Pearl’s dining landscape continues to evolve with the opening of (A)mar, a new coastal Mexican restaurant at 403 Pearl Parkway. Located in the former Allora space, (A)mar brings a menu shaped by the foodways of coastal Mexico and Latin America, with seafood, wood fired cooking, agave spirits, and Mexican craft informing both the food and the setting.
Founded by Carlos and Clarece Clavijo, (A)mar draws inspiration from their travels through Mexico, particularly Oaxaca and Tulum. Even the restaurant’s name reflects that connection.
The Clavijos describe the name as having two meanings in Spanish: amar, “to love,” and mar, “the sea.” The parentheses around the A make both readings visible. With the A, the name becomes amar. Without it, mar remains. It is a small design choice that captures the idea behind the restaurant, which (A)mar describes as “a love letter from the sea.”
A Menu Oriented Toward the Coast
Seafood forms the foundation of (A)mar’s menu, with dishes including ceviches, aguachiles, and preparations centered around the wood fired grill. Early offerings have also included tuna carnitas, carrot and crab bisque, shrimp linguine with chipotle cream, and seasonal vegetables.
Rather than focusing on a single regional tradition, (A)mar interprets coastal Mexican and Latin American cooking through a contemporary lens. The approach gives the restaurant a distinct place within Pearl while remaining rooted in the flavors and traditions that inspired the concept.
The beverage program follows the same direction, with an emphasis on agave spirits, cocktails, and wine. The Clavijos also produce Alma de Campo mezcal, creating a direct connection between the restaurant’s food, bar program, and interest in Mexican spirits.
Material, Craft and Setting
(A)mar’s interior carries the restaurant’s point of view beyond the menu. Natural fibers, pottery, stone, and woven elements reference Mexican craft traditions while creating a space that feels considered rather than thematic.
That attention to material feels at home at Pearl, where design often plays an important role in how individual spaces relate to the neighborhood around them. Although (A)mar occupies a contemporary building, its use of texture, craft, and natural materials gives the restaurant a sense of warmth and identity that complements its coastal inspiration.
A New Layer in an Evolving Neighborhood
For Cellars residents, one of the pleasures of living at Pearl is having new places to discover without having to go far. (A)mar is an easy one to add to the list.
If coastal Mexican flavors, agave spirits, and a setting with its own point of view sound like your kind of evening, head across Pearl Plaza and give (A)mar a try. Sometimes the best dinner plans are the ones that are only a few minutes from home.
