Ikara, a new fine dining Indian restaurant, is set to open this winter at the Twelve Midtown Hotel in Atlantic Station, Atlanta. The restaurant will feature dishes from several regions of India, including Bihar, Kashmir, Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Himachal. These traditional flavors will be presented with modern techniques.
Chef Yugal Sharma will lead the kitchen at Ikara. Previously serving as assistant master chef at The Royal Afghan in ITC Grand Bharat luxury hotel in Delhi, Sharma brings experience in high-end Indian cuisine. He will offer an à la carte menu as well as a nine-course tasting menu in a separate 30-seat chef’s room. According to the release, “Sharma’s nine-course progressive menu will reimagine traditional flavors through global techniques and thoughtful wine pairings. Diners can expect aromatics like saffron, roasted cumin and rose water weaving through dishes that feel both familiar and entirely new.”
The beverage program is directed by Arvind Poojari and includes a wine list with international selections and cocktails inspired by Indian spices and coastal ingredients. The announcement states: “Guests can expect refined takes on classics alongside original creations infused with flavors like cardamom, tamarind, kokum and rose, all crafted to mirror the layered and expressive nature of the cuisine.”
Chromed Design Studio’s Lead Designer Nitin Khobe designed the interiors for Ikara. The space features materials such as brass, glass, stone, and warm woods intended to evoke both royal palaces and minimalism. Lighting is described as soft and golden to recall the glow of diyas. The music selection ranges from Indian classical to ambient electronic.
The restaurant plans to announce its opening date soon.
