Chicago’s Gold Coast is set to welcome a new culinary experience with the opening of ARLA, a rooftop restaurant that combines Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines. Located at 15 E. Oak St., ARLA will open its doors on June 18, offering diners a unique blend of flavors and a stunning view of the city.
A Unique Culinary Fusion
Chef-partner Soo Ahn, known for his work at Adalina Prime in the West Loop, leads the venture. Inspired by a similar concept encountered in Miami, Ahn was captivated by the complementary nature of the two cuisines. He aims to create a menu that seamlessly integrates Japanese precision with the warmth and generosity of Mediterranean cooking.
The menu features a variety of dishes that highlight this fusion. Guests can enjoy Japanese yellowtail crudo with shaved fennel and toasted sesame, tzatziki salmon maki with mint yogurt sauce, and a Japanese-inspired hummus with toasted nori and white miso. Ahn emphasizes the importance of respecting the ingredients in both culinary traditions, ensuring that each dish feels cohesive rather than forced.
Dining Experience and Community Impact
ARLA’s location offers more than just a culinary experience. Situated on a prime corner of Oak and Rush streets, the restaurant provides views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The outdoor terraces, seating up to 60 guests, enhance the dining experience with their scenic vistas.
Despite being in a competitive dining corridor, Ahn is not focused on competition. Instead, he hopes ARLA will attract more visitors to the area, benefiting neighboring establishments. “I hope that by us doing well and by us drawing a different crowd here will help everybody else out in our neighborhood,” Ahn said.
ARLA will operate from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, extending to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and closing at 10 p.m. on Sundays. This new addition to Chicago’s dining scene promises to be a unique destination for both locals and visitors.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
