Alara is a fairly new steakhouse in the Cincinnati area. What stood out to us was the outstanding service we received. We were greeted upon entering my the host and manager Seated immediately at a pristine table. Our waitress, Devon explained several items on the menu and made recommendations based on customer likes. We started with the focaccia bread. Lightly toasted. With our choice of herb butter or olive oil. Perfect, we ate every bite. Then we had the beet salad Red & Golden beets thinly sliced with fresh herbs and goat cheese. A lot of thought went into making this dish perfect thank you chef My lady ordered the filet and I had the 14oz Choice Strip Steak. Both incredibly tender and served with a variety of sauces. Bone broth, chimichurri, and herb butter. All the sauces were fabulous with me, preferring the bone broth. Our side dish of roasted herbs brussels sprouts, and cauliflower in balsamic glaze, very tasty. We did the big finish with a large slice of delicious carrot cake. The host and the manager Mark came by and checked out on us to make sure everything was perfect, our server Devon made sure everything was perfect & treated us like royalty. Definitely a five star experience read more

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Phenomenal experience this time around; I went by myself - I made a reservation expecting to be seated at the bar however the host informed me I would be kept company at the chefs table. (I will be booking this option from now on.) I ordered the surf and turf seasonal option with lobster and filet mignon cooked medium. I was surprised when a sea scallop I didn't order and a small glass of wine spritzer popped up but this is part of the chefs table experience - it was a sea scallop grilled with a chimichurri sauce and some crispy prosciutto. I would have never ordered this on my own so it was nice to try. I am a not a huge seafood person - the minute I cut into it I smelled the sea which was a turn off and I wasn't a fan of the texture but once I cut into tiny pieces and mixed with the sauce and the proscuitto I was able to actually find myself enjoying the dish plus boy did it look pretty coming out! The chefs table is nice because you get to watch everything be cooked - the mac and cheese looks amazing every single time - omg I must try it sometime. My waitress was phenomenal with purple and blue hair and the glittery eye shadow. She was so attentive and helpful. The steak was so juicy and cooked perfectly - I think next time I would get a larger steak or the grilled shrimp option as I wasn't the biggest fan of the lobster tail but still finished it. The salad was okay - I wish it had ranch instead. I also got the orange cream cloud for dessert to go which was shockingly light, airy and delicious - the citrus flavors with the passion fruit are so refreshing. I can't wait to come back and try something new . The place is beautifully decorated and they offer free parking options - the music is very low so you can have a conversation and even the chefs table wasn't too loud even though it was right next to the kitchen. read more

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Alara is incredible. If you haven't tried it yet, you're really missing out. And I need to say immediately, sit at the chef's table. It's extra special for sure! Each time we've come here, their food has been so completely delicious, all the flavors. Honestly, I rate it up with any Jeff Ruby restaurant or even Boca. Tonight we were taking care of by Joshua and Cristina and they were fabulous as well. We appreciate the amazing service, the welcome as soon as you come in and the always incredibly delicious foods. I wish they would do a tasting, because we would be there in a heartbeat for it. Oh, and PS, right now they have a surf and turf special, best in the city. read more

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Visited Alara for a family new era birthday and it was the perfect location! A good switch up for fine dining from the regulars, so a a must checkout place. They have a great cocktail and wine menu. Everyone was able to find something to enough and they even put personal touches to finish the beverage. The food menu while not huge had a little bit of everything to meet anyone's palette. I enjoyed the Beef Tip Pappardelle, which was fantastic! I loved the burrata inclusion in the dish and even had some to take home. The service was great and everyone left happy and full! I hear they have a good happy hour, which I'll have to check out sometime. read more

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If you're looking for elevated vibes, stunning décor, and a menu that delivers both flavor and flair--Alara is it. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance feels like something out of a chic big-city lounge, but with that signature Cincy charm. We came for my bday and were blown away. The drinks? Immaculate. Thoughtfully crafted cocktails with just the right balance of bold and smooth. The food? Every bite was a vibe--creative, fresh, and beautifully plated. (The chicken Milanese was Chef's kiss.) Service was top-notch, too. Attentive without being overbearing, and they made us feel like VIPs from start to finish. Whether you're celebrating something special or just want to feel a little fancy on a random Thursday, Alara checks every box. Already planning my next visit! read more

