Stephanie A.
Yelp
Casamara has only been open two weeks and it's crushing the game--I would come back soon. The only thing that could make it better is if they had a happy hour menu (even bar only) for the after work crowd in the area.
The appetizer menu is stacked, and I basically wanted to try them all. Our server recommended several, and we went with the stuffed dates, which were delicious. I mean, how can you go wrong with dates, cheese, bacon, and maple? With a six-piece portion size, it was perfect for splitting.
But the star of the show, and what I will 100% come back for, is the Octopus Casarecce pasta. On first bite, I knew it was a winner, and immediately inhaled my dish. It was so, so good and I know I will order it again. A bit spicy in a good way! And a fair (neither overly small or large) portion. This dish alone merits a 5 star review in my book.
I was the least impressed by dessert. I ordered the chocolate mousse and it was fine, even good, but not something I feel the need to order again, especially with how full I was after the pasta.
I would also say I didn't love the their spin on espresso martini (from the dessert menu) as it tasted like straight espresso without any balance or nuance to the flavor. It was so coffee-forward, I didn't finish mine--and I never leave food or drink behind! However, my other drink, the Côte d'Amour, and my friend's drink, the Acqua Verde, were both delicious and I would order them again.
The service was great, with two servers tag teaming to provide clean silverware, napkin folds, water refills, and food recommendations at the caliber of a luxury restaurant. I hope the service stays top tier when they get busier and have been open longer. My only complaint on the service would be that the server recommended we get three appetizers for two people which just seemed absurd and possibly like an upsell. We were only two people--how could we possibly eat 1.5 appetizers and an entree each? This isn't tapas... made for an awkward start when we only ordered one, and I genuinely could not have consumed more.
The small room is also beautiful, with a gorgeous bar as the centerpiece. Shortly into dining (on a Wednesday) the lights were turned down and the bass turned up, which was an interesting choice that may have been more appropriate for a weekend. But the vibes were good and it would make a good date or girls night spot.