Amara

We had a great time at Amara with our friends. The ambience was absolutely beautiful — 10 out of 10. The food was delicious — 8 out of 10. We would have given it a 10, but the desserts, while beautifully plated and visually stunning, were not great. In particular, the cheesecake could have been closer to a traditional cheesecake in flavor and texture. On the positive side, the branzino was outstanding, the broccoli was unique and flavorful, and the mushrooms were especially tasty. Service was exceptional most of the time, though occasionally a bit hurried. The main issue was that we ordered several dishes to share, and they brought everything at once, which felt overwhelming. When we mentioned it, they kindly took some dishes back until we were ready, and our server later apologized for not spacing the courses — which we appreciated. Overall, we had a wonderful experience and would definitely return.

We tried this place for the first time a couple of weeks ago. It was really lovely. The service is fast, professional, and friendly. We shared a bunch of dishes, and really liked everything we got. I think the standout was the green hummus. I can't remember what's in it, but it was absolutely delicious. Paired with their housemade pita bread, I could eat that everyday!!! I also had a cocktail that was delicious.

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 occasion I'd return.

Came here for dinner with our newlywed friends a few weeks ago. Definitely one of the best meals I have had on the peninsula. Everything we ate was fantastic from the different spreads, octopus, Branzino (perfectly cooked) rack of lamb and the citrus solstice dessert. The staff was very attentive but not overbearing. The vibe was pleasant and the decor is absolutely stunning inside. Their beautiful patio garden is a plus on a warm evening. Give this place a go, you won’t be disappointed!

I just had the most amazing meal at Amara in the Carlmont Shopping Center and I can’t stop thinking about it. Reena and Ajay have created something really special in Belmont. From the moment you walk in, the warm, relaxing vibe pulls you in and if you sit on the garden patio, you’ll feel like you’re on a little getaway. We kicked things off with the mezze plate, and let me tell you, the freshly made pita was so pillowy and soft. It came with creamy hummus, silky baba ganoush, and tangy pickles that hit all the right notes. Then we dove into tender lamb kabobs, sweet corn ricotta gozleme that tasted like a cozy hug, perfectly sautéed okra, and roasted sweet corn. We wrapped things up with a cool cucumber panna cotta that was the perfect finish. And don’t even get me started on the cocktails. They’re creative, unique, and absolutely delicious. Every sip felt like a little adventure. If you’re looking for a place to escape and enjoy an incredible meal, Amara is your ticket to a breezy Mediterranean evening without ever leaving Belmont. Go check it out and get ready to fall in love

We enjoyed our dinner at Amara ! We were a group of 7, including 2 children (4 and 9). The food was very delicious, and the service was attentive. Since we were a large group, we tried many dishes on the menu, and enjoyed all of it. The menu was on the expensive side, so this is more of a "special occasion" restaurant, and we would definitely come back here again! Our kids also enjoyed the food from the adult menu (there was no kids menu). Update: June 2025 Went to Amara for brunch, and was very happy! Everything we ordered was delicious, and different from other typical brunch places. Highly recommend checking this out, if you want to experience something new for brunch!

A Stunning New Gem in Belmont – Amara Delivers on Every Level Belmont just got a serious culinary upgrade. Amara, the latest creation from Ajay (the visionary behind Michelin-starred Rasa in Burlingame), is a Mediterranean-inspired oasis that absolutely lives up to the hype—and then some. Ajay is a warm and charismatic owner who has a serious attention to the details. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance transports you. The interior is spacious yet intimate, with 140 beautifully appointed seats that blend modern elegance with warm, coastal charm. And just wait until Wednesday, April 9, when the outdoor garden and waterfall seating area (60 seats) officially opens—this space is poised to become one of the most sought-after dining experiences on the Peninsula. The food? Simply phenomenal. Every dish I tried was layered with flavor, technique, and that Mediterranean flair done right. It’s no surprise that other reviews are raving—Ajay clearly brings his Michelin-level sensibility to every plate. But what really caught me off guard—in the best way—was the cocktail program. Head bartender Jorge is a true mixologist. I asked him to make a Blood & Sand, a scotch-based cocktail most bartenders haven’t even heard of. Not only did Jorge know it, he put his own creative spin on the classic and elevated it into something truly memorable. The cocktail menu here isn’t just strong—it’s exceptional. If you love local staples like Town (San Carlos), Village Pub (Woodside), or Vivace (Belmont), you owe it to yourself to check out Amara. It’s already staking its claim as one of the best dining destinations on the Peninsula.

