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Ambar Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
Award-winning

Ambar Capitol Hill

4.7
4.7
5030 Reviews
$30 and under
Balkan style

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2 people
19:00
Booked 87 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • 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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

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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 10:00–15:30 Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00–15:30 Dinner Mon–Thu 16:00–22:00 Fri 16:00–23:00 Sat 17:00–23:00 Sun 17:00–22:00
  • 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
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 5,030 people are saying

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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • District of Columbia

    Best Value

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Ambar Capitol Hill is a must-visit for food lovers seeking a unique Balkan dining experience. Guests rave about the "unlimited dinner experience," with an impressive variety of "delicious small plates." The service is consistently "excellent," highlighted by attentive, friendly staff. The cozy ambiance and "wonderful atmosphere" make it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.

5,030 Reviews

  1. Ashley

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a a great time! Did not eat one bad thing! We truly loved it- so worth it.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Lindsey

    Oklahoma City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sat by the front door, much quieter but colder, great ambiance, food was great. absolutely recommend for brunch

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  3. ELLEN

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Went for Valentines Day. Food was great, all service was prompt, server stayed ahead of the game on drink refills and taking orders for more plates.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Shanay

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I always enjoy my time at Ambar. I’ve come several time with my job at Project Create and recently took my husband. He really enjoyed the food and variety.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Ray

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Overall, it was a great experience. Their concept of being able to try anything on the menu with a fixed price was great. We went for brunch, and combined with drinks it was a great value. Highlights for me was the dips with bread, the meat pie, the pork slider and the doughnuts. Everything else was ok. Their beef slider and kabob had more of a sausage like texture. All in all, it’s a great way to try different Eastern European dishes without feeling locked in to just one dish. Since the dish sizes are like tapas, easy to order different things to share and try.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Craig

    VIP

    Cincinnati

    104 reviews

    4.0

    104 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The brunch is fun, and priced well. The selection is so vast you question whether you can get whatever you want on the menu. The drinks are average but good, and the food is well imagined.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Charlotte

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    2.0

    25 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    It was my first visit to the restaurant to celebrate birthdays. The food was mediocre and the service was okay based on other dining experiences as I eat out frequently. I would not rule out going back but have no desire to do so immediately.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Amber

    Baltimore

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on 8 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    All great things to say! The food was so good we completely forgot to take pictures and just enjoyed. We went for Restaurant Week and this has to be one of the best deals going. Unlimited plates, 1st cocktail/drink, and dessert all included for $55/person. Service was wonderful and the pacing of the food courses was perfect. It was busy Friday night but not overly loud and never felt too crowded. 10/10 and will definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Mo

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    All of the food the restaurant week was amazing. I will definitely be back. 

    Is this helpful?

  10. Nathan

    VIP

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 6 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Been coming here for 15 years and it keeps getting more fantastic. The roasted lamb is the best in DC.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Ambar Capitol Hill offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Ambar Capitol Hill also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 813-3039.

Ambar Capitol Hill is rated 4.7 stars by 5030 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 booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 87 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • Area
    Capitol Hill
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–15:30 Lunch Mon–Fri 12:00–15:30 Dinner Mon–Thu 16:00–22:00 Fri 16:00–23:00 Sat 17:00–23:00 Sun 17:00–22:00
  • 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, Takeaway, 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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