
Ambar blends the rich traditions of Balkan cuisine with innovative creativity and modern design, creating an experience as vibrant and dynamic as the city of Chicago. Here, you’ll indulge in bold, unforgettable flavors, sip on expertly crafted drinks, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere that perfectly balances Chicago’s energy with comfort and high style. Every detail is carefully designed to offer a truly unique experience, leaving you captivated and wanting more. Welcome to Ambar, where Chicago’s spirit meets the best of the Balkans.
Small plates menu of traditional Balkan dishes, plus regional spirits, offered in rustic-chic digs.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 700 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 547-1700
Website: https://ambarrestaurant.com/ambarchicago?utm_source=google
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: restaurent.comopentable.com
Related Web Results
Best European restaurant in Chicago, IL – AMBAR
A BALKAN CUISINE RESTAURANT (@ambar_restaurantchicago)
Chicago Menus – AMBAR
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Reviews
We visited on a Sunday evening. It was quite busy, but the food came out fairly quickly.
I really enjoyed the spreads, the tartare was excellent, and the shrimp and mussels were very good. The lamb flatbread and the mini burger were also great. And the bread — AMAZING. The bakery selection is truly top-level.
The branzino and the NY steak were a bit 50/50 for me. For some reason, they completely cover the dishes with a spicy sauce, which overpowers the natural flavor of the fish and the meat.
We were served by Matija — he was great, attentive, and patiently answered all of our questions
We were blown away by the quality of the food and attention to detail. I recommend the intricate house sangria and tender beef goulash – non-negotiables for us!!
Service was great and we felt very well cared for. Also felt safe as a lesbian couple. We will definitely be back with friends and family!
I studied the menu carefully and decided on the weekday lunch experience – great choice.
It started with a variety of hummus and dips served with fresh pita. Everything was flavorful and well done.
The $10 premium add-on is absolutely worth it. It includes steak tartare, New York strip, shrimp, and other upgraded dishes that really elevate the experience.
The best thing was the steak tartare: super fresh with a great texture.
Other highlights:
– New York strip with chimichurri: well cooked and satisfying
– Branzino: tender inside with perfectly crispy skin
– Beef kebab: great quality meat with a perfect lean-to-fat balance, though slightly on the salty side
– Corn ribs: not actually ribs (I misunderstood ), but still tasty.
Overall, a very solid lunch and great value for what you get.
We ordered the Unlimited Ambar Experience, which is a great way to try many dishes in smaller portions. While waiting for the food, we started with Turkish coffee, and the first bites — Kajmak with homemade bread, sirnica, and meat pie — were fantastic. I have to say, this was the best kajmak I’ve had since moving to the U.S.
The rest of the dishes came out quickly. The beef soup was flavorful, although a bit heavy on the black pepper. The ćevapi had great taste but could’ve used an extra minute or two on the grill, as they were slightly undercooked in the middle. They were also served with a spicy feta spread, which is creative but not the traditional pairing. The meat pie was a bit dry. We also tried the Krempita for dessert. As a baker with a refined palate for desserts, I tend to notice these details, and while it was pleasant, our server shared that it is not house-made and comes from a local store. I was a bit disappointed, as I expected a homemade dessert to better reflect the restaurant’s otherwise strong and authentic culinary concept.
Overall, I enjoyed my visit, and the quality ingredients and concept stand out. My only suggestion is to keep traditional dishes closer to their original form — Balkan food shines the most when it stays authentic.
Still, I would definitely come back and try more dishes!
This is all you can eat but with a presentation. Taste was there, the vibe was great. Our server was Nikolas and he was really helpful. We were a group of 7 and asked a thousand things yet he got us what we wanted.
Halloumi was my fav!!!! the seared halloumi cheese with honey omg I finished 2 plates of this
Recommended!