I'm aware Amara is still in der soft opening phase, but we wanted to check it out. They really transformed this place, ambiente and atmosphere are great. Service was outstanding, very attentive and well trained.The food menu is interesting, with lots of small and somewhat bigger plates meant to share we were told by our server Nick. That's great, we love it. We had the black hummus with smelts ( outstanding, the smelt were a little stale ), the quail ( great ) and the octopus ( perfect an byd tender ) with beans a little too al dente for my taste ( flavorwise really good, though ). Dessert was the filo tart, with was very good as well, great textures. 2 Cocktail, 3 appetizer size plates, and a 125 Dollar bill. Some people might say, they didn't have enough food and are still hungry, we were happy.Will definitely be back !

Amara is a Belmont gem! Parking: Easy and free in a shopping center Seating: Beautiful both indoors and outside, umbrellas outside and it's by a beautiful pond and garden! Inside is gorgeous modern and marble decor Service: Friendly and personable. You can tell they really care. The owners even came by to greet us Food: Delicious, fresh and healthy. Brunch plates are meant to share. Highly recommend the Ciblir, Shakshuka, and Mezze Platter Overall had a great experience here and I'm excited to come back!

June 2025. I dropped by Amara for brunch with my family (kids 6 & 4) after a hike at water dog lake. My first impression of Amara is that it seems new and modern and fresh for Belmont. The ambiance is great and the view from the window into their terrace is very nice. The terrace wasn't open, but I could imagine it being full on a nice warm day. Service was solid and friendly, but it wasn't very busy. There were attentive and engaged with my kids. Cute. The food is good. It's not what you would call standard Greek or Middle Eastern Mediterranean fare. They blend different regions and offer special flat breads and unique dishes. Definitely a cut above. When we visited, they had two special hummus on the menu: green and black. The hummus came with pita chips, but I wish they just had fresh puffy pita instead. Special nod to their zero proof cocktails which were very good. My wife and I were impressed. Pricing, as you can imagine, is steeper given the experience, service, food, drink menu etc. I haven't visited for dinner, but this would be a great date spot. The restaurant feels fancy and with this price point likely requires a visit to be a bit more special. I'm only saying this because I feel like for lunch or brunch, it felt like a missed opportunity to create lines out the door. Theres nothing like Amara in the Peninsula and a few menu tweaks and must-eat dishes at the right price point would drive many more families in.

Beautiful place with amazing warm vibes. Definitely on the pricey side and portions are smaller but the quality was excellent. Would come here just to enjoy the vibes and get a drink. Braised octopus - tender, juicy, good flavor. Mirza Ghasemi (eggplant tomato dip) - a huge hit with the group, definitely would order again. Saffron Marinated roast half chicken - whole piece of chicken was juicy and tasty. branzino - crispy skin with juicy flesh Baba ghanoush and pita - solid option Rabbit tajine - rabbit tasted a bit dry, this was the dish that stood out the least.

Came in with a friend. Oh wow! What a surprise! Food was absolutely amazing, decoration was top notch. Service was fabulous! We would definitely come back for more! Would love to try their happy hour next time! I ordered shakshuka. Plate was beautiful and flavor was on point. Great find!

Service was friendly and attentive. Casual atmosphere and the food was very good. The lamb ribs were tender.

From the owners of Rasa and Saffron (two amazing Indian fine dining restaurants on the Peninsula) comes Amara, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with an absolutely gorgeous dining room and garden. The plates here were all creative and beautifully-presented, and we started off with spreads to share including Green Hummus (made with spring onions, pistachios, herb oil, crème fraîche), Black Hummus (charred onions and chilis, topped with crisp garlic, fried anchovies, fried curry leaves, and paprika oil), and Muhammara (red pepper and walnut paste). Maybe I'm a bit of a hummus purist, but I found the Green Hummus dry and gritty, and the Black Hummus, while super tasty, was too savory and funky to be considered hummus. However, the best part of the spreads was the soft, freshly-baked white and wheat pita breads that came on the side! We continued our meal with small plates for sharing including Phyllo-Crusted Petrale Sole fillets served over bouillabaisse tomato sauce; Roasted Cauliflower with cauliflower puree, dates, golden raisins, pine nuts, and dukkah; Braised Octopus with papas bravas; BBQ Lamb Shortribs with garlic tahini sauce; and Goat Gozleme (flatbread stuffed with ground goat). My favorite dishes were the cauliflower, octopus, and lamb ribs, but everything was delicious and tasty in its own way! For our mains, I tried the Saffron Marinated Roast Half Chicken and the Rabbit Tajine (a rabbit leg served over black lentils), both of which were decent but not as memorable as the small plates. Overall, the food here was creative and delicious, but the menu prices were extremely high for the portion sizes. That said, the atmosphere and service were both on point, making this restaurant a worthwhile stop for a special occasion.

