We visited Arca for the first time last night. It was an interesting night because, about 10 minutes after we were seated, a storm swept through the area dumping a tremendous amount of rain. As a result, a good amount of water leaked through the roof of the covered patio area where we were seated and caused puddles in the dining area, settling under our table. With that as a backdrop, here's how I would rate our experience... FOH Staff: . They were incredible and handled the sudden flooding in their dining room about as well as could be done. They just got busy and solved it, with an army of them mopping up the mess and taking care of customers. They didn't complain and even apologized even though none of it was their fault. Their response to this potential disaster says a lot about how they are led and behave under pressure. What's even more impressive was the valet standing outside. We were seated by the window and saw him weather this incredible storm. He wasn't in danger but got absolutely drenched standing his post and helping the customers. We saw you buddy! What a trooper. Bar: . I ordered the limoncello martini. I was afraid it would be too sweet or syrupy and I was wrong. It was perfect, delicious, refreshing and, yes, intoxicating! I also tasted some of the other cocktails at my table and they were equally expertly crafted. Kitchen: . Unfortunately, the kitchen did not impress as much as the other staff. For appys, we sampled the wings, which were fine, the calamari, which did not impress, and the shishito peppers, which were flavorless and should be removed from the menu. No one at our table liked them. Arca has a fairly limited menu, which is fine, but for these prices I want to be wowwed by every dish, or at least have the diners fight over the last piece of a shared dish. The peppers made me question what the heck the kitchen is thinking. Seriously, have they tasted them? My entree was the linguine negro, at $42. I ordered it because the menu said it was a pistachio pesto sauce and I like a good pesto sauce. What came out was not pesto. it didn't look, smell, or taste like pesto. It wasn't bad, just not what I expected from the menu description. The dish also had some type of green in it, which was wilted and led to a strange texture. Again, the menu description didn't include this. The portion was fine and the pasta itself and pieces of lobster and shrimp were fine, but I felt like the dish was almost different from what I ordered. Maybe they need to update the menu descriptions. I debated giving this 3 stars instead of 4, but the FOH and bar shone brightly. Too bad the kitchen didn't make the same impression on me, or else I would be planning to return as soon as possible. read more

Loved everything! I plan on coming back on Tuesday. I hope we don't need a reservation!

Tonight we had the pasta with the truffle sauce with the shrimp and it was absolutely ridiculous! I took a chance and it paid off Big great job chef is awesome. read more

The food is exceptional. Everything is fresh and so delicious. The service is 100% top notch. Very attentive. The ambiance is extremely pleasant from cocktails at the bar to dining inside and very comfortably outside. Such a fun and delicious experience for date night or girls night. The staff is very pleasant, knowledgeable and attentive! 100% exceptional dining experience! read more

Beautiful restaurant converted from a church. Some stained glass remains. Lots of dining options: Bar area, upstairs, main dining room, private party alcove. Five star service. Extensive menu. Generous portions and entrees cooked to perfection. read more

The place looks great. However, the food is overpriced and underwhelming. The service was decently quick, no complaint there. read more

The food and drinks are incredible. The balsamic calamari is phenomenal along with the rigatoni vodka. The espresso martini has so much flavor and the atmosphere is so fun. You will not Be disappointed! read more

Excellent food quality and service. Highly Recommend. Exceeded expectations, I hope they stay that way!

Cutting straight to the chase: This restaurant is not good and is bad cooking/food masked by a fairly high price tag (for what you're getting.) I ordered a lobster ravioli dish and was immediately disappointed. The lobster was overly shredded to an almost mashed consistency, so it wasn't a pleasant texture. On top of that, the ravioli dough was SO thick to eat. Ravioli shouldn't feel like eating dough. I wanted a thin layer and actual chunks of lobster, but instead I got a tacky, gummy ravioli lobster that didn't even taste like lobster because the gouda sauce overpowered it (my mistake ordering a dish that had a gouda sauce mixed with lobster, bad combo.) My family and friends mostly ordered salmon dishes, which they were all disappointed in as well. They said the salmon was overcooked, and the portions were stingy on the spinach (for a $39 meal, you'd think maybe a side of potatoes of something else could be included as well.) Eating out is an expensive endeavor, and the food should reflect quality and care. This did not. read more

