We've been to Aura 3 or 4 times and honestly, we really want to like this place. But, there have been issues every visit. The flavors are pretty good, but the mishaps seem to be the norm; From poorly executed dishes, to cold food, to overcooked food, to delivery of mains before we even finish starters. The GM is a really nice guy and never denied the issues and says he wants everything to be good and for us to be happy. Unfortunately, the pattern is clear. At their price point, these things are just inexcusable. Plus, they have a rather pedestrian wine list with hi mark-ups and a beer list that is way overloaded with IPAs. Their beverage manager is a bartender who may mix a good drink but doesn't seem attentive to the rest of the beverage options. When you put it all together, we just need to remove Aura from our list. It's a shame, but we've given them many chances.
I had the featured BBQ lamb. It was superb. We had two appetizers: beef carpaccio and mussels, and the pear arugula salad. Everything was excellent. We had a great server Nicole and Chef John came to speak with us. All in all a terrific experience. Will go back soon. Looking forward to their wine dinner next month.
RobG
We had a great meal with friends. The host accommodated our request for a table rather than a booth. Our server, Corey, was pleasant and knowledgeable. He helped all in our party with our selections from salad through dessert. The small plate mussels were more than enough for a meal. The Caesar salad was ample enough to split for two. The desserts were scrumptious! A great evening was had by all!
Alexandra Casseus
I attended happy hour about a week ago and Meg was serving me. She was also working at the bar. I loved her attentiveness and enthusiasm about the items on the menu. Many recommendations that were made, I was found interest in and actually ordered. I believe I had a strawberry mojito that was prepared by Meg and it was very tasty. My dinner and desert was satisfying as well. I had a great overall experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David H.
This place was a revelation. Tremendous food. Lots of great different meals and appetizers. The service was excellent. Great drinks. The ambience was nice. One of the better restaurants in Camphill. We haven't tried all the menu but I haven't found one thing I don't like on the menu yet.
Ally Rose
We moved from the Philly area and have been looking for restaurants that have more of that city feel, and from the moment that we walked into Aura we did not feel like we were in Mechanicsburg. They've done an amazing job of creating a beautiful atmosphere!Now let's talk about food...The lamb kabobs are to die for - literally exactly how lamb should be cooked, the steak was cooked perfectly to my liking, the calamari cooked to crispy perfection. Everything was so fresh and we can't wait to go back and try more amazing dishes!But I think what put everything over the top for us was the service.From the moment we walked in the host was accommodating, our server was attentive, Skylar the manager went above and beyond, was friendly, and answered our questions, and Jason the bartender made a mean drink, was personable, and made us feel right at home.Thanks for an amazing experience, we'll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mia S.
This place has a very nice ambiance and the staff were very kind. We went for brunch and everyone off the menu sounded amazing. Everything was cooked and presented perfectly. We will be coming again for their dinner soon!
Stephanie Rubino
We sat at the bar and had a wonderful time!! Great service by Trevor, awesome food and delicious drinks. Top picks were the pineapple margarita and salmon platter. So so great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lenelle Buterbaugh
Everything was wonderful! We were initially sat at a table that the sun was glaring on. Immediately, without us asking, we were moved to a better table. Natasha was our server and on top of everything. We didn't have a long wait for anything. Brunch was fantastic! We will certainly be back for an evening meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott K
My first foray into Aura Modern Mediterranean Restaurant came with a mix of anticipation and curiosity, drawn in by the allure of its well-acclaimed cocktail offerings and an enticing menu that promised a contemporary twist on Mediterranean classics.We began with drinks. Mine, a Spanish G&T, concoction recommended by our personable waiter, featured Botanist Gin, Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic, grapefruit, rosemary, and juniper. While the presentation was a visual treat, the overabundance of ice diluted the essence of the ingredients, leading to a rather underwhelming experience. My wife's choice of the Winter Spiced Sangria, though slightly more flavorful, unfortunately, didn't live up to our high expectations either.A surprising departure from typical fine dining norms was the absence of complimentary bread prior to our entrees. Although our waiter was cordial, his attentiveness was lacking, which made it difficult to request clarifications or additional items.The culinary