This time around we had an amazing experience at Amara. Ajay the owner reached out shortly after my review and invited us back as guests, however I still want to be honest with my review. We were sat near the window which had a great view of the patio. There were ants around the window, and some food pieces on the floor under the table... not many but maybe 3-4 ants that crawled around the window during our meal. The Muhammara dip with pita - was probably our favorite dish. The walnuts gave the dip an amazing texture. Asparagus salad - was fresh with a light salad dressing. Oysters -- were chilled to perfection, and paired well with the vinaigrette. BBQ lamb - tender, smoky, and fell off the bone easily. Tasted almost like ribs. Branzino - flaky, moist, and enhanced with a touch of olive oil, capers, and hint lemon. It was delicious! Praline Pistachio Opera - tasted as amazing as it looked. Everything was perfect with this dish. We had leftovers that were boxed up, but never brought back to the table? So we just left. Overall this was a good dining experience - we finished the meal in under 2 hours and everything was paced really well. The servers were all so nice, and so was the owner. We tipped $100, because even though the meal was comped we enjoyed our visit.

Hot new Mediterranean spot near our place! We came with our baby this weekend and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. The owner came by to say hi as well. We have been to Greece, so the food here is quite authentic! The interior aesthetic is beautiful! The dishes we loved: Chicken (sous vide perfection)- the most tender and flavorful chicken we have ever had Branzino- also the most tender and flavorful we have had Octopus- tender and flavorful Baklava dessert with ice cream- mind blowing and not soaked in sugar. The crispness with ice cream was a perfect way to end our meal Baba ganoush - seasoned perfectly The portions are on the smaller side for the price/ plate so be prepared to order more of be full. We personally will pass on the hummus but everything else was great!

You can tell Amara is a labor of love based on the fact their kind servers and the fact that the owners were camped out and keeping an eye on things. I also noticed their careful attention to the beautiful decor and how they chose a location next to a garden, what a nice touch. Ambiance and service aside, leaving 3 stars for what I felt was just-OK brunch food. And perhaps this is personal preference since I don't typically gravitate towards mediterranean food and the menu was very limited, and/or dinner is different and better. * Baba Ghanoush - 3.5 stars ($13): Would have been 4 stars if the portion was larger. It was good and appreciated that they brought out extra pita chips. The pita chips were a little too oily and burnt for me, but they had a nice chew to them and tasted fresh! * Ekmek n' Egg s- 3 stars ($17): Overall, I'd say this was a pretty good portion of lamb! It was a bit too gamey for me and the bread got soggy. * Shakshuka - 3.5 stars ($24): Appreciated that this came with 3 stars to keep me full. This was a homey meal, and probably my favorite out of the mains. * Thousand Hole Pancake - 3 stars ($14): Thin, non-traditional pancakes. Kids seemed to like it, but wish there was a larger portion. * Amara Basket - 4 stars ($12): 3 pastries - carrot muffin (amazing!), blueberry scone (delish!). There was one more pastry but I can't recall it now. * Cinnamon bun - 3 stars: There was a spiced cinnamon bun which I thought was so uniquely flavored. It was just too sweet for me and not my cup of tea. Beautiful spot, interesting menu, look forward to see more varied dishes coming out.

Opening at the beginning of the year, the interior is beautiful. Lots of different seating option and they have a beautiful outdoor space. Baba ghanoush (2/5): All the spreads come with one pita. Additional pita is $5. The pita was outstanding. Came out hot and super fluffy. Unfortunately, the baba ghanoush itself was disappointing. It lacked much flavor or salt. Wouldn't order again. Roasted cauliflower (2/5): A staple Mediterranean dish that was a bit of a letdown here. The portion is on the smaller side, and the cauliflower lacked much seasoning. BBQ lamb (4/5): The garlic tahini sauce was delicious and the lamb was well cooked and easily fell off the bone. Would order again. Dungeness crab borek (4/5): Think of a Mediterranean egg roll. The bouillabaisse tomato sauce was tasty and complimented crab. The crispy leek gave some nice texture as well. Whole Branzino (4.5/5): Deboned and really well cooked. The lemon and spices added great flavors and the skin was super crispy. The only negative is that it was a bit on the oily side. Spaghetti squash (4/5): love the texture and again the main downside was that it is quite oily. Overall, their food quality was mixed, but the decor is fantastic. I still prefer some of the other Mediterranean places in the peninsula, but happy to have come once.

Amara in Belmont is a unique gem. I've visited three times and sat in the lounge, bar area, and table for four dining, which has a great view into the outdoor dining space. Each experience was met with professional and informed service, excellent menu options, thoughtful aesthetic choices, and delicious meals and beverages. I'm excited to bring more friends and family to this warm community restaurant.