We did an event here. The food was good and service staff did a nice job. On the flip side the owner called us 4 days before our 40 person event that we had books 3 months earlier and paid a 500 deposit to say cost of eggs and chicken are up so it's 5 dollars more a person. Said if you don't want to pay it you can cancel. Who does that 4 days before the event. Also there was no eggs in the meal and the meal as a tasty but maybe 1/4 pound of chicken breast. Don't know where this guy is buying $25\lb chicken that justifies that each person cost 5 buck more than his agreed price. Also he is just generally rude. read more

I live locally and had been to the owners former restaurant many times. Arca opened a bit ago but since it is so close by it was one of those places I figured I would get to eventually. Also, because it was hyped up so much, I was reluctant to ever suggest going thinking it was overpriced food and all ambiance. My family always does an early NYE dinner but finding a good restaurant that can seat 13 without a fixed menu is always a challenge. My sister suggested Arca and we got lucky and got a table. Again I was expecting ambiance and not food quality....but OMG I was so wrong! Our table was huge and spacious. We were on the second floor and away from the busy smaller tables, but didn't feel pushed aside. The water came quickly and bread as well. The wait staff was attentive, friendly, and accommodating. We got apps to share at the table which were amazing. Shrimp Arrabiata, Calamari ( Asian Fusion style) and Burrata. Each one fantastic. My husband and I split the tomahawk for two and quite honestly it was one of the best cuts we have ever eaten. Better than Del Friscos, Capital Grill and all the other mainstay steakhouses. It was insane! Everyone was raving about their meals. Since we had an early reservation, we didn't do dessert, but there was no push to get us up and out of the table. Again, the waitstaff is awesome and have clearly been trained and educated on customer service. This place is a must. Happy 2025! read more

I rarely write a negative review but this place deserves it. Food was horribly overpriced. Portion sizes very small. Presentsaction was weird, the best looking food was a small and relatively simple appetizer. The place was noisy even with a small crowd, due to bothersome background music (which someone was trying to adjust). Decor is over the top and obviously expensive. And finally the staff. They were incredibly intrusive. Three or four people hovered around us, checking on hiw things were. It was like being in a hospital with nurses coming into the room every five minutes. All in all, this was one of the most unpleasant dining experiences that I can remember. Obviously not going back. read more

The atmosphere and decor is outstanding! I was very excited about dining here because the word of mouth was good. Took my wife for her birthday and unfortunately we weren't impressed. Smaller portions and very expensive. I had a $49! Pasta special. If you are going charge that much at least give me more the a child's size portion of pasta. The place has potential but I don't see myself going back. read more

Service is AWFUL. Waitstaff were not very friendly or nice, will not be back to this establishment

We recently went here with the family for my wife's birthday. We really enjoyed the food, the drinks, the service, and the ambience. It's nice to have a cool restaurant like this in the area. We used to go to 202 a lot and this location is better in all ways. Great food and highly recommended. read more

Just went to Arca tonight because we heard so many good things. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. Expectations were way too high, but unfortunately for the food and drinks that were delivered it was a FAIL. I will say the appetizers weren't bad. I did enjoy the calamari, burrata, and the tuna tartar. For someone who loves a dirty martini it came out looking yellow so I knew It was extra dirty. I sent it back and the bartender gave me a Martini up. I had to ask for olive juice. Needless to say I couldn't even get through one dirty Martini throughout my entire meal, which is unfortunate for the restaurant and for me. In addition the food that was served was overly salty and now I have to go home and drink a gallon of wateram questioning whether or not I will go back regardless of what I've heard from other peoples opinions. Disappointed to say the least: read more

