Ambar - Arlington

Ambar - Arlington reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. C

   C VIP

   Washington DC20 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   This is the second visit for my nephew & I, both times for brunch. It's a great choice for millennial men (or younger) as they can eat as much as they want. It's also a great choice for most others, as there's a lovely assortment of choices that likely provides almost anyone with several terrific choices. And the price is, for the food/drink, almost reasonable (@ $43, plus tax, tip/pp). Service was a bit less favorable. My nephew, who was going through water quickly, watched the server busy chatting with colleagues on multiple occasions when he was craving more water. While I get that some time between orders - so folks have time to start feeling full - is not an unreasonable strategy, either provide larger water glasses, or come by more frequently w/the water pitcher. On the plus side, the restaurant was very quick to serve most choices after ordered, though it's not always in a logical order. Additionally, however, I found the server's hovering over me as I was handed the electronic bill and the pre-populated tip (at 22%) incredibly off-putting, and despite not so subtle hints, the server did not back off. While not every choice is a hit, some of that is personal taste. The grilled steak has been a hit both visits. The Balkan salad also was a great choice, as was the macaroni & cheese. I enjoyed both the mushroom flatbread and the mushroom pilov. My nephew loves all the sliders. Our guests this time enjoyed the meat pie. And we all enjoyed all the dessert options, plus the included drink options. All in all, while not a traditional DC brunch, it clearly deserves a place on most brunch-goers' brunch rotation.
   

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2. NJ

   NeelaJ VIP

   Chicago60 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wow/ just wow! Perfect everything! You can’t go wrong with anything you order, unique, flavorful, delicious! Loved the downstairs- a bit quieter - great for convo! Ps service was amazing too! Will be back next time in DC for sure!
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   San Diego3 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on March 9, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   I wish they hadn’t have seated us downstairs - I didn’t even know there was a downstairs and it was so dark and cave like. The upstairs was bright and cheerful! I will definitely be requesting upstairs from now on!
   

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4. C

   Christine

   Washington DC7 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on March 8, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Always fun to come here for brunch - a variety of food and drink that will make everyone happy!
   

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5. R

   Rynel

   Washington DC1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 8, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Please post the calendar when musical acts will be on site it was a wonderful experience eating and listening to the music downstairs
   

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6. A

   Anne

   Unspecified1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 5, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Delicious food and great value! Highly recommend!
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Charleston1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 1, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food, great drinks, great vibes. All around great experience
   

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8. M

   Mandy

   Richmond1 review

   4.0

   Dined on February 21, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was delicious and brought out quickly, but I had to get my waitress’s attention pretty much every time I needed something which was annoying.
   

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9. J

   Jack

   Washington DC2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A great place. If you are not real hungry, ask for the ala carte menu.
   

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10. L

    Lisa

    Wilmington1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    I don’t usually do reviews but I could not pass up the opportunity this time. I love this place!!! It was a dining experience and I highly recommend for anyone who’s looking for something different. The food is amazing and the service is top notch. I can’t wait to go back. Don’t change Ambar!
    

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