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Ambar Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
Award-winning

Ambar Capitol Hill

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Visa Dining Collection

4.7 (5107)
$30 and under
Balkan style
523 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 61 times today

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–9:30 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:30 pm Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 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 5,107 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

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ambar Capitol Hill offers a unique Balkan-inspired dining experience with its "unlimited small plates" concept, praised for "amazing food" and "exceptional service." Guests rave about the "great variety of dishes" and "outstanding value," making it a top choice for brunch and dinner. With friendly staff and a lively atmosphere, it's a must-visit in DC.
5,107 Reviews

  1. Adom

    Detroit / Eastern Michigan1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great spot for brunch and very accommodating for bringing along our 9 month old. You’ll want to try as many of the unlimited brunch items as you can!

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  2. Brittany

    Washington, D.C. Area7 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    When we sat down we got one menu and had to ask for a second one when the waiter came over asking what we wanted to order. Fine enough but, with one menu, it was hard to order even a drink. Food was good and came out timely. After the first round of just spreads, the waiter asked is we wanted to close out… we said no, and placed our second order. Someone else came to clear our plates and silverware but didn’t bring us replacements. When our second order came out, we had to wait and try to flag someone to ask for replacement items. When they brought plates one of them had dried, crusted food on it so, I waited again until someone came by to ask for another one. After we ordered our final round, we were prepared for the $54 option but, between the last round and the waiter returning was a frustrating experience because it took an abnormal amount of time [about 15-20 minutes]. My friend and I decided to forgo the $54 option because we were very ready to leave at that point. When we finally got the waiter back- I was able to ask for our checks to which all of a sudden was immediately available and taken care of right away…
    Ambar Capitol HillResponded 1 day ago
    Hi Brittany, Thank you for dining with us and for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. I’m truly sorry to hear about the inconsistent service you experienced — from the lack of menus to the delays in receiving necessary items. This is not the level of hospitality we aim to provide, and your comments have been shared with our team so we can address these issues directly. We’re glad you enjoyed the food and ambience, and we hope you’ll consider giving us another opportunity to provide you with the seamless and attentive service you deserve. We appreciate your visit and your candid review. Best regards, Ambar Capitol Hill

    Is this helpful?

  3. Sandi

    Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great service, great food, well priced for everything we got. The only complaint was the lights flickered often in the room where we ate (2nd floor room with wine racks covering the wall) and the nearest bathroom wasn't especially well-stocked or clean.
    Ambar Capitol HillResponded 1 day ago
    Hi Sandi, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the food, service, and value. Your feedback about the lighting in the wine room and the nearby restroom is greatly appreciated. We’ve shared this with our team so we can address it. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, Ambar Capitol Hill

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  4. Catherine VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area41 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a lovely lunch with excellent service by Kinsey and others.

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  5. Chamisa

    Baltimore / Maryland3 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    It was super hot on Sunday. The greeter tried to seat us in the plastic outdoor tent which felt like a sauna. They changed our seating to the standard outdoor seating. No air conditioning, no fan, no accommodations. Some food came out fast while other entrees came out so slowly that our waiter submitted another request for them. Honestly, it would have been better to eat next door at Matchbox pizza. They had air conditioning, a bar and a DJ.
    Ambar Capitol HillResponded on June 24, 2025
    Hi Chamisa, We’re sorry to hear that your visit was impacted by the extreme heat. Our team did their best to accommodate seating changes during the heatwave, but we understand it was still an uncomfortable experience. While we offer indoor A/C, space fills quickly on the weekends (especially during brunch) and indoor requests are honored as availability allows. We also apologize for the delay with your items—this will be addressed with the team. Thank you for your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back under better conditions for the full Ambar experience. Best, Ambar Capitol Hill

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  6. Theresa

    Washington, D.C. Area2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We thoroughly enjoyed the Ambar Unlimited Brunch experience, which was wonderful. So many dishes to try, and all were delicious. Such a great price for all-you-can-eat brunch with a variety that isn't a buffet.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Laura

    Charlotte6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We come from a few states away just to enjoy one of our absolutely favorite restaurants! Food and service are top notch as always. Thank you Valentin (our server) for a wonderful evening with friends!

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  8. Dedrick VIP

    Atlanta52 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was amazing and service was excellent. The salmon dish was just okay. Everything else was outstanding.

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  9. Alex

    Washington, D.C. Area10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and food. Definitely a keeper. Well done!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Snjezana

    Washington, D.C. Area25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food is amazing as always. Great choices and even better flavors

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Ambar Capitol Hill offers delivery in partnership with 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 5107 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
Booked 61 times today
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–9:30 pm Fri 4:00 pm–10:30 pm Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 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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Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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