COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Downtown Columbus is set to welcome a new Mediterranean dining experience with the opening of Amara, a restaurant by Chef Josh Dalton.
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Scheduled to open in spring 2026 at , at 229 S Civic Center Drive (the former home of Milestone 229), Amara promises a modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine, drawing inspiration from Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The menu will feature vibrant vegetables, olive oils, fresh herbs, grains, seafood, and thoughtfully prepared meats, with a focus on simple, honest food elevated through technique and care. Amara will offer a rotating collection of housemade dips, spreads, and warm, fresh-baked breads known as meze. Designed to be flexible, the restaurant will serve handheld lunch pitas for Scioto Mile Fountain visitors and shareable plates for dinner guests.
“Every time I travel through the Mediterranean, I’m reminded of how good food can make you feel, physically and emotionally. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the people, the ease, the generosity. With Amara, we want to bring that feeling back home to Columbus,” Chef Dalton said.
The restaurant will seat about 70 people inside, with ample patio seating offering views of the Scioto Mile Fountain. Amara will also feature Dalton’s signature cocktail and wine offerings, with drinks designed for sipping and strolling along the riverfront, utilizing the Center City DORA.
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Amy Taylor, president of Downtown Columbus, Inc., expressed enthusiasm for the new addition, stating, “With a premier location situated along the Scioto Mile, Amara will complement the many successes already in place along the Downtown riverfront. This restaurant will be a new gem in the growing Downtown restaurant scene. Given his successful track record, Josh Dalton will bring a seasoned hand to this preeminent space.”
Further details about the menu, opening date, and reservations will be announced in the coming weeks.
Dining and Cooking