Known for serving up some of the only Balkan food in D.C., Ambar now has a second local location in Clarendon.
And also known for their excellent customer service, the Clarendon outpost (2901 Wilson Blvd)) can welcome in a whole lot more people. In Ivan Iricanin’s original Barracks Row spot (523 8th St. SE), diners squeeze into the 34-seat row house eatery’s lower level. But up to 130 patrons craving a more open atmosphere can head to Virginia for an airy eating experience.
The atmosphere is buzzy and the menu, while largely the same format, is made up of about half different dishes than what can be found on Capitol Hill. DCist was invited to attend a recent media dinner and get a peek at the new location.
White tile and sea-green accents dominate the decor, along with enlarged, vintage postcards featuring scenes from Belgrade, Serbia (where Ambar also has an outpost). Guests seated toward the back of the space can peek into an open kitchen, while nearly all dine under greenery hanging from the ceiling.
Iricanin can be spotted throughout the restaurant, chatting up guests and practically beside himself with excitement for the new space designed by his wife, Nya Gill. A recent graduate of George Washington University’s Interior Architecture and Design MFA program, Gill sought to marry the rustic Barracks Row decor and the modern look of Ambar’s Belgrade location into Clarendon’s polished tribute to classic Belgrade.
Influences from Eastern European countries run rampant throughout the menu, but the presence of Serbia—Iricanin’s home country—is the strongest. Beyond the Balkan decor, nearly every staff member, from Beverage Director Danilo Simic (formerly of Equinox Restaurant) to the enthusiastic wait staff, hail from Serbia and gladly share their family stories to prove it. Fans of other Balkan nations such as Austria, Hungary, Greece, and Turkey will also see these flavors represented in dishes.
Favorites from the D.C. location, like the Balkan salad, cheese pie, kebabs, and stuffed sour cabbage, are on the menu. New additions reflect items that had thus far only been found at Ambar’s Belgrade location, such as slow-cooked rotisserie meats and made-to-order breads. Puffed pitas, bright pink beet tzatziki spread, and lamb pate (both $8) are popular starters. Cow’s milk kajmak mixed with mushroom or smoked salmon ($9) are also tasty. The drunken mussels ($10) swim in a caper-filled broth and may have you wishing for more bread to soak up the last drops of delicious flavor. For guests who haven’t filled up on breads, charcuterie and cheeses, a thick slab topped with salty, tender rotisserie lamb, horseradish, and roasted potatoes is a go-to entree.
Iricanin says he has no immediate plans to standardize the menu between the two local restaurants, so you’ll have to head out to Clarendon to taste these dishes.
Whether to start or end the meal, Ambar’s unique selection of rakias deserves a try. A fruit brandy that is often produced in Balkan homes, patrons can order rakia in flavors like apricot, pear, and plum. Each is served in a small bottle, reminiscent of the “drink me” vial from Alice in Wonderland, and the aromatics of the spirits are so strong that diners can practically taste the rakia before taking an actual sip. For those wary of ordering small bottles of strong alcohol, the Belgrade Mule with plum rakia is a good choice.
Ambar is serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. For $35 each and the participation of all diners, patrons can order unlimited small plates; an extra $10 per person will bring large plates into the mix. Similarly, for $34, brunch lovers can order unlimited plates. Afternoon booze hounds can hit the 16-seat bar from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, if they prefer, and order select cocktails and appetizers during Ambar’s $4 happy hour.
Whatever the meal, the authenticity to the Balkans, as well as the hospitality and attentive service Ambar is known for, is maintained in the new location. It’s an impressive addition to Wilson Boulevard and diners will likely pack the house for months to come.
Ambar Clarendon is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for dinner Monday through Thursday, with Friday dinner hours extending to 11:30 p.m. In addition to dinner, brunch is served from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