An unexpected elevated Mediterranean place in Belmont . The jazzy music , red velvet chairs and well dressed staff made it worth to dine based on first impression . On-site parking was easy to find . Service was great . Staff kept coming back to check on us if we needed anything . They were nice enough to change our plates. Dishes we had : BLACK HUMMUS-Charred onions and chilis, fried smelt, curry leaves, paprika oil -dish comes with pita bread . Extra pita bread will cost you . Pita bread was super fluffy and acts as a sponge for the hummus . Black hummus is has a more bitter smd fragrant taste . White hummus is usually creamier . This was still delicious . CHICORY SALAD -Winter citrus, dried cherries, green olives, shaved fennel, candied sunflower seeds, tahini dressing After doing research , chicory salad ironically does not have chicory in it . I was disappointed at first but they did it right. Salad was ok and refreshing DUNGENESS CRAB BÖREK.. Bouillabaisse tomato sauce, crispy leeks, toasted leek oil, crème fraîche The BÖREK was super flakey and crispy . You can hear the crispy as I cut it open . The portion of crab to BÖREK was unfortunately small . We tasted more of the BÖREK than the meat . I was not able to taste the crispy leeks . SAFFRON MARINATED ROAST HALF CHICKEN -Charred Persian cucumbers, tzatziki This was by far the best dish . Chicken was juicy and tender with the rich coat of saffron tingling after every bite . The cucumber and tzatziki added a refreshing tat to the rich saffron flavor and juicy chicken . Chicken might if been sous vide.

Ajay Walia and his lovely wife Reena greeted us as if we were their family. We spoke for a long time about their love of Amara restaurant and their vision of brining LOVE, Amara to all. This is a place where people go if they want to feel like they are on vacation, a beautiful spot inside and out. Each area of the restaurant is like a different part of your house, a living room, dining room, parlor and the outside is gorgeous. A place to really feel like getting away. Water ponds with steaming sounds to soothe you, couches you'll want to lounge on, and beautiful large plants like being in the Amazon. The large square bar was inviting with detailed touches of beauty that I had to photograph. This gem of a restaurant has not been discovered yet cause it's only 5 months old. But forget about going to San Francisco for a yummy meal, come here! For sure. The cocktails had their distinct flavors with a creative touch made by Jonathan the bartender who smiled while appreciating to share this delight with us. . I don't know the name of the drink I started with but James our waiter highly recommended it. It was a take on the corpse Reviver but better- the ingredients were babied the night before. And even though it was a small glass they didn't skimp on the alcohol. I only needed one. The mezzos hummus plate was to die for. I would have been happy with. The pita bread was better than any pita bread I have ever tasted. James our waiter kept taking care of us and suggesting specific dishes to try. I felt like I was enjoying a superb tasting menu, But wait there is more, BBQ LAMB Short ribs with garlic tahini sauce that melted off of the bone, I wasn't crazy about the sauce but the lamb was tender and perfectly cooked. Loved the shrimp on a bed of noodle and zucchini cut like pasta. The WHOLE BRANZINO Grilled with roasted lemon chermoula was amazingly flavorful and perfectly cooked- loved it. And usually I wouldn't order that fish. We had an okra dish thinly sliced and a cous cous with vegetables which I think they call a Tangine. There was an aldante broccoli with a unique sauce. I usually like my broccoli cooked more but hubby was happy. I suggest every age should come here- I can see college age and young adults on the couches outside with heaters gathering with laughter sipping a great cocktail. I can see parents getting away for a date, older adults coming here to get away from the crowds. This restaurant has a mission of bringing community together at a time when we need to be together. I highly encourage you to try Amara. it's a secret place that should not stay a secret,

My sister and I had dinner at Amara on Sunday evening, Amara is a real gem tucked into Belmont. The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the restaurant is, when you walk in you're greeted by the 360 bar. Every wall is beautifully curated with attention paid to the small details. They also offer outdoor seating and there's a nice water feature as well. They have a large room in the back with chandeliers and a fireplace that can be booked for larger parties as well! The service is fantastic! From the moment we walked in we were promptly sat, checked on, and it felt like we were amongst friends. Reena also came and checked on us, when we mentioned how beautiful the restaurant is ( trust me, if you love aesthetic restaurants this is the one!) she told us about how she and her husband sourced the small details. You can tell she really is passionate about creating something special. Now for the food, to put it simply it was great. We took suggestions from our servers on what to order and honestly, when you visit let them surprise you it won't disappoint! My favorite dish was the salmon it was beautifully seasoned, moist and the okra side dish was so yummy! I normally go for mashed potatoes but the okra was a 10/10. The drinks are unique and complement the spices in the dishes, the cake we had with pistachios was *chefs kiss*. I took a peak at their brunch menu, and trust me I'll be back! If you're a fan of unique flavors, great service and aesthetics this is the place!

Let's start by saying that the restaurant is beautiful inside and out. We celebrated my husband's birthday there, and we had a great time with tasty food as well as service. JAMES was exceptional! His service was beyond our expectations. He was attentive, suggested excellent menu options and engaging with us. James your service will make us come back, and hopefully we are lucky again to have you as our waiter. Thank you for making our first experience at Amara so lovely.

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 (pictured) 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, then try Amara.

