Amar Mediterranean Bistro’s cherished location in Downtown Delray Beach will soon move just a short walk from its current site. The new 4,500-square-foot venue at 25 SE 6th Ave. will feature more seating for larger groups, covered outdoor dining options, and a full bar with daily happy hour specials. Additionally, Amar will introduce its inaugural Sunday brunch before the holiday season.
Now rebranded as Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar, the restaurant will delight patrons with its signature dishes. Guests can look forward to a variety of mezze, both warm and cold, including hummus, baba ghanouj, muhammara, kibbeh, and falafel, alongside grilled meats, kebabs, fresh fish, and delectable homemade desserts. With a larger kitchen, the menu will be expanded to include even more dishes celebrating owner Nicolas Kurban’s Lebanese roots.
Established in 2021 during the pandemic, Amar Bistro quickly became a popular destination for contemporary takes on classic Lebanese cuisine. With a blend of diverse flavors and cultures, Amar invites guests to experience a culinary adventure across the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The restaurant is genuinely family-owned and operated by Nicolas with the help of his daughter Nicole and son-in-law Michael McKenna.
“The way the community has embraced us is nothing short of spectacular. We have loved our first home here on the Avenue, but we’ve outgrown the space for Amar, and we’ve always dreamed of having a bar where people can come for happy hour or a solo dinner while enjoying a great cocktail,” says owner Nicolas Kurban. “With the expertise of our beverage consultant, Eric Hammer, we’ve curated an exceptional cocktail menu and an eclectic wine list featuring outstanding Lebanese wines and other gems. The new space will also allow us to host semi-private events and eventually expand our hours to lunch and brunch.”
Amar Kitchen & Bar will offer a diverse bar program, showcasing a delightful selection of innovative cocktails crafted with seasonal fruits, house-made syrups, and top-quality spirits. Visitors can look forward to creative twists on classic cocktails and signature drinks that celebrate the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. This program is designed to provide a memorable drinking experience that beautifully pairs with the restaurant’s culinary delights.
Kurban Hospitality Group is set to unveil a new concept named Gesto, an artisanal pizza shop replacing Amar Bistro. Gesto is anticipated to open in the winter of 2025.
“At the centerpiece of Amar is a wood-burning oven where we baked our handmade pita bread,” said Kurban. “It makes perfect sense to transition the space into an intimate pizza shop where we’ll focus on the best ingredients, providing a unique and authentic pizza experience.”
Kurban’s deep passion for his craft is rooted in his father’s legacy, who ran one of Lebanon’s most iconic and enduring restaurants. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Nicolas has held operational roles alongside renowned chefs like Thomas Keller and Wolfgang Puck. He has also held executive positions at prestigious luxury hotels and casinos worldwide, including Wynn Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Four Seasons Hotels in the Asia Pacific, and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.
For more information on Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar, visit https://amardelray.com/, @amardelray, or Facebook.
