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Ambar Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
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Award-winning

Ambar Capitol Hill

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Visa Dining Collection

4.7 (5089)
$30 and under
Balkan style
523 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions

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.

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
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • 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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Private dining

Menu

Ambar Capitol Hill's menu was last updated on 9/8/2023.

View menu on restaurant's website

What 5,089 people are saying

Ambar Capitol Hill reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.7Service
  • 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 vibrant Balkan dining experience with "excellent hospitality" and "amazing food." The unlimited small plates and drinks are a "great value," allowing guests to explore a wide variety of dishes. The service is "quick, attentive, and friendly," enhancing the overall delightful atmosphere.

5,089 Reviews

  1. Vaseema

    Washington, D.C. Area10 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Quality has significantly gone down since I last visited last year. For the price, the quality is as important as quantity. The brussel sprouts were small and tasteless, kebabs too salty, and the bread basket now is mostly pita bread. The best dishes were the croquettes and chicken skewers.
    Ambar Capitol HillResponded today
    Hi Vaseema, Thank you for this thoughtful review. We’re sorry to hear that your recent visit didn’t meet your expectations. It’s always disheartening when a returning guest feels a decline in quality. Your feedback is incredibly valuable as we work to maintain the consistency and care you’ve come to expect from us over the years. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know and hope to welcome you back for a much better experience. Best, Ambar Capitol Hill

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jessica VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfectly prepared and delicious food. Amazing staff.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Mary

    Washington, D.C. Area14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I always love coming to Ambar, the food is amazing, the people there are great, as well as our server Courtney, was the best!🥰❤️

    Is this helpful?

  4. Tiffany

    Washington, D.C. Area9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was impeccable. I mentioned my food allergy and my server was so helpful and let me k ow the ingredients in my food and drinks! 10/10 recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Marc VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good choice for brunch, good selection with unlimited choice

    Is this helpful?

  6. Shea Amoguis

    Anchorage2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing service and delicious food. &49.99 bottomless menu is 1000% worth the cost.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Sian

    New Orleans / Louisiana1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food, friendly service, great value! We really enjoyed sampling lots of different dishes. Some of the items were a little slow coming from the kitchen but it wasn’t a problem at all.

    Is this helpful?

  8. David

    Cancun4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 20, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Ample selectiin of food. All inclusive packages, happy hour and alacarte menu.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Elizabeth

    Washington, D.C. Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent hospitality and amazing food!!! This place did not disappoint. Will be back again!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Harrison VIP

    Dallas - Fort Worth11 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Delightful small plate fare at this Balkan-inspired spot. An a la carte menu is offered but the prix fixe option is the way to go because it gives you mental permission to keep sampling! There is also an all-you-want cocktail option; I'm quite sure the drinks are pre-mixed but my Old Fashioned(s) were fine. We dined at the Capitol Hill location and were seated at street level by the kitchen, and servers were constantly whizzing past our table. The atmosphere there is rather dim and blah; recommend being seated upstairs. Service was prompt but too much so for our taste, and felt rushed. And don't arrive early expecting to grab a drink before dinner; the bar is just a table service bar with no seating. Ambient noise was blessedly lower than what seems to be the (abysmal) standard these days. Overall we'd go again, but would sit upstairs and ask our server to slow it down. For a bonus, couple dinner with a show at the adjacent Miracle Theatre, a wonderful and intimate venue.

    Is this helpful?

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 5089 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.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Washington, D.C. Area
  4. District of Columbia
  5. Capitol Hill

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Google Map for Ambar Capitol Hill

523 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Dining areas

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 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 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
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • 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

Featured in

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