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Tapas / Small Plates Restaurant Reviews
Ambar Reviews List
Ambar
Where southeastern Europe meets South East D.C.-
Our aim is to put together the finest products of the New World and Old world for your dining pleasure. Perennially on the edge of great empires the Balkans owes much of its food culture to its history, geography,and climate. The term Balkan is generally believed to come from the Turkish word Balkan meaning “a chain of wooded mountains”. With a desire to introduce D.C. to cutting edge Balkan cuisine proprietor Ivan Iricanin has created a dining space that will delight and indulge the senses. Primarily featuring “small plates” Ambar will also offer wines and spirits from the Balkans not often experienced by the American diner.
See more Ambar details
Our aim is to put together the finest products of the New World and Old world for your dining pleasure. Perennially on the edge of great empires the Balkans owes much of its food culture to its history, geography,and climate. The term Balkan is generally believed to come from the Turkish word Balkan meaning “a chain of wooded mountains”. With a desire to introduce D.C. to cutting edge Balkan cuisine proprietor Ivan Iricanin has created a dining space that will delight and indulge the senses. Primarily featuring “small plates” Ambar will also offer wines and spirits from the Balkans not often experienced by the American diner.
301 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 301 reviews
5 stars
(124)
4 stars
(137)
3 stars
(31)
2 stars
(8)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(201)
- neighborhood gem(175)
- hot spot(83)
- notable wine list(73)
- good for groups(60)
- special occasion(54)
Ambar Reviews List
Review 1 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great country food on small plates
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I liked Ambar and was happy with everything we ordered. The food was excellent, but the plates were small and the prices fairly high for the country food you are eating. However, the happy hour kabobs are excellent but too bad the happy hour is only at the bar.
I would go back and recommend it but be prepared to drop around $50 a person at least."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 2 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Depends on the server
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent experience Monday, based in large measure by the service from the server, as well as the hostess. Went back Tuesday and the server couldn't manage to get drink orders right or bring food out in a timely manner (including bread basket). Overall it is a great place, but a marginal server can make it a drag. 5 star off Monday experience, particularly with great server. Tuesday, 3.5 stars."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is absolutely fantastic! I would categorize almost everything on the menu as having competing yet complimentary flavor profiles. Balkan cuisine is already so very unique. Ambar really brings out the richness and character in every traditional dish."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 4 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Serbian Chic
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Enjoyed it very much. A variety of tastes, particularly the meats, were delicious. Must haves: the bread basket and the forest gnocchi dessert."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view
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Review 5 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We LOVE Ambar!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We're neighborhood residents and thrilled to have Ambar to add to the list. Its quickly become our top pick for a night out. Food is excellent - love the small plates. Service is a perfect comination of attentive, friendly, but not over bearing. We also are hooked on some of the Serbian wine seletions. The staff has been great about talking us through them.
One suggestion - Ambar should promote its small, but unique back deck with a nice view of the Capitol dome. We spent some time there when its was Jordans 8. Its a real hidden treasure. I'm not sure how many people know its back there. Its a great spot for a night cap, especially now that the weather is warm."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Consistently good food and service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Once again our group consumed most of menu, and no poor choices. Standouts are still the basics such as the Mushroom salad, the Forrest Gnocchi (dessert), the nut crusted chicken, stuffed cabbage and quite a few more. Don't be shy of tryiong the Serbian wines, ask the staff for help choosing - the barmaid is particularly good at this."
Dined on 4/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Personal Service and Great Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I joined Ambar for their Mothers Day Brunch and opted for the $35 prix fixe option (bottomless brunch drinks and all you can eat options). The service was fantastic and truly personal - I brought my mother (a Macedonian, very familiar with fare) and she was genuinely impressed with the authenticity of the food - right down to the texture and the spices. This was my second visit and I will definitely be returning."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 8 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great spot - Worth return visits!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Friends raved about Ambar, so I was stoked to finally check it out. The waitstaff was incredibly helpful and gave us great wine and food recommendations. Our waitress was Serbian and helped explain what was authentic and what was adapted from real Balkan cuisine. When they say small plates, though, they really mean smallll plates - get one of the platters if you're hungry. A few dishes were underwhelming (stuffed prunes, leek croquettes) and a few were amazing (meat platter, cheese pie, forest gnocchi dessert). I'd recommend this less as a dinner spot and more as a place for one plate and a glass of wine. The atmosphere is probably great on a peak night (we were there Mother's Day - but chill was good too)."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food and presentation were just okay, and some dishes were disappointing. When I think Balkan, I think substantial, comfort food in hearty proportions. Seeing tiny decorated plates of food was not pleasing. I laughed too when I saw the beet and goat's cheese salad. The cheese came as four tiny dots of creamed cheese. On the positive side the kebabs actually tasted just like they did in Bulgaria, so props for bringing this flavor. I just wish there was more than the equivalent of four little fingers worth."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 10 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Who knew?
