I signed up for the free Ambar Unlimited club and Oct's treat was a free $42 bottle of wine last…read morenight - We got the Sauvignon Blanc (Moldovia) and it was really light and delicious. It was definitely worth coming here, even though the price for Unlimited was $50 per person. Each dish for a la carte was at least $12 each, so the unlimited deal was pretty good. I think we got at least 9 dishes so we got our money's worth! Food (5/5): I love all the food here. I was sad that the steak tartare was no longer on them menu as this was one of my favorite dishes. Some other standouts: Kabob - This is a with a feta dip. The meat is cooked medium and this has the best flavor. We ordered two of these! Cheese pie - This is also one of my favorite dishes! Shrimp with corn puree - This is like the best grilled shrimp you have had with cream of corn. We each ordered one of these as it was really great. Service (5/5): Marios was a fantastic server! He was from the balkans area, so he knows the food and was great with the recommendations! Ambiance (4/5): I cannot believe this was fully crowded on a Wed night, but I think it is a testament to how good the food was :)

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.

I was in town for an expo! Tried out this place! The plates are well served. 2 can eat of an…read moreentree. Depends on how hungry you are. But it did not disappoint. Very fulfilling. Place is beautiful and clean. Waitress was really cool her name was Bella Ordered the kung pao plate

I've had Tiger Dumplings bookmarked for over two years, so I was happy that an opportunity…read morepresented itself to finally check this restaurant off my "want to go" list. A friend who is a novice to this type of cuisine, was interested in sampling a variety of Asian style dumplings, and this place definitely fits that description. The spot can get busy during the prime time 6-8pm dining segment, so I'd recommend making reservations to guarantee seating. Located in the heart of Arlington at the intersection of Wilson and Clarendon Blvd, parking can be a challenge but if you're willing to walk, there is usually availability in the surrounding neighborhoods. The interior is beautifully decorated. Tile flooring is complimented by blonde hardwood ceiling and wall accent pieces, while bamboo lighting fixtures provide soft illumination. The menu is rather extensive and runs the gamut from soup based, fried, and steamed dumplings. There are also appetizers such as scallion pancakes, tofu with perserved duck eggs, and dim sum ...but we decided to stick with the more traditional style steamed dumplings. A pot of hot jasmine tea arrived to share and we appreciated the refills of hot water through out the meal. Pork soup dumplings - or xiaolongbao (XLB) - arrived first and I provided a brief primer as to how to enjoy this dish. XLB are delicate steamed dumplings filled with seasoned pork and a rich, savory broth that bursts with flavor when you take a bite. My recommendation was to nibble off a corner, and then allow the contained broth to drain into the soup spoon. If you bite directly into the dumpling first, it will likely make a big mess as soup squirts everywhere. We agreed that the pork broth was extremely flavorful and not too salty. I also suggested making a dipping sauce of the black vinegar, chili oil, and just a tiny splash of soy sauce. Dipping the XLB into the sauce amped up the spice and enhanced the flavor. The other two dumplings arrived a few minutes later. Of the two, the chicken and shitake was preferred. Seasoned chicken and earthy shiitake mushrooms are mixed and then steamed to bring out an umami-rich flavor. This was quite good. I grew up eating this type of pork/cabbage dumpling, so while it was solid, to me, it was quite "boring." The pork dumplings needed the dipping sauce for sure. Service was fine. Dirty plates were removed when appropriate while water glasses and the tea pot refilled when necessary. My only observation, and not a complaint, is that I can understand why some reviews say this place is "expensive." I don't necessarily concur with that assessment since I think the food is quality. However, paying $11-$15 for a plate of 5-8 dumplings can add up quickly. Still, for a restaurant where a diner can try a variety of different dumplings in one spot, I think the prices are reasonable. Dinner for two adults - a pot of tea and three entrees - with tax and tip came to about $61.

Beautiful atmosphere, fantastic service, and the food...Amazing. Cannot wait to go back for…read moremore!!​

My son and I enjoyed dinner on the patio on a Saturday night. Skyler was our server. Food was…read moreexcellent, we enjoyed the baked ziti and chicken parm which was uniquely served with sauce/melted cheese poured table side. We also had the meatballs, a cappuccino and table side tiramisu. Unique dining experience. Server was attentive and atmosphere was great.

