AURA Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Hackensack

I learned of this restaurant through an Instagram post. In the video the food looked delicious; the lamb caught my eye and the crafted drinks looked tasty. I sent the post to my husband and we planned to go. My husband let me know that he made reservations for Valentines Day. I was excited but I did not check reviews like I would normally. However, I did pull up the menu and wondered if they would have a pre fixe menu for the holiday. I checked a day before to see if they posted a pre fixe but to no avail they did not. One hour prior to our 7pm reservations the husband called, soley an attempt to satisfy my expectations, to find out if they had a Valentines Day menu. He was told "Yes, we do have a special menu but it's not very different than our regular menu". We arrived in time and was pleased with the live band and the ambiance. We were seated quickly and our waiter appeared a short time later with an abbreviated V Day menu.

Appetizers: beet salad, tarter cups and the charcuterie board. Entrees: some type of pasta with lobster sauce Branzino, salmon and the steak option

At that point I wanted to leave but knew grabbing dinner anywhere else would be a huge risk.

I do not eat pasta, had salmon earlier in the day, steak the night before and did not want a beet salad so the pickings were slim for me. I just wanted a normal salad before my dinner. According to the waitress that was not an option.

I ended up having the smallest branzino I ever had in my life although it was tasty. I had a side of spinach that was unappetizing. It tasted as if it was drowned in olive oil. No taste whatsoever. I would have rather had the raw spinach. It was a waste of $8 because I couldn't eat it.

The husband had salmon and seemed to enjoy it. The salmon was prepared well but his side of Potatoes came out after we both finished. We just wanted the check to go find somewhere else to eat because I was freaking starving.

The bill was about $120 with each of us having 1 drink. Not bad but we ended up at a spot in Newark because I was still hungry.

This experience left a bad taste in my mouth and will not try this spot again. Also just to drive the point home, 2 other couples seated near us were experiencing the same issues. One was a vegan who simply wanted a salad but guess what beet salad came with goat cheese.. so you already know how that went.

Owners, definitely should post if they are having a special menu. It would save folks...

Exceptional Dining Experience at AURA

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

I recently had the pleasure of dining at AURA Restaurant & Bar, and I can confidently say that it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked through the door to the final bite of dessert, every aspect of my visit exceeded my expectations.

The ambiance of AURA is nothing short of enchanting. The restaurant's elegant decor, warm lighting, and soothing music create an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable evening. Whether you're planning a romantic date night or a special celebration, AURA's ambiance sets the perfect tone.

The service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring our dining experience was flawless. Our server provided excellent recommendations, accommodating dietary preferences with ease, and even suggested the perfect wine pairing for our meal.

Now, let's talk about the food. AURA's menu is a culinary masterpiece. Each dish is carefully crafted with an artistic touch, and the flavors are nothing short of divine. From the appetizers to the main course and dessert, every bite was a burst of delightful flavors. The attention to detail and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients were evident in every dish.

I had the pleasure of trying the [mention your favorite dish] which was an absolute highlight. The combination of flavors and textures was a true gastronomic delight. The dessert was the perfect sweet ending to a perfect meal.

AURA also boasts an impressive selection of wines and cocktails. The sommelier's recommendations perfectly complemented our meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

In conclusion, AURA Restaurant & Bar is a hidden gem that deserves all the accolades. It's the kind of place you'll want to return to again and again to explore their diverse menu and experience their exceptional hospitality. If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in an exquisite setting, AURA is the place to be. I can't recommend it highly enough!

Thank you to the entire team at AURA for making our evening truly special. We'll be back soon to savor more of your...

I recently dined at Aura Restaurant Bar and Grill, and I must say, it was a wonderful experience! This gorgeous restaurant offers a tantalizing mix of Italian, Mediterranean, and Latin cuisine that truly caters to a variety of tastes.

Our lovely server/bartender, Lauren greeted us promptly and helped us begin our evening with cocktails, and I opted for the Dragon's Aura, a crafted tequila cocktail that packed a bit of spice and featured delicious dragonfruit, all beautifully complemented by a black lava sea salt rim. My mom chose the Summer Passion, made with Tito’s Vodka, passionfruit, lime, mango and club soda, a perfect summer drink. For her second round, she tried the Lavender Haze, another Tito’s vodka drink, showcasing lovely blueberry and lavender notes. All three drinks were refreshing and set the tone for the meal ahead. I opted for a glass of cabernet with my meal.

For starters, we couldn't resist the fennel pork meatballs, which were absolutely delicious, especially with the herbed ricotta sauce. The white wine mussels were super fresh and garlicky—just the way I love them! We also indulged in the crostini trio, which offered a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal appetizer.

For our main course, we shared the linguine and clams. This dish was nothing short of stunning, with a perfect portion size, fresh ingredients, and a delicious parmesan garlic arugula cream sauce that left us wanting more.

To top off our meal, we enjoyed a sweet treat: flan topped with blackberries for dessert. It was the perfect finish to an already wonderful dining experience.

Beyond the food and drinks, the atmosphere at Aura is unique and lively, making it perfect for a date night, a girl’s night out, or any celebration. Chef Ceballos took the time to check on all the guests and introduce herself, which truly reflects the care and dedication that goes into the restaurant.

I’ll definitely be returning to Aura! If you’re looking for a great spot for your next evening out, I highly recommend giving this...