Ambar Spreads Tasting
$ 7.00Freshly baked pita bread & cornbread, ajvar, beet tzatziki, white bean hummus, urnebes, marinated olives & house pickled vegetables
Freshly baked pita bread & cornbread, ajvar, beet tzatziki, white bean hummus, urnebes, marinated olives & house pickled vegetables
Rich and creamy traditional Balkan skim milk spread
Roasted pepper, garlic, and eggplant spread
Cannellini beans garnished with pickled jalapeno
Refreshing beet yogurt dip with garlic and dill
Feta cheese pureed with chilli flakes and a roasted pepper jam
Peas, green beans, carrot, mayo, eggs, potato mustard
Flash fried cauliflower, coated in a crunchy pine nut crumble, and served on top of vibrant spinach tahini pesto
Topped with creamy feta and melted mozzarella cheeses and finished with a fresh arugula salad, lightly dressed with truffle & olive oil
Wedge cut, tossed in a house spice blend, and topped with a homemade smoked aioli
Diced pepper, onion, cucumber, and cherry tomato salad. Tossed in sherry vinegar and topped with feta cheese
Chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb and almond crust. Served with apple wasabi & pickled fresno
House ground lamb, served with lemon-garlic, yogurt, lettuce & tomato
Tender veal meat, a medley of root vegetables & crème fraiche
Traditional house ground beef kebab served on a spicy feta spread
Rakija, traditional Balkan brandy-flambéed mussels, served in a rich garlic cream sauce
Blend of roasted tomatoes, red bell peppers, and fresh basil with a touch of house-made pesto
Carpaccio-style roasted beets with pomegranate - beet root reduction, topped with arugula, candied pecans, and goat cheese
Thinly sliced cucumbers, beets, apples & carrots, topped with crunchy sriracha sunflower seeds. Drizzled with a zesty honey-lemon dressing
Garlic marinated, topped with feta crumble and scallion
Cheese stuffed marinated piquillo peppers coated in a crispy bread crumb crust and served atop of tangy cranberry chutney
Chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb and almond crust. Served on a bed of apple wasabi.
With the nutty crunch of black and white sesame seeds, drizzled with sweet honey
Layers of tender lamb ragu, eggplant, creamy béchamel sauce and a blend of cheeses, all nestled between sheets of lasagna dough
Traditional spiced cured beef sausage
Air-dried cured beef delicacy
Assortment of traditional pickled vegetables
Mixed olives marinated in herbs and olive oil
Grilled asparagus coated in a gorgonzola sauce and topped with a balsamic reduction drizzle
Roasted eggplant, zucchini, and sliced potatoes in savory tomato sauce and topped with a blend of feta and Parmesan cheeses
Flash fried cauliflower, coated in a crunchy pine nut crumble, and served on top of vibrant spinach tahini pesto
Coated in a tangy passion fruit Amarillo glaze, served atop a bed of creamy tofu cashew cream and topped with a flavorful chimichurri
Wedge cut, tossed in a house spice blend, and topped with a home made smoked aioli
With savory bacon crumbles, served on a bed of creamy lemon garlic yogurt
Slow cooked beans with garlic, paprika, tomato and blend of traditional spices
Arborio rice slowly cooked in vegetable stock and combined with a flavorful mushroom ragu
Golden crispy potato cubes tossed with sweet caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and a hint of smoky guajillo chile
Traditional house ground beef kebab served on a spicy feta spread
Chicken breast marinated in a Mediterranean bell pepper sauce and served with a mix of pickled onions and fresno peppers
House ground smoked pork sausage served with a home made mustard and red cabbage slaw
House ground lamb, served on a lemon-garlic yogurt, drizzled with pomegranate molasses and with a fresh cucumber, mint & onion salad on the side
Tender beef short ribs braised for five hours in red wine reduction, served with orzo pasta
Traditional Balkan sour cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of pork belly, root vegetables, rice, and spices
Slow-roasted lamb shoulder for six-hours served with medley of oven-roasted potatoes
Chicken breast bites smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and served on a bed of mashed potatoes
Crispy North Country applewood smoked bacon
Traditional savory dish made with a cheese mixture spread over layers of phyllo dough, served on an ajvar emulsion and yogurt
Seasoned ground beef and minced leeks between sheets of phyllo dough and served over a lemon garlic yogurt