Amazing food, amazing service. We did the voyagers dinner, great time. Ask for Ian when you get inread more

food was amazing!! we got the curry laksa raman and roti canal. staff was so sweet and helpful…read moreespecially Zarran :) will be coming back

Everything was splendid at breakfast this morning! We had a 9:30 a.m. reservation and were seated…read morepromptly in a comfortable booth. The restaurant was clean, bright, airy, and vibrant, with a trendy atmosphere that we absolutely loved. We started with the cornbread, which had a lovely texture, somewhere between traditional coarse cornbread and a sweeter version. It was tender, delicately baked, and served with delicious butter. I ordered the three-egg omelet, accompanied by a beautiful, fragrant, and refreshing arugula salad that I thoroughly enjoyed. The eggs tasted farm-fresh. My mate enjoyed a full breakfast of beef sausage, bacon, potatoes, over-easy eggs, and a biscuit. The coffee was hot and delicious, and my hot matcha was equally enjoyable. One small tip: specialty drinks ordered from the drink bar may take a little longer to arrive at your table, so keep that in mind. Our server was excellent, and the overall experience was wonderful. We were happy to leave a 25% tip for the great service. Between the delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive staff, this was an thoroughly enjoyable breakfast. We loved it and would gladly return!

Disappointing First Visit -- Unfortunately, I Won't Be Returning…read more I was genuinely excited to finally visit Ruthie's All-Day in Arlington after hearing so much about the restaurant. Unfortunately, my first experience was disappointing, especially considering how much I was looking forward to it. We started with Harry's Hot Hushpuppies, made with shrimp and jalapeño. They arrived nice and hot, and the batter was crispy, which I appreciated. The flavor was decent, although I think a different dipping sauce would have complemented them better. Overall, they were okay. For my entrée, I ordered Ruthie's Big Plate. I specifically requested my eggs scrambled soft with cheese. Unfortunately, they arrived without the cheese and were not cooked the way I requested. The beef sausage was another disappointment. After taking one bite, I found the texture unusually soft and mushy, almost as though it hadn't been cooked thoroughly. I couldn't enjoy it. The bacon, however, was excellent! The portion was generous, and the flavor was really good. It was honestly one of the highlights of my meal. Unfortunately, the breakfast potatoes were the complete opposite. They were dry, lacked seasoning, and had very little flavor. I did enjoy the grits, which were another positive. My husband ordered the fried chicken biscuit. I tasted his chicken, and it was extremely salty. There was a sweet honey glaze that helped balance the saltiness somewhat, but the salt was still overpowering. The biscuit itself was just okay. I did speak with the manager about my experience, and I want to acknowledge that she was very apologetic and offered to have something else prepared for me. I appreciated her professionalism and willingness to make things right. However, I declined because my husband was already eating, and by the time another meal arrived, he would have been finished. I didn't want him sitting there waiting while I ate. For me, dining out is about more than just the atmosphere or a restaurant's reputation. The food should be flavorful, properly prepared, and served as requested. Unfortunately, too many items fell short during this visit. I really wanted to love Ruthie's All-Day, but based on this experience, I don't see myself returning. I hope management takes this feedback constructively because there is definitely room for improvement in the consistency, seasoning, and preparation of the food. I also want to acknowledge the manager's effort to make things right. She came back over to check on us again, and a server brought us complimentary apple donuts with cookies and cream ice cream. I must say, the cookies and cream ice cream was absolutely delicious! When I spoke with the manager again, she told me, "I didn't want you to leave dissatisfied." I genuinely appreciated her saying that and, more importantly, making the effort to turn our experience around. I even told her that the ice cream was my "happy place" because I enjoyed it that much! Although I was disappointed with several aspects of our meal, I believe in giving credit where credit is due. The manager was attentive, sincere, and genuinely concerned about our experience. Her hospitality did not erase the issues we had with the food, but it certainly made a difference in how we felt leaving the restaurant. I truly appreciate her kindness and willingness to make things right, and I felt it was only fair to acknowledge that in my review. So I changed it to 3 stars for the effort to make things better.

Had a nice dinner at Ted's Bulletin my first night in DC recently. My friend lives nearby so we…read morepopped in and were seated immediately. We both decided to have the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and share a bottle of wine. Good was good, service was attentive, and the restaurant is lovely. Great option if you're in the Ballston area!

