It was our first visit to Ama and definitely won't be our last. With the family's strong restaurant pedigree (Chautara and Dobhan), they are definitely coming in hot with Ama. Everything we tried was outstanding. The restaurant has two floors which may lead for a tad slower service on a busy night as people go up and down the stairs. I enjoy the throwback signs of restaurants of old. Plants and artwork broke up the space, feeling both open yet cozy. We started with a few apps-bison momo, samosa, and pakoda. The samosa had an incredibly flaky crust that was stellar. The momo was next level. The accompanying sauce brought a little heat but every bite left you wanting more. For our main course, we opted for the lamb kabobs as well as the biriyani. The lamb was executed perfectly-a great char with tender meat, it was accompanied by a nice rice pilaf. The dish was substantial as was the biriyani. Flavor packed, it hit all the notes. For those new to Madison or unfamiliar to the area, Ama is set back off the road with a very small/tight parking lot. We opted for street parking vs. trying to jenga ourselves out of there. A must visit. read more

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You can find Ama on Willy Street, set back a little bit, so it can be kind of easy to miss. They have a small parking lot but there is street parking nearby. They have a beautiful patio with lots of flowers. Inside there is seating on the ground level and then an upstairs that overlooks the 1st floor. There's lots of natural light and the atmosphere is just really nice. I will say it was a bit toasty inside and the windows were open. Our server was very attentive and helped me figure out what could be made vegan (a lot of the menu). My table ordered samosas, which were light/tasty and almost seemed like they were baked. I ordered the tofu buff for my entree and I really enjoyed it. The portion sizes are a little small for the price, but it does come with a delicious dal and that helps. Overall really flavorful and it all tasted so fresh. I'm looking forward to my next visit! read more

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Excellent food, consistently cooked to perfection, wonderfully flavored. Service is friendly, respectful. Ama Kitchen is and will be my go-to restaurant whether treating myself or hosting an event. read more

This is kind of like opening a door to a secret and magical place. AMA Kitchen is set back from the street. Waaaay back. So you might miss it - if you see a big white building - that's it. Service was fast and friendly for a recent Sunday brunch. And incredibly yummy. I had sort of a version of eggs Benedict except it was served on mung bean patties. Yum. Highly recommend! read more

Ama Kitchen - Mung bean patties in this dish - yum! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Brunch at Ama Kitchen in Madison did not come to play! This was my first time dining here, and let me tell you... I'm already planning my return. I went with the steak and eggs, and babyyyy that steak was cooked perfectly -- juicy, tender, seasoned just right. Every bite had me smiling. The whole meal came out fresh, hot, and absolutely delicious. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with a warm vibe that makes you want to sit and stay awhile. Parking was a little tricky, but there's actually plenty available--you just might have to look for a minute. Overall? An incredible brunch and amazing service. Ama Kitchen, you've got a new fan. I'll definitely be back! read more

Ama Kitchen - Steak and eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

A really cute spot! Service was welcoming and friendly. We ordered the samosa and I got the lamb palungo with the dal. The samosa was very flavorful and had a lighter exterior which was pleasant. The dal was also tasty. I really enjoyed my main dish! Tender lamb with a well seasoned stew made this a very comforting meal. I would definitely dine here again. read more

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I dined in on a Friday evening. Fortunately there was one seat available. They have a very small parking lot. Chances of finding a spot is very thin. But there is street side parking available. Chicken biryani was my favorite item here. It was flavorful, but the quantity was very small. Bison momo was my favorite appetizer. Ama lassi (pomegranate) and mango lassi were good drinks. Chiya (tea) was ok. I had a masala dosa as well. It could have been crispier. Lamb tikka kabob was good. read more

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Enjoyed an exceptionally fresh flavored breakfast this morning at AMA Kitchen. The food was deliciously flavored even before adding the sauces that it was paired with. Don't miss the opportunity to try this place out for brunch, lunch or dinner. read more

