- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Aiyara Thai Cuisine
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
7 reviews for Aiyara Thai Cuisine
7 reviews in English
-
Review from Emily O.
Ottawa, ON
5/15/2012
Aiyara Thai Cuisine is my favourite Thai restaurant in Ottawa. Yep, I said it. This review might be long, as I have so many wonderful things to say, so I'd recommend getting nice and comfortable.
Ready? Here we go.
First of all let's talk about the decor. I am an absolute sucker for elephants and purple is my favourite colour. Those biases aside, the thematic decor of Aiyara is fantastic. The colours are rich and creative, but totally in synch with the dinnerware and the food. I absolutely love restaurants that make dining an experience, not just a meal at a generic table and Aiyara absolutely excels at this.
Keeping with the Thai elephant theme, all of the dinnerware (plates, tea cups and cutlery) are shaped like, or at the very least adorned with elephants. This table setting is the perfect canvas upon which Aiyara presents their meals. The creative techniques bring out "oohs and ahhs" before customers even have their first bites! Vegetables are arranged into gorgeous flower shapes, fried rolls moulded into little presents and even entire entrees carved into animals shapes. It is not only impressive that the culinary artists in the kitchen are able to make their dishes so appealing to the eyes, but that they are equally as appealing to the taste buds.
My first time there, I had the Pad Thai (I know, I know, how boring of me). That being said I was on a quest to find a restaurant in Ottawa where the Pad Thai did not taste like it came out of a Heinz bottle. The Pad Thai chez Aiyara was fantastic! Served in the traditional style with peanuts, tofu and green onions, I had it with shrimp and could not get enough. The satay was our appetizer and it was just as appetizing.
My second time, I had Kao Pad Sap-Pa-Rod (Yelper confession: I had to look up the name of the dish on their website after. My Thai is not so good!). Served in a hollowed out half a pineapple, the shrimp were succulent and pretty large!
The staff are so attentive and friendly and make for an excellent dining experience. Since I am already on their website (to look up the technical name for "that awesome shrimp dish in a pineapple), I have spent the last 10 minutes looking at the rest of their dishes and can't wait to pick something to try next.
Highlight of my day: Just found out they do delivery! WooHoo! -
Review from Gordon L.
Prescott, ON
2/18/2012
We were placed by the door which proved to be gave a cold draft whenever it was used due to the absence of heated door unit.
We ordered five dishes, four of them were onions with a small amount of meat or seafood. Felt like a whole onion was sliced up in each dish, covered in the same gravy. The other dish was labelled crispy duck. There were a few pieces of older duck covered in sweet and sour sauce.
The service was acceptable. After experiencing genuine Thai food, this was restaurant was extremely disappointing. We will not be going to there again and would not recommend others to if looking for good quality food. -
Review from John B.
5/28/2011
Aiyara serves very acceptable Thai food. It's Westernized, but pretty fresh. A green mango or papaya salad should really lash your tongue. At least Aiyara's version was bright, semi-spicy, and not too damp. A fried bass fillet was pretty good, too.
I think less time should be spent carving ornamental animals and flowers out of hard fruits and vegetables. This is an admitted specialty of at least one staff manner. But dexterity with a knife != good cooking. Perhaps that is the charm to some people.
I think I'd go back. But not as a go-to. -
Review from Nandan F.
Ottawa, ON
2/28/2011
This is one of the best places for Thai food in Ottawa. The place is located in a tiny plaza and is hard to notice. Don't judge the place by its exterior as well. There is parking available in front of the restaurant.
The restaurant has an elephant theme going with the decor and food. The name 'Aiyara' apparently translates to elephant so go figure. But the place is very tastefully decorated. The service is impeccable.
The lemongrass tea is served in elephant shaped teapots and is really good if you are into that taste. I am really impressed with the food. The Tom Yum soup was delicious...just the right amount of tang and enough meat. I got the yellow curry with jasmine rice. The curry was just perfect with nice subtle flavours. The plate was garnished with flowers and figures carved out of different veggies. It was a perfect meal. I have also ordered Pad Thai for take out which in my opinion is a small portion...or I am just a pig!
They have well priced lunch specials that I haven't tried yet. Checkout their web link for the menu. -
Review from Alan L.
Kemptville, ON
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was really the best Thai food I've had in Ottawa, the staff were super friendly and full of smiles. The elephant theme and the beautiful fresh carvings added ambiance to an excellent meal. Will be looking forward to exploring more menu items!
-
Review from Natalie B.
Vanier, ON
This place is amazing. From the decor, to the service, to the food. It's truly wonderful. I do suggest that when you eat here, ask for house specialties, they are well worth it. The Tom Ka Gui was the best i've ever tasted. It was light and fresh. The decorations on the plates are worth every penny you pay for the meal. WOW une belle decouverte
-
Review from K B.
Ottawa, ON
3/20/2009
My wife and I love this gem of a restaurant. The restaurant is located in a small strip mall and could easily be overlooked, since there is nothing esthetically special about it on the outside. But once you enter through the door you will be pleased. The name "aiyara" means elephant in Thai. The decor and tables have a very tasteful and classy elephant theme. The chef is very talented in the presentation of carved food. There is usually a carved piece at the entrance, as well as carved food with every meal. Of course the most important aspect of a restaurant is their food and Aiyara has great food. Each time I have been there, I am very pleased. At the time of writing this review I have dined there five times and I will again and again for future special occasions.
