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Ama

4.1 (144 reviews)
Open • 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

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AMA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Happy hour specials
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Ama

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Meatballs and focaccia
Portia D.

I was in DC for a Conference-staying at AC Hotel and visited Ama twice. I went for a quick light dinner at the bar and had the meatballs and focaccia. They both were delicious! The meatballs were crispy on the outside and very soft and tender on inside. The focaccia was so fresh. Blake and Brandy who served me were wonderful. Very friendly and helpful. Brandy knew so much about wine and made great recommendations. The restaurant atmosphere is perfect for date, dinner with friends or solo dining...warm and welcoming. I came back in the morning and had the cornetto with vanilla cream and a latte (recommended by Blake and Brandy) THE BEST LATTE I have had in the US. Not wild about packaging-environmentally friendly, but not user friendly.

Katie N.

I've been wanting to try AMA for a while and was finally able to. I took off a star because I felt pressured about preferring bottle water over their tap. While I understand they have different practices for filtering their tap, if I'm asked what I want to drink and request bottled water I don't see why I should feel bad about ordering that, especially when I am paying for it. We tried a variety of the dishes like the fritto misto, lasagna and veal and each came out great and full of flavor. We didn't like the panna cotta, it felt like it was missing something compared to other restaurants that serve this. We would def go back for the dinner food, but pass on the dessert.

Outdoor area
Shanelle M.

I headed to Ama for the first time for restaurant week. The ambiance had a grown and sexy vibe with the dim lighting and dark decor. I ended up trying the Tagliatelle Bolognese on its own (not on the regular menu). The food came out quickly and had a great presentation. Although the pasta tasted fresh and was handmade, the sauce lacked the flavor for it to be a stand out dish. I also got the watermelon sorbetto and it was super tasty and fresh, I felt like I was in Italy. I can't wait to try more flavors. The stand out to me at Ama was the customer service! My server was quick with any requests, friendly, and attentive to needs. He was a gem! I will definitely come back to try different dishes and get the sorbetto again. My biggest con is that the restrooms near the front of the restaurant had a terrible smell as I walked in and out of the restaurant, there was a strong odor.

Artichoke appetizer
Win S.

This is such a cozy neighborhood spot in the Navy Yard area, which seems to be increasing in chain restaurants by the minute! Thank goodness for Ama for adding back some character to the area with its North Italian charm! My friend and I ordered the rabbit stew, which was delicate and tender. It was served with a thick slice of sourdough bread which we used to sop up the tasty tomato and fennel based stew. I don't see rabbit much on menus these days, and this was a unique dish that pleased the palate! We also ordered artichoke and lemon for appetizer, and an al dente spinach and cheese ravioli, which was recommended by our server. For dessert we shared a caramel pie a la mode, which was a little overly sweet. Everything was nicely done, but in small portions. My only complaint was that my friend and I were still hungry after two main dishes and an appetizer! I like how light the dishes are, but they could use a little more heft portion-wise (and this is coming from someone who doesn't eat huge meals usually - so that might be saying something). Or perhaps add on an extra dish and get more than you think. Ama seems to have good happy hour deals and they also have a cafe/coffee side of the restaurant that opens at 8 a.m. At a quick glance of the menu, you'll get a sense of the restaurant's whole ethos. They stand for many idealistic values, including a menu that was approved by integrated nutritionists. Hopefully these values are sustainable to maintain! Everything is organic, with no seed oils or refined sugars - not even in the dessert! Even their cookware is plastic-free and PFAS-free. They also go into a few paragraphs about their state of the art water filtration system on site for all cooking/drinking. Beyond the health of the food/drink for customers, they extend this healthy mindfulness to their employees, offering full health insurance benefits to all their employees (with a ~3.85% health wellness charge to customers). Even with the extra charge, our overall bill wasn't too high for two people. Hopefully Ama continues to adhere to all their promises and values. Would love to come back to support again. Restaurant margins can be super slim these days, so I'm glad they don't cut corners.

Cafe
Marina M.

We discovered Ama through listening to Alex Clark's podcast, and now I'm completely obsessed with this restaurant! So obsessed, in fact, that my husband and I came yesterday for lunch and returned again this morning for breakfast. The Insalata Verde with the Signature Herbaceous Dressing is so yummmmmm! For lunch, we ordered the minestrone with organic chicken added and the Tagliatelle al Ragù di Cuore ~ both were absolute deliciousness. Every bite tasted fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Breakfast was equally incredible. We enjoyed the mushroom and onion frittatas, a cornetto vuoto, and some of the best lattes we've had in a long time. And don't skip dessert ~ the tiramisu is gluten-free, yet you would never guess it (made with hazelnut flour). It's creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious! A special shoutout to Maxwell, whose service was superb. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, he made our visits even more enjoyable. The only minor challenge is parking, which can be a bit complicated. If you're lucky, grab a spot at Whole Foods and pick up your groceries on the way out ~ it worked perfectly for us! We only wish we lived closer to DC because this would easily become our go-to spot multiple times a week. This place has been opened for 2 years and we wish we knew about it sooner! Highly recommend!

