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Ambar Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
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This restaurant now offers Takeout

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Award-winning

Ambar Capitol Hill

4.8
4.8
4651 Reviews
$30 and under
Balkan style
Top Tags:
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. At Ambar, our custom catering services add that extra sparkle to your events.

At Ambar, we are revolutionizing dining with inventive Balkan cuisine that blends tradition and innovation, seamlessly. We ensure an unforgettable gastronomic experience with award-winning, extraordinary hospitality. Step into Ambar, the pinnacle of Balkan dining.

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 67 times today

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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 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:30 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).<br />
  • 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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What 4,651 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • District of Columbia

    Best Value

4,651 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Love this place. They have redecorated several times and I like how it was decorated years ago. So the atmosphere is more casual than before. But the food is always good and it’s a crowd pleaser. But I’m positive I don’t eat my moneys worth considering it’s unlimited for two hours. But still a solid place and one of my favorite places to eat.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall2food3service1ambience1
    We didn’t receive everything we ordered and we kept having to remind the server that we didn’t receive certain dishes. The room was also quite loud.

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  3. Eatsdrinkssmiles

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal choice for our first night in Washington DC. The price fixe menu was an ideal way for us to sample several of the delicious tapas. Outstanding was the Beet Tzatziki and the Lasagna! Do not miss.

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  4. AdamB

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I highly recommend everyone go here at least once. It's a great chance to try a lot of new, interesting, and delicious food in on visit.They are very patient and helpful if it's your first time. Everything we got was amazing.My favorite was either the pork neck or the gnocchi.My wife was either the meat pie or the lamb. You cannot go wrong with your choices.

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  5. karenm

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious and plentiful. Service was beyond excellent

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience1
    We appreciate the hostess for sitting us on the first floor upon our need and request. Otherwise the food lacks test. The server is new and hard to communicate. Excess food was served at our table. Parking is a real challenge. I like the one in Clarendon.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome experience! Waiter was attentive and food was excellent! Noise was from other patrons and not overly unexpected for a Sunday brunch.

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  8. CPRN

    Philadelphia

    40 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    This was a great find! I'm a brunch girl through and through, Ambar did not disappoint! I love that they offer a truly bottomless brunch; meaning both food & cocktails kept flowing! Each dish we tried was delicious, with standouts being the grilled hanger steak and cinnamon sourdough bites. Despite the restaurant being very busy, the service remained attentive throughout our entire meal. I'm looking forward to introducing this gem to friends!

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  9. Shaun

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food with great accommodations …. I will return for the different flavors Amber offers.

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  10. SarahE

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    I have been going to Ambar since it opened years ago. It had been a while since I went for dinner so I thought it would be fun for my stepmom’s birthday dinner. In fact, they sent emails out to promote dining there on Black Friday so I figured that was a plus. My mistake. From the moment we walked in it was clear the restaurant did not have its act together. First, it took them over 5 minutes and many repetitions of the name and time of reservation to find it. Then we waited over 10 minutes to be seated in a half empty restaurant. Our table was right neat the kitchen, which looked like it might be fun. Another mistake. We ordered the unlimited meal and had a couple of nice bottles of wine. Our server was attentive in the beginning and then just disappeared for 20 minutes and we could not get anyone’s attention who would actually help us. Our food did not come out at all or not correctly several times. Finally we just gave up and departed…after paying a 400.00 bill (with tip). No mention of the birthday celebration at all. What a bust. I’m really disappointed and doubt I will go back there anytime soon despite that it used to be one of my favorites to which I would bring all my visitors. Maybe they are a victim of their own success?

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great experience overall. But food took a while to come . Especially those ordered for our son and he was getting cranky with hunger .

    Is this helpful?

  12. AlyM

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I’ve been to this location 3 times now. It has yet to disappoint! The food is always excellent and if you plan it right the amount of food you get for the price is very good.

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  13. JJR1

    Portland

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Dining out at AMBAR was a great experience -- interesting cuisine that was fun to sample. We would definitely come back and would definitely recommend!

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  14. NatalieS

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Amazing food and a perfect spot for date night or dinner with friends!

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  15. ChastityG

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was superior. Food was hot and came to the table quickly. 10/10

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing way to explore a new cuisine. Highly recommend, and everything was outstanding

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  17. LindaR

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    To everyone our waiter Courtney was amazing . Very attentive to everyone's needs

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  18. ChelseaD

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing birthday brunch with fantastic food and drinks!

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  19. JackF

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Noise levels were way too high. Restaurant needs sound deadening panels. I would recommend having an accoustic engineer do some measuring and offer treatments.

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  20. GeoffryB

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Worth every penny. The bottomless small plates style is very fun, especially when the food is fantastic. Also awesome atmosphere inside. Highly recommend!

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  21. AlexandraS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food! loved all-you-can-eat brunch. Highly recommend it, but get a reservation!

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  22. Bekah

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love love love this place!!! Can’t recommend it more. Just make sure to come hungry!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Went to brunch it was delicious and would definitely come back , loved our server Paul !

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great concept and pretty much everything we ordered was delicious. Our favorites were the steak tartare, kebab, meat pie , Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and goulash Highly recommended

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  25. Bernie

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Tried a Balkan lamb stew. Much heavier than my usual fare. Noise level from the bar was over the top. We left quickly after our meal because of it. Server was very nice and efficient.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    The experience was subpar for Ambar. Our waiter, Courtney, did an excellent job at serving us. However, there was an extreme delay in the kitchen, and we received our dishes later than we’d like during dinner. Additionally, some of the food was either room temperature or cold.

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  27. StaceyS

    Dallas

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Peter was a wonderful waiter. He was able to accommodate my very limited diet with tons of food choices. Each were delicious. Cannot wait to go back! Fabulous food!

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Northern MI

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Lovely experience and food. Would recommend without a doubt

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  29. VictoriaS

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Paul our server made our Ambar experience! So attentive and professional, we really enjoyed our brunch!

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and the service was great as always😊. Catie the manager was amazing!🥰Definitely coming back.🤗

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  31. TyrellS

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The brunch and food was great. The only think I’d change is the speed at which the plates and mimosas were brought out.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing Brunch experience. We were seated on third floor and the weather was perfect for that dining area. Server was great and gave amazing suggestions. Highly recommend the Cevapi Balkan Kebab, Cheese Pie and Red Sangria!

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious and I was seated quickly. They were busy but the food came out timely. Would definitely come back.

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  34. OutofTowner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My second time. Will always make a stop here when in town!

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  35. DavidS

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service as always. We took friends from out of town and they were very impressed.

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  36. Anairda

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Juice had a hair when brought to table. Food was cold when got to the table.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    It was amazing! unlimited food and drinks make it the perfect lunch or dinner.

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  38. none

    Washington DC

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and even better food. We went early which helped with noise factor.

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  39. Timtruman1

    Washington DC

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome dinner! Great customer service! Can’t wait to go back!

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  40. MichaelH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Some of the best food that we've enjoyed in our travels. And, with tapas, you get the opportunity to try so many different foods. It was definitely the best meal we had in DC!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Ambar Capitol Hill using the Order Online button. Ambar Capitol Hill also 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 4.8 stars by 4651 OpenTable diners.

Ambar Capitol Hill does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 67 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ambar Capitol Hill

523 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    E Street
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill
  • 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 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Balkan style, Modern European, Eastern European
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • 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).
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Nenad Petrovic
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.ambarrestaurant.com/
  • Phone number
    (202) 813-3039
  • 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

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