Came here for a girls night and it was the perfect place for the occasion to say the least. We came here on a Friday night and thankfully it wasn't packed so we were able to enjoy ourselves without feeling rushed. The ambiance is absolutely dreamy, high class, and overall beautiful. Our dinner was poolside and candlelit which was amazing. We ordered the crispy tuna and shrimp which were great to share. The crispy shrimp were not my favorite because it didn't have much flavor but the shrimp were so soft, garlicky and perfectly cooked. As entrees, the Scottish salmon was cooked perfectly and crispy on the outside. The cauliflower was something I never tasted before and was the perfect side dish for this plate. The lemon pasta with salmon added was fresh and zesty. The Rigatoni alla vodka with chicken added was a bit watery in regard to the sauce and was missing a bit more flavor, but the chicken was cooked well. Overall this a place I recommend checking out! And they do have valet in front. There are also multiple photo opportunities! read more

Cara Restaurant - Salmon, pasta, truffle fries - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It was as nice sitting by the 'pool'/water feature, however, it's summer and even though we were in the shade (under an umbrella) by the end of the meal we were both uncomfortably hot! There are some fans outside but not enough.. We had the ceviche which was really nice and fresh! The Shakshuka was a bit under seasoned, not enough spice and the eggs were over cooked for Shakshuka (not runny. The Olive oil cake was really nice even though it looks plain. I think it would be nice to go back in the evening, I imagine it's very pretty at night. Our waitress was friendly and attentive We will definitely be back to try some other items (not when it's 100oc!) read more

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Ambiance is delightful and the host was very kind. Food is nothing spectacular, but overall a lovely place to chat and have a cocktail. My problem was with our waitress and the microaggressions we experienced. To be brief, she made a snide comment about the portion sizes not being like the Cheesecake Factory when we asked if she'd recommend we share (nothing wrong with the Cheesecake Factory!). Additionally, she came back to tell us she wouldn't run our card because it had a security sticker on it. Lo and behold, when my friend told her it'd be fine it went through with no problems. As we were a table of six POC, I'm sad to say I'm not surprised at the LA service. I do hope she realizes that in everyday interactions, her remarks and behavior do not go unnoticed. read more

I ordered the mushroom risotto for dinner and had the mushroom omelette for breakfast. I also had a latte. The latte was extra foamy which I love. The portion size was very large which I also like. The ambiance is very nice with reasonable pricing. I will definitely be back next time I visit LA. read more

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I had brunch here today with a friend and our experience was delightful! The space is gorgeous, lots of small tables near and surrounding the pool in the middle. We were at a table under the overhang but still fairly close to the pool, and I loved that spot. Service was great, our waitress was very attentive. We shared the shakshuka and the avocado and beet salad. I also got the Make Me Famous cocktail which was refreshing, delicious, and gorgeous to boot! I especially loved the shakshuka -- it had cumin and two eggs to mix in sprinkled over the top and it was so rich and flavorful. We also shared the churros for dessert and I loved the dipping sauce. We truly loved our time here. I'd been wanting to check it out for awhile and it did not disappoint! read more

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The 3 stars represent the service and ambiance!! The food was just ok and can have been more flavorful. I ordered the ceviche and I had to add salt because it didn't have too much flavor! The peppers also messed up my dining, because I kept coughing!! The service was great!! We had Jose and he was attentive and good personality!! A good server to have here!! The scenery was the best !! The outside with the pool was eccentric to eat near. Cara is actually in the Cara Hotel and it gives you Miami vibes. The parking/valet is very pricey costing $18. It's the best option tho since it's located on a busy street!!! I'm not sure I will be back but I'm happy I tried the experience! -Marshay D. read more

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Ambience is perfect. Gorgeous. Absolutely. Food, absolutely love it. Take me back anytime. Service? Can be slow. But haven't exactly had a bad experience, I'd say. The bar? Fabulous. The kindest and drinks are delicious. I tried a new concoction of theirs that had way too much ginger and yakked and they were the sweetest and kindest about it even though I was completely mortified. And then? WE HAD DINNER THERE AGAIN RIGHT AFTER. AND I STILL LOVED THE FOOD! They close between lunch and dinner for a little bit fyi. The only knock? Valet parking. But what do you expect? It's LA read more

