Ambar
Arlington / Balkan / $$$$*
You might not even know that you’re craving cevapi, but you probably are. Kajmak and ajvar, too. Balkan food isn’t well known outside of Europe (yet), but it’s meat-and-potatoes comfort cuisine at its finest. Doubtful? Just order the cevapi, a dense, garlicky beef sausage that’s made in-house and grilled to perfection.
Whether it’s the buzzy brunch or popular dinner, the kitchen at Ambar is a well-oiled machine, quickly turning out small plates in bulk. That means that for a set price, you can order all you want and still make it home in a reasonable amount of time. But the truth is, you’ll want to linger as long as you can, trying dish after dish.
See This: Photos of life in the Balkans decorate the ceilings and banquettes of this bright restaurant.
Eat This: Smoked lamb prosciutto, cheese pie, cevapi
When to Visit: Two or three dishes isn’t enough—you’re craving real variety.
This post originally appeared in our November 2020 issue’s Best Restaurants cover story. For more food reviews, subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
