One of Pearl’s splashiest addresses now has a new tenant. Coastal Latin restaurant Amar, stylized as (a)mar, officially opened Wednesday, September 23, in the former home of Allora at 403 Pearl Pkwy.
The concept was founded by locals Clarece and Carlos Clavijo, who have worked in real estate investments, construction, and liquor importing. According to a previous release, the couple was inspired by their travels through Tulum, Oaxaca, and Latin America.
“(A)mar. is about bringing the energy of coastal Mexico and Latin America to San Antonio,” explained the Clavijos in the release. “As a group of local owners, we are especially proud to contribute to the city’s dynamic culinary culture — sharing the flavors, traditions, and spirit of Mexico and Latin America in a way that feels both authentic and deeply rooted in our community.”
The name is a sort of reverse portmanteau of the Spanish words for “to love” and “sea.” The latter informs the menu, which is filled with seafood dishes like swordfish dumplings, tuna tostadas with avocado purée and ponzu glaze, and huachinango zarandeado grilled over mesquite charcoal. More landlubbing offerings include a sweet corn tamal with poblano cream, ribeye chicharrón, and guacamole, ground tableside in a molcajete.
The cocktail program features agave spirits, including a proprietary mezcal.Photo courtesy of (a)mar
The restaurant has not yet released details on its cocktail program, but at least one spirit is guaranteed to be behind the bar at the restaurant and the speakeasy style mezcalería. The owners also produce a proprietary mezcal, Alma de Campo, which is suitable for cocktails and straight sipping.
Although the sea inspired both restaurants, the interior of (a)mar is a far cry from the Amalfi pastels of Allora. Natural textures are everywhere — from rattan shades that evoke Oaxaca to the stretch of marble circling the bar.
There’s also an artisan bent throughout with fiber art and a wall of barro negro pottery, but the design is not above a little stagecraft. The kokedama-like tree plantings hanging from the ceiling were created with spray foam, and the barrel cacti lining the pathway to the hidden bar are faux and harmless.
Bookings for the restaurant are now available online for dinner seatings. Currently, (a)mar is serving a limited menu, but an Instagram post says it will launch full hours beginning September 28 — Monday-Thursday, 11 am-10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11 am-2 am; and Sunday, 11 am-8 pm.
