Behind every bold dish at Dara's is a story of passion and family. Owner and Chef Mark Dundon is Philadelphia born and raised, having honed his skills working in kitchens all over the city. But his true love for food didn't start in a restaurant; it started at home.

Mark’s passion grew from his mother, who introduced him to the aromatic world of Persian and Greek cuisines at a young age. These early memories of tasting flavors from around the globe sparked a culinary journey that continues today. Dara's is a tribute to those heartwarming memories of discovery and the joy of sharing a meal with the people you love.

We believe that healthy food should never be boring. It should be fun, vibrant, and full of life! Drawing inspiration from the zest of Southern Spain, the spices of North Africa, and the heat of Southeast Asia, we create dishes that are as exciting as they are nourishing.

Our goal is to evoke the feeling of a family gathering—where platters are passed, stories are shared, and everyone leaves satisfied.

We are committed to using only the freshest ingredients. You won't find commercially processed plant-based foods here. Instead, we offer a vast selection of vegan and vegetarian options made from scratch, without compromising on quality or flavor.

And for our omnivore friends, we offer a curated selection of meats and seafood designed to complement our plant-forward menu perfectly. At Dara's, there is a seat at the table for everyone.