Award-winning

Ambar Capitol Hill

4.7

4999 Reviews

$30 and under

Balkan style

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 30, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 69 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Good for groups
Charming

Welcome to Ambar, the gem of Capitol Hill, where you are invited to explore the dynamic flavors of Balkan cuisine. What distinguishes us, is our well-curated, exclusive 'Dining Without Limits' experience, which brings you the soul of Balkan dining traditions. Our extensive menu boasts a variety of shareable small plates, perfectly paired with a vast selection of premium Balkan wines.

Whether joining us for a leisurely lunch, celebratory weekend brunch, or an evening of indulgence, our unlimited dining menu promises to deliver an unparalleled culinary journey. We excel in serving individual guests, as well as larger groups, and private events.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Balkan style, Modern European, Eastern European
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:30 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 813-3039
Website
http://www.ambarrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Nenad Petrovic
Private party facilities
Ambar is a modern Balkan tapas-style restaurant. With a desire to introduce Washington, D.C. to cutting edge Balkan cuisine, proprietor Ivan Iricanin has created a dining space that will delight and indulge the senses.
Private party contact
Tamara Jovanovic: (202) 813-3039

Location
523 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Neighborhood
Capitol Hill
Cross street
E Street
Parking details
Public metered parking via parking station is available along 8th Street, SE from E Street to our north to I street to our south. 2 hour residential parking located nearby in the surrounding neighborhood at E Street, G Street, 7th Street, and 9th StreetOrange, Blue and Silver Lines exiting at the Eastern Market metro station are next to Ambar.
Public transit
We are metro accessible via the Orange, Blue and Silver Lines exiting at the Eastern Market metro station. Walk east to 8th Street and then proceed south 1 and a half blocks to our location at 523 8th Street (west side of the block).
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

NYE 1st Seating
$79.99 per person
Dec 31, 2024 only
Ambar is offering two seating options, the first is between 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., which includes unlimited small plates with New Year’s Eve specials priced at $79.99 per person (tax and gratuity not included, and guests are limited to two-hour time limit). The second seating, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., is priced at $89.99 per person (tax and gratuity not included) which includes unlimited small plates with New Year’s Eve specials. Guests can also enjoy unlimited drinks for $27.99 per person. Guests dining during the second seating will enjoy unlimited food and drinks until 12:30 a.m.
NYE Last Seating
$89.99 per person
Dec 31, 2024 only
Ambar is offering two seating options, the first is from 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., which includes unlimited small plates with New Year’s Eve specials priced at $79.99 per person (tax and gratuity not included, and guests are limited to two-hour time limit). The second seating, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., is priced at $89.99 per person (tax and gratuity not included) which includes unlimited small plates with New Year’s Eve specials. Guests can also enjoy unlimited drinks for $27.99 per person. Guests dining during the second seating will enjoy unlimited food and drinks until 12:30 a.m.

Popular dishes

What 4,999 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

District of Columbia
Best Value

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Ambar Capitol Hill offers a "delicious feast" with an impressive variety of Balkan-inspired dishes. Guests love the "world-famous Balkan Hospitality" and the cozy ambiance, making it perfect for special occasions or a casual outing. The "exceptional quality" of food, from small plates to flavorful drinks, ensures a memorable dining experience.

4,999 Reviews

G
Grover
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service. Food was awfully heavy— it is BALKAN— though it is a great place to go if you are wanting lamb. The cocktails like Kiwi were very good, but I would opt out of the house gin next time.
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C
Chris
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great, great time! Beef short ribs were a huge hit with everyone. Service was very responsive. Lovely inside. My friends and I are New Yorkers. Next time we’re in DC, we’re going back to Ambar!
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C
Cristina
Pittsburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our first time dining at Ambar and we thought it was amazing. Everything was perfect from the food, to the speed and attention to detail with the service to the overall restaurant experience. My father in law is very stubborn and does not like anything "different" and I was beyond excited to see how much he loved this restaurant! My 8yo also loved getting to take a bite and dry all of the different dishes. So happy to have experienced this restaurant.
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J
Judith
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Large range of truly delicious offerings. Plus open on December 25, when very few restaurants are. The mushroom flatbread and the salmon Benedict were real standouts.
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D
Derek
VIP
Jacksonville
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Was cold for the first hour in the outside patio but otherwise was good. Food service was kind of slow but our waiter was on point and attentive.
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I
Iman
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The hostess did an amazing job seating us with our accommodation requests for my mother! Food was great as usual and service as attentive.
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A
Amber
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good service, food arrived quickly, drinks were refilled consistently. Enjoyed the experience and ambiance.
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J
Julie
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic! Love this place, we come every time we are in town. Great food, great service.
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M
Madeline
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great quality food and the service was amazing. Everything was fresh and flavorful, the homemade bread was also fantastic.
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J
Jose
VIP
Austin
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was fantastic all around. Great food and great service!
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FAQs

Ambar Capitol Hill offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Ambar Capitol Hill also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 813-3039.

Ambar Capitol Hill is rated 4.7 stars by 4999 OpenTable diners.