Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Ama

    4.1 (142 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Ama Photos

    Business Info

    AMA ATMOSPHERE

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

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Ama

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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!

    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.

    Pasta
    Amelia N.

    Definitely an excellent choice for a fancy night out or a delicious dinner at the bar. Beautiful place and the food matched the environment. Service was fantastic, friendly, and very attentive!!

    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!

    Jacqueline V.

    Nice cozy neighborhood spot, menu offers authentic Italian dishes. For small bites, grab the beef and pork meatballs. Service at the bar was prompt. Bartender was knowledgeable and too technical with dink explanations.... Would have loved to see a smile - he was too focused. I will have to return for table service.

    Paccheri con sugo di mare

    See all

    19 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Win S.
    274
    275
    4723

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    25 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ms. H.
    130
    34
    31

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 hours ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rose K.
    1
    10
    16

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nancy M.
    109
    182
    42

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ama Reviews in Other Languages

    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 !

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Pluma

    Pluma

    4.7(35 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Pluma
    Pluma - Delicious warm pastries ready to be enjoyed

    Delicious warm pastries ready to be enjoyed

    Pluma

    See all

    Le Bon Cafe - Almond croissant

    Le Bon Cafe

    3.7(259 reviews)
    0.5 miCapitol Hill
    $$

    Such a cute little gem with a great cozy vibe! The staff are always friendly and helpful with the…read moremenu. They have a ton of options -- the belgian waffle, french toast, and breakfast potatoes were delicious! The fruit on the side is a nice extra touch. The patio is very nice with lots of umbrellas for shade and cute flower pots. The coffee is always yummy, especially the iced mocha. The baked good on the counter always look good (although they do sell out later in the day!) and I have to come back to try some

    Came to this location with my husband and sister-in-law. We ordered the build your own omelette…read morewith roasted potatoes, french toast with berries, white chocolate chip coconut macadamia cookie, pain au chocolate croissant, blueberry scone, peppermint hot chocolate, and chai tea latte. Total came out to approximately $55. What's hot - Menu. Good variety and there appears to be something for everyone, even possibly vegans. There are sweet and savory options, eggs, french toast, salads, sandwiches, etc... - Quality. Excellent! All 3 of us really enjoyed the food that we ordered. Their french toast and omelettes are delicious. My husband particularly liked the maple syrup that was served with his french toast, because the maple flavor tasted a bit stronger than your average maple syrup. Their pastries are also delicious! Soft, good texture and not too sweet. Given the softness, my best guess is that their sweet treats are recently made. - Service. Pretty good. We did not wait very long for our orders to be ready. The hot foods, like the omelettes, french toast, and drinks, appear to be freshly made. - Price. Good value for money, given the quality and portions. - Location. Convenient location in D.C. However, given the location, be prepared for it to get busy quickly, which means decent lines and wait times. What's not - Interior space. Very tight squeeze inside. There are tables and chairs inside, but their biggest tables can only fit 4 people. If you have children with a stroller or whatever, be prepared to not have room inside. They have outside seating, but that's only conducive to when the weather is warm. This place appears to be popular, which means it can get packed very quickly and seating can be difficult to find. - Acoustics. They play relatively loud music inside, which makes it difficult to have conversations with those you're with. That the interior is small, the music travels easily, which does not help. - Omelette. Even though I liked the flavor of my omelette, it was rather thin. I prefer my omelette to be more weighty/fluffy in texture. Additionally, cheese is not automatically included with the omelette. I ordered mushrooms, red peppers, spinach, and bacon in my omelette. I mistakenly believed cheese was automatically included, but I was wrong. - Parking. Is not easy to find given the location. There is street parking, but it's very difficult to come by. Final Answer Would like to come back, but probably not a first choice given the tight squeeze of the interior. If I do return, would more likely than not order takeaway.

    Photos
    Le Bon Cafe - Menu/baked items

    Menu/baked items

    Le Bon Cafe - Avocado toast

    Avocado toast

    Le Bon Cafe - Dark Roast coffee!

    See all

    Dark Roast coffee!

    Ebenezers Coffeehouse - Iced Dirty Vanilla Chai with Oat Milk

    Ebenezers Coffeehouse

    4.1(613 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    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.

    Love this coffee house!!! Was dropping my daughter off at Union Station and we had a little time to…read morekill. We easily found street parking. The inside was cute and had a decent amount of seating. They also have a patio, but with today being the warmest of 2026 they were all taken. There was one customer ahead of us, but the wait was very short. I got a white mocha matcha. I was a little skeptical, but the barista co-signed and suggested getting it iced. Delicious! I also got a pastry. Bacon, egg and cheese on brioche. Also really tasty. This place is clearly a neighborhood staple as I heard staff greeting several customers by name. Definitely glad we stopped in. If ever in the area, I will certainly be back.

    Photos
    Ebenezers Coffeehouse - Inside

    Inside

    Ebenezers Coffeehouse - Interior

    Interior

    Ebenezers Coffeehouse - Iced coffee and ham and cheese croissant

    See all

    Iced coffee and ham and cheese croissant

    Colada Shop - COLADA SHOP CUBAN and STEWED SWEET PLANTAINS

    Colada Shop

    4.0(398 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    We stopped by Colada Shop during our trip to DC, and it ended up being one of our favorite meals…read morenear the Wharf! The restaurant is super cute, with a fun cafe vibe, and it's an easy walk from the waterfront. We ordered the Colada Trio, which came with empanadas, cauliflower sliders, and yuca fries. Everything was delicious, and it came with three different sauces that were honestly all so good. I could've eaten those sauces with everything. We also ordered the Platanachos (plantain nachos), which were flavorful and such a fun twist on traditional nachos. They accidentally forgot the cauliflower and mushroom topping, but as soon as I mentioned it, they brought it out right away along with extra sauce. Mistakes happen, but what matters is how a place handles them, and they were incredibly accommodating, which I really appreciated. It was pretty busy when we visited, and I noticed who I believe was the manager or owner helping clean tables and checking on guests. I always love seeing that kind of hands-on involvement. Great food, friendly service, and an awesome location if you're exploring the Wharf. I'd definitely recommend stopping by!

    I've lived in the area of The Wharf Colada Shop for about three years but just recently tried it…read morefor the first time. Very pleasantly surprised. I don't typically go for counter service or QR code service restaurants, but stopped in for a quick bite before a concert at the Anthem. The Cuban sandwich is legit and very tasty with tender pork, soft fresh bread with a crunchy crust, and great pickles. And the stewed plantains were perfectly tender with a caramel like sweetness. Probably the nicest surprise was their reasonably priced cocktails that have a Cuban flair. The happy hour options are very tasty.

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

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

    Colada Shop - Tostada - traditional toasted cuban bread with butter & a delicious guava marmalade.

    See all

    Tostada - traditional toasted cuban bread with butter & a delicious guava marmalade.

    Ama - desserts - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...