Aya

£8 - £20 / Lebanese, Mediterranean, Halal, Vegetarian options

195-197 Merton Rd, London

Awards

Excellent Hummus 2024

Opening hours

11:30AM-11PM

Sunday 11:30AM-11PM
Monday 11:30AM-11PM
Tuesday 11:30AM-11PM
Wednesday 11:30AM-11PM
Thursday 11:30AM-11PM
Friday 11:30AM-11PM
Saturday 11:30AM-11PM

Authentic Lebanese Flavors, Exceptional Hospitality

When conjuring up the spirit of Lebanon in South Wimbledon, you’ll likely be ambushed in the delightful chaos of Aya Lebanese Cuisine. A veritable masterclass in varying hospitality experiences, Aya's charm is wrapped within a mixed bag of splendid feasting and head-scratching service peculiarities. Picture this: stepping in off the bustling streets only to be enveloped in a charmingly authentic oasis of Middle Eastern decor, where the sound of sizzling skewers plays like a nostalgic lullaby. Yes, dear reader, the aromas wafting from their open kitchen are nothing short of a gastronomic siren's call, hinting at the delights that await.

The menu is a generous love letter to Lebanon, offering up everything from velvety hummus Beiruti to lavishly spiced mixed grills. The lamb shank in rice—a standout favourite—was delivered with remarkable tenderness that felt like a loving embrace in each bite. Yet, irony adds her piquancy: sometimes, that embrace takes a turn worthy of a comedic farce. Much has been said of capricious staff, the occasional argument over shawarma consumption inside, or seemingly sleepwalking service. But allow yourself a curious detachment and it all becomes part of one's quintessential tale of dining quirks. Indeed, for those able to overlook these theatrical bristles, Aya teases you to embrace both its culinary bounties and eccentric personalities, perhaps coupled with your own choice of wine, thanks to its permissive BYOB policy. A visit here plays on all senses: rich flavours, the smugness-found humor amidst clamor—an Aya tapestry that constantly invites disbelief and delight in equal measure. — Penelope Savory