AVVA Modern Mediterranean Cuisine — Restaurant in Aspinwall

We visited for the 1st time “Avva” last week and were pleasantly surprised at how many patrons were enjoying the food and atmosphere. The restaurant itself is very classy and elegant while the outside patio/bar area reminds one of being at a coastal resort! When we arrived, we were greeted by Yakup, the owner, who is always so pleasant and . We were totally amazed and delighted with the appetizer sampler of babaganush, ezme,htipiti,haydari, hummus, Greek style hummus and trimester. It was delicious with the pita bread that we would have been happy with this and some wine. We also ordered the calamari with arugula and haydari( yogurt,garlic,fresh dill, parsley, mint and olive oil)all perfectly blended together. Next we ordered the Mix Seafood for 2 ( which actually can feed 3), which arrived on a Hugh, beautifully arranged board with 2 fresh, flakey bronzinos, shrimp, octopus and 2 types of rice along with a tomato, peppers and onion salsa! Every entree on the menu had just the right amount of spices and integrated flavors!! Finally, we still decided to devour the acclaimed”Katmer”dessert, which did not disappoint. This was a thin layer of phyllo dough filled with a mixture of pistachios and mascarpone. It was the Best Dessert ever!! This was a true “dining experience” that we cannot wait to come back and try other entrees on the menu. This is a great addition to Aspinwall and a must try destination. Congratulations to Yakup on another EXCEPTIONAL...

This place lacks managerial oversight. We had a very nice young server who had no idea how to handle all food/ timing mistakes. We started with Hummus and stale pita and said nothing about the inedible pita.

Then, we ordered drinks and one guest ordered a gin and tonic and another ordered a seltzer. The server brought a gin and seltzer and plain tonic for the other guest. The Gin and seltzer didn’t have much alcohol so the guest sent it back and and reminded her he ordered a GT she brought back a Gin and Seltzer. The other guest sent the tonic back and got what she ordered, seltzer.

One guest ordered 3 appetizers as his meal and the rest of the guests ordered full meals. The gentleman’s appetizers came out right away and he said he wanted them with the meals. The waitress left them and said the meals would be right out. Twenty minutes later the meals We’re not out and the guest asked the waitress to keep the appetizers warm. She took them and placed them under the heating lamps. The main meals came and we had to remind her to retrieve the appetizers. He got his appetizers/ meal 10 minutes after our main meals came and when they were delivered they were dried out and unappealing. He didn’t eat them and said no more to be a good sport.

The main meals were fine but nothing super tasty. The check came with no apologies and no discounts. Poor training and no management in sight. Not a great...

Left with mixed feelings. Upon arrival it was confusing where to go. It looked as though a hostess stand was outside the front doors, but no one was occupying it and it was kind off to the side, so walked inside and felt awkwardly looked at by people eating inside. Was confusing.

We were sat on the deck which was nice but was right next to the main pathway from the entrance to the bar/patio. Nice atmosphere however.

Being offered to go inside to the American legion to get alcoholic beverages was odd and they were being served in red solo cups. Not very ‘high end’. However they are BYOB, which we didn’t know before going. They were out of coke and sprite due to their machine breaking again. I got iced tea which tasted like it was mixed with Coke.

Every other item we wanted to order and try on the menu they were out of. “Sorry unfortunately we’re out of that” or “don’t have that either” seemed to be the theme of our dinner.

The Meze plate was very good, however, along with the Turkish tea and coffee. The Adana was cooked perfectly with perfect spices. However, the side salad was about two bites and flavorless. The cheesy mushrooms were also disappointing as they were just chopped up mushrooms thrown into a dish smothered, and I mean smothered, in cheese. Not what I would expect.

I know they have just recently opened, so I’d be open to trying again in the future. But first impressions...