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I walked past this place more than often. I decided to go in and give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised, our server was very cordial. The choices were ecclectic and delicious the Mange Tea drink I was was refreshing."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 11 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nothing like it anywhere in DC! Very unique. The food was great and very affordable."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 12 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Small Plates
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great small plates at reasonable prices ---- we especially enjoyed the "starter" style small plates (although one can order the plates in any order) --- mushroom crepes and calamari were very good. Also enjoyed trying some Serbian wines, since we had never had them before. Loved the atmosphere, but all the hard surfaces contributed to a noise level that made talking difficult."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Interesting food for an adventurous diner! This certainly isn't an everyday restaurant. The server was outstanding and guided us through the experience. Thank you for an eclectic, unique evening."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great new (only?) Balkan restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was excellent, servers were very helpful in explaining the dishes and the wine list. Our server, correctly, suggested that we only have one order of the butternut squash soup (and offered to split it into two bowls) as we would have been overfull with two orders and everything else we ordered after. I appreciated the tapas-sized portions -- Balkan food can be heavy -- this gave us the chance to sample several, very excellent dishes. Everything was outstanding with two exceptions: the cevapcici were a little dry (I would suggest giving the option of the traditional bed of chopped onions in addition to the kajmak and red peppers) Also, the corn bread was a little greasy. Otherwise: "odlichno!" I will definitely come again."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 15 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nice addition to neighborhood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was great. Design of space was rustic with a modern edge - very inviting. Loud and lively atmosphere. Wouldn't recommend children going for dinner there (maybe lunch is more laid back - but only had dinner there). Great for dinner but also just great for a drink with friends. This place feels like it could be located in Chinatown or DuPont...nice chance of pace to other Hill establishments.
Wine list was interesting since most were from Eastern Europe. Menu was large tapas style - which I enjoy since I like to eat a little of everything. Somethings I would recommend from the dinner menu are 1) Balkan kebab 2) grilled bacon-wrapped prunes 3) leek croquettes and 4) roasted mushroom crepes.
Highly recommend."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
New restaurant already one
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"New restaurant already one of the best in DC. Can pay twice as much for restaurants that are not as good."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2006
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Review 17 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was very good, interesting,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was very good, interesting, well-prepared. Enjoyed trying some new and unique wines. Service was very friendly and cordial."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 18 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food and service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food and service. The staff were helpful and explained each dish with enthusiasm. The dishes were all small plates like tapas. Very nice flavors made with fresh ingredients. The Serbian wine that we had was like a pinot noir."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great service, good size plates
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was great. Our server was Serbian and was very knowledgeable about the menu and the ingredients. He was able to point us in the direction of the most "traditional" foods. The small plates were also a good size. You get a lot for your money. We were two girls and my friend and I were able to fill up on 4 items. I recommend the butternut squash salad and the leek croquettes. I recommend."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 20 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
brunch needs a revamp
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A bir pricey for brunch for the amount of food you get on your plate. Also not a lot of brunch options. Although the eggs benedict was good, it was 12 dollars for 2 pouched eggs on toast, which probably costs $2-3 to make.
