Amara

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1. F

   Foodie99

   Milwaukee

   33 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   33 reviews

   Dined today

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Excellent service; server was very helpful with menu choices. Food (pasta, Porchetta) was great. Good wine selection. Noise level reasonable. Nice venue. Overall a wonderful experience!

   Report
2. DG

   DietrichG

   Milwaukee

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   we chose to go on Date Night (ever Wednesday at his restaurant) for the savings and b/c this restaurant was new to us. we so loved it that we then booked it for two weeks out for Valentine's Day as well.

   Report
3. M

   Marv

   Milwaukee

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   We really enjoyed our first visit and Restaurant Week meal at Amara. We will definitely be back in the near future!

   Report
4. SL

   SamL

   St. Louis

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   Had a great dinner during Restaurant Week. My server was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The food did not disappoint! Will definitely be coming back.

   Report
5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Milwaukee

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on January 26, 2023

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   We had the restaurant week specials, it was a nice way to try the menu.

   Report
6. PT

   PenTim

   Milwaukee

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on January 26, 2023

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   Place looks great, very appealing. Staff bright and friendly. Food a substantial step up. Wine timely but beer slow.

   Report
7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 26, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We went to Amara for winter restaurant week and everything was so incredible it was hard to pick a favorite. The drinks were well crafted and unique. We had the straciatella and Whitefish bruschetta, the winter greens panzanella salad, osso bucco entree, and burnt ricotta cake for dessert. Everything was delicious.

   Report
8. M

   Marlena

   Milwaukee

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 26, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wonderful, attentive service and delicious food. Cocktails were enticing and the seating generous.

   Report
9. R

   Robind

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 25, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wonderful evening. Staff very welcoming. Food was outstanding. It was restaurant week so tasted a variety of dishes. Can’t wait to go back.

   Report
10. TN

    TryingNewThings

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 25, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5

    Restaurant week so folks were definitely a bit frazzled. The sea bass was excellent, but the lasagna definitely left something to be desired.

    Report
11. CG

    ClarionG

    Naples

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Restaurant week so very busy, but did not feel at all rushed. Very accommodating to get 8 of us together at the same time when they were so busy. Food was excellent. Shared plates with plenty of food.

    Report
12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Service great except that entrees did not come at the same time. Not to fault of the servers. Kitchen problem Noise level too high. Otherwise very enjoyable. Food excellent

    Report
13. EF

    EFunk

    Milwaukee

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    My husband and I went to Amara for lunch on a 'date day'. The food was surprisingly tasty (especially the fried baby mozzarella and the Mafaldine pasta), and our waitress provided excellent services. It's our first time dining at Amara, and we will definitely revisit some time with our kids.

    Report
14. TC

    TonyC

    Milwaukee

    50 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    We out during restaurant week. Our food was delicious. The wine we selected went well. The only issue we had was the pacing of the food delivery was rushed.

    Report
15. DL

    DorisL

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall1food2service2ambience3

    He food was good but the charges were outrageous. The menu said $40 per person and they charged us $80 for a very small serving for 2 people. Will never go back.

    Report
16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Perfect in every way …love this restaurant, my new favorite!

    Report
17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Tried it for the first time with my sister. Super cute place, friendly staff and delicious food!

    Report
18. A

    Allen

    Milwaukee

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was our third trip back to Amara. We've been delighted each time, Beautifully designed space, very creative menu guided by the approaches that have made Italian cuisine among the top eating experiences one can find. Top service from the staff. Kudos to Tim our server the last two trips - he is personable while being totally professional and always ready to offer his take on any item on the menu. An excellent selection of Italian wines and the bar offers an assortment of Negroni interpretations. Amara is an excellent fine dining addition to Hilldale.

    Report
19. SD

    SDIneR

    Milwaukee

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Fantastic date night deal!

    Report
20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We celebrated my fiancé’s birthday. The waiter was very knowledgeable about the dishes. The food was fast, fresh and delicious despite it being closing. The serving sizes were enough to share and our cocktails were delicious. I will be returning.

    Report
21. T

    Toby

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and amazing service.

    Report
22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Jennifer was our server and she was amazing. We had great conversation with her.

    Report
23. JH

    JenniferH

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience4

    Nice atmosphere. A bit pricey for example, a martini was $16.

    Report
24. S

    Stevo

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    The overall experience was quite nice, but they had an odd choice for ambience music. It did not seem to fit the restaurant.

    Report
25. LB

    LBMJEM

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    For a relatively new restaurant, the servers are incredibly knowledgeable. The GM was helpful and had knowledgeable regarding wines and food. Menu changes frequently, so get your favorites while you can.

    Report
26. CC

    CharlesC

    Milwaukee

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 10, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Food and wine mediocre and pricey.

