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    Ama

    4.2 (134 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Ama Photos

    Business Info

    AMA ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Ama

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    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!

    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.

    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!!

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Paccheri con sugo di mare
    Rukaiyah T.

    The Paccheri con sugo di mare was light but filling. You can tell they were using all natural ingredients and fresh pasta. The restaurant was lightly dimmed and inviting. All of the staff work together and very knowledgeable of the menu, wine pairings and the region this restaurant is inspired by.

    Kiwi Margarita and a Dusse cocktail the bartender created both some of the best drinks we've ever had.
    Ms. H.

    Food was amazing and so fresh. Ordered Bronzino, Lamb Chops, spring mix salad with green goodness dressing, potatoes, Ragu Pasta and sautéed kale. Ohhh the drinks! Fresh fruit is used for all the drinks and we got the Kiwi martinis and Dusse cocktail and both Everything was very authentically Italian recipes! Price was high for the portion size but we ordered enough to get full and so worth it because the ingredients were fresh! Server was great too, had great recommendations and very attentive. Excited to go back.

    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.

    Pomodoro
    Kelly M.

    I wasn't wowed, I'm afraid. The happy hour cocktails are sickly sweet. The wine was fine but only 2 options. The famous focaccia was too hard and not great. The pastas are so expensive and pretty small. I got the pasta with duck ragu. I normally love duck but the duck flavor was gamey and overpowering. The pasta was good but the overall flavor was not the best. We asked for Parmesan cheese. They brought a tiny amount in a little cup, ground up parm, and then charged us $2 for it without any warning. My friend liked the pomodoro but otherwise I was underwhelmed and overcharged. There's also a service fee of nearly 4% to boot.

    Tiramisu

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

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    Butterworth’s

    Butterworth’s

    3.7(49 reviews)
    0.5 miCapitol Hill

    I had a great experience at butterworths! I rubbed shoulders with the best and enjoyed the many…read moreappetizer options. The foie gras was excellent. I would recommend this location

    I came here with a friend visiting from out of town. We were walk-ins. The maitre d was unusually…read morehostile. It was the first time I was dealt such a cold reception by a restaurant host. We were seated on the ground floor. The decor was exotic in a pleasant way and it looked like there were many seating or standing options. It was quiet in the early afternoon. We ordered the fries with aioli, I had the lamb tartare and my friend the lamb bolognese, and we both had pound cake for dessert. We both deeply enjoyed the taste and presentation of the dishes we ordered. The fries were hot and crispy and the aioli delicious -- I only wish there were more given the generous portion of fries. My tartare had the taste and texture of pate, despite the lamb chop exterior. Very clever. The aroma was just right. The cake was warm and moist with a crispy crust. My friend remarked that dishes of similar quality, taste, and presentation would cost triple in Manhattan. Regrettably, we were charged $12 for the $10 dessert. The waiter attributed it to a "computer error," but I've had to deal with overcharging by several of my favorite DC restaurants. Whether intentional or not, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Other cons: The menu is admittedly sketchy. My friend and I were unwilling to gamble on expensive and elaborate dishes. It sounds like the reviewers here did. Also, the restaurant is located in the heart of Capitol Hill, far from the metro. It's a long walk or you'll be looking for parking. Butterworth's is now my favorite restaurant in DC. I've been wanting to bring my family here for the longest time, but I've hesitated because I don't want to deal with the contempt of the host, the embarrassment of disputing false charges, and the pain of finding parking. I've been wanting to return solo for the longest time, but I've hesitated because the place is in the middle of nowhere, and I don't want to walk 25 minutes or pay $15 for a cab ride just to pay another $50 for a meal here, as wonderful as the experience might be. All that said, in terms of taste, presentation, ambiance, and price, Butterworth's left a strong and positive impression on me.

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    Butterworth’s
    Butterworth’s - Almond cake and chocolate cream

    Almond cake and chocolate cream

    Butterworth’s - Modeling for controversial fashion AndreSoriano.com a friend of 30 years.

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    Modeling for controversial fashion AndreSoriano.com a friend of 30 years.

    Pluma

    Pluma

    4.7(33 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.

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    Pluma
    Pluma - Delicious warm pastries ready to be enjoyed

    Delicious warm pastries ready to be enjoyed

    Pluma

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    Le Bon Cafe - Almond croissant

    Le Bon Cafe

    3.7(258 reviews)
    0.5 miCapitol Hill
    $$

    The food is fresh and tasted so good! It was a nice little surprise stop while we visited the…read morecity.

    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.

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    Le Bon Cafe - Menu/baked items

    Menu/baked items

    Le Bon Cafe - Avocado toast

    Avocado toast

    Le Bon Cafe - Dark Roast coffee!

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    Dark Roast coffee!

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

    Colada Shop

    4.0(395 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!

    We visited Colada Shop for a weekday dinner and then went for a walk along the Wharf, and I'd…read moredefinitely recommend! We sat outside in a covered area and ordered from the table using a QR code. Service was very fast! Here's what we ordered: Mojitos: 4/5, tasted great but nothing special necessarily Colada Shop Cuban: 5/5, absolutely delicious Shrimp Ceviche Tostones: 4/5, great flavor but pretty small to share Tamarind Pollo Frito Strips: 5/5, delicious chicken, cooked to perfection and I loved the tamarind glaze Empanadas: 4/5, we liked the spinach and cheese one better than the beef one Twice-friend Tostones: 2/5, good with the sauces but pretty dry and flavorless by themselves

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

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

    Colada Shop

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    Ama - desserts - Updated August 2026

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