Prices have risen lately with many places so the happy our discount was a good reason to visit…read moreTed's. I've been to other locations but this was my first. I was surprised by how empty it was for a holiday evening, actually just as strange by how vacant and empty the whole area was. This used to be a very busy area. I started with a White Russian milkshake and it was quite good. Again, that happy hour pricing really made it worth it. My meal was the chicken and biscuits. Large biscuits, fresh, with a little honey and hot drizzle. The hash browns were a tad dry and didn't quite fit the meal I thought, but the chicken biscuits were good. Enjoyed those. BUT one point that was quite annoying: THE GRAVY COST EXTRA! The server tried to upsell me with the sausage gravy (+$3) but when I asked if that cost extra he demurred and said it was just something they asked. He wouldn't actually confirm that. Not cool. I don't like being upsold like it's McDonalds. Eating off my friend's plate I also liked the french fries that came with his steak and cheese sandwich. We also had the cornbread appetizer. Again, if not for that happy hour pricing.. Cornbread is uber cheap so getting four fingers of cornbread felt.. well.. not quite a value match. Service was a little hit or miss. We had a lot of people helping us it seemed, kind of a divided table. Everything is there but I'm just not used to the inflation pricing. Milkshake, cornbread, and the chicken and biscuits, with 20% tip, came out to over $40. This kind of food, at this level of service, .. I feel like I was overcharged or not given the happy hour pricing on something. This just didn't feel like $40 for one person. And they want to do everything on the machine and you don't actually get a paper receipt or a bill unless you ask for one. Which you should. I guess bottom line: Ted's is expensive for it's class and offerings, so it makes a good date spot, but for regular eating out I think there are places better priced.

When I hear sushi and all you can eat in the same sentence I typically proceed with caution. No…read moreneed for caution here. From the moment I walked in Kay gave prompt, professional service. He walked me through the options and ordering was a breeze. The price point is a little higher than your average all you can eat dining experience, but well worth it. I must've had 15 pieces of nigiri. Having worked in a sushi restaurant I can tell you it was phenomenally well done. Beautifully fresh and buttery and the sushi rice was perfect. The eel kamameshi was a highlight and came with a showing amount of eel. Finished everything off with the matcha tiramisu and a cup of green tea. I won't need to eat for days. Will definitely be coming back! Thank you Kay and team!

First off, let me just say.... If I'm honest, whenever I…read moreshow up to an AYCE I'm always skeptical with the quality of the food, especially when it comes to sushi but wow, I was blown away how great it was for AYCE. The set- up and the ambiance is very comfortable and sleek/modern with the main sushi chefs in the middle and the tables around them. The tables have waiters and a tablet at the table like most hot pot/kbbq places and you can order everything off of there. I have only been here once and wanted to try to low tier without going "all in" on the top tier option of diamond without knowing how the basics would taste. Let me say if the bottom tier was as good as it was, I'm excited to come back to try the next tier! Anyway, the basic tier already comes with a lot of sushi options and should be enough for those who are craving just sushi. All of the cuts of nigiri was great, all tender with great flavor, but what stood out to me the most was actually the yellowtail, super buttery and great flavor. The eel was also a top choice! All the rolls were good basic to the fancier ones, I would say that most of the bang for the buck would be the nigiri. The rolls are good but a little too much rice for me personally. The appetizers, didn't spend too much time on them but the chicken karaage was solid and the seaweed salad was my two favorite. Overall, super solid for the price and I'd totally want to go again to try more of their options! 100% recommend!

I came here with a girlfriend for happy hour and small bites, and it was honestly the perfect…read moregirls' night. Our server was so kind and gave us fantastic recommendations. We had the burrata, focaccia, and sliders, which ended up being the perfect amount of food to keep us going through three cocktails each. I had the smoky mezcal spicy margarita (SO good), a dirty martini, and a glass of Prosecco. My friend had a custom cucumber cocktail and a couple glasses of wine. Basically, we had a very good time. The playlist was impeccable -- fun and lively without being so loud that you couldn't have an actual conversation. We were there during happy hour and it didn't really get busy until after 7, which made it feel relaxed and easy. I also really appreciated the accessibility. Despite the speakeasy vibe, there is an elevator, so the space is wheelchair accessible, which is a huge plus for me. And the vibes were just 100%. I would absolutely come back the next time I'm in the DMV. Whether you're looking for a fun girls' night, happy hour, somewhere to celebrate, or just a place with genuinely good cocktails and bites, this is definitely worth checking out!

