Amara Kitchen + Wine Bar

We had the most wonderful evening at Amara. Walking in immediately feels welcoming and cozy. The space is beautifully designed, with a living room style area and a gourmet market that set the tone before you even sit down. The restaurant itself is stunning, and the bar area is spacious, comfortable, and perfect for lingering whether for a drink, a meal, or both. Fair warning: this may be the best menu I’ve ever encountered anywhere and choosing what to order is nearly impossible in the best way. Every dish sounds irresistible. Amara’s menu is designed for sharing, which I absolutely love. We dined as a party of four and made it our mission to try as much as possible. We began with the hummus (with lamb added), pata negra, dates, and the flambéed saganaki (they flambé the cheese at your table!) and every single bite was outstanding. We continued with the beet and blood orange salad, baked eggplant, grilled shrimp, and Aleppo chicken, and were completely blown away. The salad is beautifully balanced—delicate, fresh, and vibrant. The eggplant is truly out of this world. The shrimp is deeply flavorful and a must for seafood lovers, and the chicken is perfectly tender and juicy, seasoned with just the right amount of spices. The food is Mediterranean at its finest. Simple, soulful dishes made exceptionally well. The pricing is very reasonable, especially for the quality and care that goes into each dish. The wine menu is just as thoughtfully curated as the food, offering a beautiful selection that perfectly complements the flavors of the cuisine. Whether you’re a true wine lover or simply want a glass that pairs effortlessly with your meal, the choices feel intentional, exciting, and expertly chosen. One of the highlights of the space is the stunning private room/wine cellar. It’s an intimate, beautifully designed setting that feels perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or simply an unforgettable evening. I can’t wait to return again and again to explore more of the menu. Amara is more than a restaurant, it’s a truly special gathering place and a wonderful addition to our beloved community.

Such a beautiful and inviting restaurant - you feel comfortable and welcome the moment you walk through the door. The food is absolutely delicious - we tried almost everything and have so many favorites already! We are so excited to have this gem of a restaurant in Carbondale and can’t wait for our next visit.

Had such a wonderful time here with my family! The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and every dish we ordered was absolutely outstanding. You can really tell they care about quality and flavor. We left happy, full, and already planning our next visit. Highly recommend!

We went to Amara to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday, and it was such a special experience from start to finish. The ambiance is incredibly cozy and lovely. Our server Jake and the sommelier were fantastic: attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful with food recommendations and wine pairings. We started with cocktails, which were delicious and made a great first impression beautifully balanced from the very first sip. For appetizers, we ordered the fish crudo, grilled dates, and pata negra… oh my god perfect flavors. For mains, we had the Tomato Fattoush, Aleppo chicken, and harissa lamb chops. The lamb was cooked to the perfect temperature juicy and tender and the chicken was absolutely gorgeous, full of flavor. Dessert was the cherry on top: a warm vanilla custard tart that was rich and comforting, and the olive oil cake yes, olive oil cake! I had never had anything like it, and it was beyond perfect. Amara is a gem. We can’t wait to come back.

We loved our dinner at Amara! Highlights included flaming saganaki, grilled dates, table-side tinned fish, a beautiful beef tagine for the table, and the most delicious warmed olive oil cake. Plus, a super fun and fairly priced wine list. 10/10 and will return often. Welcome to the neighborhood, this is a place Carbondale can be incredibly proud of!

I can’t express how happy I am to see a local couple bring a concept like this to life. The food, the team, the service - everything went above and beyond. This is easily my new favorite restaurant in the valley. Absolutely incredible!

An Amazing ambient with spectacular food and also great service , a warming and welcoming atmosphere, beautiful experience

Everything at Amara was wonderful. The food is incredible and authentic mediterranean flavors that will transport you on a culinary journey. The ambiance is unmatched, it feels like a tapas bar in Spain. The service is incredible. All staff was warm, welcoming, and friendly. Do make a reservation! It’s very busy of you walk in.