AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago

Ambar, a Balkan chain, has opened its first Chicago location | Eater Chicago

"A D.C. import known for its signature unlimited Balkan tasting experience has opened in the former Etta River North space on 700 N. Clark Street. Founded by Ivan Iričanin—who emigrated from Serbia in 2005 and opened the original Barracks Row location in 2013 to introduce Balkan cuisine and serve diaspora communities—the concept centers on an all-you-can-eat tasting menu of more than 30 bite-sized plates served at the diner’s pace, priced from $27.99 for lunch and $54.99 for dinner. The Chicago kitchen is led by Nikola Stefanović with chef de cuisine Dustin Musgrave; the menu ranges from slow-cooked northern Serbian dishes and grilled southern Serbian meats to coastal seafood typical of Montenegro and Croatia, with regional highlights like pork-belly sarma and traditional beef cevapi on a spicy feta spread. There are also vegetarian and vegan twists on classics (for example, stuffed peppers made with orzo, almond velouté and Tuscan kale, and an eggplant moussaka with mushroom ragu and long-pepper bechamel). The beverage program emphasizes boutique Balkan wines curated with consultant Jelena Prodan, features Serbia’s national brandy rakia, and includes cocktails such as the Welcome to Belgrade (apple rakia, gin, green apple, poblano pepper Chartreuse, pineapple, lime and basil). The room seats 104 (plus 46 on the patio), with 20 high-tops, a 12-seat bar and a private dining room for 46; brunch service and a happy hour will be added soon. Reservations are required, and current hours are noon–3:30 p.m. and 4–10 p.m. Monday–Thursday; noon–3:30 p.m. and 4–11 p.m. Friday; 5–11 p.m. Saturday; and 5–10 p.m. Sunday." - Serena Maria Daniels