aspect of our visit shone brighter. My order of Lyulya Lamb Kabobs, served with mini pitas, house-made tzatziki, and fresh basil, was pleasingly executed, delivering a good but not extraordinary taste experience. The star of the evening, however, was the Shrimp Pappardelle chosen by my wife. The dish, a harmonious blend of saffron poached shrimp with black garlic pappardelle, zucchini ribbons, and shrimp cream sauce, was a testament to the chef's prowess in marrying flavors and textures.As the evening drew to a close, we were presented with the option of dessert, yet the lack of enthusiasm in description or recommendation from our server led us to decline.Reflecting on the overall experience, it's with a sense of missed potential that we ponder our return. Aura Modern Mediterranean Restaurant, while shining in moments through its culinary offerings, particularly the Shrimp Pappardelle, fell short of creating the memorable dining experience we had hoped for. The journey through the menu was a testament to the kitchen's capabilities, yet the overall ambiance and service left us wanting. In the competitive landscape of modern Mediterranean cuisine, it's the finer details that elevate a good experience to great. Unfortunately, Aura didn't quite reach those heights for us.Dietary restrictions: A pleothera of Gluten-Free options
I came in here as an industry worker skeptical of the price points for what they served at this establishment. I must say without a doubt this is one of the best experience I’ve had in the Cumberland area. My significant other and I came in here on a late Valentine’s Day and were completely and utterly satisfied. Bill our server was attentive to the point we almost got emotional, if you’re in town local or visiting please give this place a chance if it is in your budget. Well worth the price tag for a special occasion.
WeLoveJosephines
We have enjoyed our recent visits to Aura for dinner and brunch so much that we're addicted. You won't find another restaurant in the area that surpasses their exceptional food, service, and ambience. We highly recommend Aura!
FoodGirl01
Excellent as always!! Nicole was our server and was very friendly & polite. We loved the Cupid kiss cocktail and my fave- the Scallops (please make a regular on the menu) was a V-day feature- sooo delicious! Loved the calamari & lamb apps. Everything was fantastic! Thanks again - we'll be back!
CynthiaL
The chef at Aura creates amazing meals and the specials are usually different every few days and will never disappoint your palate! The staff are efficient and friendly and offer amazing suggestions for food choices! The ambiance is exceptional....
We had a wonderful service and our friends were impressed with the food and drink quality Wine was excellent ! Very accommodating with gluten free request- my lobster tail was delicious!
We've been to Aura 3 or 4 times and honestly, we really want to like this place. But, there have been issues every visit. The flavors are pretty good, but the mishaps seem to be the norm; From poorly executed dishes, to cold food, to overcooked food, to delivery of mains before we even finish starters. The GM is a really nice guy and never denied the issues and says he wants everything to be good and for us to be happy. Unfortunately, the pattern is clear. At their price point, these things are just inexcusable. Plus, they have a rather pedestrian wine list with hi mark-ups and a beer list that is way overloaded with IPAs. Their beverage manager is a bartender who may mix a good drink but doesn't seem attentive to the rest of the beverage options. When you put it all together, we just need to remove Aura from our list. It's a shame, but we've given them many chances.
I had the featured BBQ lamb. It was superb. We had two appetizers: beef carpaccio and mussels, and the pear arugula salad. Everything was excellent. We had a great server Nicole and Chef John came to speak with us. All in all a terrific experience. Will go back soon. Looking forward to their wine dinner next month.
We had a great meal with friends. The host accommodated our request for a table rather than a booth. Our server, Corey, was pleasant and knowledgeable. He helped all in our party with our selections from salad through dessert. The small plate mussels were more than enough for a meal. The Caesar salad was ample enough to split for two. The desserts were scrumptious! A great evening was had by all!
I attended happy hour about a week ago and Meg was serving me. She was also working at the bar. I loved her attentiveness and enthusiasm about the items on the menu. Many recommendations that were made, I was found interest in and actually ordered. I believe I had a strawberry mojito that was prepared by Meg and it was very tasty. My dinner and desert was satisfying as well. I had a great overall experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place was a revelation. Tremendous food. Lots of great different meals and appetizers. The service was excellent. Great drinks. The ambience was nice. One of the better restaurants in Camphill. We haven't tried all the menu but I haven't found one thing I don't like on the menu yet.
