According to a recently shared press release, Reena Miglani and Ajay Walia — founders of the Saffron Restaurant Group — “are unveiling plans for their new restaurant project named Amara, inspired by the cultures and landscapes found within the Mediterranean basin.”
Coming to 1015 Alameda de las Pulgas in Belmont, the eatery will land near establishments such as Cafe Bliss, Capo Mediterranean Belmont, and Vivace Ristorante.
“Amara is going to be a joyous celebration of the very essence of Mediterranean culture and cuisine. We aim to transport our guests to the laid-back, warmer climes – a relaxing and soothing atmosphere evoked through carefully planned sound, scent, and color,” Miglani shares.
Heading the kitchen will be Chef Bret Tullis, who states, “Amara is the culmination and inspiration of the myriad of cultures I’ve encountered in all of my travels. Its cuisine is meant to celebrate the Mediterranean’s diversity, rich history, and tradition.”
“The menu starts with shareable smaller plates ($15-$24): taramasalata spiked with zhug, tzatziki flavored generously with dukkah, and warm, puffy pita breads baked with organic grains from California farms” and entrees “include tender lamb shoulder slow-cooked in an earthenware tagine adorned with apricots and toasted almonds; and roasted cauliflower complemented by smoked dates and raisins finished with a tangy preserved lemon puree” — as well as “sustainable line-caught branzino from the Pacific basin flavored simply and grilled, sprinkled with herb citrus gremolata and accented with slices of lemon.”
Concerning ambiance, “the interiors are Miglani’s vision, brought to life by the team from The Right Touch Design, inspired by sun-soaked shores of the Greek islands and the dynamic streets of Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.”
Amara is slated to open later this summer. Stay tuned for updates.
