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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.