New speakeasy-style restaurant just opened above one of the most popular spots in Toronto
Published January 20, 2025 at 4:07 pm
A new upper floor restaurant just opened its doors above an established Toronto hotspot.
Ayla is now open above its sibling restaurant Patois, which has been popular for years for its fusion of Asian and Caribbean cuisine.
A restaurant called Bar Mignonette used to be located in the space above Patois, but that spot has since shut down and is now being replaced by Ayla.
The restaurant was created by husband-and-wife duo of executive chefs Danvee Kwok and Kevin Shawcross, along with Patois co-owners Craig Wong and Ivy Lam. The four actually originally connected in Hong Kong, which now provides the inspiration for Ayla.
The name Ayla loosely translates to “halo of light around the moon,” as Shawcross and Wong did their first pop-up on Moon Street in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district.
Expect dishes like char siu with Bajan green seasoning and cassareep glaze, prawn toast okonomiyaki, and mentaiko tarama with nori and wild ikura.
“Working in Asia and in Barbados for so many years taught me the art of crafting menus that are unapologetically bold and deeply intentional,” says chef and co-owner Kevin Shawcross. “With Ayla, we’re bringing that same spirit to Toronto, with homage to the culinary traditions of Hong Kong combined with the multicultural influences of this incredible city.”
“At AYLA, every dish, every detail reflects the creativity and global flavours we’ve come to love and crave over our years in the industry,” says chef and co-owner Danvee Kwok.
The design of the space has vintage, nostalgic and cinematic elements that pay homage to films by Wong Kar-Wai, such as warm mood lighting. Thankfully, Ayla inherited the space’s charming rooftop patio that overlooks Dundas West.
“Food has the power to tell stories and connect people to cultures, places, and moments in
time,” says Co-Owner Craig Wong. “At Ayla, we draw inspiration from our neighbourhoods and the journeys that have shaped us around the globe. Each dish is a snapshot of those stories—fun, unexpected, and crafted with respect. It’s food meant to be shared, enjoyed the way we love to eat: together, with friends.”
Ayla is now open at 794 Dundas St. W. on the second floor.