Cara Restaurant - Lemon shrimp pasta is to DIE for - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came back recently for brunch and everything was as great as ever. Fresh flavors, amazing ambiance, and great service. Classic brunch or date night spot! read more

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Very nice cozy restaurant where you can have a good meal and good atmosphere. They have good drinks, and selections of food. The service is good and attentive. read more

I made a reservation here wanting to celebrate a birthday, they were so amazing with accommodating the celebration. They gave us the best seat in the house with the view of the pool and restaurant, and even brought out a complimentary orange sorbet with a candle to celebrate. We ordered the tomato mozzarella which came with a medley of summer tomatoes, some salt and olive oil with 2 pieces of sourdough on the side. 7/10 The rigatoni arrabbiata I will say I was a little disappointed in, the spice level was perfect for me but may be a little spicy for others with a lower spice tolerance. It tasted like tomato sauce mixed with sriracha and chili flakes, not my favorite. 3/10 The Braised short rib wasn't dry had a beautiful display, it was topped with celery root puree, red mustard frills, and pickled turnips. 7.5/10 The Caesar salad was good but the taste of anchovy was a little strong. 6/10 The whipped potatoes were amazing, so creamy and perfectly salted. 10/10 Lastly , the espresso martinis weren't too strong and tasted great. The foam on top was perfect. 9/10 read more

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I had my birthday dinner here and it was absolutely amazing. Thank you so much to the staff at Cara for such amazing hospitality. We arrived 10 mins late to our reservation but they had no problem seating us. The hostess was such a sweetheart and very helpful. You get transported to another world when you step in here. The ambiance is absolutely breath taking. To start we got the yellowtail crudo and oysters, and ceviche. All three were so fresh and delicious. We also got a couple of the make me famous cocktails and they were amazing. Not to mention the presentation is just as good as the taste. For our mains we got the fillet mignon and the whipped potatoes with kale and cabbage These have got to be my new favorite potatoes! From the delicious food and drinks down to the service, this place is truly great. The staff made me feel extremely special on my birthday! If you're looking for a romantic date night, a girls night or an intimate birthday dinner I recommend dinning at Cara. read more

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The service was great. Brianna the host and Alex our waiter 10/10. The ambience was really beautiful as well. The food was unfortunately not good. The cocktails were also bad. We ordered the squash blossoms, short rib and lemon pasta with shrimp. Short rib was very dry and bland, shrimp did not taste fresh and were over cooked, lemon pasta was whatever. Squash blossoms were disgusting but maybe that one's on me I don't like a huge mouthful of cheese. We were disappointed and wouldn't return! read more

Cara Restaurant - Shrimp, lemon pasta, short rib - 2/10 - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My fiance and I made a reservation for 5:45 at the Cara Restaurant. We arrived, parked valet and walked in at 5:40. We waited at the host stand where no one was to be found. After 10min we decided to walk to the hotel front desk and ask if we just seat ourselves. They said no there should a host, and as such the kind gentlemen there decided to go and find them. Waiting a few more minutes they had no idea where the host was, so they, along with who I assume was a runner or busser, sat us at a table. Now it's 5:55. We sat and waited for our server, who was also no where to be seen. We then see her approach another table and talk to the patrons for a few minutes. No biggy, as obviously she's doing her rounds. She makes eye contact with me personally, and says nothing. She glances a few more times and doesn't say a word. Mind you there's only us and 3 other tables. Eventually after another 5min she finishes up there and walks past our table, seeing us once more with not even a "I'll be right with you" given to us. She walked away for another few minutes and begins talking with a a chef or kitchen worker and the host who has suddenly appeared. After a total of about 20-30min of waiting to even be greeted from our original reservation of 5:45, we got up and left. I paid my valet for no reason, and went to Bacari down the street. On our way out, once more seeing our server and host. The server looked obviously annoyed at us for leaving which to me was strange, because if you wanted us to stay you could've said something. The host had a confused look as she didn't even know who we were. So we said thank you guys, and left. My fiance and I are no strangers to fine dining, and have been to significantly more upscale restaurants. While I didn't expect Michelin service, I hoped to at least be greeted when we walked in- or at some point while we were there. To say we were unhappy is an understatement. read more

