Anticipated Mediterranean Restaurant Sets Opening Date in Downtown Milwaukee

āya will bring Middle Eastern fare inspired by the Mediterranean to the Ascent MKE apartment complex.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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One of Milwaukee's most anticipated new restaurants, the upscale Mediterranean restaurant āya, has announced it will open on February 23 in the ground floor of the Ascent MKE apartment complex near Cathedral Square Park. Owned by Fatima and Hanish Kumar, the restaurant aims to offer guests a taste of centuries-old Middle Eastern recipes with an elevated and elegant twist.

Why it matters

The opening of āya is highly anticipated in Milwaukee's dining scene, as it marks the latest addition to the city's growing number of upscale, globally-inspired restaurants. The restaurant's location within the Ascent MKE, the world's largest mass timber structure, also adds to the anticipation and intrigue surrounding its debut.

The details

āya will be led by Chef Abhishek Patel, who also helms the kitchen at the Kumars' other restaurant, Saffron. The menu will feature a range of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, including hot and cold starters like stuffed grape leaves, muhammara, and grilled octopus, as well as entrees such as braised short ribs, shish Wagyu strip loin, and grilled sea bass. The restaurant will also offer a cocktail menu focused on fresh ingredients and artistic presentations.

  • āya will open on February 23, 2026.
  • The Kumars announced plans for the new restaurant in May 2025.

The players

Fatima and Hanish Kumar

The owners of āya and the sister restaurant Saffron in Milwaukee's Third Ward.

Abhishek Patel

The chef who will lead the culinary direction at āya, and is also the chef at Saffron.

Ascent MKE

The 25-story apartment complex where āya is located, which is the largest mass timber structure in the world.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to create a space where guests can connect over exceptional food and drink, experiencing the rich culture and flavors of the Middle East in a fresh, elevated, and truly celebratory way. āya will whisk you away to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, offering a taste of centuries-old recipes, with our signature twist of elegance and flair.”

— Fatima and Hanish Kumar, Owners of āya (jsonline.com)

What’s next

āya is set to open its doors to the public on February 23, 2026, marking the highly anticipated debut of this upscale Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Milwaukee.

The takeaway

The opening of āya represents the continued evolution of Milwaukee's dining scene, with the city attracting more globally-inspired, high-end restaurants that aim to offer guests a unique and elevated culinary experience. The restaurant's location within the Ascent MKE, the world's largest mass timber structure, further adds to the anticipation and intrigue surrounding its debut.