03/23/2026
Meet one of our 2026 Snail of Approval winners: .bar! Ama is a mission-driven, all-day dining destination dedicated to the nourishment of its guests, its community and its planet. Led by wife-and-husband duo Johanna Hellrigl & Micah Wilder, Ama, which translates to “love” in Italian, takes its name from an Italian poem about leading life with love and intention — two elements felt across every touchpoint of the dining experience. An indoor-outdoor caffè and Genovese-style focacceria by day, Ama becomes an energetic aperitivo bar over the course of the afternoon and convivial ristorante by night. The result is a warm and transportive community anchor celebrating the joyful simplicities of Italian culture meant for every mood and moment.
“Winning a Slow Food Snail of Approval recognizes our commitment to ingredient integrity, responsible sourcing, and creating food that nourishes both people and the planet. This award validates the care that goes into every decision we make, from supporting regenerative organic farmers to choosing quality over convenience. It also belongs to our team, our producers, and our guests who believe that food should be thoughtful, honest, and rooted in community. Most of all, it encourages us to keep doing things with intention and heart.” –
Tap the link in bio to attend our Snail of Approval party on April 27 to celebrate this year’s winners.
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