About iara iara is a Brazilian open-kitchen restaurant opening this fall on the Lower East Side, inspired by the Amazon. Chef Vitor Mendes, a 2025 StarChefs Rising Star and the opening Chef de Cuisine of Theodora, is opening his first restaurant at 205 Allen Street and putting the team together now. 50 seats, one open kitchen, and a menu you won't find anywhere else. iara celebrates Amazon Rainforest’s unique ingredients through comforting Brazilian cooking. The Role This is Vitor's right