Ambar Clarendon

Ambar Clarendon

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+1 703-875-9663+ Add website
Hours
Sun
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Mon
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM3:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM3:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM3:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM3:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sat
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM4:30 PM - 11:00 PM
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Travelers' Choice 2024

RATINGS
Food
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Atmosphere
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Eastern European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night
features
Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?
About
Our aim is to put together the finest products of the New World and Old World for your dining pleasure. Perennially on the edge of great empires, the Balkans owes much of its food culture to its history, geography, and climate. The term Balkan is generally believed to come from the Byzantine word meaning: "a chain of wooded mountains." With a desire to introduce Virginia to cutting edge Balkan cuisine, we created a dining space that will delight and indulge the senses. Primarily featuring "small plates," Ambar also offers wines and spirits from the Balkans not often experienced by the American diner. Ambar showcases the best dishes from the Balkan Peninsula with a modern twist. These dishes are presented artfully, with modern combinations that deliver the flavor profiles in a unique way. Serbian natives Ivan Iricanin and Uros Smiljanic developed the menu with the help of Executive Chef Dejan Pilovic .
CUISINES
Eastern European
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles613 reviews
Excellent
457
Very good
95
Average
36
Poor
14
Terrible
11

Cavalier1994
Bethesda692 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 family
My first experience with Balkan cuisine was nothing short of a ton of fun, delicious flavors, and great service. When you walk in, you are immediately taken by the decorative ceiling with overhead plants and a view into the open kitchen. On this night they were serving a restaurant week menu for $55 per person off of a really expansive menu of tapas dishes. Comparing the more limited a la carte menu, it was a no brainer to pay slightly more to sample a wide array of food. Boy that paid off bc immediately we got to taste two warm soups, steak tartare that just killed it, the lentil spread that we dipped the moist pita bread and cornbread in, and picked vegetables. Marina, our server, was just tremendous, checking in with us every 10 mins or so. Next we ordered lamb braised for 6 hours, beef short rib goulash with trofie pasta cooked for 5 hours, both of which were crazy good. We also enjoyed the pork wrapped in cabbage, pepper croquette, drunken mussels, flash fried cauliflower, asparagus with quail egg and yams. Topped off with decadent chocolate cake and cream pie. The meat flatbread (just like pizza) kale Caesar (taste was way too sharp) and chicken stroganoff (aftertaste was off) were below par though. Still our experience was augmented by the attentive customer service and speed of the dishes arriving. *Our culinary journey took about 1.5 hrs and I mention this bc you must watch your parking meter (which you can only feed in one hour increments) if you park in the adjacent lot. This lot is notorious for aggressive towing even if you go over a min or two (I saw a car get towed that night).
Written October 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hbhakh
Roanoke2348 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 couples
We tried Ambar after seeing all of the excellent reviews. We had a great meal. For a fixed price, guests may order as many of the small plates that they want. There were a lot of choices......probably close to 40. These included appetizers, soups, salads, meats, seafood, and vegetables. All of the food we tried was excellent. We particularly enjoyed the lamb lasagna and smoked sausage. We were too full for dessert (which is $5 extra). The service was excellent as well. Our orders came very quickly after they were ordered. We highly recommend Ambar
Written June 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jaunese H
3 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 friends
I was with a group of about 15 for a personal fitness holiday party. We enjoyed everything and most were too full to basically order additional off of the menu. I wish that they would only change out your small plates more often and realized I could have asked. Quality of food was good, portions great as it is unlimited. I love the family style concept. The salmon was a bit fishy smelling coming out, so I didn't really try that that night. I would have liked a mention of some of the food items that I didn't easily recognize as a balkan.
Written December 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jaimeelsabio
Maryland5137 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 friends
Visited with friends who had received a gift card. Being restaurant week we thought we’d take advantage of the $25 Ambar Experience mentioned on its website only to be told that offer wasn’t available on Sunday. A later check confirmed no mention of it not being available on Sunday. So, we paid $42.99 for the brunch Ambar experience. If wanting to order a la carte, items are priced very expensively so as to dissuade one from doing so. The menu pricing is geared to the all you can eat special. The service was good as was the food. By getting the all you can eat brunch we were able to sample pretty much everything. The orders were taken by table so when the food was delivered it was just set down and not necessarily in front of the person who ordered it. Each food item is small and while advertising itself as being a Baltic restaurant it really is a tapas restaurant, just not Spanish tapas. For being Baltic, the majority of items were not Baltic. It isn’t a big deal, but we thought there would be more Baltic options. We parked in the parking garage recommended on the website. It cost $12 for the time we were there. The website specifically stated not to park in the private lot behind the restaurant. While we enjoyed the restaurant and food, it is an hour from where we live. For that reason alone, we won’t return. Those with a small appetite probably would get their money’s worth for the cost. Between the restaurant and parking it was an over one hundred dollar lunch.
Written January 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Melanie W
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 couples
Came a few years ago for Valentine’s Day and was excited to come back to try their menu for restaurant week. Unfortunately the service was ridiculously slow and had to ask different servers to take our order or to simply refill our water. Without asking, the gentleman that picks up finished plates decided to take the plate on top that barely had food on it, which was stacked on the other finished plates and set it on the table…which had sauce on the bottom from being stacked on the other plates, and I had to ask him to clean the table and he STILL left me with the finished plate that now has sauce on the bottom. While some of the menu items were wonderful (definitely try the steak tartar) many were out of stock or SO gamey (yaga lamb roast) was completely inedible… we were so bummed about that one since we love lamb. In conclusion, if you’re open to trying new things maybe ambar is your speed, but don’t expect quick/efficient service
Written August 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mary V
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 friends
I came here for brunch with a party of 12. I had to sign a contract in advance. Prices were $7 more than if I didn’t have a large party plus a 20 percent gratuity with a 2 hour window to eat. They told me I would have to pay for 12 even if less than 12 came. When I arrived they told me that they wouldn’t seat me until at least 6 people had arrived until I pushed back. The price I paid of $49 per person plus 20 percent fees and tax did not include drinks. Food was chosen by the chef instead of us and really slowed down after an hour. As a vegetarian I left hungry. On the positive side the food was good, the server was polite, and my guests left happy. Because of the price I felt disappointed in the overall experience and would not recommend going as a group of 10 or more.
Written May 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