Medley of mixed mushrooms sautéed with leeks atop of caramelised onions. Topped with a vibrant fresh arugula and goat cheese
Topped with creamy feta and melted mozzarella cheeses and finished with a fresh arugula salad, lightly dressed with truffle & olive oil
Topped with sujuk beef sausage, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and oregano
Glazed with a lemon-ginger aioli and served on a potato and leek mash
Rakija, traditional Balkan brandy-flambéed mussels, served in a rich garlic cream sauce
Served on a bed of creamy corn purée and topped with feta crumble
Fillet of trout served atop a bed of hearty lentil stew and topped with a vibrant tomato relish
A crispy cheese patty served with tangy remoulade sauce and crunchy pickled cucumber
Juicy house-ground beef topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and smoky mayo
Crispy almond crusted organic chicken, topped with pickled Fresno chiles and a refreshing apple-wasabi slaw
Grilled pork neck with melted cheese on, served with Ambar's mustard and crisp cabbage slaw
Moist cake dough layered with whipped cream cheese and raspberry jelly marmalade, topped with a decadent chocolate glaze
White almond flour, greek yogurt & espresso coffee, glazed with rich milk chocolate and toasted hazelnuts
Rich phyllo layered pastry with crushed pistachio & soaked in lemon-honey syrup, served with vanilla ice cream
Fresh mixed berries with whipped cream
Gin / Kiwi Puree / Lemon Juice / Honey Syrup
Red Wine / Bourbon / Cinnamon Syrup
Plum rakia / bourbon / plum syrup / bitters
Vodka / mango puree / house sour mix
Tequila / lime / agave nectar / house sour mix
Moldova
Moldova
Moldova
Moldova
Virginia
Austria
Nestled in the vibrant heart of the Shaw neighborhood, Ambar Restaurant brings the rich, soulful culinary traditions of the Balkan Peninsula to Washington, D.C. Known as the city’s first Balkan restaurant, Ambar introduces diners to an immersive gastronomic journey characterized by warm hospitality, rustic-chic decor, and an inventive small-plates format. The atmosphere strikes an ideal balance between moody urban sophistication and festive comfort, making it a favorite destination for both romantic date nights and lively group gatherings.
Ambar operates primarily on an innovative all-you-can-eat tapas model, allowing guests to sample extensively across the menu for a fixed per-person price (around $49.99). Individual small plates range from $5 to $9, while beverages, cocktails, and regional wines offer remarkable value—especially during their celebrated happy hours. For diners looking to experience authentic Eastern European flavors without traveling overseas, Ambar delivers exceptional portion generosity and creative execution.
Reservations are strongly recommended due to Ambar's immense popularity in the local dining scene. The kitchen excels at accommodating various dietary preferences, offering an extensive selection of naturally gluten-free small plates, vegetarian spreads, and plant-based vegetable dishes. Whether you are exploring Balkan cuisine for the first time or returning for your favorite house-made spreads, Ambar provides a memorable and transportative dining adventure.
1334 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
1250 9th St NW Unit 2, Washington, DC 20001
606 Florida Ave NW #1853, Washington, DC 20001
501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
1700 1st St NW, Washington, DC 20001
1005 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Ambar Shaw specializes in traditional and modern Balkan cuisine, offering small plates inspired by the culinary traditions of Serbia and the wider Balkan Peninsula.
The restaurant is famous for its all-you-can-eat Balkan Experience format, along with standout signature dishes such as the Lamb Lasagna, almond-crusted Fried Chicken, and house-made Ambar Spreads Tasting.
Yes, Ambar offers an extensive selection of vegetarian-friendly small plates, spreads like ajvar and white bean hummus, and vegetable dishes such as flash-fried cauliflower and grilled asparagus.
Yes, the menu features a wide variety of naturally gluten-free items, including grilled meats, seafood dishes, and vegetable medleys, though guests should always inform their server of any severe allergies.
Ambar operates primarily on a popular all-you-can-eat small plates model priced around $49.99 per person, with individual plates ranging from $5 to $9 and drinks starting between $6 and $8 during happy hour.
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