A new Mediterranean restaurant has debuted in Dallas’ Design District: Alara, from Turkish-born chef Onur Akan, has opened its doors at 1628 Oak Lawn Ave., Ste. 120.
According to a release, the restaurant is a dream come true for Akan, following his work in private dining and catering through his company, Chef Akan Experiences. Previously, he served as executive chef at Nonna and Food Company, building his résumé in high-end kitchens focused on precision and technique.
Akan, who was born in the port city of Samsun, Turkey, draws on his upbringing in a multigenerational household for both the restaurant’s communal format and its progression of dishes.
“I grew up around the sofra,” Akan says in the release, referring to the traditional Turkish table where family and friends gather to share food, conversation, and time. “It’s where people linger, connect, and take care of one another. That feeling is what I want guests to experience at Alara.”
The menu pulls from several Mediterranean regions, including Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Spain, with an approach that blends regional influences with French technique. Dishes – from hummus to steak – incorporate olive oil, citrus, herbs, vegetables, and open-flame cooking.
Meals are structured to be shared, he says, beginning with mezze, followed by appetizers, salads, and larger entrees. The restaurant also welcomes individual diners, with standalone main courses available.
During lunch, Alara operates with a more casual, European cafe-style menu featuring mezze, salads, doner kebab, sandwiches, and desserts. Dinner service expands into a larger menu with additional courses and nightly specials.
The name Alara is derived from a term meaning “she who brings joy,” reflecting the tone Akan aims to set for the dining room, he says.
Alara is now open for lunch and dinner in the Design District; reservations are available here.