I suggest revising the menu a bit, because there are some way better restaurants in the the same neighborhood."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
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Review 21 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Light late-night dining on the Hill
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Every one of the Balkan small plates we tried was delicious. The stuffed cabbage -- samma -- was a standout."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2004
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 22 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Awesome place! They say Balkan
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Awesome place! They say Balkan cuisine, but everything is "safe" enough for the casual American eater. Loved the bacon wrapped prunes."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 23 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Yummy food and fun wine list
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Having never really tried Balkan cuisine, I enjoyed their variations for sure. I'm not a big veal fan, but the veal stew was delicious. I loved the plethora of regional wines to choose from. We got a bottle of Portuguise from Serbia that I never would have tried otherwise and it was delicious! Wait staff was patient and friendly and the owner made a point to come and say hi. We had no idea we were eating there literally within the first month of its official opening either. I hope it stays in the neighborhood for a long time. We will be back."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2010
Special Features: notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Unique but rich and heavy on meat
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the new restaurants on Barracks Row that is catering to those looking for good, unique food and are willing to pay for it. Its unique because the cuisine is Balkan and there aren't a lot of Balkan restaurants around. There are a host of wines from Bulgaria, Serbia and the vicinity to try out. The one I tried was a bit too smoky and peppery and was not my taste, but my cocktail was great. Selections are too consistently heavy on the béchamel/cheesy/rich side for me and there weren't enough vegetable selections. Best dish was the Balkan kabobs, which have a unique peppery flavor. All are tapas style so cost is high. Worth it to try out food from a new region, but probably not a staple for me unless they add in more veggies."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, notable wine list
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Review 25 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Balkan-style tapas. Yum. If
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Balkan-style tapas. Yum.
If you love Sljivovitz, this is your place."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 26 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Nothing to rave about, really.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nothing to rave about, really. Just plain food."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
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Review 27 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Decently priced Serbian food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Decently priced Serbian food in an easy to get to spot on Barracks Row. Interesting food with good service. The Cheese Pie was worth the price as were the Mushroom Salad and the Leek Croquettes. My date enjoyed the Spinach Rissoto with shrimp while by Schnitzel while tasty was a little bit dry. The Serbian wine was good and somewhat different from the usual vino. The Apple pie with ice cream was different and tasty. Prices are moderate, the bill was $110 with tax but without tip. We hope to go back as parking while not easy is much better than elsewhere in the District."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great place, would totally
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"great place, would totally recommend it"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 29 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome food! And tapas portions..
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Awesome food! And tapas portions.. so, it's great to share and try a lot of different menu items."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 30 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was good, but not great.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was good, but not great. Decent wine list with some unusual ones from Macedonia and Bulgaria. Server was very friendly, but we felt like there was constantly someone at our table (clearing plates, filling water, asking how everything is) that it was actually hard to have a conversation."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2011
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Review 31 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A go to place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Not sure what to expect, but we were blown away by the food. Each dish was better then the last. We will be back to check out the rest of the menu."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 32 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The best restaurant we have
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The best restaurant we have found in the Capitol Hill/Eastern Market area. Unusual and very tasty choices. We will return."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 33 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
such a cool place! it's balkan,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"such a cool place! it's balkan, so the menu is really unique, loved the wine list with serbian and croatian wines, etc. the scene is rustic but with techno music, interesting combo for cap hill"
Dined on 03/19/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 34 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Unusual and delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My partner and I enjoyed a drinks at rooftop bar, then dinner downstairs. Tried one of the Balkan wines, which was excellent. Shared 6 small plates between us and left well- fed. Butternut squash salad, cheese pie, and veal schnitzel were especially good, and are specialties. We also shared a very unusual "gnocchi" dessert. Fabulous! Only slight criticism is that decaf coffee was not served hot, and even when we sent it back for a warm up was not as hot as it should have been. But, very attentive and friendly service. Try this place!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 35 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Small plate Balkan foods,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Small plate Balkan foods, sort of like Tapas or Mezze. New to DC and a great addition to Barracks row. Other than the cornbread, everything was great, especially the balkan forest desert."