Party of six adults and because we are good friends, we had a nice time. We bop around trying the various local restaurants as entertainment these days. First and lasting impression were founded out of the gate. The waiter was aggressive with trying getting us to order our apps and dinner because we were an early seating. The food was average at best. We each had an app, dinner and dessert. Tried everything from the steaks to the seafood and various sides. It was okay. Because of the pushy waiter and simply okay food, I'll refrain from ever recommending this place. We spent over 700 plus bucks to be pushed along in our meal. Not a great experience. read more

The food was great !!! Service was on point !!! I love the openness and high ceilings !!!! A converted church very pretty!!! Will definitely be coming back !!! read more

Tried Arca last night for the first time. Short and bitter. It's a glorified Albanian diner! So loud you can not carry a conversation. It's a one off. Sent the Bronzino back, this fish was tasteless. The lobster ravioli they get from shop rite up the street, just not a good dish at all.. I will say the Filet Mignon was a quality cut of beef, it comes with an espresso sauce ,this just does not go with a filet at all. Sorry to have to say this, but its a fact. We had to try it, but we will not return for a long while in hopes it gets better. read more

Food is not what we expected. The staff barely speaks English and doesn't understand our orders. They "forgot" some of our orders. When we raised issues to the wait staff the owner came, threw a fit, yelled at us and threw the check on the table telling us to get out of his restaurant. I have never witnessed such bullying, unprofessional behavior in a restaurant! Save your money and go somewhere else where you will be taken care of and appreciated! read more

Nice place, very high ceilings so the place felt very roomy. The bar serves delicious drinks and the food is really good. Great place to gather with couples or a few friends. read more

Service was decent. Food ok not spectacular Beautiful place but so LOUD. Couldn't hear my partner talking to me across the table. Glad we tried it but not sure if I'll ever go back read more

Great food and service! We will definitely be back! A beautiful place too! Best gnocchi around! ***** read more

Gnats in the wine. I don't think Jesus would have approved in this converted religious sanctuary. Our waiter removed the gnat-filled wine posthaste, but did offer any discount. I think Arca should consider what Jesus would do in this scenario. Please delouse the kitchen for every possibke pl read more

Bravo! We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening at Arca. The entire service crew could not have been more pleasant, respectful and appropriately attentive. Our cocktail orders were taken crisply and delivered just as ordered. The food was well prepared, delicious and arrived at just the right time. Our table feasted on Bronzino and the sesame seed crusted Tuna. The tuna, ordered and prepared rare, of course, came nicely sliced and is served with nicely seasoned sautéed spinach and mashed potatoes (which we passed on). It was cooked to perfection. One member of our party actually wanted the mashed potatoes which were reported to be decidedly well prepared...a rare find in restaurants these days. The Bronzino was accompanied by a plain but tasty risotto. As starters, we tasted most of the salads which were equally well prepared, particularly a special arugula and watermelon salad....where can you find good watermelon at this time of year? The burrata was excellent and interestingly served with chopped asparagus. Our server showed a professional level of humor and banter when dealing with our special orders and changes to original choices on the fly. The meal and evening just could not have been more enjoyable. Much has been written about the space occupied by the restaurant (it's in an old church). All well deserved. It is brilliant, setting the stage for the evening at hand. read more

The food was all incredible, service was fast and very friendly not sure if these bad reviewers are just racist or miserable but I have no clue what they're on about, also absolutely beautiful in there. read more

Loved this place! The ambiance was so much fun. Decor was on par, the service was just right! I honestly couldn't believe that we were in Lincoln Park. City vibes with Jersey prices! Everything about it was great! The food was absolutely delicious! We ordered appetizers, dinner & dessert and everything was fabulous! We were very happy with our evening! Fun for a date fun with friends! I highly recommend this place! Can't wait to go back!!!! Enjoy! read more

Easily one of my favorite places to dine, delicious filet mignon and my favorite is the gnocchi with steak tips, the ambience is very nice with the tall ceilings and great service read more

Average at best. Beautiful restaurant. Decent drinks. Average food. Poor service. They have too many people checking on you and rushing you through your meal. We weren't halfway done with appetizers and the busboy took out plates. We ordered multiple drinks and wanted to sit and they kept asking if we wanted dessert. We said yes but wanted to wait and have another drink. They brought us the check. Won't be going back. read more

service was rushed we completed our dining experience in 40 minutes i was offered dessert five minutes after finishing dinner they constantly hovered to clear our table and the waiter was rude and indifferent and by the way the restaurant was empty Never ever again read more

