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Contemporary Coastal Cuisine - Amara, Madison, WI

Amara

4.4
4.4
294 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Amara is our take on contemporary coastal Italian cuisine featuring sharable small plates and bites, hand-crafted pastas, and entrées 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

10:00 PM


Booked 46 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

  • Aperitivo Happy Hour!

    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!
  • G.D. Vajra Wine Dinner

    $89.00 per person

    Jun 12, 2023 only
    We are excited to welcome Kevin Natoli of G.D. Vajra to Amara for a night of Wining and Dining on Monday, June 12. Located in the Commune of Barolo, Vajra is a family owned estate that couples a classic approach to their production with deep reverence for the vineyards they farm - they were the first certified organic winery in Barolo (1971). The deal - five wines, five courses, served family style, $89 (before tax/gratuity). All reservations will be sat communally 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. The wines will be available for retail sale after the dinner.

Popular dishes

What 294 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
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Most Booked

  • Madison

    Innovative

  • Madison

    Hot spot

  • Madison

    Great for fine wines

  • Madison

    Lively

  • Madison

    Most Booked

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food3service5ambience4
    Food tastes fine, but it's half portions for a full portion price. People who like fancy pretentious menus will love it. It was good enough where I would go back, but I'm certainly not in any rush to.
  2. JanetJ

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Fun to try a new place, with a festive, light and airy, vibrant ambience. Menu a little limited, service very rushed, but all in all a fun venue and a couple of the dishes were delightful.
  3. JeffH

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    The drinks and atmosphere were great..food was just ok. Too pricey for just ok food. Would not go back, too many great restaurants in madison.
  4. TonyC

    Milwaukee

    56 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    56 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a quiet dinner at Amara's. The food was excellent and service was great. We also enjoyed our wine selection. It was a great night out.
  5. Amira

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food2service4ambience5
    beautiful space but the serving size is very small. I'm not a big eater and yet it wasn't enough for me. Had to order 2 entrees for each person.
  6. JayK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    New restaurant in Hilldale. Our first time. Food was great and menu looks interesting for future visits. Date night was great value.
  7. KyleeJ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall3food1service1ambience5
    Service was slow. I would never recommend the espresso martini
  8. JaneG

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the crab avocado brushetta as a starter. The gnocchi was amazing. Will definitely be back. Our server Ciea(spelling?) was outstanding!
  9. Bojangvan

    Denver

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Great atmosphere. Having live music was amazing and made for a fantastic evening. We ended up hanging around after dinner and for another drink and dessert to listen.
  10. mgcmgcmgcp

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Amara is perfect for any occasion whether that be a family night, a girl's night, a date night, or any other occasion. The drinks are amazing and the atmosphere is amazing. They did a wonderful job with the space. The staff is also incredible and incredibly helpful and kind. I will be coming back!
  11. royc

    New England

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    We have eaten at Amara 3 times. The first two impressed us wrt the food/price ratio. Last night was a different matter. My wife's steak was tough and wasn't flavorful. My lasagna was very mediocre. The appetizers were good and the wine we got was quite good and good for the price. The walls were open due to warm conditions, which was pleasant. Be aware that if that's not the case, it gets really loud and hard to hear others at your table.

    AmaraResponded 2 days agoHello, and thank you for your comments. We are sorry to hear that some of your entrées were below our standards and not to your liking on your most recent visit. We will be sharing your comments with our kitchen team to make sure any issues are being addressed. We never want guests leaving unsatisfied with something they ordered so please feel free to reach out to us directly so that we can make it up to you.

  12. ExploreMore

    Milwaukee

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amara is fast becoming a favorite. The staff is terrific, the food is delicious, and it’s beautiful there. Today the windows were open with a lovely gentle breeze stirring the air in the dining room. It’s just an experience of the sense. I recommend it.
  13. madclash

    Milwaukee

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Appetizers and cocktails were fantastic. Decor is amazing. Pork Milanese was not that great, and the service was nice but too slow.
  14. warren14

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Between the loud music and the noise of the customers, I could barely hear my spouse across the table
  15. SarahK

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Although we had to wait for our table (we had a reservation) and the waitstaff was dressed a bit too casual for our taste, the food was outstanding. Some of the best dishes we've had in the area.
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Only one visit so far, but definitely will be going back soon. Everything was excellent. Drinks, starters, entrees, desserts, and service exceeded expectations.
  17. TonyC

    Milwaukee

    56 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated Mother's Day with our daughter and Grandson for lunch. The service was excellent and the food was delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meals. A Bellini to start with was a great choice.
  18. MikeG

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    A very creative food and drink menu with substantial choices. First class service and food quality. We will be back.
  19. BaBaAnn

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience! Our Server was really good. We’ll be back.
  20. natalies

