Ikara has opened in the former Allora space at the Twelve Hotel in Atlantic Station, bringing a menu that draws on flavors from throughout India alongside interiors reminiscent of a grand Indian wedding.
The team comes from Pippal in Emeryville, California, and executive chef Yugal Sharma was formerly at the renowned ITC Grand Bharat resort in New Delhi. Together they've created food that suits the celebratory setting.
The Ikara dal ($22) from Punjab is a must for its earthy, buttery flavors, with lentils cooked overnight to a creamy texture. The nihari gosht ($30) from Lucknow is a goat shank slow-cooked with warming spices like mace, nutmeg, and fennel until falling apart. The whole-fried rawa pomfret ($24) from Goa, caked in dried spices and fried in coconut oil, could be a full meal paired with rice.
The bar leans heavily Indian, with lassis, fresh lime sodas, and chai alongside wine and cocktails. The gold-lantern backdrops are worth the visit alone if you're looking for something beyond the typical Friday night.
