ost customers give very little thought to the seating in a restaurant but it’s one of the most important elements. Good seating should be comfortable, should define certain areas, add to the ambiance and work practically.
Too often it doesn’t.

What does it take to introduce an entire country to a cuisine they’ve never heard of—and scale it into a multi-million-dollar empire?

Ambar, a D.C.-area favorite, debuted its first Chicago location in April. The chain is noted for elevated Balkan cuisine, which should perk up Chicago’s sizable population from the Balkan diaspora.

Experience the bold flavors of the Balkans without limits. Sample a wide variety of savory dishes from across the Balkan Peninsula — all for one flat price.

The Washington, D.C. import offers an all-you-can-eat menu. “The idea came from the way we eat in the Balkans,” explains Ivan Iricanin, owner of the newly opened Ambar, a Balkan spot in River North (700 N. Clark St.). “Food is always on the table; as soon as you come, there are appetizers, cheese, cold cuts, and the table is never empty. If the table is empty, the host is doing something wrong and people are not happy!” That’s how Iricanin wants guests to feel at Ambar, which offers an all-you-care-to-eat approach and a robust menu.

When Ivan Iričanin came to Washington, D.C. from his native Serbia in 2005, he was shocked at the lack of Balkan restaurants in the area. “I would like to eat my food, and it was not available,” he recalls. So he opened Ambar to showcase the cuisine of his corner of southeastern Europe and to provide a positive connotation for the Balkans instead of the “wars, bombing, and revolution” that he always found people thought of in connection with the area.

Signature dishes at Ambar, including smoked sausage, sujuk flatbread and sarma (pork belly-stuffed cabbage leaves).
A new Balkan eatery is headed to River North—and it’s bringing Michelin-
recognized fare and its signature “unlimited” dining experience to locals.

The popular D.C.-based mini-chain has opened its first Chicago location, featuring its signature unlimited experiences.

Chicago’s River North neighborhood just got a bold new addition to its culinary scene. Ambar, the highly anticipated Balkan-inspired restaurant from Street Guys Hospitality, officially opened its doors this week, April 1.

We are excited to announce that Ambar Restaurant has consistently won the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award since 2017, a recognition that reaffirms our commitment to excellence. This achievement only strengthens our determination to continue bringing you the best traditional Balkan dishes, crafted with authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and a passion for hospitality.