AMBAR Restaurant, Capitol Hill

Reviews

• SP

  Sharon Petzinger

  1 day ago
  5.0
  This was my first time having balkan cuisine and I am so glad I tried it! I had the spread sampler on the happy hour menu and it was amazing. The urnebe and the beet tzatziki spreads were my favorites, but each spread had wonderful flavors that were enhanced differently based on which of the two types of bread, pickled veggies, and olives you combined with the spread. The staff were very friendly and prices were great for the amount of food. I wish I could have sampled more food but I was too full!
• EK

  Ella Kavitz

  1 day ago
  5.0
  The food was phenomenal, filling, and delicious. However, what stood out wasn’t the cuisine… it was the service. From the moment I sat down, THE, Hannah took care of me and my partner in a way like I’ve never been cared for before by another server. This isn’t just “good service”; Hannah is what the standard should be for all customer service interactions, always. Hannah, we thank you sincerely, and I’ll be coming back with my family to this location solely to have the privilege of experiencing YOUR service again. Thank you so much 🩷
• RL

  Rushit Lodaya

  Apr 5, 2026
  4.0
  Ámbar was definitely worth the hype. We had been contemplating going to this place for some time now and finally been able to make it with friends visiting from NJ. Although a little cramped, it is very kid friendly, has a downstairs and a huge upstairs seating! The brunch selection was huge, the service provided by Valentine was excellent! We went for brunch option with bottomless drinks. The kids enjoyed so much, and so glad they do small plates, we were able to finish more or less anything! Also really good of the restaurant to not charge for kids under 6. All in all, a fantastic experience.
• MT

  Mia Trotta

  Apr 4, 2026
  5.0
  If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience in DC, Ambar Capitol Hill absolutely delivers—and then some. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance sets the tone: warm, vibrant, and inviting without being overwhelming. It strikes that rare balance between upscale and comfortable, making it perfect for anything from a special night out to a relaxed, indulgent dinner with friends. What truly sets Ambar apart is their Balkan-inspired dining concept, especially the unlimited small plates experience. It’s not just a gimmick—it’s an incredibly well-executed way to explore a wide variety of flavors without ever feeling rushed. Each dish arrives beautifully presented, and more importantly, every bite feels intentional and thoughtfully prepared. The menu is packed with standout options, but a few dishes genuinely left a lasting impression. The slow-cooked meats were incredibly tender and flavorful, clearly prepared with care and patience. The grilled items had that perfect char that adds depth without overpowering the natural taste. Their spreads and breads were equally memorable—fresh, rich, and perfect for starting the meal. Even the vegetable dishes, which are often overlooked at other restaurants, were vibrant and full of flavor here. The drinks deserve just as much praise. Whether you’re exploring their cocktails, wines, or traditional Balkan spirits, everything feels curated to complement the food perfectly. The cocktails, in particular, were balanced and creative without being overly complicated. Service was another highlight of the experience. The staff were attentive, friendly, and impressively knowledgeable about the menu. They made excellent recommendations and kept the flow of dishes coming at just the right pace. You never feel rushed, but there’s also never a moment where you’re left waiting or wondering. One of the things I appreciated most was how consistent the quality was across everything we tried. Sometimes with unlimited or tasting-style menus, quality can vary—but that was not the case here. Every dish maintained a high standard, which speaks volumes about the kitchen and overall management. The atmosphere also deserves a second mention—it’s lively enough to feel exciting, yet still intimate enough to have a meaningful conversation. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into creating not just a meal, but a full dining experience. If there’s any downside at all, it’s that this place is popular—so reservations are highly recommended. But honestly, that just speaks to how good it is. Overall, Ambar Capitol Hill is easily a five-star experience. It’s the kind of restaurant you leave already planning your next visit, thinking about which dishes you’ll reorder and which new ones you’ll try. Highly, highly recommend.
• MK

  Mariam Kassis

  Apr 4, 2026
  5.0
  Came across this place here on Google. My party of 4 did the unlimited dinner and drinks and usually I worry that sometimes the staff during these unlimited things won’t be attentive or sometimes it’s a little gimmicky. Let me tell you right now this place was none of that. The staff was so kind and friendly, the food and drinks came out so fast. Our waitress was so kind and one of our party is vegan and she helped accommodate to substitute and modify dishes. The food was incredible and drinks were delicious. The sangria was full bodied, the old fashions weren’t too sweet and the mango lemonade used real mango puree. The food was also incredible. The standouts were the dips and the fresh bread, the cevapi which had an incredible real wood fired grill flavor, the lamb lasagna and so much more I can’t remember at this time because I think we may have tried the whole menu. 0 complaints and will definitely return.