Opening on January 16, 2025, AYLA marks a homecoming for the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo, Executive Chefs Danvee Kwok and Kevin Shawcross. The restaurant is the result of a shared vision between chefs Danvee and Kevin and co-owners, Craig Wong and Ivy Lam. This dynamic team first connected in Hong Kong, where their mutual respect and passion for food paved the way for this exciting collaboration.
âWorking in Asia and in Barbados for so many years taught me the art of crafting menus that are unapologetically bold and deeply intentional,â says Chef and Co-Owner Kevin Shawcross. âWith AYLA, weâre bringing that same spirit to Toronto, with homage to the culinary traditions of Hong Kong combined with the multicultural influences of this incredible city.â
The name AYLA, meaning âhalo of light around the moon,â is inspired by a serendipitous friendship formed on Moon Street in Hong Kongâs Wan Chai district, where Kevin and Craig first did a pop up together. This personal history informs the restaurantâs ethos, combining heritage with innovation.
Chefs Danvee and Kevin bring a wealth of experience to AYLA, having led kitchens in Vancouver, Japan, Barbados, and Hong Kong. Both formerly served as executive chefs for the acclaimed Black Sheep Restaurant Group in Asia. Their deep roots in Cantonese culinary traditions, paired with mastery of French, Japanese, Caribbean, and Mediterranean cuisines, shape a menu that is bold, global, and deeply personal. Signature dishes include Char Siu with Bajan green seasoning and cassareep glaze, Prawn Toast Okonomiyaki, and Mentaiko Tarama with nori and wild ikura.
âAt AYLA, every dish, every detail reflects the creativity and global flavours weâve come to love and crave over our years in the industry,â says Chef and Co-Owner Danvee Kwok.
Craig Wong, celebrated chef behind Patois and JunePlum, lends his visionary approach to storytelling through food, while Ivy Lamâs creative expertise has shaped AYLAâs identity. âFood has the power to tell stories and connect people to cultures, places, and moments in time,â says Co-Owner Craig Wong. âAt AYLA, we draw inspiration from our neighbourhoods and the journeys that have shaped us around the globe. Each dish is a snapshot of those storiesâfun, unexpected, and crafted with respect. Itâs food meant to be shared, enjoyed the way we love to eat: together, with friends.â
The restaurantâs design pays homage to iconic films by Wong Kar-Wai, a nod to Hong Kong cinematography with warm mood lighting and vintage details. Itâs a timeless and intimate space that encourages connection and storytelling. Guests can also enjoy an urban cityscape from the rooftop patio overlooking Dundas West, adding to the restaurantâs charm and allure. From its innovative menu to its cinematic design, AYLA is poised to become a new favourite for food lovers and culture seekers alike.
Reservations are now available through aylaupstairs.com/reserve
A preview of AYLA:
(Photo/video credit: Barb Simkova/Mr. Will Wong)
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