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Contemporary Coastal Cuisine - Amara, Madison, WI

Amara

4.4
4.4
225 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Amara is our take on contemporary coastal Italian cuisine featuring sharable small plates and bites, hand-crafted pastas, and entrĂ©es showcasing the bounty of Madison, Wisconsin. Our wine list features cutting edge Italian and Italian-inspired artisan wines farmed by hand and made with classical methods. Our bar showcases the art of Italian drinking including aperitifs, negronis, cocktails, and espresso. It all comes together to match our decor – light, beautiful, clean, relaxed, simple, energetic, and revitalizing


Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 50 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Mediterranean

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (608) 716-7989

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Neighborhood

    Madison

  • Parking details

    Public Lot

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Graduation Weekend at Amara!

    $10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    May 12 - May 13, 2023
    Due to such high demand for reservations on graduation weekend, we will be charging a $10 ticket fee per person. This applies to bookings during the evenings of Friday May 12th and Saturday May 13th. This ticket is non-refundable and is simply a fee charged to confirm bookings with us on these dates! In the case of cancellations at anytime, this cost will NOT be reimbursed to our guests. All graduates will receive a glass of bubbly from us to celebrate all of their achievements, and all friends & family of graduates will be offered a sampler of bubbly to cheers them with! We can't wait to host you during graduation weekend!
  • Aperitivo Hour at Amara!

    Multiple dates available
    Join us for Aperitivo Hour every day of the week from 2-6pm! Including wine, spritzi, and NA/ cocktail drink specials, in addition to spuntino and bruschetta food offerings! Please note our full dinner menu is available starting at 5pm. Please note that this does not qualify as a dinner reservation. Dinner reservations are available starting at 5pm! The Art of the Aperitivo: Derived from the Latin aperire, the tradition is meant “to open” the appetite before dining. We invite you to take this moment to unwind with a drink and a bite, reconnect with family and friends, and toast to health, rejuvenation, and the meal to come. Cheers!
  • Louis/Dressner Imports Wine Dinner

    $85.00 per person

    Apr 18, 2023 only
    We are excited to welcome Carl Moberg of Louis/Dressner Selections, one of our favorite importers, for a night of Wining and Dining on Tuesday, April 18. In their own words, "We have no brands. We are not looking for them. We do have a group of often fanatical growers who are doing their best to make wines that are original because they are honestly crafted. These might seem old-fashioned, but in the present context it is almost revolutionary...." The deal - five wines, five courses, served family style $85 (before tax/gratuity). All reservations will be sat communally at tables of eight so grab your friends or make some new ones! Seating begins at 5:15pm and dinner is at 5:30pm. Industry friends receive an additional 15% off.

Popular dishes

What 225 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise ‱ Moderate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Most Booked

  • Madison

    Innovative

  • Madison

    Healthy

  • Madison

    Hot spot

  • Madison

    Great for fine wines

  • Madison

    Lively

  • Madison

    Most Booked

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Filters

  1. Cheesehead

    Tallahassee

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Frances was the waiter extraordinaire- we loved all his recommendations! Food was excellent. Only problem was the light coming in 5:30-6:30😎would definitely come back!!
  2. Punkerina

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Service started out being very slow as we waited a long time for our drinks. After that, it greatly improved. My bass was delicious; my husband's porketta disappointing. He said there was a lot of waste and not much edible pork.We did have a fabulous dessert that the restaurant comped because it was our anniversary. That was a nice surprise.
  3. Steph

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Specifically asked to not be sitting with the sun shining in my face, and was put at a table where it was. Also the restaurant was almost empty when we arrived and the 3 couples eating there were put immediately next to each other in small tables.
  4. KalpanaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Eveveything was perfect . We loved the food and drinks and the service was great . Can’t wait to come back ❀
  5. gryffindor

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The lasagna was so interesting and delicious. All of the entrees we had were superb! Wonderful food
  6. JaneM

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience1
    Food and service were good but small tables too close together! I don’t want to listen to my neighbors conversation and I’m sure the feeling is mutual. When we arrived it was not busy but they still seated people right next to each other when they could have spread things out. This is deal breaker for me.
  7. susans

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice atmosphere - not too bright - not too dark. Food was excellent. Service was very good. Only wish they had real sparkling water. We were brought a bottle of club soda. Come on folks - this is fine dining - not a supper club.
  8. LukeM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food. The Wednesday date night is a good deal.
  9. STACE

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    The food was underwhelming. It was fine, but on the bland side. And I walked away with nothing memerable. I was a little disappointed. I will try it again to see if it was just an off night. Our service was fantastic!!!
  10. Sppanky

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The spinach & ricotta gnocchi was delicious, the roasted sweet potato absolutely fantastic, the avocado bruschetta perfect. These three dishes are all worth going back for (and all vegetarian). The malfadine was fine but not amazing, and the fried baby mozzarella rates about the same - good but nothing I'd crave. We'd heard dessert was delicious, but we found it to be pretty ordinary. The budino was the best - tasty and not something you get many other places. The raspberries were a nice contrast to the pudding. The burnt ricotta cake was mostly flavorless; were it not for the kumquat base, there would have been no reason to finish it. The brown butter & cocoa torta was fine, but again, not special in taste or plating. Other than dessert, portions are small to moderate, which I am very happy about. Service was attentive and polite. Our food came pretty quickly. Prices are in line for fine dining. Noise level was fine. We had an early dinner, and by the time we left, it was getting pretty busy. Overall, it was very good, and I would go back for the gnocchi, sweet potato, and avocado bruschetta.
  11. SamiF