This is a pool side (pool is just a pond) restaurant at a boutique hotel near Thai town. We came in for brunch and got seated at a shaded table which was nice. The brunch menu was good with limited gluten free options. The restaurant was very cozy which was great for brunch times. I saw a lot of dining ppl with dogs. For food hubby had steak & eggs and I decided on caesar salad with shrimps. The corkage was a whopping $60! It was a bit much really. Yikes! To be honest I didn't like the food much, it was a little bland. The service was friendly but very very slow! It's great if you want to enjoy a slow brunch on a nice day but we had somewhere else to be! LOL It was still nice to try this beautiful outdoor restaurant though. read more

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We stayed at the hotel so had the opportunity to dine here a few times. Small but beautiful space. Dining is inside a covered courtyard so weather is not an issue. Pleasing lounge-like music playing. Service is attentive but also discreet and gives you space. Speaking of space, the tables are nicely spaced so you don't feel like you are on top of the next person. Was able to converse with my party without a problem and without hearing other diners' conversations. Food was great. Enjoyed a breakfast of chia pudding and coffee. Fruit topping the pudding was fresh. Coffee was flavorful and not bitter. Lunch ceasar salad with salmon was outstanding. The greens were so fresh and the salmon was cooked just as requested. Dinner was just ok. Best thing here that we tried was the salad. read more

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Had the most splendid experience at Cara! Everything--from the food and drinks, to the ambiance and service--was just so so good! Usually, trendy and aesthetic spots tend to miss the mark on flavor, but every single thing we tried at Cara was somehow better than the last. We sampled 3-5 apps, 4 drinks, 5 entrées, and 2 desserts--and trust me when I say you literally can't go wrong with a single item on the menu. Personal faves? The lamb skewers and the ragu--both absolutely scrumptious and cooked to perfection. From the warm welcome at the door to the Aesop soap in the restrooms (yes, even that stood out!), the service, vibes, and overall aesthetic were top class. Such a well-curated experience--I'll definitely be recommending it! read more

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Went to this place on a recommendation from a coworker give to my girlfriend! Such a hidden gem in an area of Hollywood you probably wouldn't want to spend too much time in! The dining area was lovely, with the pool serving as a nice centerpiece! The wait staff was very attentive and kind, giving us some recommendations on what to order cocktail/food wise. And the food itself was delicious; I had the handmade pappardelle truffle pasta with salmon, which was creamy and melted in my mouth, and my girlfriend had the rigatoni with chicken, which she loved. The drinks and dessert were also delicious! If you're looking for a nice night out, definitely check this one out! read more

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I love this place. The vibe, people and service are exceptional. Always best food and cocktails read more

Cara Restaurant - Make me famous - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I came here about 4 years ago for dinner and this time for lunch, but the truth still remains...What a transformation! Again, This place was a forever rundown motel in East Hollywood and they turned this around fast. It's so beautiful that it literally pulls you away from East Hollywood, Los Angeles, California and transports you into a European oasis. You can try to find street metered parking or pay $15 for valet (cash/card). Once you enter, you walk through the beautiful hotel lobby and wait at the host stand. You are then escorted to the outside seating. Some which is covered by glass ceiling. At The center of the space sits an idle pond/shallow pool as a water feature, which at night looks also looks super nice with the string lights. We came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon and they were pretty empty. There is also breakfast available but ends at 11am and brunch on the weekends. My friend and I ordered espresso martinis (wake up call) and the warm baked banana bread to start. It was indeed served warm and delicious with the dark chocolate. The creme fraiche was the cherry on top. Light and buttery and the best accompaniment. For lunch we split the Cara Cheeseburger which comes with fries and the avocado beet grapefruit salad. Everything was good and tasted as expected. Burger was cooked to our liking and I loved the hazelnuts in the salad that gave it some texture. We lastly cheered with some rose for 20 years of friendship. Overall, such a pleasant lunch date! Great spot for a cute catchup or romantic date night. read more