Ama Kitchen - Bar/counter area - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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What a lovely place - great food, helpful and personable staff, and such great atmosphere. 100% would recommend. We had the samosa appetizer - the tamarind sauce that comes with the samosas is so good. Entrees of masala dosa and chicken tandoori for our party. The food was all excellent. The tandoori chicken was spot on...moist and flavorful. Cant wait to come back and try the pakoras and other menu items read more

Excellent new Eastern restaurant on Williamson Street. All of the dishes were done with such artistic flair! The flavors were dancing in our mouths, excited for the next bite! Eggs were poached to perfection & the scrambled were fluffy & delicious! Akash was a super friendly, attentive & knowledgeable. Very warm & cozy place with lots of interesting decor. read more

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Delicious food, artistic surroundings, calm and knowledgeable staff. Healthy food, flavors of a delighted imagination.

100% a new neighborhood go-to spot for us! Cozy inside and beautifully decorated with tons of interesting plants to look at in the space while you're there, which I love! I haven't had anything here that wasn't excellent - but on top of that, the staff are so friendly and welcoming, we have already been telling all of our friends to go... even though we'd sometimes prefer to keep it to ourselves Can't wait to keep going and trying new menu items! read more

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Fantastic. The steak was cooked perfect and the potatoes were amazing. Would definitely go here again read more

Ama Kitchen - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Dal and Pakoda were some of the best I've ever had. I love being surrounded by Buddhist art, the atmosphere was amazing. We will definitely be back. read more

Great food but the bar is a little understocked and small. This is the same guy who had the restaurant on Atwood avenue by the Barrymore called Dobohn, sorry about the spelling. He also ran the Indian restaurant on State street for many years so knows what he's doing. Can't spell his name either but it's something like Rajahn. This new place is sort of up a driveway off of Willy street and is bigger than it looks. We had chicken tandoori, lamb chops, and broiled salmon for entrées and Moma for an appetizer. All very good, with the right spices without being too hot. There are some stairs to the upstair dining room so make sure you specify if you want to eat on the main floor. The carrot cake is excellent! Some off street parking. but the usual street parking for this area. A good new place so give it a shot. read more

We love Ama! It's a little tricky to find because it's set back from the street, but please persist! The Lamb Palungo was out of this world. Great atmosphere too. read more

Do you ever find yourself hesitating to post about a restaurant because you want to keep it a hidden treasure in Madison? That's how I feel about Ama's Kitchen. Up a driveway between the former Taco Local and the Mad Rabbit on Willy Street, this tucked away spot is full of good energy and bespoke finishings. The super cozy vibe is complemented by the stellar food. The pakoda was a great GF appetizer of onions covered in chickpea flour and then deep fried. The accompanying sauces added some zing to the already scrumptious oniony flavor. My spouse and I shared the beet salad and lamb palungo. The beet salad had such vibrancy and crunchy elements which made it very refreshing. The lamb palungo, which is a stew, was slow braised and fell apart with a fork. The warming spices made it perfect for the cold winter night we visited. We ended the meal sharing a slice of mango cheesecake with pistachio. The not-too-sweet cheesecake was the perfect ending to the meal. On another visit, I split the takari (rotating vegetable stew) and masala dosa with a friend. Both were divine! I highly recommend Ama's Kitchen. The owner and staff all went out of their way to make us feel welcomed. Oh, and the murals and art on the inside are such a homey vibe. read more

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Amazing brunch! This spot is a hidden treasure. But you will find 809 Williamson hiding in plain sight behind 805 Williamson! And you should find it! The space is gorgeous and lovingly curated. The food is outstanding. We can vouch for the smoked salmon omelette and the Phull Mumari (poached eggs and avocado sauce over mung bean and edamame patties.) Choice of nicely seasoned potatoes or fresh greens. Accompanied most pleasantly by an Ama Spritz and a good Sauvignon Blanc. VERY pleasant wait staff. He was very patient with our choice to sit at a second-floor table, overlooking the lovely space below. Already looking forward to a return visit. read more

Ama Kitchen - Smoked salmon omelette for two meals! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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Delicious food, beautiful space, and many vegetarian options. The location is set back on Willy St. between Taco Local and Mad Rabbit (so, it's hard to see unless you know what you're looking for). read more

Ama Kitchen - Menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Clean and Fresh food served in a clean and fresh space served by clean and fresh people. What a nice feeling!

