Self-taught chef Amir Aghaei deploys global flavours at Ayla's Social Kitchen on Preston

Amir Aghaei's lamb shank with mushroom risotto and broccolini is the kind of dish that arrives at your table and demands attention—earthy, rich, and confidently executed by someone who taught himself to cook by watching and doing rather than formal training.

At Ayla's Social Kitchen on Preston Street in Little Italy, Aghaei brings that same hands-on, exploratory energy to the whole menu. The restaurant sits in a neighbourhood known for its Italian heritage and walkable stretch of independent spots, where a new chef who pulls from global influences fits naturally into the mix.

Aghaei's approach is conversational—he deploys flavours from different traditions without announcing them, letting the plate speak for itself. This is the kind of cooking that rewards a return visit, where you notice something different each time you come in.