tops. Not your regular brunch. Upscale decor with perfect lower lighting makes it feel lux. I'll be back! read more

aya - Bar area at Aya. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We were very excited that Aya was offering a Mother's Day brunch after hearing such amazing things about the restaurant. The space is gorgeous, bright, and inviting. The prix fixe menu was small but nicely curated. And there were many staff on hand to pitch in on what I know is a super busy day. The food was tasty but not mind-blowingly so. The lamb burger was delicious and juicy, and the harissa sauce that accompanied it gave nice heat. The fries were nicely seasoned, crisp, and perfect. The chicken hummus was creamy and salty and good. The pistachio baklava was probably my least favorite dish - much drier than other baklavas I have had/made, and it was tough. It should have been served with a dessert fork and serrated knife - not a spoon. And it needed way, way more honey syrup. Our notes for the owner/manager... - Staff were friendly and attentive but need more training. Our server - who was lovely and kind - did not know that there is spinach in spanakopita. Like what?! From what we could observe, many of the servers would benefit from training in how fine dining service should look. This is not a criticism of the serving staff, to be clear, but of their training. - For the love of god, please stop using white cotton napkins that shed like mad. When we left, those of us in dark clothes were covered in white lint. If you're going to use those napkins, do as some other restaurants and have a dark color available for guests in dark clothes. - From where I was sitting, I could see four different containers of Clorox Wipes. That's tacky for such a beautiful restaurant. Put them under the bar or in a cabinet. - If you are going to do prix fixe, choose dishes that can be fired in a timely manner and book your tables so you don't end up in the weeds. There were 8 dishes total on the brunch menu. Still, we waited almost an hour for our first course. Our server - and I don't blame him - apologized, but if I were the manager or owner I would have comped drinks or something if I knew a table was waiting that long. - Last, and call me petty for this personal pet peeve, I would implement a dress code for non-uniformed staff. Being at eye level with the host's chest hair did not enhance my dining experience. Buttoning one's shirt doesn't seem like an unreasonable expectation. I may go back for a dinner to give it another chance, but the criticisms above made Aya a really disappointing choice for celebrating our Mom. read more

Mai and I went to try the new restaurant Aya in Milwaukee and it went way above expectations. The dining room itself is chic and modern and it was a fun atmosphere with floor to ceiling windows and an energetic staff. We started with fluffy pita and the classic hummus; I have spent a lot of time in Istanbul and the hummus was absolutely on point with chickpeas and black garlic. We then shared the grilled octopus skewers and the lamb shank, both were out of this world, melt in your mouth delicious, especially the octopus, my goodness was that delicious. Prices are on the higher end for Milwaukee but the quality and tastiness of the food makes it well worth your time, highly recommend! read more

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Slow service , pretentious attitude, loud ambiance, crowded seating, and expensive prices. Hard pass. At this price point I expected a lot more of the basics being done well. What I got after an hour was one cocktail, a shared appetizer, and ringing in my ears from the volume level in the restaurant. And let's talk about those cocktails. Tasty? Yes! But did you really need to smoke the glasses for the manhattans at the table (a table that was already too small)? Did you really need to do a cloud of dry ice fog that added nothing to the volcano drink? Did you have to bring the "volcano" in an art glass pitcher that looked like it was in danger of toppling over at any moment? And did you need 20 minutes to prepare your tabletop theater, or would it have been better to just have a bartender make the cocktails and deliver them promptly? read more

Excellent bar service, wait staff and food. Would recommend to locals looking for a fresh bite or those out of town looking for a Milwaukee twist. ~$75 pp if dining conservatively, did not leave hungry. read more

aya - Short Rib, Lamb Shank, Lobster Pasta - Middle Eastern Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I was fortunate to secure a reservation for the grand opening of Aya and it is simply beautiful!! Perfect for a night out with delicious food. Everything was amazing down to the food and drinks. The staff was so warm, loved the attire. Also got the opportunity to meet the owner, she's just as welcoming and lovely as the restaurant. I look forward to the next time to try some of the other appetizing dishes. If you're looking for a chic place for a girls night or date night make sure to stop by Aya you won't be disappointed!! read more

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Aya was just ok. Aware that they are still fairly new, my expectations were lower than usual. Unfriendly welcome at the host stand, entirely too bright of lighting (think white spotlight) and "new" glassware that was obviously removed from the box and not washed. Our server was friendly but chaotic...not very knowledgeable on the menu. The food timing was very off. For example: we received our mezze sampler at the end of our meal, about 90 minutes after ordering. This was after several check-in's to make sure it was put it. The Wagyu Shish Taouk was so tough we couldn't slide it off the skewer. It was also quite expensive for three small cubes of steak, "Wagyu" or not. Overall the ambience is very beautiful. I will likely give bar seating a try but will not be adding this to my list of recommendations to others. read more

aya - Mezze Sampler - Middle Eastern Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We really enjoyed the starters we tried. The Halloumi was a highlight and I would come back again & again for it. The other was a flatbread with chicken which was also delicious. Our mains (short rib & branzino) were good but not great. There were a fair number of pin bones in the fish and the meat was not as flavorful as we would have hoped for. The cauliflower side (all sides are a la carte) was terrible, tough and the sauce was really unpleasant. The service was great and the ambiance was very beautiful though we had the worst table ever. Total bill was $185 for 2 people including 2 N/A drinks and no dessert. read more