This new place is a bit hard to find, but well worth the hunt! It is up a driveway off of Willy street (between Taco Loco and Mad Rabbit). We got it wrong and sat in Taco Loco for five minutes before our friends texted us that we were in the wrong place... I really like places that execute perfectly on a small and well-planned menu, and Ama does that! Our party had four different entrees, and we loved all of them. Superb spicing without being too hot. It's a small thing, but I couldn't get enough of the carrot terche served with the flatbread appetizer. Loved the carrot cake for dessert, too. My friends had specialty cocktails (don't expect an extensive bar) and were pleased with them all. The space is elegant! -- Modern with North Indian/Nepali artifacts. The owner seemed charmed that I took the time to spin the four prayer wheels set in the balcony railing. The balcony dining room is especially charming. On top of it all, the service was quick and friendly. We were there until closing, so had a chance to chat with the owner. He comes by it honestly -- his mother opened Himal Chuli on State Street, and of course he worked there for years. He then opened (and recently closed) Dobhan on Atwood Avenue. Since it's up off the street, there are a few off-street parking spaces in addition to on street parking. read more

Excellent service. Our waiter was very conscientious and professional..The bison momos were so delicious, I could have ordered another side as my meal. The lamb and chicken kabobs were cooked perfectly with wonderful flavor. I chose the Dahl over the salad and was very pleased with the choice, although the salad my date had was fresh and well dressed. Beautiful setting with a friendly, family feel. read more

Beautiful setting, excellent food and service. So happy to find dishes that were served at Dobhan. I had the vegetarian Dhosa, my husband the special (shrimp and cod rice bowl I believe) and my friends the chicken masala and chicken tandoori. Chicken pieces were large and well seasoned, my dhosa was perfect and enhanced by 3 dipping choices. Looking forward to our next visit! read more

I agree 100% with Kira M.'s review: "Delicious food, beautiful space, and many vegetarian options. The location is set back on Willy St. between Taco Local and Mad Rabbit (so, it's hard to see unless you know what you're looking for)." I will add too that the booth we were in was nice and spacious, and easily accomodated our party of Five. I'm already excited to go back. read more

We had Lamb Palumbo and Broiled Salmon -- both were excellent. The patio was a nice place to enjoy a glass of wine and dinner outdoors but away from the street. We highly recommend this Nepali restaurant. read more

We started with the samosas, which were the I've ever had, with a thinner dough and a plummy sauce. Yum! Chicken momos also excellent, as was chicken masala. Don't forget the chiya tea! Service was outstanding and I enjoyed the cozy decor of the place. I'll be back! read more

I took my husband to Ama last night as part of his birthday gift. We were both intrigued by the glowing review in Isthmus in December. Before we even got in the building -- after circling the block several times to find it -- we knew we were in for a special evening when the owner(?) came out after seeing us hesitating over the reserved parking signs in the tiny parking lot, and personally directed us to a spot. The interior, with a soaring ceiling, was light and airy with an abundance of natural light through the windows, and a beautifully tended collection of plants throughout the space added to the welcoming ambience. We enjoyed our table by the railing of the upstairs balcony, where we could see the activity below. Our table service from Richard was pitch perfect: warm, friendly, helpful, and his recommendations were spot-on. The food was delivered at just the right pace. We began by splitting four momos -- tender dumplings with a lean bison filling and delicious sauce. I ordered the chicken tikka kabob and my husband had the lamb kabob, with the intention of sharing both between us. The accompanying dal (choice of dal or salad) was thick, creamy and flavorful. The large chicken kabob was wonderful, and the succulent lamb was out of this world. Each was accompanied by a generous side of biriyani rice and vegetables. We loved everything we had, and the ambience and friendly staff contributed greatly to our experience. We would return in a heartbeat. Highly recommended! read more

Fantastic. I have been back 3 times with different people each time and everyone has left impressed with the room, service and mainly the food. read more