My husband surprised me with brunch at Ambar because he always researches menus before making…read morereservations to make sure there are enough options for my food intolerances. That thoughtfulness is one of the many reasons I was excited to try it. When we arrived, I was initially concerned after learning that the "G" on the menu indicated dishes **containing** gluten rather than being gluten-free. Since many menu items were marked with a "G," I worried my options would be very limited, especially for the unlimited brunch experience. Thankfully, our server, Emma, immediately put me at ease. She brought me the food allergy menu, answered my questions with patience, and made sure I understood what was safe for me to enjoy. While my husband and I were deciding whether to stay, the manager, Antonio, came to our table after Emma shared my dietary concerns. His kindness completely changed the experience. He took the time to explain my options, offered to have the kitchen modify several dishes, and reassured me that their goal was for me to feel safe and enjoy my meal. Thanks to Emma and Antonio, what started with uncertainty became one of the most enjoyable brunch experiences I've had. I was able to enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, the mimosas were a great value, and the restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light. What I'll remember most, though, is how genuinely cared for I felt. Before we left, Antonio stopped by one last time to make sure I was happy with my meal and that all of my needs had been met. My husband had put so much love and intention into choosing this restaurant, and thanks to Emma and Antonio, we both left with happy hearts and full bellies. If you have food intolerances or dietary restrictions, I hope this review gives you confidence to visit Ambar. Their team didn't just accommodate my needs. They made me feel welcome, respected, and cared for. That's the kind of hospitality that earns five stars from me.

New: TG corn ribs. Delicious and creative (see my picture). It's a new interpretation of corn on…read morethe cob. Mixed grill is now more expensive (as part of the Ambar Experience at Home set: grill). Though now you can choose individual ingredients (chicken, lamb and so on as opposed to mixed grill which is no + $4) Baklava shrunk! In the past the portion was generous. Now: only 3 tiny pieces.

A wonderful experience! We loved coming here and getting to try lil bites of as much as we wanted…read more We sat outside which I wouldn't reccomend, the atmosphere wasn't as comfy as inside. But service was efficient and food was excellent! Def come hungry so you can try all the things. Flatbreads and lasagna were a 10/10

Visited here once in 2024 and again in 2026 during Restaurant week. The price has increased over…read morethe years and there is a restaurant service charge on top of tax and tip, so coming during restaurant week felt a little more "normal" price wise for lunch ($35 per person for all you can eat plus dessert). Service was pretty fast, though we did come in on a weekday during lunch hours. It wasn't super packed which made it a relaxed vibe. The appetizers and the main meals were outstanding. Every time we go to Ambar, the Balkan Salad, the beet tzatziki, and the veal soup are our non-negotiable starters. The bread basket that comes with the spreads is always warm as if it came out of the oven which is a nice touch. This time around we got to try kajmak- tasted like fresh butter from a farm. The orders we kept coming back to in particular were the grilled shrimp, the sesame crusted salmon, and the beef goulash. It's easy to get full quickly, but if you're eyeing on dessert, pace yourself! Unless you love decadent cakes, I would pass if dessert is an extra cost. The dessert menu was quite underwhelming to me and, besides the baklava, doesn't give traditional Balkan dessert vibes. If I were to recommend going to Ambar, definitely head in during restaurant week! And if paying full cost, I would say brunch has a nicer sweets selection over the dessert menu offered during lunch and dinner.

Bia Kitchen is a quaint Irish restaurant/pub that has lots of buzz on social media and comes highly…read morerecommended. According to one of the lovely staff,"Bia" means food in Irish, in case you were curious. They have a full bar with lots of quality spirits to choose from. The beer selection is all draught, no bottled beer. We decided to share some appetizers with our drinks. We ordered PEI mussels, champagne peppercorn patè and fried calamari. All the appetizers were excellent. The patè was presented nicely with accoutrements of fig jam, cornichon, macerated tomatoes and bread. The mussels were offered in a Thai curry sauce but we asked for another serving option due to an allergy concerns. They offered us a white wine and garlic option and we gladly took it. The mussels were cooked very well, the flavor was clean and mild but could have used stronger seasoning, The fried calamari was executed perfectly. It was crispy, tender, flavorful with zero greasiness. The garlic tomato aioli accompanied the dish well. We shared the beef medallions as our entree and a side of fries because I spotted a server carrying fish and chips and the steak fries style potatoes were speaking to me. The steak was tender and flavorful and the Demi glaze brought the dish together. The fries were crispy and salty and wonderful, I'm glad I was inspired. We saved room for dessert and chose churros and Dubai chocolate. Both were a great finish to our dining experience.