I attended a event at Amara and was very honored to meet Ajay and Reena the founders of the restaurant. They were both amazing and super friendly. They told us their stories and our conversations were never ending. Our group were hosted in their outdoor venue. But they also have an indoor private venue that can seat 50 people. I order Gran Especia for my cocktail to start. I like sweet drinks and this taste great. The drink is easy to drink and it can be dangerous. We had small bites at the event, we tried their Charcuterie & Cheese Platter, oysters, their spreads (tried all of the flavors), and a few special dishes that was not in the menu. Everything was incredible. Oysters were fresh! I really like one of the special dish they made with anchovies. The anchovies were not overpowering and paired with really well with the rest of garnishment on the small toast. I can't wait to come back!

I visited for lunch with a friend and was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful interior, lovely view of the small river, and the food was well balanced and delicious. Highly recommend.

Great experience during soft opening. Amara brings some much needed flavor and variety to Belmont. We were greeted with the nicest staff, and were served by some of the nicest staff we've ever met where we ate at the bar. Everyone was immensely polite and helpful, as well as knowledgeable of the menu; impressive for day 3! We ordered: Lamb small plate Octopus small plate (favorite!) Lobster small plate Pita side Fingerling potato side Labneh Cheesecake dessert (favorite!) Food was delicious and flavorful without being too abstract, new interior was great to look at and had perfect lighting for dinner. We could come here again just for drinks and a bite because it's such a nice atmosphere. What can be worked on: -It's COLD inside. AC was on almost the entire dinner. No reason for this in the end of December. A neighbor also mentioned it was very cold. -Music could be louder to match the amazing interior -timing of food could improve but this is expected during a soft opening. Well done!

Beautiful delicious food, served in a gorgeous space by friendly people who care about your happiness. What more could you ask for from a restaurant? Black hummus amped up by a layer of cumin, garlic and spice was excellent. Petrale sole filets fried with a phyllo crust was fun. A perfectly cooked half rack of lamb had a green sauce (herbs and spring peas?) was phenomenal. And the praline pistachio opera dessert? Perfection. The pistachio mousse was alive with flavor. Great experience and can't wait to return!

Nice ambiance but service is a bit slow and seems like they're still working out the kinks. For instance, they have a soup portioned for two people but only brought out one spoon. The eggplant dip with egg was good but needed some more seasoning. The cauliflower was tasty but a bit small. I liked the rack of lamb and left pretty full. The shaved asparagus salad with bits of fried asparagus was very good, will order again. Apparently it's the same owner as Saffron and Rasa. It will be nice when the patio is open and we can bring the dogs!

This was my first time here at Amara. I did not make a reservation but c'mon for a party of 1 when the restaurant opens it's not like I can't be accommodated really?? The vibe of this place is great! I did a small plate tasting meal thank you Ben for the assist with that The food was divine: lamb ribs, olive oil mashed potatoes, carrots & broccolini Washed downed with Clase Azul Tequila palate cleanser & Pinot Noir Sangria concoction delish btw Dessert was Tawny port & praline pistachio opera The owners wife Reena came by to say hello which conveyed a sense of connection with customers which I appreciated I told her to put me on her VIP mailing list for special events at her restaurant Will I come back you betcha I totally support small businesses owners walking distance from my home It was worth it

Pros: Beautiful restaurant, spacious, with modern decor Easy to make reservations Very attentive and friendly staff Cons: Food was ok. I don't tend to gravitate to Mediterranean, and while nothing was bad, nothing really stood out as great either. I typically enjoy lamb but somehow it was a bit gamey for my taste. Vegetables also tend to be a bit too tender and not as crisp as I typically like. Prices are pretty high for portion and cuisine quality. Ultimately, I'm glad to see this space taken over by thoughtful owners who put it to good use. However, it wouldn't be my first choice to come back given the notes above. Still a good spot if you are looking for a lovely place to grab a drink and some small bites.

My sister brought me here for my birthday dinner. Omg. I love how lovely this place looks. Theres also a very nice view outside. Loving their interior design. We ordered a few cocktails, honestly, they were all well made so you won't regret ordering any on the menu. We got a few small plates, cauliflower, Octopus the pita bread with hummus. We also got the fish and tohohawk, everything came out delicious! The plates were all shareable so I love that we can try out a few different dishes. Our server nick was top notch! Super happy guy with brilliant service! But everyone else who approached us was very friendly too! I highly recommend this place because not only was the food good, the service here is more then beyond. Thanks for the wonderful experience Amara!