    New England

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 21, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    We took our 5 year old to celebrate his birthday. I personally felt like the service was a bit slower, even though the place was quiet. I always enjoy the food and the wine. I definitely think their dessert menu needs tweaking
  12. MarkC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Only issue was parking but nearby garage that lets out nearly next door solved issue. Service was impeccable, staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Food was absolutely delicious. Definitely recommend checking out their special menus for date nights (Wednesdays) and special events.
  13. PJJKB

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Great location. Food was ok, definitely room for improvement. Good service and vibe.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Food was ok. Service was totally rushed. Beautiful atmosphere but could not enjoy it fully.
  15. RalphK

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent meal. Superb service. The lasagna is a standout!
  16. MichelleB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    We had a great night, and server was attentive. Unfortunately they were out of their specialty item. While the ambiance and atmosphere is nice, we were at a table that was so dark, we could not see the menus or our food. The food we had was amazing, well worth the price. Appetizers are generous, as was dessert. Wine prices are in line with the market, although the pour was small by the glass. Cocktails were well crafted.
  17. DrLittle

    Little Rock

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday celebration. Food was fantastic. Excellent wine selections.decor is stunning. Highly recommend.
  18. JessM

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The food was outstanding, apart from the burnt ricotta cake, which was fairly bland. Ambience was very enjoyable. Our server was new - he got one of our drinks wrong and didn’t know much about the menu. Overall, very good experience.
  19. TonyP

    Chicago

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great evening with very goo food! Loved the spinach gnocchi!
  20. DebbieK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The restaurant is gorgeous!! Food is delicious!! Our waitress was excellent!! Wonderful dinner !!
  21. thefreshBrew

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All food looked great--ours, tables around us, delicious! The Wednesday Date Night shared 2 appetizers, 1 main plate, and 1 dessert. It was delicious, but may be on the lighter side if you're both hungry. My girlfriend was highly anticipating this meal, and was highly satisfied. Thank you, you've made our List!
  22. britbrit

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Really beautiful restaurant! I went for the Wednesday 'Date Night' special with a group of friends. Service was really nice but on the slower side. I felt like there was a lot of down time waiting for drinks or the check. Main pasta dishes were delicious but the eggplant bruschetta was so overly slated it was uneatable. Dessert was amazing! Our server suggested the torta with a scoop of gelati and it was Chefs Kiss!
  23. TonyC

    Milwaukee

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a lovely dinner yesterday. Our entrees were delicious. The Avocado bruschetta is a wonderful beginning. We enjoyed our wine selections. Our chocolate torte was a great ending. Our server, Samantha, was excellent. She guided the timing of our courses and made some wonderful suggestions that all worked out.
  24. ValerieJ

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing! Food, service and drinks!!!!
  25. ElizabethF

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Anali - the server - was stupendous. Offered unique suggestions and provided great, attentive service.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent staff truly accommodated my allergies w a spectacular chicken entree.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amara is what the west side of Madison has been clamoring for for years. The space is lovely, the staff is friendly yet professional and the food is consistently delicious. I highly recommend the cocktails (esp a Negroni) and the Caponata. You can’t go wrong with any of the pastas and we had the lamb osso bucco last night and it was fabulous.
  28. BarbieM

    Milwaukee

    48 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent first dining experience at Amara. Delicious cocktails, grilled sourdough bread and the entrees very nice sized portions and yummy! We will be back for more. Service also was perfect.
  29. Bailey

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience3
    Very good food but so expensive. $19 for some average calamari. Great service but maybe too intense I felt like there were multiple employees hanging around ready to pounce the moment the plate was empty. Most disappointing part was that we weren’t able to tip with remaining money on the gift card we had, seems like a poor policy.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amara was fantastic and the staff was attentive and pleasant. Food and cocktails were quite good. As most things post-pandemic, a bit pricey, but you can absolutely taste the quality and care in the dishes, so I wouldn’t classify as overpriced. Will definitely return!
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Appetizers were a little above average Drinks were very good Lasagna was very good Budino was excellent They were not willing to accommodate someone with mobility issues because it would have upset “the balance of tables for the waitstaff” Beautiful space. Some dishes were more successful than others. Good, but not exceptional food. Waitress was good. Hostess was not.
  32. JonnyG

    Milwaukee

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    Food was excellent. Food is called modern Italian. One of the few places that serves osso buco. Unfortunately, the night we went they were making it with lamb which I don’t care for. The lights are fairly low in this restaurant which makes it hard to read menu depending on where you sit. Thought that music was a bit loud. We would definitely return.
  33. Kathy

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Thanks!
  34. CrystalC

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! Great food, cool ambiance.
  35. AllenA

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent meal. Will be back
  36. BrianH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was exceptional. Ambiance was beautiful and the music was just loud enough to hear yet not interrupt conversation.
  37. DaveF

    Indiana

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the food to the ambiance, our entire experience was fantastic! I highly recommend.
  38. ChefP

    Milwaukee

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every dish was wonderful. Great ambience nicely lit and cool lighting. We will be back.
  39. slinda

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have had lunch there twice. Lunch is less crowded, and therefore less loud, than is dinner. Food and service were excellent.
  40. MarkRichmond

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent sea bass and calamari. Service was excellent and the place was abnormally quiet since it was snowing heavily when we dined. We had a great time.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Amara is rated 4.4 stars by 225 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 50 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Amara

670 N Midvale Blvd, Madison, WI 53705

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Madison

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Italian, Mediterranean

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Public Lot

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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