Amara — Restaurant in Belmont

Amara has taken over the previous Waterdog spot at Belmont Shopping Center. As a local, we really want this spot to uplevel the dining experience in inner Belmont-San Carlos, especially with the beautiful garden and waterfall that it commands. Amara is another attempt at leveraging this supposed jewel of a spot.

Something about Amara seems like it is still in the process of tuning and balancing. I understand it is aiming for a "high end" fusion Mediterranean dining experience, but it has to understand, that this is not a strip mall where you get much demand of such high-end dining. Even Laurel St struggles in this category. So they really need to know at what altitude to operate. I definitely appreciate the effort of trying to fly high. I fear you ostracize 80~90% of the locals who need a great beer and brunch spot.

The decor is quite progressive. Nothing wrong here. You feel quite under-dressed cause you weren't expecting this level of progressive luxury at such a mall. But again, it is pleasant. They have done a great job taking the various different zones of the restaurant and theming it uniquely. It all fits together in some shape and form. I believe they can still tune it a bit with the utensils, the lighting, and the plates. But overall, decently forward-looking.

The issue is with the food. Don't get me wrong. They are definitely above average Mediterranean food but I dare say that the presentation and the fusion aspect actually hurts the flavors. Very seldom does a "twist" or a certain way to present enhances. Everything else you raise an eyebrow because you wonder what they were going for.

The beef kebabs were completely off - dry and uncooked in the middle. The lamb kebabs were great but we don't know what the spice and chili was for. The various dips on the Mezze hummus plate was slightly above average. On the bright side, the eggplant dish was phenomenal as well as the shrimps.

The consistency between the various dishes were really off which was quite a surprise for a restaurant that is aiming for the high-end audience. Some were great. Some was questionable. Atmosphere isn't enough. You have to nail the food.

I truly wish Amara well. But it'll be tough to survive at this price point with this caliber of dining. I'm not sure for what...

Amara is a new place near my house. It's truly a world-class dining experience. There are a lot of pros to that because Belmont has a lot of nail salons and sandwich shops, and we need a little class around here.

I dined at Amara during the soft opening and again recently (Dryuary prevented me from enjoying a cocktail, so I had to go back).

The service at Amara is excellent. They have hired adorable young waitstaff who are well-mannered and well-spoken. Wow, I sound old. I am not young, let's say, but I notice this sort of stuff.

What stands out to me at Amara is their attention to flavors. I began with a cocktail that boasted flavors of rose and fennel. I mean, unusual. It's hard to execute. But they did it. It was as soft as a rose and had the brightness of fennel without being overpowering. I did not want to drink this too fast. I also didn't want to order two because the prices are steep (sorry). It's a one-drink place. Or a special occasion place.

Foodwise, I split three small plates and a spread with my friend. The pomegranate spread is exquisite. They give you freshly baked pita, which is not your grandmother's pita bread, ok? It's hyped up with unique ingredients (I will not divulge here, but the waiter knew I was interested and that I was into cooking, so he told me). The roasted cauliflower is perfectly cooked with a well-crafted sauce underneath it. The flavors, again, are clearly thought out. Nobody slapped this stuff on a plate. The mushroom kibbeh was well-prepared but lacked enough flavor for us to enjoy it, although the texture was really well-executed. I think that was more of a preference on our part. The item was perfectly cooked.

We also enjoyed the soft-poached lobster with harissa and grape relish - it was divine and a grand savory finale.

We didn't get dessert. Believe it or not, we were satiated with three small plates and one spread.

Let me close by saying this is an exceptional experience, and so I'm a little bummed that I can't just "go grab lunch here" because I'd go bankrupt in a few days. However, if you have the means and appreciate fine food,...

Dining at Amara Restaurant is like stepping into a story, where the vibrant coastal cuisine of the Mediterranean meets the rich, soulful traditions of the Levant. The ambience immediately draws you in: warm, inviting, and elevated without being pretentious. It's the kind of place that encourages conversation, connection, and culinary curiosity.

While our evening came with a few hiccups, a forgotten item from our order and a minor mishap with spilled water on my fiancée, these were quickly overshadowed by the genuine care and attentiveness of the staff. You could feel that they wanted to get it right, and that kind of passion for service is rare and appreciated.

The food itself? Absolutely delicious. Some might find the portions modest, but that's intentional, meals here are meant to be shared. Each dish brought bold, intricate flavors to the table, inviting us to savor and explore together. The drinks were equally impressive, playful and complex, with each sip challenging the palate in the best way.

What truly elevated the evening was meeting Ajay, the heart behind Amara. His pride in what he and his wife Reena have built is infectious. He took the time to chat with our table, and it was clear that every detail of this place, from the menu to the decor to the energy, is a labor of love.

One of the most exciting parts? The newly developed outdoor space. It's an immersive retreat that feels like a hidden world, perfect for gathering, unwinding, or simply soaking in the vibes.

And don't leave without trying dessert. The flavor combinations are unexpected yet beautifully balanced, a reflection of the creativity that drives this entire experience.

Ajay and Reena have created something truly special at Amara, a space that goes beyond just food and becomes a celebration of culture, community, and connection. We'll definitely be back, not just for the incredible dishes, but to feel that...