A Culinary Gem in Jupiter – ARA Delivers an Unforgettable Experience
During our recent visit to ARA in Jupiter, Florida, we were absolutely blown away by the exceptional service, the vibrant ambiance, and the thoughtfully curated menu. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly. While the outside dining area exuded a beautiful, tropical nightclub vibe, complete with lush greenery and atmospheric lighting, the indoor space felt more modern and sleek—perhaps a little too cold for our taste. We agreed that warmer lighting would enhance the ambiance inside.
Our evening was made even more memorable by our outstanding server, Miles H. His knowledge of the menu, attentiveness, and genuine enthusiasm for the restaurant’s offerings elevated the entire experience. He expertly guided us through the menu, making thoughtful recommendations and ensuring that every dish was presented with care.
Standout Dishes
BEET TARTARE – This dish was an absolute masterpiece. The beets were diced finely and seasoned to perfection, mimicking the texture and presentation of a classic steak tartare. The tangy, earthy flavors were beautifully balanced with a touch of acidity, making for a refreshing and inventive appetizer.
TURKISH DUMPLINGS – A must-try! These delicate dumplings were stuffed with a savory filling and bathed in a luscious yogurt sauce with just the right hint of garlic. The drizzle of spiced butter added a rich depth of flavor that made each bite irresistible.
BREAD & ZIKI – The house-made bread was warm, pillowy, and slightly crisp on the outside, pairing wonderfully with the creamy, herbaceous tzatziki. This simple yet satisfying starter set the perfect tone for the meal.
EGGPLANT STACK – Layers of perfectly roasted eggplant, vibrant tomato sauce, and creamy cheese came together harmoniously in this standout dish. The textures were spot on, and the seasoning was just right, making it a comforting yet sophisticated option.
BURGESS CABERNET (BTL)– An excellent wine selection. The Burgess Cabernet* was bold, smooth, and well-balanced, complementing our meal beautifully with its deep fruit notes and velvety finish. Miles ensured that our glasses were never empty, further enhancing the dining experience.
ARA-MISU – An exquisite take on the classic tiramisu. This version was light yet indulgent, with layers of rich mascarpone, espresso-soaked cake, and a dusting of cocoa that melted in our mouths. The perfect sweet ending to an incredible meal.
The One Miss of the Night
Unfortunately, the SWEET CORN TORTELLONI did not meet our expectations. While the dish itself looked beautiful, the Parmesan had an unexpectedly sour taste that overpowered the delicate sweetness of the corn. We brought this to Miles' attention, and he handled the situation with absolute professionalism, ensuring that the dish was promptly replaced without hesitation. His attentiveness and care only reinforced our appreciation for the top-notch service at ARA.
Final Thoughts
Despite the minor hiccup with the tortelloni, our experience at ARA was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of innovative dishes, an engaging and knowledgeable server like Miles H., and the stunning tropical atmosphere makes this a standout dining destination in Jupiter. Whether you're looking for a romantic outdoor setting or a sleek, modern indoor vibe, ARA delivers an unforgettable evening.
We can’t wait to return and explore more of their inspired menu. Highly...
Read moreWe are so happy we chose Ara for dinner and drinks! From the moment we arrived, we knew it was going to be a fantastic experience. There’s free valet service at the front, and the attendants were exceptionally friendly— they even opened the car door for us!
The hostess also went above and beyond by bringing me a bag hook, so I didn’t have to worry about my bag on the floor or chair—such a thoughtful touch. Our server, Star, was an absolute delight! She was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and offered us great recommendations, including some of her personal favorites. She kept our table tidy, made sure we always had clean dishes for each course, and topped off our waters without us ever having to ask.
Now, the food at Ara is simply phenomenal. The Salmon Crudo was an absolute standout—so fresh and perfectly complemented by the ripened avocado. The sauce was so delicious that we couldn’t resist dipping the homemade bread in it, not wanting to waste a single drop! The lamb dumplings and carpaccio were equally outstanding, and we were pleasantly surprised by the generous portion sizes.
For our main courses, we had the lamb and the octopus. Both were beautifully balanced and packed with flavor. The lamb chops were thick and juicy—again, the portions were much more than we expected!
To finish, we tried the pecan pie at the suggestion of the owner, Steven. I’m not usually a fan of pecan pie, but this was absolutely delicious! The warm pie, paired with ice cream and caramel, was the perfect end to our meal.
A special mention to Steven, the owner, who was incredibly attentive to all the guests throughout the evening. It’s clear he takes great pride in the restaurant, and his presence really adds to the overall atmosphere. It’s easy to see how well-run Ara is under his leadership.
Overall, Ara offered a wonderful dining experience from start to finish, and we can’t...
Read moreAra is a brand new Mediterranean restaurant in Jupiter, Florida. I don’t say this often but they exceeded all my expectations. To me it felt almost like a Mediterranean fusion but very high quality.
Shoutout to Miles for being a great waiter. Miles was very helpful in accommodating for gluten free allergies. So, if you’re looking at the menu online and you’re gluten free, they can make accommodations for you.
Shoutout to the owner Steven who seems like a very hard working and overall great person who was just so nice and a pleasure to speak with. I wish him and his restaurant much success!
Every dish we had from here was absolutely phenomenal. Its ambiance is so nice and gives off a luxury and modern Mediterranean vibe.
My favorite appetizer was the Turkish Dumplings. My favorite entree is really a tough choice but it’s between the lamb chops which was out of this world and served with delicious tzatziki. My other favorite entree was the Octopus. I am also a bit concerned ordering Octopus at nice restaurants because it’s usually expensive and a small dish. However, at Ara they give you a substantial amount of Octopus and the dish exceeded my expectations, for sure. For dessert you must get the chocolate chip cookie that’s stuffed with Nutella and a side of some ice cream and milk foam on the side.
This place is a great spot for a date night or a romantic evening, a delicious meal, or a place for a celebratory dinner or really anything. You can not go wrong at Ara and I will most definitely be returning.
I can say with confidence that I highly recommend this place and you will thank me later for going here....
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