AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago

Reviews

• JM

  Julia Matera

  1 day ago
  5.0
  We had a fantastic lunch at AMBAR! We did the unlimited option which was a great deal for downtown Chicago and the amazing quality of food. The indoor area is full of hanging flowers and decor that make you feel like you’re on a getaway and the patio was beautiful too with plenty of seating. Our server Brayan hooked us up with recommendations for things not to miss on the menu (even we couldn’t try EVERYTHING in one go) and was prompt and friendly. All of the wait staff was friendly and several people checked in to put in additional drink orders or take plates. Everything we had was good, though I particularly liked the croquettes, roasted lamb and the drunken mussels. The kebabs, potato wedges, and brussel sprouts were also a hit for the whole table. Good sized plates for sharing but not so big you can’t try a lot of things. Just FYI on the unlimited drinks- only for brunch and dinner not lunch ☹️ but lunchtime has its own happy hour and the drinks were good! Loved the kiwi smash (even not as a big gin fan), and the white sangria and amber beer were sooo good too. Highly recommend and will have to try the brunch!
• IC

  I. Cole

  2 days ago
  1.0
  Not safe for everyone. This is a beautifully curated space. The lighting, floral arrangements, woodwork, and décor reflect exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. We were initially drawn to the restaurant through social media promotions and influencer content highlighting many of these features, along with the warm atmosphere and dining experience. Unfortunately, our experience did not match those expectations. While the restaurant appeared successful in attracting a broad audience through its marketing, the service did not seem equally prepared to welcome that diverse clientele. During our visit, we observed interactions that suggested some guests received noticeably warmer and more attentive service than others. Social media promotions can attract a wide range of diners. Some guests may arrive with unrealistic expectations or behave in demanding ways. However, customer service should not be influenced by assumptions about patrons before they have had an opportunity to interact with the staff. In our case, our server was vaguely polite, but consistently distant and dismissive. As the day progressed, his behavior became increasingly passive aggressive. He appeared visibly inconvenienced by routine requests, and on more than one occasion spilled items onto members of our party, responding only with a casual, "Oops, my bad." Other wait staff routinely plopped or piled dishes on top of others at the table, without regard to if it would fit or be accessible. At the same time, we observed him serving other tables with attentiveness, kindness, and professionalism. Based on what we witnessed throughout our visit, this did not appear to be an isolated interaction. Rather, it gave the impression of a broader service culture in which some guests received a markedly different level of hospitality than others. For that reason, I would hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone who has experienced being judged or treated differently based on perceived identity. Every guest deserves to be welcomed with the same courtesy, respect, and professionalism from the moment they are seated
• RT

  Romy Tackbary

  Jul 2, 2026
  1.0
  I was really excited to try this place out after a friend told me about it. We ended up going together and at first, the service was pretty decent. However, when my friend mentioned that she was Albanian to the server, our service got significantly worse. We found out later that he was Serbian which might explain the poor service afterwards. We had to flag down other servers multiple times and noticed the guests he was serving right next to us were being checked up on way more than us. The food was amazing, but the way we were served was ridiculous. Also, when it came to paying the bill, we were being stared down when tipping. It made us quite uncomfortable. I don’t believe we will return.
• EW

  Erika Whitehead

  Jul 2, 2026
  4.0
  I recently visited Ambar to celebrate my birthday, and it had been on my list ever since I came across the menu. Since we were already doing happy hour nearby, it was the perfect restaurant within walking distance to continue the celebration. The moment I saw the menu, I was sold. Before we even arrived, I was impressed by the level of customer service. Because I had booked a larger party, the event coordinator reached out to explain the menu and introduce me to the Ambar Experience—their all-you-can-enjoy tasting menu for just $55 per person. After looking through the selections, I knew this was the right choice because honestly, everything sounded amazing. We had several last-minute cancellations, so our group ended up being much smaller than expected. Even so, the team was incredibly accommodating and gracious, which I really appreciated. The Ambar Experience absolutely lived up to the hype. Every dish we ordered was beautifully prepared, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. I'll definitely be bringing my family back so they can experience it, too. We started with the spicy feta, white bean hummus, roasted pepper spread, marinated olives with pickled vegetables, and beet tzatziki. It was a fantastic way to begin the meal. We had also been looking forward to trying the clotted cream, but it never made it to the table. We assumed it may have been unavailable since it wasn't mentioned. From the vegetable selections, we ordered the Brussels sprouts, baby carrots, crispy corn ribs, and wild mushrooms. Everything was delicious, but the baby carrots completely surprised me—they were easily my favorite vegetable of the evening. The meat, poultry, and seafood selections were where Ambar truly shined. We enjoyed the Balkan kebab, NY strip, lamb medallions, beef goulash, roasted lamb, wood-fired branzino, drunken mussels, grilled shrimp, and the beef tartare from the Chef's Signature menu. While every dish was outstanding, the clear standouts were the lamb medallions, the branzino, and the drunken mussels. They were so good that we kept ordering additional plates long after we were already full! We also added the unlimited beverage package for just $27 per person, which was an incredible value. The house Old Fashioned, white sangria, and strawberry lemonade were all excellent and paired perfectly with the meal. Unfortunately, the service put a significant damper on what was supposed to be a special evening. Throughout dinner, we constantly felt rushed. Every time our server approached the table, we felt like we had to be completely ready with our next order because if we weren't, he would immediately turn and walk away. When bringing drinks, he would place them at the edge of the table and slide them across instead of setting them in front of the person who ordered them. While that may seem like a small detail, it contributed to an overall feeling that the service lacked care and hospitality. His demeanor throughout the evening also wasn't warm or welcoming. To add to that, as our group gathered near the front of the restaurant to take a birthday photo before leaving, another server brushed past my sister, bumping into her without saying "excuse me" or acknowledging what had happened. Had the food not been as exceptional as it was, I'm not sure I would have considered returning based solely on the service we received. That said, the quality of the food easily ranks among the best I've had in Chicago, and it's the reason I'll be back. If the service matched the caliber of the kitchen, this would be an easy five-star experience. Even with the hiccups, I'm looking forward to returning because the Ambar Experience truly is one of the best dining values in the city.
• CC

  Ctgb

  Jun 28, 2026
  5.0
  I visited AMBAR Restaurant in Chicago, and it was a really memorable dining experience from start to finish. The restaurant has a modern, stylish atmosphere with a warm and welcoming vibe that makes it perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. I tried a selection of their dishes meant for sharing, and everything came out beautifully presented and full of flavor. The small-plate style made it easy to explore different tastes, and each dish felt thoughtfully prepared. I especially enjoyed how balanced the flavors were—rich but not overwhelming. The service was excellent throughout the meal. The staff was attentive, friendly, and took the time to explain the menu, which helped a lot for a first-time visitor. Even during busy hours, everything felt well-coordinated and smooth. One tip: go with a group so you can try more dishes, and definitely make a reservation if you're planning to visit during peak dining hours. Overall, I had a fantastic experience at AMBAR Restaurant. Thank you to the team for the great food, thoughtful service, and inviting atmosphere. I would gladly come back again on my next trip to Chicago.