It seems like they're trying, and it feels brand new - so hopefully it will improve as they get more into the swing of things. However, I will not be returning. The staff was pushy and overbearing throughout the meal, with countless different people coming to our table to deliver food, clear plates, ask us how things were going, etc. - rarely introducing themselves. It was suffocating, like we were being watched the whole time. The explanations of the dishes were lengthy and it felt like they were trying to sell us on how good the food was. It seemed very inauthentic and forced. Likewise, whenever something was delivered to the table, it was once again explained. At the beginning of the meal, two different servers came over to introduce themselves as our server, and when the second one did so, the first one was a few feet away and was visibly shocked, which doesn't reflect very well. From the bathroom, I could hear the staff talking about the customers and the night of service, which was also very unprofessional. At one point someone else's dish was delivered to our table. The drinks are whimsical and very expensive. The food was good, but not great overall. Hummus was excellent. BBQ lamb was tender but problematically greasy. Carrots were nothing special, mushrooms were a mixed bag. Saffron chicken was a small portion (well, everything was a small portion in the small plates). Dessert was probably the best part. Some great dessert options. They run the credit card at the table and then watch you tap the button for tip amount. This is not an inexpensive restaurant and I would have expected more time and privacy to complete that. After selecting one of the prepopulated tip options, the server made a comment (about the tip selection) which made the whole table very uncomfortable. Would not recommend.

Very unique flavors to each of the dishes. My son and I really enjoyed the family style presentation. The location is very near where I used to work and the garden below is beautiful. The staff is highly attentive and quite delightful, I was looking forward to the opening and so glad I had an opportunity to such amazing sensations. Well worth the small bit of travel from San Jose. A real gem!

The restaurant has a lovely ambiance, with beautiful views of the nursery, and the staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the setting--or the price. A non-alcoholic drink was $15, a vodka martini $19, and dessert $17. The small plates were very small and lacked flavor. I ordered the saffron chicken, which came as three cold, dry pieces. It was edible, but nothing special--my husband even said he would have sent it back. While the presentation was nice, the food itself was underwhelming. For these prices, I expected something far more memorable. I wouldn't come back or recommend it.

A mix of traditional and very Service was very attentive and the decor felt very upscale yet comfortable. We had a large groups so we each could try a bite of items off the menu. Everything was pretty delicious - this is a place to savor small bites. Portions are not huge but very enjoyable. My favorites were the black hummus and pita, braised octopus, peas and fava beans, grilled broccoli, and the citrus solstice dessert.

Would give negative stars if I could. I've gotten lazy to review on Yelp in the past years, but this was such a terrible experience I felt obliged to write about. 6:30PM reservation Ordered: 6:36 PM Ordered the hummus which came out in ~20min, well after drinks. Our full order were 2 small plates (appetizer) and one large plate as the "main". After finishing the appetizer, we stared at an empty table until 7:30PM. Multiple waiters came to check on us with confusing AF service: * Waiter 1 asked if we'd like to order since he noticed us sitting there for a long time without food -- hello, I put in my full order long ago and been waiting on food that has not shown up * Waiter 2 checks on us and says "10 more min"... 20 minutes pass... 30 minutes pass... our original waiter comes by and says food will be out shortly, it's being plated. 10minutes pass.. the small plates we ordered of shrimp and caulliflower finally come out. At this point, because it came out, we told them to kill the entree and apps and we're ready to leave -- in fact, a 2-top that came in after us lost patience well before us and were on their way out by the time these apps came. That is how slow service was. And *drumroll* ... we were served: -- undercooked shrimp -- caulliflower that has no taste and is cold (it's oven roasted... and likely has been sitting out for who knows how long while it's being "plated"). It's literally a sauce smear placing caulliflower on top, not sure how it takes so long to plate that it's cold We signed and left at 8PM, having lost patience to wait for worse than mediocre food. What made things worse was that there's no apologies from the manager, nor comp of anything for the ridiculously long wait that everyone had to endure. I saw some other reviews mentioning service, but this is beyond acceptable IMO to the point people are opting to leave the restaurant in search of other places to eat.

The restaurant is beautiful decorated. The food was delicious and our server was very attentive. We met their Sommelier, a very knowledgeable person, who helped us paired the correct wine with our meal. Giving us choices in the different prices. Make sure to try their sinful desserts. They are beautiful display and very delicious. We had a beautiful experience and look forward to our next dinning.

Amara is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Belmont. We went for a birthday celebration and enjoyed all the dishes. To start with the warm olives and pickled vegetables are very flavorful. The branzino was done well. I really liked the Muhammara and both black and regular hummus. The service is impeccable and the place has a great vibe . We will be returning for more celebrations .

SUPER nice staff Great food Lovely environment My only observation is it is not very friendly for solo dining in the complete absence of any internet in the venue ... and yes, of course I would've brought a magazine, had I known. (probably also problematic for social events where people want to share information in real time.) The staff was nice about it when I closed out my tab to convert my solo experience to to-go order. I must admit to being disappointed because I was looking forward to my fine dining alone time without kids . But still .. it's 2015 (oh wait...)