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We went to Alara to celebrate my in-laws anniversary and it was such a wonderful experience. My first impression was calling the restaurant to confirm their dress code and I got Dylan on the phone. He was very warm, polite and welcoming when answering my question. Parking was easy and getting to the restaurant from the parking garage was fairly simple. Interior was upscale and the lighting was very easy on the eyes. The seating was very comfortable. The service? Incredible. The manager and the waiter greeted us and took care of us. They were very personable and made sure that the rest of the staff was made aware of a shellfish allergy from my father in law. They even took a step further to inform him of the any sauces that could contain fish sauce. They were very attentive and it was great. Now to the food. The Focaccia was more on the toasted side but that truffle butter was divine. Oh my goodness, if they could just sell that in stores, that would be amazing. Had potato wedges and it was alright. The truffle butter elevated the taste. Chicken Pomodoro: EXCEEDED expectations. The chicken was so fresh, so tender, made with care, ohh my goodness. The sauce? Incredible. Flavorful, fresh, almost damn near perfect. Like the portions were great. I tore that plate up. Here's the thing: I'm being completely honest here. As far as tomato dishes go? This was the best tomato pasta dish ever. My husband had the steak and it was cooked perfectly!! We've been to several places where a steak was burned or cold but not at Alara. I had a bite and was very pleased. My mother in law said that the pork chops were incredible and the strawberry-pomegranate gastrique gave it a nice balance. I do not eat pork but this was the most prettiest, well plated pork chop that I have seen. The dessert was great. I think this is an excellent date night spot, elevated experience with friends, or just want to have an amazing meal with incredible service. read more

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Most Improved! What a difference a year makes. I'm glad I gave Alara a second chance--they really surprised me today. The Chicken Milanese was perfect, and the mac & cheese came out hot (without breadcrumbs, just the way I like it). The cocktails did not disappoint--Mi Amaro was my favorite. I wasn't impressed when they first opened, but they've definitely stepped it up. read more

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Our server was Devin and she was super friendly and helpful. I will request her next time I come back. The food was served hot, fresh and quickly. And every dish from appetizers to the amazing desserts were 10 out of 10! Perfect for date night and all special occasions. Make sure you ask for Devin - she will give you the best experience read more

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Came for happy hour, they have sliders for $4. They were pretty good and juicy although my burger was overcooked. The other two were great. They are sliders so I know you don't get much, but the toppings on them felt small. $2 off wine, $6 well drinks and $1 off beer. I would come back again if they ever changed the happy hour menu. read more

Alara - Salad Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Alara is a wonderful addition to the Cincinnati dining scene. The restaurant's contemporary design and very spacious interior create an atmosphere that feels both stylish and comfortable. For dinner, I ordered the surf and turf, which was perfectly prepared and full of flavor. My wife enjoyed the lobster pasta, which was equally outstanding. We finished with desserts that were light, beautifully presented, and not overly heavy -- just the right finish to a memorable meal. The staff went above and beyond to celebrate our 51st wedding anniversary, surprising us with complimentary desserts that made the evening even more special. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to returning. read more

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I've seen videos and pictures on Instagram and instantly wanted to come here. My best friend made reservations for my birthday on a Saturday. She too was excited to dine here. She was impressed with their menu. We were greeted and they check in our coats. We were seated right away. I love the inside. So cozy and inviting. The lighting gives a romantic feel. Our server was Christina. She was very detailed and helpful with the menu. They serve mainly tapas style. I love a restaurant that offers that. You can share and try a variety of foods. Appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, a la carte sides and desserts. Drink menu has wine, beer and specialty drinks. We ordered: Drinks: -Cucumber Collins -Pinot Noir A to Z Essence Small Plates: Flock Bakery Focaccia Dinner: Willow Bend Farms Lamb Chop Chicken Milanese Yukon Gold mashed potatoes (a la carte) Dessert: Apples and Cream From the beginning to the end was magnificent. The food is top notch. The bread was super fresh and the truffle butter just melts in your mouth. I didn't think I would like the lamb but it was cooked to perfection (medium rare). The sauces complimented well with it. The chicken was very flavorful and loved the citrus arugula salad. The mashed potatoes were the best I've ever had. I love that the manager came to our table to check on us. At the end of the meal, they were so nice to give me a complimentary birthday dessert. The apples and cream were divine. What a great experience! Christina treated us like royalty and made me feel special. One of the best service I've ever received. I will definitely return and can't wait to take my Mr here and try other items on the menu. read more