I've been to Salt a few times and have always been pretty impressed, so I was looking forward to…read moreanother visit. This time around, though, I noticed a few inconsistencies that kept it from being another standout experience. Salt has a bit of a speakeasy-ish vibe. There's a sign outside letting you know you've found the place, but once you enter the building, there are several doors to choose from before you actually make your way into the restaurant. It's relatively small and very dark, with a bar and a few high-top tables, some small booths, and a separate room for the main dining area. Definitely atmospheric, but don't expect to be reading a book in here without a flashlight. There's one gender-neutral bathroom downstairs, but Salt guests can also use the bathrooms upstairs at Open Road, which is a nice option. Happy hour runs from 4-7pm, and they have some fun cocktails to try. I started with a vodka martini, which was delicious--although the olives were noticeably too firm. They weren't rock hard, but biting into one was more like biting into a cucumber. The big draw this visit was the $55 prix-fixe menu, which includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. That's a screaming deal. I went with the pork belly to start, the Wagyu burger with truffle fries for my entrée, and the chocolate cheesecake for dessert. The pork belly was absolutely delicious. Three pieces came with perfectly fried little potato bites, and this was easily the highlight of the meal. I've had the Wagyu burger and fries here before and really enjoyed them, but this time both were noticeably greasy. The burger itself was still good, but the excess grease took away from what had previously been one of my favorite things to order here. The chocolate cheesecake was good, but nothing particularly spectacular. Solid dessert, just not one that had me contemplating ordering a second slice. After dessert, we decided to stick around for a few after-dinner drinks. We tried to order the tawny port, only to find out they were out, so we went with the 10-year port instead. Overall, this was still a good visit. The few inconsistencies didn't detract too much from the experience, and our server was attentive throughout the evening. She was also kind enough to let us keep the table for several hours after we first sat down, which was greatly appreciated. Salt is still a place I enjoy and would return to. Hopefully the next visit brings back some of the consistency I've experienced here before--especially with that burger and fries.

Authentic Thai food! I've been dying for some Tom Kha and was so glad that they had it here. I came…read morefor a late lunch so I was basically the only person in the restaurant besides staff, so everything I ordered came out very quickly. I wasn't too hungry when coming in for a late lunch so I didn't get big plates. But I can 100% vouch for everything I ate. The Tom Kha was some of the best I have ever had! A slightly mild soup with chicken and coconut flavors (yummmm). I also ordered the mussels (I did not expect them to come in a broth since the menu says they are steamed) but they were surprisingly spicy and delicious. It came with some housemade chili sauce that was even spicier! There were like 7 mussels. Even though it was so spicy, the flavors were delicious so I bared through the spicy sauce. I ordered jasmine tea and it came as a packet of the jasmine tea with hot water. I would've loved it to be brewed loose leaf but that's ok. Overall, this place was delicious, and it was so cute! The decor inside doesn't give "Thai" but it's absolutely gorgeous and relaxing. There is a lot of seating as well and a whole parking lot.

Excellent food and service!…read more Soul Thai Kitchen & Bar, located in the Arlington --Dominion Hills neighborhood on Wilson Blvd in Arlington, offers some of the best authentic Thai eats I've had in a while. The whole vibe and setting of the place is welcoming, casual and chill with a really cool interior. I've been here three times now and I can say all the dishes I've tried have been consistently flavorful, seasoned, spiced right and delicious!! My favorites so far are the Grilled Squid, Drunken Noodles, Panang Curry, and Pad See Ew noodle dishes. They even have enticing Thai desserts like Mango with Pandan sticky rice and Coconut Custard with sweet sticky rice which I haven't tried but it next on my list to partake and try. In all, you can't go wrong with this place! The customer service is great, the vibe is chill, relaxing, and most of all the food is delicious!! I highly recommend.

Good ole fashioned Irish pub with great service and authentic Ireland pub ambience. Ordered off the…read morefall dinner and drinks menu and it was spectacular. Campfire old fashioned, Autumn Apple Bourbon cocktail, Beef stroganoff, and of course, the must have classic at every Irish tavern, corned beef and cabbage. Both entrees were very generous with the meats. Good enough to share if you get an appetizer. Just sublime. Stayed in DC for the MCM marathon weekend and restaurants in the city all lacked the expectation they portrayed. On this last day of the trip, we are wishing we found this gem on the first day and would've been here each day for every meal. DO NOT PASS ON THIS EXPERIENCE.

Went back for a second shot at it. Still crappy. Not worth the stop…read more Service is weird. It has a sketchy vibe.