Ambar, a Balkan-inspired restaurant, is set to open this April. With its debut in the River North neighborhood in the former Etta space (700 N. Clark Street), Ambar will bring its blend of traditional Balkan flavors and modern dining sensibilities to the city. At Ambar, diners will be immersed in an unlimited tasting experience, for brunch, lunch and dinner showcasing over 30 signature dishes that span the diverse flavors of the Balkan Peninsula.
The Unlimited Tasting Experience will offer a culinary journey through the Balkans with made-to-order tapas-style plates for one set price. The immersive experience is complemented by table service, guiding diners through the meal. Alongside lunch and dinner offerings, Ambar’s Unlimited Brunch will also be available on weekends following the grand opening in late April, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the Balkans in a relaxed brunch setting. Reflecting Ambar's dedication to dining, this concept embraces a conscious approach, serving small portions with each course to reduce food waste and allow guests to savor a diverse range of flavors and plates without compromise.
Bringing his concept to Chicago, founder & CEO of Street Guys Hospitality, Ivan Iričanin leads Ambar’s vision while trusting Executive Chef Nikola Stefanović and Chef De Cuisine Dustin Musgraves to execute a menu that combines modern Balkan flavors with contemporary twists. Under their direction, the menu will highlight chef’s specials and slow-cooked dishes such as the Sarma, a nostalgic Balkan dish traditionally made with ground beef, but with Ambar’s twist of utilizing pork belly, alongside root vegetables, rice, and spices. The menu will also feature other home-cooked flavors like Ćevapčići, a traditional housemade beef Balkan Kebab served on spicy feta spread. Guests may also enjoy twists on Balkan classics such as Stuffed Peppers, traditionally made with ground beef and root vegetables, but now made with orzo, almond velouté, and Tuscan kale and Eggplant Moussaka typically crafted with traditional ingredients of beef and tomato sauce will feature a mushroom ragu and long pepper béchamel.
Sourcing traditionally used Balkan ingredients reminiscent of the region, Ambar will feature key items like Kajmak (a Balkan dairy spread), made in house pork sausages, and a selection of other spreads such as a Roasted Pepper and Eggplant spread called Ajvar. From the grilled meats of Southern Serbia to the fresh seafood of Montenegro and Croatia, Ambar's menu presents the diversity of Balkan cuisine in an approachable, shareable format.
"I’m eager to introduce the food of my home country with the Chicago community," said Chef Nikola Stefanović, Executive Chef of Ambar. "This region of cuisine has yet to be experienced before in this way, and I’m prepared to bring it all to life in a way that will connect with everyone throughout the city, including the country’s largest Balkan community and dining enthusiasts alike.”
The beverage program at Ambar, curated by Serbian sommelier and Wine Consultant, Jelena Prodan, will showcase the flavors of the Balkans. The wine list will feature a curated selection, showcasing a rotating array of wines from small Balkan producers, celebrating the region’s winemaking heritage. The beverage menu will feature Rakia, a handcrafted fruit brandy that is the national drink of the region. With deep cultural significance, the spirit embodies tradition, hospitality, and national pride, offering a taste of the area's heritage. Guests can also enjoy an crafted cocktail menu crafted in partnership with Serbian founded, UnOrdinary Hospitality. Cocktails include the “Ambar Espresso Martini” with vodka, ristretto, hazelnut and vanilla ghee cordial, “Welcome to Belgrade” with apple Rakia, gin, fresh green apple, poblano pepper chartreuse, pineapple, lime and basil or “Skoplje” with plum Rakia, mezcal, Pelinkovac, honey, ginger and lemon. Ambar will also feature a happy hour, highlighting a range of specialty drinks for a discounted price such as Raspberry Rosé sangria. All cocktails that are influenced by the region and paired with small bites comprise Ambar’s flavor profile.
In line with Ambar’s dedication to hospitality and serving with intention, the restaurant will feature a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, along with a separate allergy-friendly menu and a kids' menu offering free meals for children under 7.
