Ambar Capitol Hill

Ambar Capitol Hill is a Balkan restaurant at 523 8th St SE on Barracks Row in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Washington, D.C., United States. The menu focuses on Balkan small plates, the shared dishes of Serbia and neighbouring countries, and the signature items include cevapi, grilled minced-meat sausages, burek, a layered savoury pastry, and ajvar, a roasted red pepper spread. The restaurant is known for set-price unlimited-plate options, which let diners sample a wide range of dishes at a fixed cost, and for rakia cocktails built on the fruit brandy of the region. The dining room is warm and convivial, with a casual, sociable atmosphere, a moderate noise level and no dress code. The beverage programme emphasises Balkan wines and rakia, and the staff can recommend pairings for small plates. Prices are in the $$ tier, and the set-price options can be good value for groups. Reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable or by calling +1-202-813-3039. Weekend brunch and Friday and Saturday dinner are the busiest times, and booking ahead is advisable for groups, since the unlimited-plate format suits larger tables. Listings show daily service for lunch or brunch and dinner, with weekend openings from about 10am per a Foodle listing, so confirming hours by phone is advisable. The Barracks Row location places the restaurant near the Eastern Market area, the Capitol and the Marine Barracks, and the street has other restaurants and shops within walking distance. Visitors who are new to Balkan cuisine often start with a selection of small plates to share and add cevapi and burek, while those with larger appetites can choose the set-price format.