We moved from the Philly area and have been looking for restaurants that have more of that city feel, and from the moment that we walked into Aura we did not feel like we were in Mechanicsburg. They've done an amazing job of creating a beautiful atmosphere!Now let's talk about food...The lamb kabobs are to die for - literally exactly how lamb should be cooked, the steak was cooked perfectly to my liking, the calamari cooked to crispy perfection. Everything was so fresh and we can't wait to go back and try more amazing dishes!But I think what put everything over the top for us was the service.From the moment we walked in the host was accommodating, our server was attentive, Skylar the manager went above and beyond, was friendly, and answered our questions, and Jason the bartender made a mean drink, was personable, and made us feel right at home.Thanks for an amazing experience, we'll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place has a very nice ambiance and the staff were very kind. We went for brunch and everyone off the menu sounded amazing. Everything was cooked and presented perfectly. We will be coming again for their dinner soon!
We sat at the bar and had a wonderful time!! Great service by Trevor, awesome food and delicious drinks. Top picks were the pineapple margarita and salmon platter. So so great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything was wonderful! We were initially sat at a table that the sun was glaring on. Immediately, without us asking, we were moved to a better table. Natasha was our server and on top of everything. We didn't have a long wait for anything. Brunch was fantastic! We will certainly be back for an evening meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My first foray into Aura Modern Mediterranean Restaurant came with a mix of anticipation and curiosity, drawn in by the allure of its well-acclaimed cocktail offerings and an enticing menu that promised a contemporary twist on Mediterranean classics.We began with drinks. Mine, a Spanish G&T, concoction recommended by our personable waiter, featured Botanist Gin, Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic, grapefruit, rosemary, and juniper. While the presentation was a visual treat, the overabundance of ice diluted the essence of the ingredients, leading to a rather underwhelming experience. My wife's choice of the Winter Spiced Sangria, though slightly more flavorful, unfortunately, didn't live up to our high expectations either.A surprising departure from typical fine dining norms was the absence of complimentary bread prior to our entrees. Although our waiter was cordial, his attentiveness was lacking, which made it difficult to request clarifications or additional items.The culinary aspect of our visit shone brighter. My order of Lyulya Lamb Kabobs, served with mini pitas, house-made tzatziki, and fresh basil, was pleasingly executed, delivering a good but not extraordinary taste experience. The star of the evening, however, was the Shrimp Pappardelle chosen by my wife. The dish, a harmonious blend of saffron poached shrimp with black garlic pappardelle, zucchini ribbons, and shrimp cream sauce, was a testament to the chef's prowess in marrying flavors and textures.As the evening drew to a close, we were presented with the option of dessert, yet the lack of enthusiasm in description or recommendation from our server led us to decline.Reflecting on the overall experience, it's with a sense of missed potential that we ponder our return. Aura Modern Mediterranean Restaurant, while shining in moments through its culinary offerings, particularly the Shrimp Pappardelle, fell short of creating the memorable dining experience we had hoped for. The journey through the menu was a testament to the kitchen's capabilities, yet the overall ambiance and service left us wanting. In the competitive landscape of modern Mediterranean cuisine, it's the finer details that elevate a good experience to great. Unfortunately, Aura didn't quite reach those heights for us.Dietary restrictions: A pleothera of Gluten-Free options
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
I came in here as an industry worker skeptical of the price points for what they served at this establishment. I must say without a doubt this is one of the best experience I’ve had in the Cumberland area. My significant other and I came in here on a late Valentine’s Day and were completely and utterly satisfied. Bill our server was attentive to the point we almost got emotional, if you’re in town local or visiting please give this place a chance if it is in your budget. Well worth the price tag for a special occasion.
We have enjoyed our recent visits to Aura for dinner and brunch so much that we're addicted. You won't find another restaurant in the area that surpasses their exceptional food, service, and ambience. We highly recommend Aura!
Excellent as always!! Nicole was our server and was very friendly & polite. We loved the Cupid kiss cocktail and my fave- the Scallops (please make a regular on the menu) was a V-day feature- sooo delicious! Loved the calamari & lamb apps. Everything was fantastic! Thanks again - we'll be back!
The chef at Aura creates amazing meals and the specials are usually different every few days and will never disappoint your palate! The staff are efficient and friendly and offer amazing suggestions for food choices! The ambiance is exceptional....
We had a wonderful service and our friends were impressed with the food and drink quality Wine was excellent ! Very accommodating with gluten free request- my lobster tail was delicious!