Chef Murat Kilic has launched a new restaurant in Shoreditch, introducing Ara as a globally inspired dining destination that blends inventive cuisine with a strong commitment to sustainability. Located on the edge of one of London’s most dynamic culinary quarters, Ara represents a new chapter for Kilic, who is also behind the nearby restaurant Amber.
Departing from the Middle Eastern influences of its sister venue, Ara embraces an international culinary perspective. “Unlike the Middle Eastern leanings of sister restaurant Amber, here at Ara we have no bias towards any cuisine. With recipes ranging from the Americas to the inner heart of Asia, our menu is as well travelled as our team,” Kilic said. This globally inclusive approach is expressed through a menu featuring dishes such as seabass ceviche with strawberry tiger milk and pickled watermelon, and slow-cooked short rib with white grape salsa.
Ara accommodates 76 guests indoors with an additional 20 al fresco covers, offering both an inviting interior and the option of outdoor dining. The interior has been crafted in collaboration with designer Nina Woodcroft of Nina+Co, whose studio focuses on environmentally conscious design. At Ara, this philosophy is realised through the use of sustainable materials including reclaimed London elm for seating, recycled Smile Plastics for table tops and the bar façade, and pineapple leather upholstery made from agricultural waste. Lighting fixtures constructed from galvanised steel offcuts further reinforce the restaurant’s eco-friendly credentials.
The design complements a wider ethos of environmental responsibility that extends into the kitchen, where efforts are made to minimise waste and source ingredients responsibly. Together, the culinary and design choices form a cohesive experience centred around sustainability and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Currently in a soft opening phase, Ara is located at 1 New Drum Street, London E1 7AY. The restaurant officially opens to the public on 1 May and will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from 8am to 10:30pm.
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