Amara makes a splash on the downtown riverfront
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Amara's refreshed interior. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios
I finally snagged a reservation at one of Columbus' buzziest new restaurants, the long-anticipated replacement of Milestone 229.
Dining the news: Amara opened about a month ago and tables have been filling fast. Billed as "Mediterranean at Heart," it's the latest concept from Josh Dalton, the chef behind Veritas and Speck.
The vibe: As one of Columbus' only riverfront restaurants, the atmosphere has always been the space's main attraction — and that's still the case.
- The circular, modernist building and patio feel completely transformed. A warm ambiance is accented by lush plants, natural textures and a cozy fire pit.
Dig in: Most things on the upscale menu are sharable. With five types of hummus and four other spreads to choose from, I recommend it.
- The tangy feta dip ($14) stole the show.
- The funghi hummus ($14) was overpowered by a pile of mushrooms, though, and made me wish I hadn't messed with a classic.
- Each comes with a fluffy, garlicky pita, and you can — and definitely should — add another for $3.
What I ate: My husband and I split two entrees: the butcher's cut with fried potatoes ($100) and a roasted half chicken on a bed of grains and olives ($38).
- The steak was indescribably flavorful, and my knife sliced through the chicken like butter.
Best bites: The rice pudding topped with cherries, pistachios and a dollop of pink cotton candy ($13) was one of my most memorable desserts in a while.
The bottom line: Yes, it's pricey. But I can't think of a better spot for a special occasion.
What's next: Lunch is coming soon, and Dalton will open a Mexican-inspired restaurant next year.
- 👀 … can I join the waitlist now?
📍 Stop by: 5-10pm Tuesday-Saturday, 229 S. Civic Center Drive. Menu.