Dined on 04/04/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 36 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was one of the best meals
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was one of the best meals I've had in DC in quite awhile. Like everyone else nowadays, Ambar does small plates. Three of us ordered 8 and it was probably too much, but there was so much we wanted to try. The risotto was a favorite and the chicken was surprisingly the tastiest of the meats we tried - incredibly tender and flavorful. Presentations are top rate. The server was attentive and knowledgable. Loved the Serbian wine she recommended. Only bad thing is you can't get it anywhere in DC but there. Guess I will have to go back. Oh, and forget the carbs - get the bread basket with spreads!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 37 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
New 8th Street Gem...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"New place on 8th street. Very vibrant with great food and super friendly staff. Food is tapas style and very good. The Apple dessert was AMAZING!! Will definitely go for after work happy hour and or lunch and dinner."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 38 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Superb. From the pictures I saw of the food, I feared the food might be a bit too "precious" (i.e., overpriced and not filling) but it was across the board satisfying both in terms of unique flavors and decent portions. We'd never had Balkan wine before, and were pleasantly surprised by the quality. Would definitely go back. No real complaints about the ambiance, but the decor could have had a little more character. Really minor quibble, though - overall just a great experience."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 39 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent addition to Barracks
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent addition to Barracks Row!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 40 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We started with happy hour
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We started with happy hour drinks at the bar, $4 for a decent wine or margarita. Dinner was delicious. Following our waiter's advice, we selected the squash salad, mushroom crepes, and sesame salmon. The four chocolate dessert was too tempting to pass up. Although the plates are indeed small, three choices was certainly enough for three of us, although next time I want to try additional offerings."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 41 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Attentive, knowledgable, friendly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Attentive, knowledgable, friendly servers; varied choices served mezze. For sharing; interesting Baltic region wine selection."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2006
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Review 42 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Anbar is wunderbar!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Unusual and memorable food. Second time there in a week and looking forward to returning"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 43 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Balkan Delight
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I lunched at Ambar recently with much anticipation, given all the good press the new Serbian restaurant enjoys! The acclaims are definitely warranted--I had an outstanding Balkan special luncheon of soup, salad, and kebabs. Having spent considerable time in Eastern and Southern Europe, the food brought back fond memories. A simple, but tasty soup, delicious salad with yummy tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a very satisfying plate of kebabs, spiced nicely in a sauce, accompanied by potatoes and cabbage. Not only was the meal exquisitely tasteful and true to my memories, but the presentation was contemporary and clean. Truly, the presentation was much more "with it" than anything I remembered from Belgrade or Sofia. A neighborhood gem indeed!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 44 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
They got my potatoes!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great new Easter European food joint. Servings are small plates like tapas. Garlic potatoes that come with Balkan Kebab are the best find for fried potato lovers! Great food, service a bit slow."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 45 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambar from a professionals opinion
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My party of 3/family 2 adults 1 kid was greeted warmly as we entered by the 2 hosts at the stand. We were offered an up stairs table and quickly seated. Water came right away professionally poured by the busser. We were then greeted by the head server and told he was training a new server who would be taking our order. They both thoroughly explained the process of the restaurant (tapas menu-items come out as they are ready)We ordered our drinks and looked over the menu. When asked if we had any questions by our trainee server I wanted to know some menu suggestions for my 6 year old. He shrugged his shoulders and said "I don't know" walked away smiling. Head server was busy with another table. Mushroom crapes, Duck, Venison all perfect"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 46 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
amazingly excited wait staff,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"amazingly excited wait staff, many from the Serbian region. Efficient, fun, enthusiatic about sharing foods from home."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 47 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We LOVED Ambar! The unique
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We LOVED Ambar! The unique and extensive menu was so much fun to explore. The tapas-style plates allowed us to try a wide variety of dishes. One of the best parts of the meal (the cabbage-sausage dish) was recommended by our friendly and knowledgeable server who was originally from the region. The list of wine from the region was also a nice treat. We chose a Serbian red and it was fantastic! The bread basket comes with 3 spreads (red pepper and goat cheese?! Yes, please), which were highlights on their own. Oh, and the meat sampler platter for "two" could have fed a small army. The potato wedges were perfectly done. Writing this review has be hungry again! SO happy to have Ambar part of the Hill neighborhood. We will definitely be back!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 48 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I've been trying to get into
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've been trying to get into the new neighborhood spot for some time, but it's always packed! Decided to grab a 5PM ressie on a Saturday. First people there and was able to score one of the two window seats.
Our waiter Dmitri was AMAZING. So friendly, answered a barrage of questions and directed us to both tasty eats and drinks.
All of the food we tried was delicious - bread basket and spreads, squash salad, beef/pork kebabs, walnut crusted chicken, forest gnocchi dessert. The rakia was very good too - - the Belgrade Mule and Podgorica.
Will definitely be back and be sending others to try this new gem."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 49 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous food that is not
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fabulous food that is not over priced. Only wish for greater variety of wines."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
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Review 50 for Ambar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love their happy hour! The
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love their happy hour! The place has obviously been discovered - because it is completely packed! Their happy hour is second to none. Even if not for happy hour, the food is incredible quality. Although the menu is unfamiliar to me, the food is amazing. Only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the kababs.. but, otherwise, have tried 5 or 6 other things and all were eamazing. Favorites are the bread (yep!), the leek croquettes, and mushroom crepes. Wow!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
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