Ambar, a Balkan-inspired restaurant, is set to open this April. With its debut in the River North neighborhood in the former Etta space (700 N. Clark Street), Ambar will bring its blend of traditional Balkan flavors and modern dining sensibilities to the city. At Ambar, diners will be immersed in an unlimited tasting experience, for brunch, lunch and dinner showcasing over 30 signature dishes that span the diverse flavors of the Balkan Peninsula.
The Unlimited Tasting Experience will offer a culinary journey through the Balkans with made-to-order tapas-style plates for one set price. The immersive experience is complemented by table service, guiding diners through the meal. Alongside lunch and dinner offerings, Ambar’s Unlimited Brunch will also be available on weekends following the grand opening in late April, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the Balkans in a relaxed brunch setting. Reflecting Ambar's dedication to dining, this concept embraces a conscious approach, serving small portions with each course to reduce food waste and allow guests to savor a diverse range of flavors and plates without compromise.
Bringing his concept to Chicago, founder & CEO of Street Guys Hospitality, Ivan Iričanin leads Ambar’s vision while trusting Executive Chef Nikola Stefanović and Chef De Cuisine Dustin Musgraves to execute a menu that combines modern Balkan flavors with contemporary twists. Under their direction, the menu will highlight chef’s specials and slow-cooked dishes such as the Sarma, a nostalgic Balkan dish traditionally made with ground beef, but with Ambar’s twist of utilizing pork belly, alongside root vegetables, rice, and spices. The menu will also feature other home-cooked flavors like Ćevapčići, a traditional housemade beef Balkan Kebab served on spicy feta spread. Guests may also enjoy twists on Balkan classics such as Stuffed Peppers, traditionally made with ground beef and root vegetables, but now made with orzo, almond velouté, and Tuscan kale and Eggplant Moussaka typically crafted with traditional ingredients of beef and tomato sauce will feature a mushroom ragu and long pepper béchamel.
Sourcing traditionally used Balkan ingredients reminiscent of the region, Ambar will feature key items like Kajmak (a Balkan dairy spread), made in house pork sausages, and a selection of other spreads such as a Roasted Pepper and Eggplant spread called Ajvar. From the grilled meats of Southern Serbia to the fresh seafood of Montenegro and Croatia, Ambar's menu presents the diversity of Balkan cuisine in an approachable, shareable format.
"I’m eager to introduce the food of my home country with the Chicago community," said Chef Nikola Stefanović, Executive Chef of Ambar. "This region of cuisine has yet to be experienced before in this way, and I’m prepared to bring it all to life in a way that will connect with everyone throughout the city, including the country’s largest Balkan community and dining enthusiasts alike.”
The beverage program at Ambar, curated by Serbian sommelier and Wine Consultant, Jelena Prodan, will showcase the flavors of the Balkans. The wine list will feature a curated selection, showcasing a rotating array of wines from small Balkan producers, celebrating the region’s winemaking heritage. The beverage menu will feature Rakia, a handcrafted fruit brandy that is the national drink of the region. With deep cultural significance, the spirit embodies tradition, hospitality, and national pride, offering a taste of the area's heritage. Guests can also enjoy an crafted cocktail menu crafted in partnership with Serbian founded, UnOrdinary Hospitality. Cocktails include the “Ambar Espresso Martini” with vodka, ristretto, hazelnut and vanilla ghee cordial, “Welcome to Belgrade” with apple Rakia, gin, fresh green apple, poblano pepper chartreuse, pineapple, lime and basil or “Skoplje” with plum Rakia, mezcal, Pelinkovac, honey, ginger and lemon. Ambar will also feature a happy hour, highlighting a range of specialty drinks for a discounted price such as Raspberry Rosé sangria. All cocktails that are influenced by the region and paired with small bites comprise Ambar’s flavor profile.
In line with Ambar’s dedication to hospitality and serving with intention, the restaurant will feature a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, along with a separate allergy-friendly menu and a kids' menu offering free meals for children under 7.
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