Bia is an attractive spot just off the main street, with a pleasant atmosphere and attentive…read moreservice. It definitely has the feel of a business‑lunch destination. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the setting. We started with the Irish Nachos. The homemade thick‑cut chips were excellent, but the cheese sauce had no flavor and there wasn't nearly enough of it. All the bacon bits were clustered in one corner, leaving most of the dish bland. I ordered the "signature" short rib ravioli. While the presentation was nice, the pasta itself was tough, and the filling was a grey paste with no trace of meat or flavor. The capicola and prosciutto were similarly disappointing -- so underseasoned that we had to ask for salt and pepper just to make them taste like anything. Overall, a great-looking restaurant with friendly service, but the kitchen needs serious attention.

The place is cozy and the services excellent. The food was…read moredelicious. I love the mix drinks.

Dinner for a party of 7 for Restaurant Week: sheer perfection!!!! I rarely leave a place with…read moreliterally zero to critique!!!! Water refills were constant, drinks were food, the wide variety of food we all partook in was all amazing, great service. I tried the leek tart everyone mentioned in previous reviews. It really is delicious. It does have some flavor of greens but is mostly creamy and pastry. The rice pudding is flavorful. The chocolate cake melts in your mouth. This place lived up to the hype.

The food at Chloe was absolutely delicious. So good in fact that I stopped in twice during my time…read morein DC. Both times I ordered the Crudo which was absolutely amazing. Additionally, I tried The Who fish and the gem salad which both are spectacular. Cocktails are made to perfection and the service and ambiance are great.

Food 8/10 Atmosphere 9/10…read moreService 3/10 Came here for DC Summer Restaurant Week and unfortunately left pretty disappointed, especially for the price point. First off, there seemed to be only one waiter handling around 7-8 tables. Tables on both sides of us were visibly getting frustrated with how slow the service was. We came to enjoy ourselves and weren't in a rush, so we didn't mind waiting as much, but the service was noticeably slow. Interestingly, the actual dishes came out fairly quickly, but everything else--ordering, drinks, checking in, and getting things we needed--took a long time. For a restaurant at this price point, I was also expecting the overall experience and atmosphere to feel a little more elevated. It didn't really feel particularly upscale or special, and the bathrooms were noticeably dirty, which was surprising and definitely took away from the experience. Overall, the food was decent, but between the understaffed service, cleanliness, and atmosphere, I didn't feel the experience matched the price. Restaurant Week is usually a great opportunity to try a higher-end restaurant and want to come back, but unfortunately I don't think I'd return at the regular menu prices.

The food here is excellent and it is worth waiting for. That said, you will have to wait when it…read morecomes to take out. I have called and been put on hold so long that I drove to the restaurant and placed my order in person before they picked up the phone from being on hold and talked to me. In their defense it was a busy night and they looked understaffed. And again when I got the food it was worth the wait.

Et Voila! presents itself as a charming French-Belgian bistro, known for its convivial European…read moreatmosphere and a menu rooted in classic brasserie traditions, complemented by an impressive selection of Belgian beers and wines. St. Patrick's Day special Irish red ale. The beer delivered a pleasantly full texture with a gentle sweetness, balanced enough to serve as a comfortable prelude to the richer dishes that followed. The French Onion Soup immediately set the tone. Beneath its bubbling cap of melted Gruyère, the broth achieved that elusive equilibrium between sweetness and depth, the caramelized onions fully developed without overwhelming the palate. It stands among the more refined renditions in town. A plate of escargots followed--classically prepared with garlic butter and toasted bread. While traditional and satisfying, the dish leaned more toward comforting familiarity than culinary revelation. Duck leg confit. Perfectly executed, the duck arrived with crisped skin and richly rendered fat, while the meat remained exceptionally tender. Each bite released a deep, savory aroma--earthy, succulent, and unmistakably French in spirit. It was a dish that quietly stole the show and lingered pleasantly in memory long after the meal concluded. 4/11/26 - The cod moussaka impresses with a crisp, golden top layer that delivers a bold, deeply savory cod flavor--rich, briny, and instantly satisfying. A touch of curry paste adds warmth and aromatic complexity, lifting the dish without overpowering it. Confident, balanced, and memorable--an easy re-order.

