3rd Space Hospitality, the team behind standout restaurants like Maison Close, has opened Ayah, an authentic Moroccan restaurant located at 77 West Houston St. in Soho.
At the helm of Ayah’s kitchen is Executive Chef Geoffrey Lechantoux, known for French cuisine. To master Moroccan flavors, Chef Geoffrey trained under Chef Meryem Cherkaoui, a graduate of the Institute Paul Bocuse and a global ambassador for Moroccan gastronomy. Chef Meryem’s acclaimed restaurant, La Maison du Gourmet, has cemented her reputation, with appearances on Top Chef France and MasterChef France. Lechantoux is joined by Chef Aïcha Sbaih, a French-born Moroccan chef who grew up immersed in the traditions of Moroccan cuisine. Their collaboration brings an expertly crafted menu that blends classic and contemporary Moroccan flavors, offering guests a culinary journey through Morocco’s rich heritage.
“We’re excited to bring Morocco to New York. Every dish and every detail have been crafted with authenticity to create an immersive dining experience that transports our guests to Morocco’s vibrant culinary world,” Lechantoux said.
Menu highlights include chhiwates, a colorful assortment of traditional Moroccan small plates; ayah pastilla, arispy pastry filled with spiced chicken, almonds and cinnamon; a section of tajines and couscous, slow-cooked stews and whole Fish and rack of Lamb, cut tableside. The bar program is top mixologist Adrien Lefort.
Designed in collaboration with DMDesigns, Ayah custom-made tables, handcrafted windows the flowing velvet curtains and archways, were meticulously created by Moroccan artisans and imported directly to New York City. The restaurant offers three distinct dining rooms, a central bar, and long banquet tables for larger groups, the atmosphere transitions effortlessly from intimate dinners to lively celebrations. Hand-painted walls, perforated panels, and striking local murals further enhance the authenticity.
