Alara

Review summary

1. R

   Rick

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   163 reviews

   4.0

   163 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   First time at Alara and decided to go for Valentines weekend. The food and our server would make us return, but where we sat was really bad. Start with the drinks, lots of great cocktails with some unique ingredients to try. Wine by the glass, bottle, and Coravin gave a lot of good options. The food was very, very good especially the pork main course. Caesar with kale was also great, and I don't normally like kale. Dressing was superb. Also had the vegetarian gnocchi which was light and a great side. We like how the menu allows for sharing or have your own plates. Felt the amount of food you got for the money was also really good. Now the downside was our table. We sat in the very back of the restaurant in this small room that was really loud and right by a weird swinging kitchen door that blinded you every time it opened. We also were sat right next to a server station that was constant noise from plates, glasses, and silverware being worked with that was also super loud. It seemed that we also sat next to the spot where the servers gathered to complain about their tables and not having enough work. That really turns me off as I'm trying to enjoy dinner and about to drop a few hundred dollars on a Valentines meal. After walking through the main room and past the gorgeous bar I was really disappointed by our table and the atmosphere in that room. The air also really smelled greasy/smoky from the kitchen, so bad I had to take my suit to get it dry cleaned the next day. For this level of restaurant that room is really not acceptable, honestly felt like a Dennys. We'll be back but will request a seat in the main room next time. Keep up the great work with the food, drinks, and our server was great. I'd fix that room asap.
   

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2. P

   Phyllis

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   180 reviews

   5.0

   180 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Very lovely evening, great food, service and ambience !
   

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3. J

   Jenn

   Cincinnati

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Alara had amazing service, ambience, aesthetic, and food!
   

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4. J

   Jesse

   Cincinnati

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The place is beautiful, staff were great. The problem was that the food was pretty mediocre, especially for the price.
   

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5. c

   claire

   VIP

   Cleveland

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It was amazing! They were so accommodating of my allergies and the service was great. The Chicken Milanese was one of my favorite gf meals in Cincinnati. I would recommended this place to anyone that asks!
   

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6. E

   Emma

   Cincinnati

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Our server Dillon was fantastic. We started with the Korean corn dogs and the Tuna crudo which were both very good and well portioned. For our main we had the shrimp tagliatelle and the pork shank tacos. The pasta was on the dry side and had a very light flavor, I don’t think I’d reach for it again. The pork shank tacos on the other hand were amazing and I would definitely return for it! We had a few of the signature cocktails which were all delicious and an experience in themselves. We finished off with the creamsicle cloud which was unique and light. We will definitely be back!
   

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7. J

   Julie

   Cincinnati

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   The ambiance is beautiful, but lends itself to relaxing rather than stuffy. We enjoy the small plate menu options so that the table could share and taste several flavors.
   

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8. T

   Tracey

   VIP

   Cincinnati

   28 reviews

   5.0

   28 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wonderful dinner at Alara. Beautiful seating, delicious dishes and thoughtful server.
   

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9. L

   Leeanne

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 1

   We came to Alara on Valentine's day. The restaurant was beautiful. The service was excellent. Everyone was professional. We had two cocktails, the tuna crudo, beef tip pasta, chicken and the cloud for dessert. I thought the food was very good with complex flavors. We left full and had some chicken to take home! I gave only 2 stars due to the atmosphere. This is my take as a 30 something couple with no kids but there were ALOT of young families. A family of 3 sat beside us and their toddler was crawling on my coat that was on the shared bench and running around. It was uncomfortable and I couldn't wait to leave. At this price point and especially on Valentine's Day it was unacceptable and worth noting to others who are considering this restaurant for special occasions.
   

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10. D

    Denis

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    Lobster carbonara and lamb are both must tries. Focaccia is extremely underrated. Great service and ambience- perfect for a special occasion.
    

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