Ambar is one of the best values in D.C.'s dining scene. The Balkan-inspired small plates are…read morebursting with flavor, and the unlimited dining experience encourages you to explore dishes you may not have tried otherwise. Every plate, from the grilled meats to the traditional spreads and pastries, is expertly prepared and beautifully presented. Combined with attentive service and a vibrant atmosphere, Ambar delivers a memorable meal that keeps you planning your next visit before you've even left.

My son and I enjoyed a lovely Sunday brunch at Ambar Shaw the last weekend of March 2026. I was sad…read moreto learn that 6 days after we dined here, a city bus crashed into the restaurant rendering it temporarily closed. I'm thankful it happened early in the morning and no one was seriously injured. I hope that the owners can repair the damage allowing them to reopen this location! My understanding is that they have two other locations in the DC area. During our visit, our service was friendly, quick and efficient. We had the all-you-can eat brunch for about $37/person. We didn't elect the bottomless mimosas though I was seriously tempted! We ate inside since I was worried about the chilly morning, but the enclosed patio looked delightful. I kinda wish we'd eaten out there! Noise levels inside were manageable. The food was wonderful and some dishes like the flatbread pizza were larger than I expected. I'll say I think bottomless brunches are best enjoyed by a group of 3 minimum, ideally 4-6. For two of us, it was hard to sample as much as we'd like, especially if we want to try different things. One gets full faster than you'd expect and I hate to waste food! A couple dishes that stood out to me: the little donut holes were a treat as was the white flatbread. The beet tzatziki served with pita bread tasted amazing! I'm less of a poached egg person, so I can't comment on those options. I didn't take pics of each dish, too busy enjoying them! Definitely worth working AMBAR into your brunch rotation!

This was my second visit to this restaurant. My companion and i ordered from the happy hour menu…read morewhich is on the back of the full menu. It is a $24.95 flat price offering an appetizer, entree and dessert for that price. (Only available Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 5-6:30 pm). There were about 6 choices each for appetizers and entrees and 3 for dessert. My companion had a mussel appetizer and I had French Onion soup. My soup was a great example of the classic preparation. Bubbly and browned cheese over a deeply flavorful broth of onions and a slice of French bread. My companion loved the mussels. As to the entree I had what was called Beef Diane, a twist on the classic Steak Diane. It consisted of tips of filet in a delicious gravy flavored with cognac. My companion had Rainbow Trout and was very happy with it. For dessert we both had cheesecake with strawberry sauce. A good example of a New York style cheesecake. Both entrees were served with well cooked mixed vegetables. The portions were not a scaled down size but normal size. The meal comes with fresh baked toasted bread served warm. Delicious. The service was attentive which was to be expected because there were only 3 tables occupied. A complimentary shot of a what I think was kahlua was served at the end of the meal. The atmosphere is lots of dark wood and a classic bar. Great food and a great experience. Don't pass up this great value!!

Came here last night and it took an hour and a half for our entrees to come out. There was no…read moreapology or acknowledgement at all. The place was emptying out by the time we got our meals. They tried to appease the pair of diners next to us with free shots of something, but nothing for us because we went an acquaintance and his sister who are regulars, so they knew it didn't matter if we were happy or not. Food was terrible. I had the rainbow trout which seemed like it might have come frozen. Topped with dull brown gravy and canned mushrooms. Got a large dollop of bland mashed potatoes with it and a few green beans. TLDR: this place is for senior citizens who take comfort in familiar cafeteria level food. I'm perplexed how it's in business with high ratings. I've come here numerous times because the person I know (who's about 25 years my senior) comes here every Friday night.

