Alexis B.
Yelp
I went to Ammoora right when it opened and didn't leave very impressed. Yes, it was gorgeous, but we just didn't love the food. And I'm easily annoyed by style without substance. But I also know that a new place is often still working out the kinks. So it took a while, but I made it back for another try (after reading that it had made some lists of best restaurants in Baltimore), with three friends for dinner recently, and I'm so glad I did. Because this time the food was really good - and totally matched the gorgeous decor.
We shared lots of small plates: sultana salad (seasonal greens, arugula, radicchio, dried apricots, sultana raisins, pomegranate, dried green apple, cashews, and apple cider and mustard vinaigrette); muhamara (roasted red peppers, red chile paste, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, tahini, and olive oil); baba ghanouj (roasted eggplant puree, peppers, spring onions, lemon, olive oil, pomegranate, walnuts, and micro radish); za'atar honey burrata (burrata with citrus honey, za'atar, pistachio, rose petals, and olive oil); mousakhan chicken rolls (braised sumac chicken, caramelized onions, saj bread rolls, and sumac labneh dip); knafeh shrimp (knafeh-wrapped fried shrimp, tahini tajen, and chile oil); and the octopus (citrus and herb marinated Spanish octopus pan-seared with white bean and smoked paprika puree, sujuk meat crumb, and sweet peas).
We also shared a few desserts: the Dubai chocolate crunch bar (toasted knafeh, pistachio-tahini batter, white chocolate Cremieux, caramel espresso, chocolate ganache, and crushed pistachio) and their "Taste of Ammora Balklawa" (a selection of various baklava). Everything we tried was delicious - there wasn't a thing I wouldn't be happy to order again.
There were many drinks, too! I started with the Ambar Sunbeam (sunflower liqueur, sparkling wine, honey, soda, and chamomile), which was incredibly refreshing. Then with dinner, a great glass of Lebanese wine. After dinner, an espresso. All the drinks we tried were great.
Then on top of that, the service was excellent. And the decor - just like the first time I visited - it's a jaw dropper. It's got to be one of the most restaurants in the city. Pinks and tile and metal mirrors and velvet booths and a fountain - it's all just gorgeous. All that adds up to a beautiful, delicious meal. If you're in the mood for Syrian/Middle Eastern or if you're looking for a showstopper of a restaurant for a fancy night out it - Ammoora might be the perfect spot.