stan s
Lexington47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 family
Came here for lunch after a restaurant search. Seems to be family owned. This place deserves its 4.5 star rating but I gave it a 5. Service was great. They serve small dish plates to share, a lot of different flavors here. You will not be disappointed.
Written October 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James T
4 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 family
I do not understand why this place gets such high marks. I grew up on Hungarian goulash and have dined extensively on German, Italian, Mexican, Slavic, and Greek food or food with flavors for many years. We were in Europe recently eating food with flavor and spice. This place had none of that. The veal soup was bland. You can get better eggplant spread at most grocery stores. The eggplant and lamb lasagna was very good, but the goulash had no flavor. You can get better chicken skewers easily at many other locations. The chocolate cake was very good. All the food was lukewarm at best. Sorry, but it did not come close to the price paid. I wanted to like it, but you can get better flavor at Old County Buffet. I question all the reviews.
Written July 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Akm2r
Virginia43 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 none
We had a wonderful experience at Ámbar! We were a party of five who all chose the fixed-price lunch option ($25). In two hours, we were able to try most of the small plates. Favorites were lamb lasagna, stuffed peppers, shrimp, and the white flatbread, although everything was tasty. They also offer a variety of unique wines from around the Balkan region, as well as some nice dessert options.
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Don B
Washington DC26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 couples
A new for us place, recommended by a Serbian acquaintance, that provides a wonderful array of Balkan dishes in a tapas all you can eat format. Lunch is $25 and dinner is $40, very reasonable for the quality and variety offered. We highly recommended it!
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kelsey
Fairfax39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 family
We came here for their endless meal dinner special and holy cow! 🤤 We ordered just about everything on the menu and every bite was DELICIOUS. I might be dreaming about this food until we come back! The waiter was great with dietary restrictions and when we didn't know where to start had excellent recommendations. YOU HAVE TO TRY THE LAMB!
Written September 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Milica M
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 friends
We loved our Ambar experience! Food was very delicious! Service was amazing, Anja did an amazing job. She’s affable, courteous, and hospitable. She recommended amazing traditional Balkan food to us and made our experience even more enjoyable. I recommend Ambar to everyone!
Written February 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sangeetha S
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 friends
I went here for brunch with my husband and some friends. I’ve been here a few times before as I live just a few minutes away & the consistent issue here has been the poor service. Every single time - moody, rude service who think you’re there to inconvenience them. However, the food has always been good. Well today was a nightmare - the food AND the service was poor. We made reservations for an outdoor table - we checked the weather when we made the reservation a week before and there was no chance of rain. However, it poured today. We requested to be seated inside but they said they couldn’t do that. So we sat outside under a canopy that was torn and water dripped on our food and drinks throughout the meal. We requested again, pleadingly, to be seated inside whenever an open table became available but our server barely came to our table nor did our food. We just sat around, getting rained on & with no food. We barely ordered any plates because it was so uncomfortable and unhygienic (rain water that touches the canopy and then drips down is probably not the best taste). We are never going back there again. Please avoid at all costs.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TAMember22
Purcellville227 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 none
"All you can eat" has its place in the dining world, but dining at Ambar is not a heat-lamp warmed buffet picked over by everyone who arrived before you. In fact, the moniker of "all you can eat" should be banned from every Ambar review. My husband and I opted recently for the "Ambar Experience." Technically it is correct that one can eat all they desire, but that does not tell the real story. Rather, the dishes appear one by one at the table as they are requested from the menu. They are beautiful, small plates meant to sample one's way through this delicious cuisine. Having traveled and eaten our way through the Balkans ourselves, we sampled some favorites and tried some new items we had not experienced. Everything was delicious and beautifully plated. This is the kind of restaurant where there is something for everyone from the Balkan food connosieur to adventure foodies to newcomers to different world cuisines who want to dip their toes in the water, figuratively speaking. Whatever you select, be it the "Fried Chicken" (code for delicious fancy Schnitzel) or the Pork Neck, rest assured your taste buds will be happy. The wine list is impressive, as well. Our Serbian Red paired wonderfully with every plate. Dessert was no less impressive; we shared the Nougat Cake--just the right amount of chocolate goodness to end our evening on a sweet note. We'll certainly return,.
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Khoi N
Washington DC4734 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 friends
My friends and I came here for my friends birthday. We booked way in advance on a busy Saturday. As soon as we arrived our party of 12 got seated right away. We all went for the $39 Ambar experience. I highly recommend this option as you get great value. You can try +20 dishes at a great price. I think everything that included lamb here was my favorite including the lamb lasagna and slowly cooked lamb. The beef rib goulash, steak tartare and pork neck were delicious. Food here is definitely carb heavy. The vegetables and seafood definitely added some variety. The cocktails to share were perfect for large parties. The bourbon and peaches, angel and devil and the kiwi smash had the most alcohol. We really enjoyed our experience here. Our server was great at placing the orders, bringing our food out in a timely manner and just making sure we all had a great time. I've been to Ambar for happy hour and brunch. Theres probably no other restaurant in Arlington that offers all of this food at such a great price.
Written November 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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AMBAR CLARENDON, Arlington - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Order Online Food Delivery - Tripadvisor

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