An upscale Mediterranean restaurant is coming to the Ascent MKE apartment complex at 700 E. Kilbourn Ave., near Cathedral Square Park.
āya comes from New Land Enterprises and Fatima and Hanish Kumar, the owners of upscale Indian restaurant Saffron, with locations in Milwaukee’s Third Ward neighborhood and Red Bank, New Jersey.
“We are thrilled to introduce a new era of Mediterranean dining with āya,” the Kumars said in a statement. “Our goal is to create a space where guests can connect over exceptional food and drink, experiencing the rich culture and flavors of the Middle East in a fresh, elevated, and truly celebratory way. āya will whisk you away to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, offering a taste of centuries-old recipes, with our signature twist of elegance and flair.”
Ascent, the mass timber structure at 700 E. Kilbourn Ave. in Milwaukee on Aug. 8, 2022. Aya, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant, is coming to the apartment building’s ground floor.
With a medley of culinary influences, the globally inspired menu will offer charcoal-grilled specialties, mezze (small plates) and large plates for sharing, with spice-rich cuisine paying homage to the shores and vibrant bazaars of the Middle East. āya’s “experiential” cocktail menu will feature fresh ingredients and artistic, bespoke creations.
The restaurant has just begun its build-out stage on the ground floor of the Ascent MKE building, the world’s tallest mass timber structure. Once open, āya will offer a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere with carefully curated sound, lighting and decor that is meant to transport guests to the coasts of the Middle East.
More information about āya, including the opening date, will be released in the coming months.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New Mediterranean restaurant aya coming to downtown Milwaukee