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Cara is one of my favorite restaurants in LA. I've celebrated so many meaningful moments here: Christmas Eve dinner with my family, my birthday dinner, and my going-away dinner with my closest friends, and every experience has been exceptional. The ambiance is unmatched: beautiful, effortlessly chic, and intimate. The food is consistently incredible (the lemon pasta alone is reason enough to come back) and the service is welcoming and attentive. The overall vibe makes every visit feel special. This is a place I'll always come back to!! read more

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Came for dinner tonight. Mostly for the ambience. I have to say though I was so impressed by the staff. They offered us welcome shots and really made us feel welcomed and taken care of. For LA it's refreshing. read more

Cara Restaurant - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I truly hate writing poor reviews because I have worked in the service industry for 10+ years and I understand when mistakes happen. But when it comes to severe allergies, I dont think it should be over looked. I have a nightshade allergy which we stated in the reservation note and was brought up again at the table. I brought up what nightshades I couldnt have and asked if what we ordered had any on it. We were told everything was clear! First few dishes came out and they were all good, then the Lamb chops came out and it was covered in peppers. They got us a new one everything was fine. Then i ordered a drink that came out with Tajin (a pepper based seasoning) on it. Again i brought up the issue and just switched drinks with my cousin. The server kept bringing different food out as an apology, which is fine, but I think that the problem of learning allergies in the kitchen needs to really be addressed here. Not to mention the next morning I woke up with a rash that I get from consuming food I cannot have... Just be sure if you have an allergy, really explain it and check all the food before consuming. read more

I came here for the first time to celebrate a friend's birthday and had such a great experience. The restaurant is inside a hotel, and when I walked in, I wasn't sure where my friends were sitting. I asked the host, and she was so sweet she didn't just point me in the right direction, she actually walked me to the table. That really stood out to me, that was super nice of her! Everyone we interacted with was super kind and attentive, from the host to our server and even other staff. The vibe of the place was so peaceful it honestly felt like a little getaway just for dinner. And the views? Absolutely stunning. The food was good too. I tried the ceviche, which was decent, I personally would've liked a little more juice for extra flavor, but it was still tasty. What really impressed me was the Mic Czech beer the server recommended. I ended up loving it! If you're into light or blonde beers, I definitely recommend trying that one. Parking can be a little tricky, but they offer valet for about $15. I took an Uber so I'm not sure if they take cash, but I believe they accept cards. Overall, such a nice spot. I'd for sure come back and would totally recommend it if you're looking to try somewhere new with good food, chill vibes, and beautiful views. read more

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Came here for an event gotta say this place seems like the perfect place to go to if you're trying to impress anyone, literally. Food and drink are even pretty great too which most high end places tend to skimp out on that area when prioritizing ambience and decor read more

Cara Restaurant - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

What a gem in the midst of East Hollywood.Gorgeous pool, incredible food including pastas, fish, and incredible steaks Wonderful helpful staff, but for some of this might be an issue the restaurant bar rest room consists with private stalls ,community sinks read more

the location is beautiful and i feel like the food has gotten even better since the last time i visited. i recommend trying the lemon pasta and the breakfast potatoes. they have a good amount of options on the menu. they have valet for $18 and limited street parking. recommend checking them out! read more

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I just realized this review has been sitting in my drafts for a year. The food, the service, and the atmosphere were all amazing. We were seated immediately by the pool and everything came out quickly. The ceviche was fresh, my pasta was really good, and my wife said all her items were great as well. I highly recommend giving them a try if you're in the area. read more