The food service and ambience were wonderful, I really enjoyed this beautiful place. It is a little pricey, but I will go back again for sure. read more

Went there this week for our special anniversary celebration. I ordered a glass of sav blanc is was not even chilled it was served warm!:( I then ordered the Chilean special with risotto! The worst risotto I had in my life! It was like mush on a plate with no flavor! Unfortunately, I won't be back but the ambience is beautiful! read more

Very cool looking spot. However, the service was overbearing and suffocating. One waitress took drink orders and practically took my just finished drink out of my hand before I could put it down. Another waiter took food orders. Several busboys hovered and took our plates before we were done with our app. Servers were lingering throughout the meal and we felt rushed. Dessert was offered immediately following dinner and we had slow down the waitress several times to enjoy our drinks. Tried to use an AMEX GC but they wouldn't take it. Food was fair at best read more

Incredible find! Despite being open for just 12 weeks, this restaurant balances modernity with coziness. The pear martini is a must try. We both ordered the specials (sea bass with couscous and squid ink linguini with shrimp, scallops, and spinach). The staff were very friendly and attentive and gave great recommendations. We will definitely be coming back! read more

My wife and I dined at this beautiful new restaurant last night. The restaurant is handsomely decorated with widely spaced tables and soaring ceilings. The food was excellently prepared and presented and absolutely delicious. Portions are very generous. There is a good wine list including reasonably priced bottles. Service is friendly but the staff is inexperienced and is clearly in need of additional training. When the service issues are smoothed out, Arca has the potential to become exceptional read more

ARCA is hands down a piece of culinary art. FRight when yiu walk into the beautiful double wood doors you are transformed into a culinary experience you will not forget. The owners are absolutely on their game. The mixologist are top shelf, . The wait staff are on top of their game. No amateurs here. The food is prepared with care. The ingredients are fresh. You will definitely be ready to return soon. read more

A nice restaurant in nowheresville Lincoln Park. The food is average and expensive. Very Noisy. Many servers are nearby but it is difficult to know who is actually going to bring what ever you requested. Butter, a new napkin or another cocktail. They continually come by to see what you need but end up repeating your request many times to many different men. Many do not understand what you are asking for. This was the case when my dinner companion, upon being served a double Baileys said it was not a double. I said "bring him a double double" Suddenly an irate owner stormed to our table literally ranting that we were questioning his business's integrity. I thought he was simply coming to show us the pour via jigger. He threw a hissy fit & accused us of using a flask which was a bottle of our own brand of sparkling water. No one mentioned it was a No No. In his belligerence, he would not allow us to explain, call a misunderstanding nor have the dessert that had just arrived. He berated us and bellowed that we insulted him in "his house." All the while raving that we are never to return. We won't. Additionally, almost no one there is pleasant or cheerful or personable, as most restaurant owners & servers strive to be and make their customers feel satisfied. This restaurant-monument has only served to enlarge the ego of a bully in the disguise of a restaurateur. Unfortunately and obviously the customer is not always right in "his house." An excellent alternative is: Lumi's Italian Restaurant 4 Little Falls Rd Fairfield. 973-944-2049 read more

Me and my wife have been there many many times all was good unfortunately we went on a Saturday night. The service was terrible. Food came at different times. The order was incorrect three hours and wasn't too crowded. Not a good visit. We brought some friends and they were very unhappy with the situation as I was alsomight stay away for a bit. They need some help. read more

My wife and three friends at there 5/28. We all thought that for price, dinners should have included a salad or a more substantial vegetable. The service was outstanding and the ambiance terrific/ The food was excellent read more

Appetizers awesome!! Tony the server was very good. Never had worse brozino in my life. Over cooked and double stacked in an attempt to hide the dryness. Brozino at the Oakland Diner is 10X better!!! Go and check it out.... Crispy Bronzino read more