Upscale and Hip Coincide to Offer a Unique Menu at Amara

Madison, WI is a city that people pass through, and for most, it's to attend UW-Madison. A portion of the population comes to work for the healthcare software company, Epic. Or for the remaining population, we've decided to make Madison our permanent home.

But what most people don't know is that Madison hosts restaurants that serve delectable cuisine and food that will leave a boundless impression. And maybe that's where Amara comes into the picture.

Their selection of drinks makes for the perfect sight.

Amara opened its doors to Madison in October 2022, found a home for itself right off the edge of Hilldale Mall, and sits across from Metcalfe's Market.

Amara also has a sister restaurant, Merchant, in the heart of downtown Madison, located near Capitol Square.

A unique name was all it took to hook the attention of Madison diners. Amara's website states that their name derives from the Greek word "Amáranthos," which means "everlasting flower." And to add more, they mixed in a little Italian, Spanish, and Arabic for a twist, all of which the word Amara refers to love or passion.

The Bass Crudo Offers More than you Think.

Raw fish is generally something that people will never touch unless it's sushi. But when it's executed properly, it will make you a believer. The staff at Amara knows how to pair bitters with sweets, and with the bass Crudo, it's usually when the carrots and bass are met with vinaigrette and citrus. A nice little fact, the raw bass is barely noticeable.

Angry Shrimp Spiedini with Salsa Verde Standing in as the Sauce.

If you're not careful, the Shrimp Spiedini releases a hint of spice, but it's enough to kick at your taste buds. However, don't let that be the only element to stick out; salsa verde is an underrated sauce that needs to be utilized more in European cuisine. Its bright and tangy flavor combined with the grilled shrimp will make diners order seconds.

Beef Bavette is an Entrée Not to be Taken Lightly.

A medium-rare steak can capture the essence of a dish, but sauces play the primary role. For a moment, I was too focused on the salsa verde that sat visibly on top of the beef bavette. But beneath it is the Arrabiata sauce, and anyone who is a serious eater, if there is any, understands that you must pair proteins, vegetables, starch, and sauce together for the ultimate dining experience.

Arrabiata sauce resembles marinara -- the distinction -- Arrabiata consists of chili flakes, making it a rich, spicy tomato sauce. The herby fingerling potatoes are an excellent starch addition to the steak.

Cacio E Pepe with Malfadine: an Italian classic.

Italian cuisine was made to be simple and yet, full of flavor. Generally speaking, it only needs starch, protein, or a sauce, and that's it. There are no special spices, no toying around with different ingredients, and no B.S. It's straightforward and needs no explanation.

Maybe that's why Amara's Cacio E Pepe seemed to leave a slight impression. They understand Italian cuisine and follow the appropriate steps needed to create an elegant pasta dish. Pecorino cheese and fresh cracked black pepper are all you need; however, the lemon confit did add a nice burst, but I didn't care for the thick lemon zest garnish.

Amara is still new and tweaking out the minor parts of their restaurant, but considering they have been open for one month, they've done well to prove to Madison that they can make it in the restaurant industry. With a little more time -- they might find themselves taking with a full dining room -- including the bar area.

4/5 stars