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Spent a birthday here and absolutely loved it. Everything on the menu was delicious and we really enjoyed having dinner in the courtyard area. read more

Cara restaurant resides right inside of the gorgeous boutique hotel. So I mean you walk in and it's the most beautiful entrance. The host is right there waiting for you and on Sundays they have jazz outside! And not only that, you're surrounded by 100 year old olive trees. They use sustainable farms for produce and change their menu to the seasons. They follow and believe in hospitality from the heart and you can feel that right away. It's so funny because on yelp normally for restaurants I like talking about their food (and not to take away from their spot, the food is to die for) but the quality of service here is so next level. It's hard to find servers who listen and care about the way they treat the guest. I don't know if it's just me but guest experiences at restaurants have gone down and I'm happy to see that this place hasn't lost its integrity to great food and even greater service. AND it's so clean. Anyway, me and my girlfriend ordered a few items but we've been here a few times so I'm going to post the food we've had! I hope you enjoy your time at this place as much as I do night or day. Thanks Cara! read more

Came to Cara for dinner and had such an amazing experience! The atmosphere, food, and service were all incredible. Our waitress was so kind and attentive -- I can't remember her name, but she was from New York and gave us some of the best service! We ordered the branzino with the side salad, truffle pasta, and the cactus cocktail. The branzino was huge, perfectly split in half for me and my boyfriend, and honestly one of the best I've ever had. Everything was absolutely delicious. Definitely a spot we'd come back to. read more

Cara Restaurant - Branzino w/ side salad and truffle pasta. Both delicious! The Branzino was cooked perfectly! - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I went here for my birthday and everything was absolutely perfect. It is a beautiful spot where the tables are nicely spread out. The service was great and it was obvious the staff is held to high standers. The food was also a 10/10. Made my birthday amazing! read more

Cara Restaurant - Steak w/ potato's + lemon pasta - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Came here for an engagement party. Everything was perfect! We sat in the patio and couldn't havr asked for a more beautiful day. When I looked at the menu, I thought the food would be plain. Boy, was I wrong. Good was delicious. I had the best potatoes in my life for goodness sake! The staff was so helpful. I broke a glass and they were so quick and understanding to clean it up. Parking could be a pain though. But that's LA for you. read more

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Loved the open air calm European style setting , with beautiful olive trees. Our table was next to the pool which was very pleasant ! Server and concierge were welcoming and helpful with menu items. We had jeweled salad that was very fresh,l and crunchy. Drinks were pleasant to look at and very tasty. I recommend the calamari passion fruit appetizer it was extremely delicious. Overall great experience read more

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I can honestly eat here everyday if i could, the customer service ambiance & small details is what made my dinning experience worth it! the restaurant itself is a lowkey intimate setting very romantic picture worthy! food alone is amazing. Chef himself will bring out food out. lemon pasta was my favorite dish and the petit filet minion salads were crisp & fresh. me and my family will be back ! read more

Cara Restaurant - ambiance - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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First the pros: pretty space and nice, attentive staff, kind and friendly. Glad to have it on the east side, although the street, sadly, is dirty and gritty. Come on LA! Get your streets together! Food was very basic. The little square cut breakfast potatoes seemed frozen and reheated and the eggs, while a pretty shade of deep yellow, had a weird crust around the edges. The food was fine, not amazingly fresh or cared for. It's a place to eat to satisfy hunger in a pretty, calm, environment; it's not a repeat place. read more

Food: went for brunch. Simple small menu. Most of the table enjoyed their plates, the potatoes were delicious. Service: great service, they really catered to us and were attentive from the time of check in to exiting Ambiance: such a great vibe, great little view, intimate setting. Price: definitely on the higher end but worth it if you like good vibes read more

My girlfriends and I came here for brunch this morning for an 11am time slot. This place was really beautiful, clean and not too crowded either. You can park on the street by feeding a meter or you can choose to do the $15 valet parking. It has an open space layout and the weather was perfect for eating by the small poolside in the middle of the courtyard. We had a variety of dishes and all of them were very good. Our servers were friendly and attentive. I'll definitely be back for lunch or dinner. read more