    Report
27. JE

    JoelE

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    Kitchen knew what it was doing. Gigante beans, excellent. Nearly as good endive and arugula salad and the golden beets. Entrées, Osso Buco strongest, Roasted sweet potato plate very good. Spinach and ricotta gnocchi very well put together, but gnocchi almost too pillowy soft, needed a little more tooth. Weakest was Shellfish Cavalli, described as almost brothy, good for sopping up bread, was actually not wet at all, slightly fishy, did not do spiral pasta noodles justice. Bread should be included, expresses Italian warmth and hospitality to do so. Also, high quality sourdough does not need to be scorched, example where less is more. Wine list expensive and poorly organized. Place affordable good "value" wines at top; your high rollers will quickly skip down anyway. We know our wine, not impressed wait person asked white or red then jumped down menu to recommend "this one if you like sweet, this if you like dry". Felt like those were wines staff was instructed to push. Mixed drinks also very expensive, $16+. High quality, though, but hard to want to order more than a first round. Finally, pacing could be better. All apps and salads came out at once. If intent is shared tasting menu, nice to pace the offerings. Summary, creative Kitchen, good preparations. Some kinks to work out re: ambiance and value.

    AmaraResponded on January 9, 2023Hello Joel and thank you for the thoughtful comments. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your meal, and we will be discussing your feedback as team. We work very hard and take a lot of pride sharing our menus with guests, and are continuously working with staff on presenting our wine list, and fine tuning pacing to give our guests the best experience possible. We hope to see you again soon, and look forward to talking more wine!

    Report
28. D

    Dick

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Interesting, eclectic dinner menu, well-prepared pasta entree, lively but not boisterous atmosphere, romantic setting for our anniversary, and wonderful service. On our Madison west side favorite list.

    AmaraResponded on January 9, 2023Thank you for the kind words Dick. We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your recent visit, and celebrating your special occasion with us. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

    Report
29. G

    Gerbear

    Milwaukee

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    Not your old Wisconsin supper club. Couldn’t get a regular old fashioned. No Brandy or blended whiskeys. My lasagna looked like salmon with a relish on top. Didn’t taste like any lasagna I’ve ever had before. Otherwise great, except for being so noisy.

    Report
30. AK

    AmyK

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    There's so much good about Amara. We've been there twice since it opened. The hosts and wait staff are wonderful and the ambience is great. Overall, we enjoyed both experiences. But the flavor combinations are off on a few of the dishes and maybe that's because it's a new restaurant and the kitchen is still finding its way. For example, we tried a vegetarian dish based on sweet potatoes and other additions which sounded great but wasn't. While good, the panzanella was full of fresh ingredients but was overpowered by the pickled onions. On the other hand, the Gnocchi and Butini were both good and we very much enjoyed the Calamari with panko crumbs and aioli. All in all, it's a great addition to Madison's restaurant scene.

    Report
31. BS

    BrittanyS

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was great. Wednesday night has a special for “date night.” I didn’t love how close the 2 top tables are, just a little too close. Room for medium sized groups, get togethers would be convenient here. I love the location, great food and I don’t have to go downtown.

    Report
32. B

    Beth

    Milwaukee

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was the second time we went to Amara and it was great both times. The setting is very nice and the service is good. Drinks are a tad pricey but overall a nice experience and we will be back.

    Report
33. M

    Mcmmcm

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    We've been twice and have tried many of the starters. Some are good--octopus, gigante beans, caponata. But others, including calamari and some salads, are done better elsewhere. The pastas are good and elegant but didn't make anyone says "wow, I want to come back again." We didn't try any entrees because they didn't sound particularly intriguing. Nice wine list, friendly and efficient service. Large and attractive space. I want this restaurant to succeed, and I hope they get a little more interesting.

    Report
34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful NYE dinner at Amara! Food was done perfectly. We LOVED the octopus starter.

    Report
35. H

    Hanna

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our New Years Eve dinner date at Amara was delicious! The restaurant was beautiful and the staff were attentive and kind. Also, I really enjoyed the smell of the hand lotion from the bathroom. Ha!

    Report
36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    it was great

    Report
37. M

    Marie

    Monterrey

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    Entrees were well designed and yummy. Seating is way too close, so having a romantic conversation is not possible. Service was good, but slow.

    Report
38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was our second visit to Amara for dinner service. The food, service, and ambiance was stellar. The only major feedback would be to space the tables out because servers had a hard time delivering food and also it’s a tight fit when there’s people sitting right next to you and you can hear other people’s conversations. Other than that, our server was lovely! The food was beyond and you could taste quality! Can’t wait to try a lunch service sometime to see how different it is. I’m also very grateful for the gluten free options!!

    Report
39. LC

    LCBR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The service was great. We had a reservation and we got our table quickly. The food was wonderful!

    Report
40. JJ

    JJLO

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience5

    Beautiful restaurant. Staff were friendly. Menu was trying too hard, the food sadly was just not good. We were very disappointed. Fried mozzarella batter to thick, sauce lacked flavor. Gnocchi was bland. Pepe de caccio way too lemony. Sad that this place did not meet expectations.

    Report