Ayla's Social Kitchen, nestled at 338 Preston St in Ottawa, has quickly garnered a reputation as a must-visit dining hotspot. The reviews highlight an exceptional blend of ambiance, service, and culinary artistry. Customers rave about the restaurant's cozy and chic atmosphere, where attentive service meets a vibrant dining experience.
Many reviews emphasize the stellar food offerings, particularly the vegetarian options and classic dishes like lamb shank that melt in your mouth. Gytha Chapman mentioned the "mind-blowing" quality of the food, while P. Kaur and Umme Farwa both celebrated their anniversaries with delicious meals that left them eagerly planning their return.
Amir, the chef, enhances the dining experience by engaging with patrons, creating a warm and inviting environment. Multiple guests appreciated the personal touch, underscoring how the staff made them feel special. From refreshing drinks to decadent desserts, Ayla's Social Kitchen promises to leave guests not just satisfied but eager for their next visit.
In short, this charming restaurant offers a complete dining package that goes beyond just food; it’s about the experience. Whether it's your first visit or a celebratory meal, Ayla's sets the stage for unforgettable moments.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Photos
Reviews For Ayla's Social Kitchen
Gytha Chapman
Jul 1,2025
This place is the whole package. The dining room is small and chic, the service is so attentive, and the food is mind blowing. With fantastic vegetarian options, my party ordered many dishes to share because we couldn't decide on one each! Spectacular dining.
Haitham Ghunaim
Jun 29,2025
Amazing food, very warm service, and great times! The lamb shank fell off the bone. Very tender yet cooked in a delicious sauce. The appetizers are great and especially the feta plate. The owner and the staff are the best part of the experience.
P Kaur
Jun 21,2025
First time eating here, we celebrated our first year anniversary. Food was delicious! I think one of the best meals we've ever had in Ottawa. My husband ordered the kebab and I got the veggie pitas. We both wiped our plates clean. The service was also impeccable. Cannot wait for our next meal here.
Umme Farwa
Jun 6,2025
Visited Ayla's social last night to celebrate our anniversary, and it was an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, everything was flawless.The starters were an absolute delight! The drinks were very refreshing and complemented the meal beautifully. The main course was cooked to perfection, bursting with flavors, and the dessert was the perfect ending to the evening—decadent and satisfying. The cherry on top was the exceptional service. The staff was not only humble but also genuinely sweet and attentive, making us feel incredibly special on our big day. Thanks for making our anniversary dinner truly memorable. We can’t wait to come back!
Yasaman Gheidar
May 19,2025
Delicious food, cozy place and nice personal. I really like the way Amir, the chef, treat his customers. He came to each table and talked to his customers. I went there more than 3 times and always enjoy my experience. Absolutely recommended.
Tarik Aouad
May 9,2025
Amazing restaurant that fully deserves its rating, without an ounce of a doubt. Tasted their specialties, and was not disappointed one bit. I'd say this is one of my top eats in all of Ottawa, and has nothing to envy of other restaurants from the big cities. The dips were super tasty and highly recommended. Looking forward to my next visit!
Tyler Barone
Apr 6,2025
5-stars all across the board! Saw this below-ground restaurant recommended on a 'Best Restaurants in Ottawa' forum and had to give it a try. It did not disappoint! The presentation of the dishes is top notch, the flavour of the pulled lamb pairs perfectly with the risotto and the cellar wine selection makes for great dinner pairings. More than this, we attended for a birthday and the staff offered us a cake and a personalized card signed by the whole staff. Doesn't get any better than that! A - Don't miss out!
LP J
Mar 21,2025
In the company of some excellent friends, we had the pleasure of discovering Ayla's delicious cuisine last night. The restaurant was recommended to me by a friend whose husband is a chef. To begin with, we shared a series of small dishes, all of which were fantastic. I really enjoyed the pistachio and feta sauce. My braised lamb shank with risotto is a comforting dish. I had a soft spot for the chocolate mousse, and would even have had a second. Once again, treat yourself, because I have a good feeling that this restaurant will continue to grow in popularity, and rightly so. The service is extremely friendly, and the kitchen team ensures that every customer is satisfied. Diplomacy still exists. Thank you.
Reviews For Ayla's Social Kitchen