The ambiance, the food, the bar, and the service are all wonderful. Came here after work to grab a bite before they closed. The staff at Amara are genuinely warm and knowledgeable, eager to guide you through the menu and suggest wine pairings that elevate your dining experience. Their attentiveness ensures that you feel valued without being intrusive. The atmosphere is beautiful. The walls are adorned with vibrant murals setting the stage for an enchanting evening. The leather seats are super comfortable. Really. You don't want to get up. Everything about the space is perfect. Food is full of flavor. Get mushroom kibbeh and the lamb. Yum! This place is a gem.

Had an excellent meal here a few nights ago. The food was absolutely amazing and should be considered a standout for Belmont and the surrounding peninsula. I appreciate their attention to detail on the menu, highlighting allergens. As someone who cannot eat dairy, it's nice to see items clearly marked as containing dairy or dairy-free optional. My favorite dishes were the cauliflower, hummus, and half roasted chicken. The service was lovely too - I was checked in on a few times, but not to the point where it felt pushy. My waiter also went the extra mile to confirm with the kitchen about my allergens so that I could eat with peace of mind. Highly recommend checking this spot out!

Really wanted to like this place as we need some more local, innovative restaurants but sadly this is not it. I don't think this place will last long. Don't recommend. - Food: portions small, plates lacking, roasted chicken was pink and bloody even after asking them to heat it again (they claimed it was sous vide and normal but it was bloody on the inside even after the second time). Couldn't eat it and they didn't even ask us anything about it or offer to take it off the check. Spread came with ONE pita. For four people. Every extra pita is $5. Honestly. There's a difference between fine dining and just nickle and diming. I would expect for a place like this they'd offer some pickled vegetables or garnishes w plates given it's Mediterranean but hardly anything. It was missing something. I should have known when they described their menu as Mediterranean theme but not regionally specific. This is def not Mazra, evvia, kokkari etc. octopus plate was the best but two or three small pieces only per shared plate. Steak was good but forgettable (and not for 2 people as they said - it was like 8oz). Cocktails: read better than they taste. For $20+ a cocktail I'd hope they were more complex. All cocktails also seemed to be served in the same small glass - strange and again felt like they were trying to maximize the profit rather than focus on a good drink. I was hoping even if the food wasn't great I could keep this in mind for cocktails but now, I don't think I'd even do that. Service: initially warm but server was very slow. We had two kids w us and they asked several times if we were here for a special occasion (no). And seemed surprised we didn't have a reservation even though the place was half empty when we went for dinner. I would not bring kids here. No kids menu and service too slow. Especially given the chicken had to come out twice and was still inedible. I don't know if I'd even come here for a business lunch since the service was just too slow and unpredictable. Sommelier came and greeted us for awhile, server was too busy, drinks came out slowly. Manager or owner spent a lot of time schmoozing at one table while we waited and waited for food. Value: definitely not there. Bill came to almost $300 for 2 adults and 2 kids and all shared plates. Had some drinks, several large and small plates and still left hungry after over 2 hours of slow service. Decor: nice but honestly they didn't change much from water dog tavern. The setup is pretty much the same w new lighting, upholstery and wallpaper.

Wow. I love having new flavors in the Bay Area. We got the top sirloin (perfect temperature and crust), Branzino (soft, deep flavor), octopus (wow, supple!), baba ganoush (so smooth), and pickles (sweet and tart!). Everything had distinctive flavors with little surprises like the construction tapenade on the top sirloin. Times visited: 1

Came with a couple of friends, and while a beautiful setting and attentive service, we left a bit disappointed. Plates are expensive for what you get, value is really not there. Sides are incredibly small! We shared the branzino, lamb and chicken. Had similar comments to a previous review where part of the chicken was still very pink. They claimed it was the marinade and the method of cooking but it only was part of the chicken. They offered to cook it more but my friend declined. It was very flavorful. Branzino was a small serving, it was well cooked but wouldn't order again. Lamb chops were nicely cooked, not gamey and a nice bright sauce to accompany. Desserts were good! Labneh cheesecake and baklava sundae were delicious. For me probably best part of the meal. I'm glad to have experienced it, but we all agreed we weren't sure if we would come back.

Was promised a seat at or near a window by a hostess. Window was important to us, this evening. Waited 10-15m until another hostess started leading us elsewhere. When we again requested the window and said we were told to wait again so we left and never ate. Especially for a Friday night at ~730 the energy was barely above dead and about half of the tables were empty. Not surprisingly, no families or kids were anywhere around, maybe due to the menu choices, reviews of portion size and price. Don't plan to try again.

