When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago

Why AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ambar Restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood offers a unique and vibrant dining experience that blends the rich traditions of Balkan cuisine with modern creativity and design. This Michelin-recognized restaurant is known for its innovative unlimited tasting menu, where guests can enjoy a variety of authentic Balkan dishes designed for sharing and exploration, making it an excellent place to meet up with friends. For a fixed price of $55 per person, diners can order unlimited items off a thoughtfully curated menu that includes specialties such as kajmak (Balkan clotted cream), veal soup, grilled shrimp, roasted baby carrots, and the popular crispy corn ribs. The menu’s tasting portions allow everyone to experiment with different flavors without feeling overwhelmed, enhancing the communal dining experience. The atmosphere of Ambar is cozy and inviting, with a modern design that complements the dynamic vibe of Chicago’s River North. Additionally, the restaurant boasts an impressive selection of Balkan spirits, including an exclusive rakia list—the traditional Balkan fruit brandy—which guests can sample through comparative tastings. The attentive and knowledgeable staff add to the warm ambiance, providing personalized service that caters to dietary preferences and allergy concerns. Overall, Ambar is perfect for groups and gatherings, offering a flavorful, social, and memorable dining experience in a beautiful setting.
Here's what people think of AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago
As of recent, AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago holds a 4.8-star rating based on 917 reviews.
Reviews of Ambar Restaurant consistently highlight its excellence in both food and service, contributing to its impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly a thousand reviewers. Guests frequently praise the authenticity and depth of Balkan flavors, appreciating the wide variety of dishes and the innovative unlimited tasting format that allows them to try many different items in one meal. The atmosphere is often described as warm, cozy, and inviting, with modern decor that enhances the overall dining experience. Reviewers also commend the staff for their friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable service, noting how servers are helpful with menu recommendations and accommodating dietary needs, which adds a personal and welcoming touch. Positive comments emphasize the great value for the quality provided, the efficient and prompt service, and the vibrant, sociable ambiance ideal for large groups or special occasions. On the other hand, any negative feedback is minimal, with very few mentions, sometimes regarding the busy environment during peak times, which some guests find a bit noisy, or minor preferences regarding specific dishes. There is a consensus that these minor issues do not detract from the overall experience. In conclusion, the reviews portray Ambar as a standout culinary destination in Chicago that delivers flavorful Balkan cuisine paired with excellent service and an enjoyable atmosphere, making it a highly recommended spot for both newcomers and repeat visitors looking to enjoy a lively dining experience with friends or family.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sean Quirke
6 Stars if I could give them. Amazing staff, amazing food and lovely environment. No one there neither staff or patrons looked like they weren’t enjoying life. We had several lovely small plates of food from the buffet menu. All of them were flavorful and fresh. Clearly quality produce. We also tried some of their Brut and wines. Which we liked a lot. Our server was Bojana and she was super friendly, helpful and attentive. Her and the manager remembered it was our anniversary from my reservation and did everything to make it special. Thank you and we can’t wait to come back next time we are in Chicago!
Faith F
We came here for the tasting menu and it was so fun to try a bunch of different dishes. They were all good dishes with my favorites being the shrimp and the salmon and I would say the pizza was my least favorite (not bad but pretty average). I really liked their drinks, I had a mango lemonade and amaretto sour which were both very delicious and worth the price. The staff were super friendly and they have outdoor seating which was also very nice. Overall it’s a great place for a date night and worth the price to try a bunch of great dishes!
Natalia Pesic
Amazing food! Came for after work dinner with a good friend and everything we tried tasted amazing! Texturally we wished for a little more on a couple things, but the flavor was phenomenal. We did the a la carte menu but price-wise should just have gone with the all you can eat sampler menu. The portions are smaller, so the all you can eat menu is a great option.
Wayne Saville
Not many Balkan places around, and I can't say that I've ever tried food cooked by someone who knows what it should taste like. Ambar, with a Serbian head chef, was a big surprise! They mostly do “all you can eat” meals, but these are more like tapas than tired Las Vegas casino buffets. Every dish was perfectly cooked and an experience in new flavors. Highlights included a veal soup, wild mushroom stew (bright flavors with strong mushroom umami), urnebes (a dip of mild peppers, other vegetables, garlic, and feta), Balkan salad, a stuffed pepper (with unexpected flavors and texture and a light spiced cream sauce), and sarma (stuffed cabbage with pork belly). Just as delightful were a old fashioned, made Balkan style with the addition of rakia (a fruit brandy) and plum syrup, and several deserts. I had house-made sorbets including one of mango pureé, a second with intense lemon flavor, and a third flavored with rakia and berries. They seem to be doing very well after only 3 weeks in business, and I can see why. The service was outstanding— credit goes to Justin D and his Serbian assistant at the bar the night I was there!) and the decor was comfy but modern. They really do provide an experience that's hard to find outside of the Balkans! I'll be back soon.
