{"id":105216,"date":"2025-09-19T14:35:32","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T14:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/?post_type=articles&p=105216"},"modified":"2025-09-19T14:35:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T14:35:32","slug":"new-nyc-restaurant-ayah-nyfw","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/articles\/new-nyc-restaurant-ayah-nyfw\/","title":{"rendered":"The New NYC Restaurant That Opened Just in Time for NYFW \u2014 & Why You Should Go"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Ayah
Photo Credit: Ayah<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

New York Fashion Week has always been about more than the runways \u2014 it\u2019s the after-hours dinners, the late-night energy<\/a>, and the restaurants that become the<\/em> place to be. This season, all eyes are on Ayah, the newest jewel in SoHo\u2019s dining crown<\/a>, which opened its doors on September 10, just as the city was brimming with editors, models, and designers. And let us tell you: it\u2019s already a scene.<\/p>\n

Backed by 3rd Space Hospitality, the team behind Maison Close, Petite Disco<\/a>, Talya Montauk, Monsieur Bistro, and Bounce, Ayah brings the flavors, artistry, and spirit of Morocco to New York with a style that feels as fashionable as it does authentic. The opening couldn\u2019t have been better timed, as NYFW insiders<\/a> were buzzing about where to book a table after shows, and Ayah is quickly becoming the name on everyone\u2019s lips.<\/p>\n

A Culinary Journey with Couture-Level Precision<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Photo Credit: Ayah<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Geoffrey Lechantoux, whose French pedigree is matched by a passion for Moroccan cuisine honed under the celebrated Chef Meryem Cherkaoui. Working alongside Chef A\u00efcha Sbaih, a French-born Moroccan chef who grew up immersed in the traditions of her heritage, the duo has created a menu that blends authenticity with modern flair.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo Credit: Ayah<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Expect to start with Chhiwates, jewel-like small plates bursting with flavor and color, before diving into the golden crispness of Ayah\u2019s Pastilla, a spiced chicken, almond, and cinnamon pastry that might just rival a front-row look in its drama. From there, the tajines and couscous arrive as the heart of the experience: aromatic stews layered with spices, vegetables, and sweetness that feel both soulful and celebratory. And then there\u2019s the showstoppers \u2014 a whole rack of lamb or whole fish carved tableside \u2014 which turns dining into pure theater.<\/p>\n

Cocktails as Playful as Street Style<\/h2>\n

Fashion Week thrives on statement-making details, and Ayah\u2019s cocktail program was no exception. Crafted by Adrien Lefort, ranked among NYC\u2019s top 10 mixologists, the drinks are as photogenic as they are delicious. The Dellah, with citron vodka, jasmine tea, watermelon, mint, lime, and champagne, feels like a refreshing runway reset. Meanwhile, The Climbing Goat \u2014 mezcal, pistachio liqueur, goat cheese, honey, and rose \u2014 is unexpected, daring, and perfectly aligned with the boldness of NYFW (and a personal favorite of mine).<\/p>\n

Interiors Worthy of a Runway Set<\/h2>\n
\"Ayah
Photo Credit: Ayah<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If the food is a journey, the setting is a masterpiece. Designed with DMDesigns and featuring craftsmanship imported directly from Morocco, the space is drenched in warm fabrics, carved wood, gold mirrors, and hand-painted walls. Three distinct dining rooms flow with velvet curtains and archways, while a central bar glows as the heartbeat of the space. It\u2019s intimate, dramatic, and transporting \u2014 every bit as atmospheric as sitting front row at a show.<\/p>\n

\"Ayah
Photo Credit: Ayah<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Service with Star Power<\/h2>\n

What makes Ayah stand out isn\u2019t just the menu or the setting \u2014 it\u2019s the energy of the staff. Attentive yet relaxed, and exceptionally inviting, they guide you through the experience like seasoned insiders, anticipating what you need before you ask. The tableside carving alone is reason enough to book, but it\u2019s the overall hospitality that leaves you feeling like you\u2019ve just been welcomed into the most stylish dinner party in New York.<\/p>\n

Why You\u2019ll Want to Go<\/h2>\n
\"Ayah
Photo Credit: Ayah<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SoHo has no shortage of buzzy restaurants, but Ayah feels different. It\u2019s immersive, glamorous without being pretentious, and deeply rooted in authenticity. Whether you\u2019re slipping in after a runway show, gathering a group of friends for a celebratory night out, or simply looking for a new dining destination that matches New York\u2019s electric energy, Ayah delivers.<\/p>\n

With late-night hours stretching until 2:00 AM on weekends, Ayah is poised to become a Fashion Week fixture \u2014 and beyond. Our verdict? Book your table now<\/a>, because Ayah isn\u2019t just a new restaurant. It\u2019s a destination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42686,"featured_media":105221,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[8055,6939,38,16],"yoast_head":"\nAyah: The New Moroccan Restaurant in NYC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Ayah, SoHo\u2019s chic new Moroccan restaurant that opened in time for NYFW, serving bold flavors, cocktails, and late-night glamour.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/articles\/new-nyc-restaurant-ayah-nyfw\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The New NYC Restaurant That Opened Just in Time for NYFW \u2014 & Why You Should Go\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover Ayah, SoHo\u2019s chic new Moroccan restaurant that opened in time for 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