Welcome to Amaru
Amaru tells a vibrant story of Caribbean culture through its thoughtfully crafted menu and inviting atmosphere. Nestled in Chicago, this black- and Latinx-owned gem offers a casual yet classy dining experience, perfect for groups or intimate gatherings. Guests are treated to an array of delightful tapas that highlight bold flavors, such as perfectly charred octopus and refreshing ceviche. The welcoming staff enhance the experience, ensuring every visit feels special. Whether enjoying a lively happy hour or a cozy dinner, Amaru delivers exceptional cuisine with a warm ambiance, making each meal not just dining but a joyous celebration of Caribbean heritage.
- 1904 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60622 United States Hotline: (773) 687-9790
Welcome to Amaru, an electrifying addition to the vibrant Chicago dining scene that puts a modern twist on Caribbean and Latin American flavors. Nestled at 1904 W North Ave, Chicago, IL, Amaru is a celebration of culinary tradition, innovation, and culture—all wrapped in a warm, inviting atmosphere that beckons locals and visitors alike. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy dinner date or a lively night out with friends, Amaru offers the perfect backdrop for your next meal.
As a black-owned and Latinx-owned establishment, Amaru is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment, welcoming everyone who walks through its doors. The restaurant features a range of conveniences, including reservations, delivery, and takeout options, making it accessible for all dining preferences. With a stylish yet casual vibe, complemented by carefully curated decor, Amaru’s ambiance is both trendy and classy, ideal for any occasion.
The culinary highlights at Amaru are undoubtedly the star of the show. Diners rave about the exquisite menu, which features an array of dishes inspired by Caribbean and Latin American cuisines. From the perfectly charred octopus to the fresh and vibrant ceviche, each plate reflects meticulous preparation and flavor harmony. Guests particularly enjoy the inventive small plates, perfect for sharing during the popular happy hour from 5–6 PM on weekdays, where you can dive into delightful botanas from $5-$11.
Among the standout dishes, the branzino with mussels has received high praises, as well as the refreshing goat cheese and beet salad. Guests frequently highlight the creativity of the offerings, such as the mole y León and the house specialty, jerk pollo. Each dish is crafted to surprise and delight the palate without overwhelming it, allowing for a balance of taste and presentation that is hard to find elsewhere.
In addition to remarkable food, Amaru boasts a full bar with expertly crafted cocktails. The signature "Holywater" cocktail, featuring rum and embellished with a flaming orange, is a particular favorite among patrons seeking a captivating drink experience. The space is equipped for a range of occasions, including private dining, outdoor seating, and a vibrant atmosphere punctuated by live TV for those wanting to catch a game while dining.
Amaru is a culinary gem that efficiently combines a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with a first-rate dining experience. The attentive staff ensures that every guest feels valued, ready to offer recommendations that uncover the best of what Amaru has to offer. So, whether you're stopping in for a leisurely dinner or enjoying a fun night out with friends, Amaru promises to deliver an unforgettable culinary adventure that leaves you counting down to your next visit.
For reservations and more information, give them a call at (773) 687-9790. Treat yourself to a vibrant taste of the Caribbean at Amaru, where every bite sparks joy and community.

Everything about our meal was excellent. We were seated at a nice table, the service was spectacular, our food came out fast, and everything was delicious. My girlfriend and I have no complains about our experience and only have positive things to say about this place as it was a great dinner for our date night. Thank you, Amaru.

So we finally went in person and had an awesome time. The food is great, I knew it would be after delivery for so many past meals, but I have to again call out their octopus. For me it's one of the two best octopus dishes along with Warlord. It's perfectly cooked, amazing flavor. Some char + some sauce that doesn't take away from the char. Really well done. The ceviche was also surprisingly good and surprisingly large, definitely something that could be split. It was really fresh fish and very light. It's not a huge venue so I'm really glad they do delivery because it'll fill up fairly quickly. Service wasn't the fastest either, not bad, just not great though. Maybe why they fill up a bit more frequently.

Excellent happy hour menu- highly recommend going with a group for small plates during their 5-6PM M-R happy hour. $7 cocktails and plates ranging from $5-11. We tried all of the Happy Hour botanas plates, and were delighted. Attentive service, with a server very knowledgeable about gluten free choices. The ambience is upscale, with a boho vibe.

Tucked away in a quiet corner, this extraordinary restaurant is a culinary haven that perfectly blends intimate charm with exceptional dining. Its small, relaxed space creates an immediate sense of warmth, while the outstanding wait staff provide attentive and knowledgeable service that makes every guest feel special. The menu, though concise, is a testament to culinary mastery--each dish is a meticulously prepared masterpiece that balances flavors with remarkable precision. From the first bite to the last, the restaurant delivers an unforgettable dining experience that seamlessly combines technical skill, high-quality ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's not just a meal; it's a 5-star experience that leaves you eagerly anticipating your next visit like me.

Went to Amaru last night and the food and service were incredible. Sabrina - our waitress - was extremely attentive and super friendly with excellent recommendations. We had the branzino with mussels - delicious! The goat cheese and beet salad was refreshing and one of the best beet salads I have ver had. Drinks were also great - especially "Holywater"'- a rum drink that comes with a flaming orange. Highly recommend.

Came here for dinner with my sister on a Sunday and had a pleasant experience! We made reservations in advance which wasn't necessary because it wasn't too busy. Service was super friendly and the ambiance was casual yet intimate. We ordered a few things from the botanas and medianos categories: - yuca frita - Guatemalan ribs - jerk pollo - mole y leon - pulpo a la plancha Everything was delicious and the portions were perfect for the two of us. The mushroom dish was a standout because it was so creative and flavorful. I also could not stop snacking on the yuca frita - I love them more than regular French fries!

Cute place to grab dinner. Came on a Saturday evening with some girlfriends. Reservation was made in advance for our party of three. Paid parking located on North. Started out with a shot of Mamajuana which is a spiced alcoholic beverage made by infusing a mixture of rum, red wine, and honey with tree bark and herbs. Thanks for the birthday shot!!! Remind me of my trip to Punta Cana. For drinks we ordered three very different cocktails. I had the passion fruit caprihina which was good. The best cocktail was the Pina Colada. It was a very refreshing take on a drink I usually associate with the pool. The good here is served family style tapas and available in small, medium or large. I enjoyed the jerk chicken and the oxtail special. All in all a cute spot. Left slightly hungry which always happens with tapas.

Definitely enjoyed my time here. Amaru has a beautiful ambiance and open kitchen. The seating is lovely and great space between other tables. My girls and I chose this place as our monthly meet up. We chose three dishes and some drinks. For food we ordered the mole y Leon, Cuban oxtail special and jerk pollo. I can't say I had a favorite dish but there were pieces from each dish that I appreciated. From the jerk chicken I appreciated the grilled chard dark thigh meat. Nice pieces and flavorable. The oxtail meat was tender and so amazing. The ravioli dumplings were alright but clearly used as fillers. The mushroom dish I felt had more potential that wasn't reached. The mole was alright. Our beverages were delicious but I think they put mezcal in my drink rather than the brugal. I should've spoken up but didn't. I would return to try other meals