Ambar

Ambar Capitol Hill serves small plates with rustic Chic flair

Ambar Capitol Hill serves small plates with rustic Chic flair

Ambar on Capitol Hill is the seven-year-old birthplace of a Balkan and Mexican restaurant empire now sprinkled across the DMV.

Its mezze-focused flagship operation (523 8th Street SE). The 3,000-square-foot Balkan oasis is twice as large, with a new pastel-hued patio.

The rooftop welcomes guests 365 days a year with movable, teal slats that open up and close at the push of a button.

Its first-floor patio can fit dozens of diners across the two outdoor areas.

As you walk in, guests are surrounded by visually bold floor-to-ceiling stone walls.

Four separate dining areas create a vibe with their own names and themes:Chef’s Room, Rakia Bar, The Wine Cellar and Garden Room.

The “Rakia Bar” plays up Balkan’s famous fruit brandy.

The “Rakia Bar” plays up Balkan’s famous fruit brandy.

Balkan spirts and wine are poured at all four bars on-site.

A second-floor wine cellar, lined with a 360-degree assortment of vintage bottles, plans to evolve into a bar that hosts educational tastings.

Ambar ran a series of virtual wine classes during the pandemic to help build up a following for the less-known wine region.

Ambar is mbest-known for its small plates menu: familiar spreads, salads, Serbian small plates, flatbreads, and lamb lasagna.

$25 per person at lunch and $35 per person at dinner with a two-hour time limit.

A takeout menu for two ($39) includes mains like wild mushroom risotto or beef short rib goulash.

 

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