Ive had some fantastic meals at Saffron and Rasa so I had high hopes for Amara. We dined here during their soft opening. Food and Drinks: - Charcuterie & Cheese: nice mix of interesting meats and cheeses. This was a nice starter. - Muhammara: good flavors, served with pita. The first piece we were served was whole wheat and was just ok. We ordered another piece to eat with the charcuterie platter which turned out to be white pita. This was much more fluffy and moist. Amara should give customers the option for which they'd like. - Braised Octopus: this was fantastic. Perfectly cooked, very tender, and the papas bravas were great. This was the star of the meal. - Whole Branzino: well cooked, very moist with crispy skin. - Saffron Marinated Roasted Half Chicken: I was excited for this dish but it was a bit frustrating to eat/share. It is served as two large pieces and is left to be separated at the joints by the customer. This is messy to do at the table and really needs a chefs knife to be done properly, not the small steak knife we were provided. I would like to see this done in the kitchen or be served completely deboned. It was well cooked with interesting flavors. - Meshmesh Cocktail: from the description this sounded like a complex, bitter non-alcoholic cocktail. It was closer to apricot juice - very sweet and slightly syrupy. Also...$17!! Their cocktail menu is very unique so I'm hopefully some of their other options are better. Service: - We ordered our drinks and food at the same time, however our food began arriving before our drinks. - The shared plate execution could use some work. The individual plates provided are very small leading to many of the dishes mixing together. Some of the dishes (Chicken) are difficult and messy to split up at the table if they're being shared. - After the previously mentioned mess was created our table was never wiped down. - Auto-suggested tips are calculated off the after tax total, which includes a 3% living wage adjustment. I'm hoping the issues I've mentioned are just soft opening hiccups and can be addressed by the Amara team. The decor is beautifully done and their upcoming outdoor dining will be very nice. I look forward to giving Amara another try in the future.

Hostess was friendly. Service was attentive. GM Jason walked around to introduce himself. All made you feel welcomed. Everything we ordered was delicious. Portions were small especially the side dishes. Prices were expensive for the area but the interior of the restaurant is very nicely done. Knocked down one star for the prices.

Amara has a great upscale atmosphere with beautiful aesthetics meticulously designed throughout the property. The food and service was exceptional as well. A much needed addition to Belmont and San Mateo county as a whole. This will be a new go-to for when friends and family visit the Bay Area! Highly recommend!!

Great ambience friendly staff beautiful remodeled restaurant. We sat at the bar for a drink and just ordered small plates. Food was good we had the BBQ Lamb and White Hummus.

Unimpressed in comparison to previous owners. Water dog Tavern wasn't great, but at least it was semi affordable and comfortable, especially for happy hour. This place is a similar vibe as to the previous restaurants, however out at a significant price up with out a significant increase in quality. $100+ for four cocktails off their menu that were not special other than their name. Multiple folks I know who live in the area have also dinned in with similar experiences (and haven't posted) sharing that there isn't a desire to step down from their medium quality food to event allows for take out, not that there would be anything left with the small portions serviced. You're in a strip mall trying to charge Michelin star prices. Step down multiple rungs and adjust literally anything.

The prices are very high and it seems out of place in small city, family oriented Belmont. It doesn'tseem like a good fit for the community. The shopping center could have used a place close to the original Hola's. Previous places have failed for a similar reason. I like mediterranean food though, just seems like the wrong price point. I think the crowd they are looking for are going to sf still and higher price point cities south of here.

My experience at Amara was so lovely. The staff was so welcoming and attentive throughout my meal. My girlfriend and I got the Muhummara, which was such a rich balance of flavors- love the pomegranates! The pita and hummus was also divine. For our entrees, we got the BBQ lamb small plate which was fantastic, roasted cauliflower, and the half chicken large plate. My girlfriend has a dairy allergy so we were happy that the staff was so accommodating to adjust the dishes as needed. Cannot recommend this restaurant enough, we will be back as soon as we can!!!

Delicious food , excellent, attentive service, inviting ambiance. Two stars off since the owner was very picky about the lighting on our table and kept coming and dimming it when we had elderly people on the table who needed a bright light to read the menu. Great to be obsessive compulsive for your restaurant but not for the particular table where customers are paying for it.

What a great experience and amazing food. SUMMARY You don't eat and run from here. EXPERIENCE I asked for an outlet to plug into while awaiting my friends and the hostess found one for me. When I left my jacket behind, the hostess put it in safe storage for me and presented me with the ticket at the table. I'm not a fan of knowing the waitstaff names, but they were great: asked how everything was just once, didn't hover. FOOD The sparkling rose was outstanding, left a clean palate. Oysters, warm olives, quail small plate, and pomegranate syrup on a white-shelled cheesecake roll were totally scrumptious.

Amara is a beautiful restaurant, no doubt. However, we could not justify their prices for the quality of food and portions that you get.

Soft opening, but everything we had was super yummy. Octopus was tender and steak cooked perfectly. The kibbeh was delicate and I appreciated the whole pine nuts inside. Branzino was nice and flaky with crispy skin. Potatoes were crunchy and seasoned well. The staff amazing and attentive.