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A fantastic experience from start to finish! We came here with some friends to celebrate New Year's Eve and had a lovely time! We got a reservation well ahead of time which is good as the restaurant was quite full. They have an open kitchen concept with tables all over as well as a smaller room towards the back with more tables. Our server was excellent and gave great suggestions. The food: - Chilled Seafood Platter - Beat and Goat Cheese Salad - Lobster and Butternut Squash Carbonara - 32oz. Tomahawk Ribeye - Swiss Chard and Shiitake - Brussel Sprouts and Butternut Squash - Creamsicle Cloud - Apples and Cream The chilled seafood platter was divine, probably my favorite part of the entire meal. Comes with all sorts of different seafoods and is a perfect dish to share for 4 people. The Lobster and Butternut Squash Carbonara was also another crowd favorite: creamy and rich and delicious. Everything was so well prepared, beautifully presented, and tasted amazing. The menu is definitely a little on the pricier side but the food is so worth it! We'll definitely be back to celebrate more special occasions! read more

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Started with a lovely tartare before diving into our salads. I'm a sucker for a good beet salad, and this did not disappoint! R went for the Cesar because that's just how he rolls. I was excited to try the scallops on a bed of shaved Brussels sprouts and leek. Omgggggg so good. The Hubbs had beef tip pappardelle and loved it. The service was five stars from start to finish. Definitely recommend! read more

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Bria & Kylia made the experience a 10/10! Every recommendation was fantastic. This was definitely a must try culinary experience. My personal favorite was the Korean corn dogs, the soy pearls were so unique and elevated the dish. We got the tomahawk to split for a group of 3 which was the perfect amount. The Vietnamese dipping sauce was fantastic. My favorite cocktails were the smoked pear & espresso martini. read more

Alara - Salad Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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We started with the Smoked Chili Hummus and Tuna Crudo. The hummus was really good, the tuna was good but I probably wouldn't advise getting it again. Other tuna crudo is better. Others got the Beet & Goat Cheese and the Caesar Salad. Both of those were really good and the Caesar especially was a good size. I got the Herb Roasted Chicken Breast. And they let me swap out the whipped potatoes for roasted mushrooms. It was really good. Others got the Faroe Island Salmon, which was good, the Blackened Snapper, really good and would recommend, and the Chicken Milanese, that I didn't try but they said it was good. Good ambiance, food, and experience. Will be back! read more

Finally made it to Alara after having it bookmarked for quite some time, and we were impressed. The space is beautiful, and the service was great. The food was delicious, especially the 3 sauces that come with the steaks. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the mac and cheese--it was incredibly thick. However, everything else was lovely! Will gladly return. read more

As soon as we stepped into Alara, I, I knew we were in for a treat. The open feeling and contemporary decor felt high-end but inviting. We were immediately welcomed and seated at the chef's counter that we had requested when making reservations. We always enjoy watching the behind the scenes in a restaurant's kitchen. Service was flawless. Our server, and other staff, were attentive without being overly so. Instead of going straight into suggestions, he asked us if we'd like some input, and when we said yes, he was eager to help. The food and drinks were outstanding. My husband and I both started with the smoked pear cocktail which we both enjoyed. Then came a pleasant surprise of an amuse bouche from the chef, which apparently you only get at the chef's counter. We ordered food to share for our meals, starting with the Korean Corn Dogs and the Smoked Carrot Hummus, which was my favorite dish of the night. After that we shared the Scallops and the Thai Shrimp Tagliatelle which were excellent as well. We finished with two desserts to share: the Raspberry Semifreddo and the Creamsicle Cloud. Both were light and refreshing. The perfect end do a top-notch dinner! read more

