Ayla Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Melbourne

Ayla is hands down one of the most memorable Nepali dining experiences I’ve had in Melbourne. It beautifully elevates traditional Nepali cuisine while staying true to the heart and soul of the flavours we grew up with. Every dish feels thoughtfully crafted. It’s authentic, comforting, and refined without losing its roots.

One of the absolute standouts was the Goat Soup Chicken Jhol Momo. Whoever came up with this combination deserves serious praise. The portion size is generous, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, and the balance of spice, depth of flavour in the broth, and the softness of the momo is just exceptional. It’s the kind of dish that feels nostalgic yet new. The ultimate comfort food reimagined with care.

What truly sets Ayla apart is the ambience. The live Nepali music in the background, with familiar tunes performed beautifully, makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to a restaurant in Thamel or a cultural night in Kathmandu. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and unmistakably Nepali. Every detail, from the décor to the hospitality, is thoughtfully executed.

Ayla is not just a place to eat. It’s a celebration of culture, flavour, and community. Whether you’re Nepali or just curious about the cuisine, this spot is a must-visit.

I highly recommend booking ahead. This gem deserves every bit of the...

Modern Nepalese cuisine gets the spotlight it deserves here. The energy was as vibrant as the food with live, soulful music and plenty of dancing.

The staff were extremely lovely and so very accommodating - whether you're a seasoned Himalayan food loving veteran or a Nepalese noob (like me), they will guide you through the menu and help you choose your Nepalese feast!

The exclusive Goat Jhol Momos and Pork Sekuwa Tacos absolutely lived up to the hype! But everything else was just too good too, never having had buffalo before, the Buff Momos are now officially my fav type of dumpling and the Ayla Set (consisting of all the meats) is a must order, if not only for the variety but for my new fav grain - beaten rice!

And the perfect sweet treat to end the night is the Juju Dhau, another buff must!

If you haven’t explored the modern Nepalese food scene in Melbourne — start here. You’ll find more than just a meal, you’ll...

I love my curries. Auckland has so many good indian places that everytime I have curry in Melbourne I am disappointed.

I went to Lakhey because I was close to it and was hungry. I ordered the Chicken Curry but was not expecting it to be good. To my surprise, it's the best Chicken Curry I have tasted in Melbourne.

The balance of the spices and the flavour coming through was incredible. It was the first time I finished my curry chicken in Melbourne.

I went to Chilli India the day before and that was a terrible experience. It is so overhyped and the food is either salty or bland. Lakhey on the other hand had none of those issues.

I also tried Chilli Chicken that my girlfriend ordered, but that was just good. Didn't have that wow factor...