Mediterranean restaurant ‘oasis’ makes a splash in Belmont

Elegant Mediterranean delicacies in upscale digs that really feel extra San Francisco than suburban is a part of the imaginative and prescient behind Amara, a brand new restaurant in Belmont serving delicacies from Turkey to Morocco.

Ajay Walia and Reena Miglani — the Peninsula couple behind Rasa in Burlingame and Saffron — like to journey to the Mediterranean however hadn’t had the prospect to trip in a few years. In order that they determined to construct a Mediterranean oasis near house. On Jan. 21, they opened Amara, pairing California bounty and Mediterranean aptitude, with a relaxed environment conducive to lingering over small plates.

To date, in style mains embrace the branzino, served entire with roasted lemon chermoula; the roasted lamb rack served with herb salad and inexperienced zhoug; and a saffron-marinated roast half hen, paired with charred Persian cucumber and tzatziki.

Amara, a brand new Mediterranean restaurant in Belmont, is impressed by restaurateurs Ajay Walia and Reena Miglani’s travels within the area. It’s an area meant to ask individuals to assemble with pals and linger in enjoyment over a meal. (Courtesy Kristen Loken) 

“The Mediterranean has a deep history, rich traditions and a generosity of spirit,” says government chef Bret Tullis.  “We want to honor that ethos through a playful menu utilizing the best of seasonal products.”

Their wine menu consists of not simply French and Californian wines however uncommon wines from Morocco and Greece as properly. And the cocktail program, designed by Jonathan Adler, the beverage director behind craft cocktails at Shinji’s in Manhattan, consists of 10 cocktails (and 4 non-alcoholic choices) with substances resembling saffron-infused tequila or grape leaf-infused vodka. In the meantime, desserts, by pastry chef Linda Ho, embrace labneh cheesecake with pomegranate molasses and olive oil ganache.

The saffron-marinated, roasted half-chicken at Amara in Belmont is served with charred Persian cucumber and tzatziki. (Courtesy Kristen Loken) 

Count on to see an indoor backyard with a water component this spring.

Particulars: Open 5-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at 1015 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont; amararestaurants.com.

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