Quiche
Ashleigh T.

We walk by AMA on our way to Whole Foods and finally decided to give it a try. I had my heart set on a croissant and hot coffee. We decided to take a seat inside at the bar and opted for the quiche and two iced coffees. They didn't have oat milk so despite their fancy (really fancy) espresso machine, the coffee just wasn't the best. I found it odd (and unsanitary) that as we say a man went behind the counter and "popped" his food in the warmer while holding a child on his hip. Not only was I like what is going on, it was also just gross in my opinion. The quiche was very tasty so I would return for that! And to potentially try dinner.

Fried seafood
Brianna T.

I actually didn't enjoy anything here :( The fritto misto (fried seafood appetizer) was so bad we didn't have more than one bite each. I'm not sure if the fry oil was old, but it was so heavily overfried. The bolognese wasn't bad but not worth the price. My friend had the pea pasta and she enjoyed it. Tiramisu was ok.

Beef ravioli
Min Z.

Great location, right across from Whole Foods on the Capitol Hill. Nice ambiance and fresh food. The service was nice and pleasant. We tried a few dishes on our first visit. We went back again the next week just to make sure. The stood out dish was the rice bowl. My friend and I are going to order it again in our future visits. The other dishes were fine but kind of ordinary.

Menu
Manasa P.

I came in on a Monday night so it wasn't too busy but still lively. There was plenty of seats at the bar. The menu is seed oil free and very cautious of our health. I liked how the menu talked about the benefits of different ingredients throughout. It is a great spot to go for a meal when you are still ingredient cautious. All of the food was good and solid portion size. I got the baba au rhum for my dessert and the server warned me it is boozy and it lived up to the hype. My friend got the tiramisu and they make their lady fingers in house so it's gluten free. They also had a full page of nonalcoholic drinks at differing price points. I will definitely return. I also saw they have a water service so I'll need to check that out.

Chelsea A.

Came to Ama with three friends for Restaurant Week and had an amazing experience. The vibe is super cute and cozy. Parking can be hit or miss, but I lucked out this time. We were supposed to stick to the Restaurant Week menu but somehow ended up ordering three different breads -- all were a hit, including the pea pancake (so good). And I loved the one that's like a pizza. For apps, the soups were solid. The minestrone was my favorite. Just a heads-up: the pasta fagioli is not like Olive Garden's, so don't order it expecting that. Entrees were a 10/10 -- we shared the Branzino and pasta Bolognese and everything was delicious. Dessert was gelato or sorbet, and we all left very happy. Restaurant Week is back and Ama definitely delivered. Great spot for celebrations too. Our server, Gerard, was super attentive and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended -- I would definitely come back and recommend this place.

Torta caprese
Sheran M.

As an Italian, I think Ama really nails the simple trattoria flavors. Not everything was perfect, but the pici and the coniglio were both standouts, and rabbit is genuinely hard to come by in the US, so that's always a win. I'm also fully on board with their philosophy of organic, healthy, micro-plastic free ingredients, which feels very true to how food is approached back in Italy. Service was good, and the ambiance leans upscale, though the food is very much trattoria in spirit. As an Italian, that's always an interesting dynamic to encounter in the US, not something you'd typically see framed that way back home.

Spaghetti al Pomodoro
Austin B.

AMA nails the balance between intentional dining and genuine enjoyment. The vibe is warm, stylish, and thoughtfully curated without feeling try-hard. The menu leans wellness-forward while still feeling indulgent. We ordered the focaccia (get two -- trust me) and the Spaghetti al Pomodoro, both of which were beautifully executed. The pasta was simple, bright, and comforting, letting high-quality ingredients do the work. Service was excellent throughout -- attentive, knowledgeable, and aligned with the restaurant's calm, confident energy. Overall, AMA delivers on food, ambiance, and experience in a way that feels cohesive and intentional. Easy five stars, and absolutely a place I'll return to.

Gelato with a gold spoon.. IYKYK
Jasmin J.