Dr. Gail M Walton
We visited the Chicago location for the first time for Father’s Day weekend (2025). We had the best time. Our server, Tyler was so knowledgeable about the menu and extremely friendly. We ordered the braised ribs with orzo which was very flavorful. The meat was so tender. For dessert we had the skillet brownie with vanilla ice cream. The entire meal was delicious. We highly recommend this establishment for a taste of Baltic cuisine. Excellent!
How to reach AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago
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Why AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ambar Restaurant with your friends?
Ambar Restaurant in Chicago offers an unparalleled meeting spot for friends who crave not only delicious food but also a unique cultural experience to share. With a stellar rating of 4.8 from over 900 reviews, it’s clear that this restaurant excels at bringing people together through its warm atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. What sets Ambar apart is its all-you-can-eat Balkan tasting menu concept, allowing groups to sample an incredible range of dishes without the pressure of committing to just one entrée. This encourages sharing, conversation, and discovery, which naturally fosters camaraderie and connection. Beyond the food, the restaurant’s cozy yet modern décor creates a welcoming environment perfect for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations. Attentive service and a lively ambiance add polish to the experience, ensuring your group feels well cared for from start to finish. Hosting a meetup at Ambar means indulging collective curiosity for new flavors in a bustling, friendly setting — an ideal recipe for memorable get-togethers and great stories to tell afterward.
What unique dining experience does Ambar offer for groups?
Ambar specializes in Balkan cuisine presented through an innovative unlimited small plates menu. For a fixed price, typically around $55 per adult, diners can order unlimited tasting-sized portions from a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes for up to two hours. This format is perfect for groups because it promotes sharing and tasting variety instead of settling on single big dishes. Each plate is designed to showcase different Balkan flavors—from traditional items like cevapi (grilled minced meat sausages) and sarma (cabbage rolls) to modern innovations such as crispy corn ribs. Your group can experiment with multiple dishes, ordering more of favorites or trying new tastes without limits. This encourages interaction and conversation as people share opinions and recommend items to each other. Since the portions are small and tasting-focused, it’s also easier to accommodate diverse dietary preferences, including many vegetarian options. The communal style of eating at Ambar turns dining into an immersive group activity centered on discovery, making it ideal for celebrations or casual meetups alike.
What activities and ambiance make Ambar ideal for social gatherings?
Beyond the exceptional food, Ambar fosters a vibrant social atmosphere that enhances any group meetup. The interior blends warm, cozy elements with sleek, modern design, creating a space that feels intimate yet energetic—perfect for lively conversations and laughter. The layout accommodates medium to large groups comfortably, with tables designed for shared plates that encourage community-style dining. The staff are known for their friendly and attentive service, ensuring your group’s needs are met promptly and that everyone feels welcome. Additionally, Ambar’s extensive drink menu, especially its curated selection of rakia (Balkan fruit brandy) and regional wines, provides a fun tasting experience that complements the food perfectly. Groups can engage in rakia tastings, comparing different flavors and learning about this Balkan specialty, which enhances the cultural immersion. This attention to detail in both food and beverage creates a multi-dimensional outing where friends aren’t just eating together, but enjoying a full cultural experience together—building memories beyond just a meal.
How does Ambar accommodate various group sizes and dietary needs?
Ambar’s menu and dining style make it particularly adaptable for groups of all sizes and dietary preferences. The unlimited tasting concept scales well, whether you come with a small circle of friends or a larger family gathering. Because dishes are served in small portions, there is less waste and more opportunity to taste broadly—allowing everyone to try something they love. The menu includes plentiful vegetarian options, such as roasted vegetables, salads, and flavorful grain-based dishes, ensuring non-meat eaters are well served. Moreover, the staff have been commended for their attentiveness and knowledge about dietary restrictions and allergies, helping groups customize their orders and navigate the menu comfortably. This makes Ambar an inclusive spot where everyone can find something delicious to enjoy and feel cared for, which is essential for a stress-free and enjoyable group outing.
