New Mediterranean Restaurant Āya to Open in Milwaukee This Month

The second restaurant from the owners of Saffron Modern Indian Dining will feature an elevated Mediterranean-Middle Eastern menu and aesthetic.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Āya, a new Mediterranean restaurant from the owners of Saffron Modern Indian Dining in Milwaukee's Third Ward, is set to open on February 23rd. The restaurant will feature a refined blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean design elements, as well as a menu focused on mezze, skewered meats, and a raw bar. Āya will also have a 30-foot bar, a chef's counter, and a private dining space, in addition to an extensive wine list and cocktail program.

Why it matters

The opening of Āya represents the continued growth and diversification of Milwaukee's dining scene, with the owners of an established Indian restaurant branching out to offer a new Mediterranean concept. This reflects the city's appetite for elevated, globally-inspired cuisine in a stylish setting.

The details

Āya will be located in the Ascent MKE high-rise at 700 E. Kilbourn Ave. Co-owner Fatima Kumar has described the restaurant's design as 'a very elegant blend of the Middle East and the Mediterranean,' featuring terra-cotta vases, greenery, quartz countertops, and gold accents. In addition to the main dining room, Āya will offer a chef's counter and private dining space. The menu will focus on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, including mezze, skewered meats, and a raw bar.

  • Āya is set to open on February 23, 2026.
  • The restaurant is now accepting reservations for February 23 and beyond.

The players

Āya

A new Mediterranean restaurant opening in Milwaukee, the second restaurant from the owners of Saffron Modern Indian Dining.

Saffron Modern Indian Dining

An established Indian restaurant in Milwaukee's Third Ward, owned by the same team behind the new Āya restaurant.

Fatima Kumar

Co-owner of both Saffron Modern Indian Dining and the new Āya restaurant, who has described the design aesthetic of Āya.

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What they’re saying

“Imagine terra-cotta vases and a lot of greenery. And at the same time, big quartz countertops and gold details everywhere.”

— Fatima Kumar, Co-owner (milwaukeemag.com)

“We're trying to take pieces of all over the Mediterranean and the Middle East and kind of piece them together in our own way.”

— Fatima Kumar, Co-owner (milwaukeemag.com)

What’s next

Āya will initially open for dinner service, with lunch and brunch to be added later on.

The takeaway

The opening of Āya represents Milwaukee's growing appetite for elevated, globally-inspired cuisine in a stylish setting, as the city's dining scene continues to evolve and diversify.