Ambar is a gem of a restaurant in the Eastern Market area specializing in Balkan Cuisine. I knew Ambar as a great brunch spot, but their new Balkan experience menu really caught my attention.
For dinner, you can order a la carte, or you can order the Balkan Experience menu. There are two options under the Balkan experience menu: unlimited small plates and unlimited drinks for $49 per person, or unlimited small plates and Balkan specialties with unlimited drinks for $59 per person. Prices exclude tax and gratuity. These are great deals, and the food is fantastic.
The small plates are appropriate for sharing, and include mezze, spreads, pies, flatbreads, soup, salads, vegetables, meat and poultry, sausages, seafood, and grilled selections. The menu has options for everyone.
If you are going for the Balkan Experience, the more people at the table, the better. Standout dishes include: the stuffed cabbage, the mushroom crepes, the Balkan salad, and the mussels. I really had to cut down the number of photos I was including, every dish that came out was quickly declared my favorite. Also, beware of the bread: it is delicious. Don’t make the mistake I made and devour the bread before many of the other dishes arrive.
A selection of cocktails, beers, and house wines are included in the Balkan Experience menu. Ambar also carries over 52 varieties of rakias–fruit brandies, and a selection of unique wines from Serbia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia as well as Italy and California.
Finally, for dessert, do not skip the forest gnocchi. It is a decadent dessert bowl with unexpected flavors and textures that complement each other.
The best part about Ambar is the hospitality. The atmosphere is fun and energetic. Our servers were warm and friendly. This attention to hospitality makes an evening at Ambar one to remember. If you are looking for a different and fun dining experience and a place where you will be treated like family, look no further than Ambar. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Below are more photos of this delicious feast.
Disclosure: I was invited to a tasting at Ambar. I was not compensated for writing this post. All views are my own.
One Vanilla Bean 