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We came to Alara for my birthday dinner yesterday after I was mesmerized by the desserts and it was very good overall! Service was fantastic and I thought the menu was unique and creative. For the amount of food you get I think it's a little pricey. By far the favorite was the HOP cakes. Wow. They were so creamy, crunchy and incredible. The filet was next - probably the best steak I've ever had. The salmon was perfectly cooked and very moist and I loved the addition of the lemon curd with it. The lobster and pea carbonara was ok but needed additional liquid to make it a bit of a thinner sauce. The creamsicle cloud for dessert was incredible! And the strawberry dish was very pretty but nowhere near as tasty as the creamsicle cloud. The smoked pear cocktail was so fun to watch smoke and very delicious - not overwhelming with the tequila and a nice fruity flavor. read more

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Vibes: sleek, minimalistic with a touch of organic with wooden tones and greenery; bring a date or a few friends - Spicy hibiscus margarita: easily sippable; moderately sweet and fruity; very minimally spicy Tasting notes: - Amuse-bouche: presented by chef and paired with a light riesling, very refreshing and gently marinated with just the right amount of savory crispness from a prosciutto-like chip - Smoked carrot hummus: smooth and pleasantly sweet with minimal smokiness; comes with a big serving of perfectly grilled bread - Korean corn dogs: excellently uniform, crunchy batter with umami rich, creamy dipping sauce - Wagyu tartare: balanced in terms of texture and flavor and easy to pick up with kettle chips - Raspberry semifreddo: very airy and icy, two cylinders perfect for sharing Other thoughts: - Very attentive service, offered still or sparking water and for order to be placed within seconds of sitting down - Menu is very amenable to choose your own adventure; we had opted to sample the small plates since the two of us were lightly hungry - Love the gluten-free options Impression: a tad bit expensive but very creative, would love to come back to try the bigger plates! read more

Alara - Verjus Pear, Amuse-bouche (bruschetta-type minus the bread), Spicy Hibiscus Margarita at Chef's Table - Salad Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Incredible service is real. Every staff was nice and they were so helpful. We sat at the chef table which was a great experience. The place is so beautiful and I love watching kitchen making orders. Great quality of ingredients, tasty and nice portions. The server told us about their menu goes by seasons so I would go back and try them again. read more

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Service: prompt, friendly, knowledgeable, and never missing from the area. Ambiance: relaxing, cool, and elegant yet casual. Food: all courses were excellent; good flavors, just the right amount of food. Drinks: good menu, settled on a bourbon I had not tried before. Arrived late in the evening, and was immediately seated. Savannah was my server and she never missed a beat. Leigh was the hostess/manager and she was awesome too. She let me taste a second Bourbon to compare it to the first. The meal was the Korean hot dog appetizer, a Caesar salad main course, and a banana dessert (out of this world). This restaurant was spur of the moment and they were a great find, hit it out of the park! read more

A dear friend took me here for my birthday and surprised me with seats at the chef's table. I've never done that before and it added so much to the experience. The ambience, food and wait staff were amazing! We ended up sharing some dishes so that we could try more of a variety: Korean Corn Dogs with wasabi mayo, furikake, soy pearls & cilantro, Delicious red/golden beet & cheese salad (fantastic), Seared scallops w/ leeks, brussel sprouts saute, radish, prosciutto & pea tendrils, Brussel sprouts, & butternut squash w/pancetta, pesto & pepitas and a refreshing dessert of 3 flavors of sorbet. One of the best dinners I've had, and the friendship and conversation only added. read more

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The service and food was perfect. Sit at the chefs table. And order all the desserts. The green beans were surprisingly delicious and the past is well worth the carbs. read more

