Ara Restaurant, Aldgate East

Restaurant in Aldgate East

London restaurateur Murat Kilic has opened Ara restaurant in Aldgate East, just down the road from his popular restaurant, Amber. Everything from starters to dessert showed off its globally‑inspired, seasonal menu.

We kicked off with:

• Grilled potato bread with cultured butter
• Corn ribs dusted in umami
• Seabream ceviche brightened with tiger milk and pickled watermelon
• Mussel skewers glazed in roasted chicken‑wing butter
• Speck & cheddar croquettes with aioli

Each starter was bold and inventive, balancing textures and flavours well.

For mains, the Skate Wing came with a smoky‑spicy glaze, macadamia & shallot crunch that gave it crunchy contrast. The Bavette Steak impressed – it was richly beefy, with a potato terrine and sharp gochujang aioli giving it spice and depth. Dessert was a rich chocolate Basque cheesecake crowned with caramelised whey — indulgent but elegant.

Ara’s interior matches its food – designed by Nina Woodcroft, it is bright and airy by day, cosy and intimate by night. It has sustainable touches everywhere – reclaimed elm wood booths, pineapple‑leather upholstery and steel offcuts in lighting. If you like inventive cuisine in a space both relaxed and beautifully considered, Ara delivers.