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Nice dinner here in a lovely seat by the pool. Unexpected place for a restaurant right in the middle of a motel-style hotel, but I did not see any people going in or out of the rooms so maybe they are not open or just a bad motel ... I do not know but the food was pretty good!! The shishito peppers were my favorite thing that we had, an inventive mix of ingredients that works surprisingly well together. The charcoal chicken was also very good too - half of a chicken cooked slightly crispy and served deconstructed on a plate. Service was great and everyone was very attentive to drink refills, but the food took soo long to come. Our small group was there for almost three hours I think. luckily we had plenty of drinks and time to kill! read more

Cara Restaurant - Poolside seating - New American Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Went this past Sunday. The folks working there were great, all very nice. The drinks were tasty, but small. The food was a big disappointment: my green salad was fine, but my date's Caesar salad was really salty and she stopped eating it. We each had the lemon pasta, and it was so bland neither of us finished them; we could have split one order. To be blunt, I've had better pasta at Olive Garden or Cheesecake Factory. For a meal that ended up costing $200 before the tip, it was a dud dinner in a friendly place. read more

Upbeat, airy, sophisticated, yet not pretentious, Cara oozes Los Angeles. Cara is a trendy East Hollywood establishment that offers eclectic Californian cuisine at an appropriate price, laid back, yet attentive service, and vibes that are carelessly chic. Cara's drink menu is excellent, offering a series of unique cocktails at standard prices for the area. I had the "Extended Stay", a vodka and blood orange based cocktail that was crisp and delicious. For appetizers our group of four had the Little Gem Lettuce, Prosciutto and Buratta, and Yucatecan Ceviche. The Little Gem Lettuce was the star appetizer, with crisp lettuce and tangy aged parmesan cutting against tart apples and sweet dates. A generous proportion for the asking price, this salad was a perfect start to a great meal, and perhaps the best item of the entire night. The Prosciutto and Buratta was rich but not exceptional, and the Ceviche suprisingly spicy yet and delicate. Following was the Lemon Pasta, Truffle Papperdelle, Grilled Shrimp, and a Ribeye. The Lemon Pasta was the highlight of this course, with an incredibly tangy, almost overpowering, yet addictive, lemon bite, topped with aged parmesan. The truffle papperdelle was rich, savory, but a touch heavy for my liking. The shrimp were large, cooked perfectly, with a touch of spice, letting the light shellfish contrast against the heavy items elsewhere on the menu. The Ribeye was fatty (even by Ribeye standards) and a little thin for more liking, but succulent nonetheless with a good crust. We concluded with the Olive Oil Cake and Sticky Toffee Pudding, which were both good. The Olive Oil Cake was a little rich, and while the creme freche could have been a little lighter for balance, it was effective. The Sticky Toffee, always a personal favorite, was well aerated with good crumb and able to keep its moisture despite a flatter profile than other iterations of this dish I've seen elsewhere. The marscapone was a heavy yet classic pair, although vanilla ice cream for this version would have been more effective. I would disagree with previous reviews stating staff seemed to be in a rush. Everyone, from the valet to hostess and waitstaff seemed at ease, despite a busy Friday evening. Our waiter Alex was attentive and patient, gave us recommendations that drove our decisions above, highlighted the Little Gem, and truly let us take our time for a meal and experience that somehow passed the three hour mark in the blink of an eye. Value is fairly standard for a restaurant of this type. The appetizers, drinks, and desserts were all well priced, and while the Ribeye and Papperdelle were a little pricey, it was not egregious. Ambiance is Cara's greatest strength. Set in the outdoor courtyard of an upscale hotel, somehow obscured by drapes and umbrellas, the restaurant is illuminated by sunlight by day and bulb-clad trees at night, while white walls, tables, and chairs lift the decor. Cara is very much about the vibes, and will be sure to delight a date or small group. Food: 4/5 Service: 4.5/5 Ambiance / Facility: 5/5 Value: 3.5/5 read more

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