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Fantastic menu, wish I could order everything. The mozzarella balls were the best I’ve ever had! Wish I lived closer because I’d go at least once a week!
  21. Bonbon

    San Francisco

    40 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Cute place with nice decorations. Food was just ok but the service was great!
  22. Frank

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing! We went for a birthday and had friendly, attentive waitstaff who were able to answer questions about the menu and help make the day special.
  23. BradE

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went on Wednesday date night. Outstanding food service and value. Will definitely be back
  24. MelissaB

    Tampa

    9 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Been to Amara three times now. Service has been excellent. We had high hopes before it came to Hilldale, but the food and cocktails are just incredibly disappointing; there seems to be more emphasis on "unique" than actually tasting good. Would love for the restaurant group to work with the chef and bartenders on some updates. Not giving up yet.
  25. margareta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food was absolutely delicious - creative, well prepared.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Vibe, gorgeous place with such tasty and creative food. Crab and avocado bruschetta was one of the best apps I have ever had
  27. PollyS

    Houston

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite places to go for a date night. The food and atmosphere is great.
  28. Tracy

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was prepared perfectly - and the menu included more than the generic, usual suspects. Our server, Francys, was fabulous - knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly.

    AmaraResponded on May 8, 2023Tracy - Thank you for your wonderful notes on food and service! Francys is just the bee's knees! We will let them know that you think so too :) Thank you, The Amara Team

  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and staff and beautiful outdoor seating
  30. MichaelP

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    It was good. Very unique menu. Soup was too salty.

    AmaraResponded on May 8, 2023Michael - Thank you for the note on the soup! We will pass this on to our kitchen team! We appreciate you!

  31. ItaruN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was outstanding! Thank you for another great experience!

    AmaraResponded on May 8, 2023Thank YOU! We appreciate your support and kindness :)

  32. AmyZ

    Alabama

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience1
    The food was good, but the service could have been better. We were told they like you to order everything up front, then they course it out. This lead to us getting our entrees way too early. It also took too long to get drinks from the bar.

    AmaraResponded on May 8, 2023Amy - Thank you so much for your notes on our service. We do want you to have food on your table at all times! We are sorry that our service did not live up to our usual standards. We will be forwarding this on to our GM so we can make sure that service is coursed out just how the guest would like. Thank you, and we appreciate the feedback. The Amara Team

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Awesome all around! Drinks, food and value were amazing!
  34. Foodie99

    Milwaukee

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Excellent service! Busy, so a bit noisy. Music contributed to the noise.
  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience5
    Overhyped, menu was small, bar was nice, food not good
  36. AmandaM

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I'm excited for my next visit already! We went on Wednesday when they have a special fixed menu for date night. It was a really good value, a great way to taste a lot of things on our first visit, and very tasty. I look forward to having cocktails on the patio my next time in.

    AmaraResponded on May 1, 2023Amanda! Thank you so much for stopping by on Wednesday Date Night! You should also stop by on Sunday's for Sunday Supper! Another way to try a bunch of fun items on our menu! Looking forward to serving you soon, The Amara Team

  37. Badger22

    Milwaukee

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Lovely open space. We sat at the bar and had a drink before going to the table. If you want a martini find out if it is pre-made (they don't tell you) which is not my idea of a good martini! One of us order a white wine before 6pm and then tried to re-order to find out it was not available after 6 - weird. Another wanted to try to reds but were out of one so chose the super tuscan. When tried to re-order were told now out of super tuscan but the other is now available. Strange but true. Would I go back -- no. There are too many other places with good food and ample wine! Service was okay representing the lower standards we are all expected to deal with today.
  38. julieb

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our group of 4 had a wonderful lunch. Your restaurant is beautiful and the service was beyond amazing. We plan to try happy hour and sit on your patio soon.

    AmaraResponded on May 1, 2023Julieb! We cannot wait to have you in for our Aperitivo Hour! We have great drink specials - Hopefully the weather cooperates and you can get yourself a spritzi soon! Thank you, The Amara Team

  39. James

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is always fantastic, one of my favorite restaurants in Madison. Perfect place for a celebration or a date night.
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    We wanted to like Amara, but the experience left us a bit disappointed. The food was good, but we both felt slightly sick after our meals (not sure why). The sangria was tiny and the spritzi was so bitter it was difficult to drink. The ambiance was nice as were the staff (I think we had 3-4 different staff members check on us to see how we were doing.. which was a bit much). The prices were high as expected, so keep that in mind. Lastly, my partner took her leftover pasta to-go. The following day when she tried to enjoy it, we realized it had firmly adhered to the paper take-out plate the restaurant gave us and was inedible. Again, the restaurant was beautiful and we really wanted to like it, but it just didn’t impress us as much as we’d hoped it would.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

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

FAQs

Amara is rated 4.4 stars by 294 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

10:00 PM


Booked 46 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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