What makes Ambar’s drink offerings a standout for group meetups?
Drinks at Ambar contribute significantly to the restaurant’s appeal for social gatherings. The star feature is their impressive rakia collection, showcasing a variety of this traditional Balkan fruit brandy seldom found in American restaurants. Ambar offers guests the opportunity to sample multiple kinds of rakia through comparative tastings, adding an educational and interactive dimension to the meal. This not only sparks conversation but also allows groups to explore new tastes together in a relaxed setting. Alongside rakia, the wine list focuses on Balkan selections and includes house wines crafted exclusively for Ambar, making it both unique and reasonably priced. The cocktail menu offers well-priced options as well, rounding out the beverage choices. This diverse and authentic drink lineup complements the food perfectly and elevates a meetup from a simple dinner to a festive event full of discovery and enjoyment.
Why is Ambar a memorable cultural experience beyond just dining?
Many visitors to Ambar highlight not only the outstanding flavors but the cultural journey it provides. The restaurant’s origin, rooted in the rich culinary heritage of the Balkans, invites guests into a rare and vibrant world of food and drink traditions that are still unfamiliar to many Americans. From the authentic preparation of dishes to the inclusion of small regional distilleries’ rakia, Ambar offers an immersive experience that is both educational and entertaining. The staff’s passion for sharing Balkan culture shines through in their service and recommendations, enhancing the authenticity of the visit. This cultural depth transforms a simple social event into an enriching outing that stimulates conversation and curiosity. Whether your group consists of food adventurers or those looking for a lively new setting to reconnect, Ambar provides an atmosphere that combines delicious flavor exploration with meaningful cultural exchange.
How does Ambar’s location and design support group meetups?
Situated in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood, Ambar benefits from an accessible and trendy location that is a draw for locals and visitors alike. The area is known for its nightlife, arts, and diverse restaurant scene, making Ambar a convenient and attractive choice for post-work gatherings, weekend celebrations, or special occasions. The restaurant’s interior design strikes a balance between contemporary energy and warmth, providing a stylish yet comfortable backdrop for socializing. Lighting is soft but bright enough for conversation, and seating arrangements allow groups to comfortably share food and experiences without feeling cramped. Accessible entrances and a well-planned layout mean groups with varying needs can be accommodated easily. This thoughtful environment encourages guests to relax and savor the time spent together, reaffirming Ambar’s position as a premier spot for group dining in Chicago.
What is the quality of service like at Ambar for group dining?
Service at Ambar is frequently praised by reviewers and plays a key role in making group visits enjoyable and smooth. The servers are attentive and knowledgeable, able to advise on menu items and suggest drink pairings to enhance the overall experience. Reviews often mention specific staff members by name, highlighting their friendly demeanor and professionalism, which helps groups feel welcomed and well taken care of. Because the dining style revolves around multiple small plates ordered throughout the meal, efficient service is critical to maintaining pace without overwhelming guests—something Ambar excels at. For groups managing allergies or special dietary requests, the staff’s attentiveness ensures everyone’s needs are respected without sacrificing flavor. This high level of service reduces stress during gatherings and lets the focus stay on connecting and enjoying the moment with friends or family.
What kind of occasions is Ambar best suited for hosting group meetups?
Thanks to its flexible approach to dining and vibrant ambiance, Ambar is well suited to a wide variety of group occasions. It is an excellent choice for casual get-togethers where friends want to catch up over flavorful food in a relaxed setting. Its communal tasting menu also lends itself perfectly to celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, or reunions because it encourages sharing and interaction that are the heart of social gatherings. The restaurant’s unique cultural offering adds sophistication, making it a memorable venue for those seeking something different than the typical night out. Moreover, the extensive drink options provide a natural way to toast special moments. Whether for an intimate dinner with close friends or a larger party, Ambar accommodates groups with warmth, energy, and excitement, ensuring the event feels both special and effortless.
Altogether, Ambar Restaurant in Chicago offers a unique, flavorful, and inviting setting that makes it a top pick for anyone looking to host a meetup with friends or family. Its innovative unlimited tasting menu, authentic Balkan cuisine, diverse beverage selection, cozy yet modern ambiance, and attentive service combine to create a multi-sensory experience perfect for social bonding and celebration. The restaurant’s dedication to cultural authenticity elevates the meal beyond mere dining—to a shared adventure in taste and tradition. For groups wanting a lively, welcoming, and memorable place to connect, Ambar stands out as an exceptional destination in Chicago’s vibrant food scene.