The ambiance is beautiful and calming with soft lighting, terracotta tones, and an authentic charm that feels both elevated and familiar. It is intimate, warm, and full of character. Ama was such a highlight during DC Cocktail Week 2025. I ordered their featured cocktail, Fiato di Bosco, and it was INCREDIBLE. The mezcal actually brought a gentle smokey flavor in comparison to cocktails I've had before. That blended with the bright citrus felt like taking a deep breath in a forest. Classic and so well balanced. I also loved their eco-friendly approach. No microplastics in their food or cocktail prep, all grass fed beef, wild caught seafood, and clean house made ingredients. It is the kind of integrity you can taste. The team made the experience even more memorable. Eden the restaurant manager was so kind and relatable. Chris, the bartenders created cocktails so quick but with so much precision. And Blake, the bar manager, was truly outstanding. She was serving, bartending, answering questions, checking in, and making the space feel warm and family oriented the entire time. Ama feels like a neighborhood favorite with intention and incredible hospitality. I cannot recommend it enough. Definitely going back!

Pasta

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Ask the Community - Ama

Is there a vegan pasta entree available?

My experience has been they are able to make dietary accommodations given everything is made fresh !

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Still the number one coffee spot in DC for me. I have so many check in's here for a reason it's the…read morecoffee and of course the friendly staff. It's also a cool spot to work remote or taking a meeting. I hope the owner open more establishments in the future. Right now there are 2 locations (including Union Market) - I've had great experiences at both. A lot of the new or small coffee shops should follow their lead when it comes to coffee and providing excellent customer service. I love this place.

Stopped by Pluma while exploring the Wharf and really enjoyed the experience…read more The café itself is beautiful, minimalist, earthy, and thoughtfully designed. Even though we got our drinks and food to go, I couldn't help but admire the cute ceramics and overall aesthetic of the space. I ordered the lavender latte, which was good but didn't completely wow me. My husband and I also shared the bread pudding, and that was definitely the highlight. He gave it a 9/10, and I'd have to agree, it was delicious and the perfect treat to enjoy while walking around the pier. One thing to note is that prices are definitely on the higher side. I noticed the avocado toast was around $18, and while it looked nice, it didn't seem particularly special for the price. Overall, a very cute café with a great atmosphere and an excellent bread pudding. A lovely stop while visiting the Wharf.

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Pluma - Delicious warm pastries ready to be enjoyed

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Ebenezers Coffeehouse - Iced Dirty Vanilla Chai with Oat Milk

Ebenezers Coffeehouse

4.1(614 reviews)
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Cause | Vibes | Outdoor Space…read more Cause - The sticker shock is real when you first see the prices. However, part of what you're paying for supports programs that provide coffee to people experiencing homelessness, while another portion goes toward local causes in DC. In that sense, your extra dollars are helping fund meaningful work in the community. Vibes - This place has great energy. There is a sizable indoor seating area along with a comfortable outdoor section. You'll see a mix of people catching up with friends, working remotely, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee. The overall atmosphere feels welcoming, open, and community-oriented. Outdoor Space - This is probably the highlight, especially on a nice summer day. It's an ideal spot for people-watching, soaking up some sunshine, and enjoying the neighborhood atmosphere. If the weather is nice, grab a seat outside and stay awhile. Pro Tip: Parking is limited, so plan accordingly or consider walking if you're nearby. Pro Tip: Ask the staff for their favorite drink recommendations. They know the menu well and can point you toward some hidden gems.

You can easily skip this coffeeshop and you won't miss much; DC has tons of better coffeeshops. I…read morehad carefully researched this place and braved the 4th of July DC heatwave to enjoy some coffee and pastries. Reviews seemed great and I loved that the coffeeshop was supporting a number of humanitarian causes; unfortunately, my experience was pretty meh. I'm not sure about the warm community vibes some reviews mention; I didn't even get a hint of a smile from the barista or the other guy at the counter. I asked for some suggestions with pastries and got a "It's your choice, this is all we have". I've hardly felt so unwelcome anywhere. I decided against any food, just got my $6 iced latte and grabbed the only open table after wiping it clean myself. The latte itself was very watered down, but frankly it didn't bother me as much as the ice-cold behavior I encountered here.

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Ebenezers Coffeehouse - Inside

Inside

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Ebenezers Coffeehouse - Interior

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Colada Shop - COLADA SHOP CUBAN and STEWED SWEET PLANTAINS

Colada Shop

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Overall, a 3 out of 5. Came in to take a look at the pastries but ended up getting a plantain…read morelatte. The drink is sweeter than I expected, which makes sense because it's plantain, but it has actual plantain pieces in it. I'd rather it be a syrup instead of little plantain chunks when you sip the drink. It's okay, but I wouldn't get it again. I'd like to come back in the morning and actually get some of the fresh pastries, as opposed to later in the evening. If I hadn't just eaten somewhere else, I definitely would have tried the cuban.

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Colada Shop
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Colada Shop - Churro- fried pastry dough with cinnamon sugar served with condensed milk. Beware this came out HOT

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Churro- fried pastry dough with cinnamon sugar served with condensed milk. Beware this came out HOT

Ama - desserts - Updated November 2026

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