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We had very mixed feelings about Alara's atmosphere and food, but no mixed feelings about the fantastic service and hospitality. From the valet, to the door service and hostess, to our server, everyone was so friendly and helpful. Our server Christina was lovely and described the menu in utmost detail. She was very attentive and actually asked our opinion on what we thought about our drinks and food. It was very refreshing to have her ask what we really thought. (I have no idea if that will go anywhere at all) We had reservations on a Friday night at 6:30pm and were seated promptly in a very comfortable booth in the back room. However, this room felt like we were in a hotel restaurant. It had no atmosphere whatsoever. We were sad we didn't get to sit in the main, very well decorated and energetic area that we walked through to get to our seats. Boo. Now, about the drinks and food. We have dined at most high-end restaurant in Cincinnati, and I have to say that Alara is very overpriced. I know that restaurants are struggling with food costs etc., but $58.00 for 6-7 ounces of Sea Bass on a bed of Swiss chard and 8 tiny mushrooms is a lot. There was only about 4 tiny leaves of chard and the rest was all stems. The shrimp tagliatelle had an ample amount of shrimp, but the pasta was cooked just a bit too long. It was very lemon forward and could have benefitted for just a bit more fat from butter or cream. The Tuna Crudo was fresh and had a pleasant mix of flavors from the yuzu tamari and citrus, but there was so much extra "sauce" that drowned out the tuna. We love beef carpaccio, but just know that their beef is crusted in berbere, which has warm spices in it (think light 5 spice flavors). I loved it, but wife is very adverse to this flavor and didn't like it at all. We thought it was just going to be raw beef like we know of a carpaccio. We ordered a Cucumber Collins, which was refreshing but weak, and a Smoked Pear, which was way sweeter than I prefer. We will go back to sit at the bar and try the Korean corn dogs next time we are in the area. read more

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We went late on a Thursday night in July. There was a waitress in training and a more senior who took the lead. The service was a little shaky. Three of us shared Fish Tacos and Smoked Chili Hummus . Wine by the glass was fine and the food was very good. The interior was clean, casual but elegant tastefully done and comfortable. Looks a like a good spot for a date night or after work meet up. read more

A week after the grand opening, we expected some misses, so we were happily surprised to find the food, service and ambiance all hit on point. We were welcomed on Easter evening by a host who held the large entry door. Our server is a viola PhD who was artful in her recommendations and attentive. We shared a crisp, citrusy hearts of palm salad. While the menu describes their progressive service as shareable, I'm vegetarian, so I had the vegetarian bolognese and my husband had the lobster and pea carbonara. My pasta was a gnocchi served with a thick, flavorful sauce with Parmigiana Reggiano and a burst of soft lemon underneath that added a nice complexity. My husband's carbonara was loaded with rich lobster and while we didn't share, we left with Monday lunch in hand. The desserts are meant for two and we shared a cloud creamsicle which was an elegant and delicious finish to our holiday dinner. read more

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First and foremost, park in the attached garage. There are almost no restaurants in town where you can park in a covered garage and walk in. This is a fantastic, upscale benefit that isn't listed anywhere on the website. Sure they have valet, but the free parking in the garage is VERY unique. I loved this start to the evening. Now on to the rest of the experience. I ate at Alara as part of a company party and sat in a private room upstairs. We had a group of roughly 14 people which fit well in the private nook. As I walked through the main eating area I did admire the upscale and open floorplan of the restaurant, with clear views of the bar and cooking area. We had a limited choice menu with access to the full bar. Our limited menu offered the filet mignon, scallops, salmon, and chicken. They all have fancier names than this, but that is the simplest way to describe the proteins. We had a single server and he was fantastic, very attentive, and made the evening go very smoothly. I would describe the food as very good but priced on the highish side. I would say there is a lot of cost for the very high end amenities and investment if this venue, and that flows to the price of the food. Everyone in my party enjoyed their dinner. I had the filet mignon cooked medium rare and it came out perfect and was flavorful. Higher end steak restaurant have the sear and roast style which I preper for flavor and appearance, so although this one tasted good, its appearance as the lone object on a very large white plate was underwhelming. A splash of a colored reduction would have gone along way in presentation. The sides were served family style. This is a popular approach at nice restaurants like Eddie Merlot's and Carlo and Johnny, but it isn't my vibe. IMO it's too casual for fine dining and it means the chef didn't pair specific side items with the protein. The sides that did come out (broccoli, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts) tasted fine. I don't eat desserts. However the strawberry bliss and creamsicle cloud that were eaten by the rest of the group were beautifully conceived and prepared and everyone seemed to really enjoy them. In the future when I have a special occasion and would like to have an elegant evening to celebrate, I will definitely come back. read more