I'm so happy to have found Balkan food in Northern Virginia! Ever since I visited Croatia and…read moreBosnia and Herzegovina last summer I have been craving these dishes. The cevapi with kajmak and ajvar brought me back! Loved the burek as well and it was a hit with my family. Definitely check them out!

This guy knows his business. Five start for quality and taste. I occasionally order for my office…read moreemployees that are many different nationalities and everyone loves this food. See you again soon!

Adore this restaurant- always an amazing food experience. The owners/chef/front of house, Juste and…read moreRicardo are just amazing. Cant recommend enough!!! Food is so incredibly creative and delicious!

Maple Ave is a small, no-frills bistro in Vienna that serves higher end modern European options ran…read moreby two people! They offer a prix-fixe menu that changes seasonally (?) for brunch and dinner. The ingredients here are high-quality and well prepared and cared for before serving. I've heard great things about Maple Ave from a friends, so I took my family here for dinner this past Wednesday. We really enjoyed the creativity of how the dishes were crafted and plated here and the execution was also phenomenal. This time around, it was 59.00 per person for a 4-course prix-fixe dinner (two appetizers, one entree, and one dessert). Since there were only a couple options per section, we were able to try all the options they had. FIRST: APPLE HAZELNUT SOUP Creamy, pale colored soup with a thicker consistency similar to butternut squash soup. It was lightly sweet, yet savory at the same time. There were some pickled apples and toasted hazelnuts delicately sprinkled on top that added a bit of a crunch. The soup was unique and we enjoyed it. FIRST: ROOTCAKE Between the rootcake and the apple hazelnut soup, the rootcake was my favorite. The vegetables were caramelized and made into a patty, topped generously with almonds with some umami aïoli and pimenton sauce. The rootcake was so good. Each bite was hearty and rich, and it's such a unique way to prepare vegetables. The sauce enhanced each bite and the almonds provided a nutty texture. I would recommend the rootcake as your first option. SECOND: CRISPY SQUASH NUGGETS I didn't think I would enjoy the crispy squash nuggets as much as I did. The roasted squash is breaded with panko crumbs, sitting in some dill yogurt sauce and topped with some raisins and radish. The squash were perfectly seasoned and crispy with a soft interior that left my taste buds wanting more. The dill yogurt sauce was a good complement. I'd definitely recommend this option if you're not a fan of mushrooms and/or you want something more crispy. SECOND: WILD MUSHROOM RISOTTO One of the best mushroom risottos I've ever had. It's rich and creamy, filled with truffle flavor. The shiitake mushrooms had a dry, crispy texture. The manchego shavings on top were a great plus. The squash was used for coloring and probably some flavoring? Not sure. The whole thing was really good and memorable. I'd definitely recommend! THIRD: SHRIMP I'm not a huge fan of shrimp, but my family loved it along with the citrus braised fennel. I was a fan of the creamy semolina, though! Overall, it wasn't for me, but that's more of a personal preference. THIRD: PORK CONFIT STEAK The pork they used was pork belly (?) and seared very nicely, topped with perfectly crispy potatoes, mangoes (?), brown butter sweet potato puree and chimi churri sauce. The pork belly melted in my mouth but as someone who's not the biggest fan of fatty pork, I wish it was a leaner cut. The potatoes were so good and went well with the sweet potato puree. Even though I didn't love the pork confit steak, I'd recommend this entree over the shrimp. FOURTH: MOCK FRIED "APPLE" PIE It was zucchini instead of apple and you can't even tell. I loved the crispy pie exterior which was lightly topped with cinnamon. The vanilla bean ice cream was my favorite as it was creamy and smooth. The dulce de leche and lavender honey were nice touches. Very nice way to end the meal. All the food here were so rich with lots of complex flavors. Each dish was so beautifully plated with many vibrant colors. We were quite full after all the food we ate. I would recommend coming here with another person to try all the options they offer here! The food here is unique and well-executed, and I'd be open to come back to try a different seasonal menu.