More Than a Meal
The name “AYA” comes from the Twi word for the fern plant, a symbol of endurance and resilience. Our menu draws from 400 years of culinary history in the United States, highlighting the roots of Black Southern cuisine and its West African origins, with a particular nod to Ghana. Many ingredients used in today’s Southern staples trace back to seeds carried through the Middle Passage, braided into the hair of enslaved women and men.
At AYA, we honor those stories with care and sophistication.
Here, the flavors are bold, comforting, and deeply soulful—designed not only to nourish but to ignite the senses and the spirit. Guests are encouraged to slow down, gather with purpose, and find a sense of belonging around the table.
AYA is a place for everyone—community members, travelers, policy changemakers, and storytellers alike. It is a gift to Montgomery. A symbol of hope and healing. A soulful meal shared in reverence.
Rooted in
Resilience
Located inside the Elevation Convening Center & Hotel and connected to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Sites, AYA is both an offering and a gathering place— a space to reflect, restore, and rejoice through food.