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From entering the restaurant greeted by so many anniversary wishes I knew this would be a special dinner. We were given the chefs table. So cool. Chef made us a special homemade ricotta stuffed squash blossom drizzled with siracha honey. We took our time ordering because we watched so many dishes being composed it was hard to choose. Josh our server was helpful in recommending items and chef provided his thoughts. Wendy the manager stopped by to wish us happy 40th anniversary as well. We shared the focaccia the tuna crudo and the hearts of palm salad. All were so very delicious. Chef recommended the pork chops and they did not disappoint cooked perfectly. My husband had the scallops and he loved them. Beautiful presentation as well. Finished with a complimentary banana bliss dessert oh it was fantastic. Espresso martini was very good. Great wine list. My new favorite restaurant hands down. read more

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The adjectives do not match the delivery. Anemic scallops, slow service, exorbitant prices for mediocre food. The potato wedges were the best thing. Where were all the "great desserts"? Special occasion i listed as Anniversary. No mention when we came in. Why even ask? Just pretentious. Extremely disappointing. No valet service, either. First and last time. read more

We had a date night and tried Alara upon recommendation by a friend. Service was absolutely impeccable. Our server Stevie did a wonderful job. The appetizer we ordered was the Hearts of Palm and it was delicious , the beet and goat cheese salad was enough to feed two people. However my boyfriend wanted the Caesar salad which was delicious as well. For our entree we shared the scallops , we were already full by then . The one comment we have was that the scallops were too salty but otherwise delicious. The manager came by and graciously offered us free dessert . It was very nice offer so we decided on the banana dessert . Very good indeed with my rooboos tea and latte for my boyfriend. Altogether a very pleasant experience and we highly recommend you all give this place a try read more

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Beautiful new restaurant in the area! We enjoyed our server, Dylan, who explained all dishes very well and was so attentive. Highly recommend the scallops, sea bass and tuna crudo. The restaurant specializes in shareable dishes and this was perfect for our visit. The dessert presentation was stunning, and tasted good but I expected more from it. I do plan to visit again for a nice evening. read more

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I went to Alara with my best friend for her birthday dinner. I had been once before with my husband and enjoyed our meal, but this time I thought we would experience dining at the Chef's Table. We were close to the kitchen and were able to observe the cooking close-up. Plus, the expediter also interacted with us. We had exceptional service!! The food was excellent. Our experience was top-notch. You need to experience a meal here!! read more

Went here for my birthday and had a great experience from start to finish. Our server was very knowledgeable and walked us through the menu and helped with wine selection. Bread and truffle butter was out of this world! Would also highly recommend the lobster carbonara. Very unique take on this dish and I was floored by how much lobster was in the dish. Menu items are pricey here but are meant to be shared. read more

Phenomenal restaurant. Food and service and ambience is excellent. I recommend this as a great night out, whether a date night or a night out with your spouse read more

Presents with an upper scale atmosphere. Valet parking available and free parking across the street. We're doing the happy hour today. The sliders were all good. Tatum at the bar was very good! Service from the kitchen was very good as well. Better than 4 star, not quite a 5. I'll be back.... read more

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Beautiful ambiance! Definitely feels like you're in a Midtown Manhattan restaurant (but with complimentary valet so not really). Service by Mark was excellent. We had a couple of issues with the meal and without prompting, he worked to remove the items that weren't up to par. Really enjoyed the scallops, such a standout, definitely try them if you're a fan. Kale Caesar was delicious and fresh. Cocktails (Smoked Pear and Mi Amaro) were well balanced and good. Can't wait to go back and try dessert, we were just too full to do it tonight. Absolutely recommend going with a larger group so you can try a bigger sampling of the menu. read more

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I always enjoy this restaurant. The food is delicious and the service is always professional yet friendly. The decor is giving New York vibes. read more

I am so blown away by my experience at Alara. I cannot think of one negative of our entire experience. The food was some of if not the best we've had in Cincy. They were extremely cognizant of my food sensitivities and made sure there was no opportunity for cross-contamination. We had the steak tartare, carrot hummus, lobster gnocchi with truffle, scallops, and the pork shank tacos. I will be dreaming of all of it. And the cocktails! Shooooot. I had the mezcal drink with pear and Frangelico's. I was very curious of the flavor profile, but it was insanely complex. LOVED. Truly everything from the food to the cocktails was stunning. I highly recommend it and we will be checking out their other restaurants. read more

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