AYLA, Houston’s newest modern Mediterranean restaurant, opens Saturday, September 26, at InterContinental Houston, part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio. Positioned as a culinary destination near the Houston Museum District, Texas Medical Center, and Reliant Park, AYLA welcomes locals and travelers to experience scratch-made cuisine and refined technique. Guided by its philosophy, “Houston Heart, Mediterranean Soul,” AYLA blends local spirit with culinary influences from Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, France, Spain, and Italy to create a gathering place for the community.
Derived from the Turkish word for a “halo of light” around the moon, AYLA reflects warmth and connection. Rooted in the Mediterranean tradition of generosity, this ethos comes to life through attentive service and an atmosphere designed to bring people together over shared meals. At the center of AYLA is the AYLA Mezze Table, a communal dining ritual anchored by a custom revolving centerpiece. Guests can share, pass, and explore house-made mezze while lingering over conversation, transforming a traditional meal into an interactive celebration of Mediterranean hospitality.
With a multi-decade career in luxury hotels across the U.S., Jordan, Dubai, and Kuwait, Executive Chef Ibrahim Alsharif refined his craft while developing a global culinary perspective. Many of his recipes and techniques were passed down through generations by observation rather than written instruction. His background includes leadership roles with IHG in Jordan and Dubai and participation in launching Fauchon de Paris in Kuwait, shaping the contemporary Mediterranean vision behind AYLA.
“This restaurant concept is deeply personal to me,” said Chef Alsharif. “My journey began in my mother’s kitchen in Jordan, where I learned that food is about more than ingredients. It’s about hospitality, family, and shared experiences. At AYLA, we honor those traditions and incorporate contemporary techniques, creating memorable meals meant to be shared.”
Culinary Highlights
Chef Alsharif’s menu balances regional Mediterranean heritage with modern live-fire cooking, fresh seafood, and elevated entrées. Featured offerings include:
- AYLA Mezze Table: A vibrant assortment of house-made hummus, muhammara, beetroot hummus, mint labneh, smoky baba ghanoush, whipped feta with hot honey, seasonal pickled vegetables, and warm wood-fired pita.
- Sea Char Provençal: Tender char-grilled octopus prepared with garlic, tomatoes, and Mediterranean herbs in the Provençal tradition.
- Salt & Sea Branzino: Pan-seared seabass served with celery purée, seasonal vegetables, saffron risotto, and lemon beurre blanc.
- Olive-Crusted Tenderloin: Roasted Black Angus beef tenderloin finished with AYLA’s signature black olive crust and a rich house-made beef reduction.
- Lamb Chops Royale: Herb-marinated lamb chops grilled over open flame, served with garlic-mint labneh, potato gratin, and seasonal vegetables.
Beverage Program
The culinary program is paired with botanical-focused cocktails, spritzes, zero-proof options, low-ABV drinks, and Mediterranean wines, reflecting an innovative and inclusive approach. Beverage offerings include:
- Glimmer (ultra low-proof): Ruffino Prosecco, cherry blossom syrup, lemon, club soda, and rose water
- Gleam (ultra low-proof): Stella Artois lager, jallab syrup, hibiscus tea, sparkling lemonade, and mint
- Moonlight (featured cocktail): Grey Goose vodka, Borghetti espresso liqueur, espresso, arak, and orange blossom water
- Clarity (alcohol-free): Fresh pineapple juice, pineapple oleo saccharum, lemon, orange blossom water, and soda
- Balance (alcohol-free): Watermelon juice, balsamic, lemon, and basil
Private & Immersive Dining
To complement daily service, AYLA features a private dining room hosting Le Petit Chef, an interactive, 3D-animated dining concept that brings culinary theater to special events. Flexible group spaces accommodate parties up to 24, with custom arrangements available for corporate and medical district events.
“AYLA was created to foster connection over exceptional food and thoughtful care,” said General Manager Juan P. Laginia. “Whether joining us for a business lunch, dinner with friends, or a special celebration, guests will discover an environment designed to be both memorable and hospitable.”
Design
Designed by Vince Stroop of Stroop Design, the space features a coastal-garden terrace atmosphere with multi-colored terrazzo, natural woods, floor-to-ceiling glass, and layers of live greenery. Stroop integrated warm ambient lighting fixtures that cast a subtle halo over guest tables, echoing the restaurant’s name.
Reservations & Availability
Reservations are available online at aylakitchen.com via OpenTable and Resy, or by calling (713) 422-2779. Walk-in guests are accommodated at the bar and lounge for full dinner service and weekday happy hour.
AYLA AT A GLANCE
- Address: InterContinental Houston, 6750 Main St, Houston, TX 77030
- Phone: (713) 422-2779
- Operating Hours: Open Daily
- Breakfast: 6:30 AM-11:00 AM
- Lunch: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:00 PM-10:00 PM
- Weekday Happy Hour: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
- Dietary Accommodations: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-sensitive, and allergy-friendly menu options.
- Seating Capacities:
- Main Dining Room: 81
- Bar: 14
- Private Dining: 24
- Parking Details: Complimentary valet and self-parking validation up to two hours for dining guests.
- Website: https://www.aylakitchen.com/
- Instagram: @aylakitchenhouston
For more information about InterContinental Houston and its culinary concepts, visit InterContinental Houston or follow @interconhouston.
