If you’re looking for a brunch in Chicago that is flavorful, unique, and truly worth the hype, our recent visit to Ambar Chicago absolutely delivered. Known for its Balkan-inspired cuisine and incredible small plates concept, Ambar offers an all-you-can-eat brunch paired with bottomless cocktails, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable brunch experiences we’ve had in the city.
As vegetarians who also eat seafood, we’re always curious (and sometimes a little cautious) when trying new restaurants. But Ambar made it incredibly easy to find dishes that suited our diet while still allowing us to explore a wide range of flavors.
The All-You-Can-Eat Balkan Brunch Experience
The brunch format at Ambar is one of the best parts of the experience. Instead of a traditional buffet, guests order unlimited small plates from the menu, which are brought fresh to the table. This means you can try a little bit of everything without committing to just one dish.
For anyone who loves sampling multiple flavors and dishes, this format is perfect. Each plate is thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, and the pacing allows you to enjoy the meal without feeling rushed.
Our Favorite Vegetarian & Seafood Dishes
Even with dietary preferences, we had plenty of incredible options to choose from. Some of the standout dishes we enjoyed included:
Crispy Cheese – Creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with fresh accompaniments. It was light yet indulgent and a great way to start the meal.
Truffle Mushroom Flatbread – This was one of our favorites. The earthy mushrooms paired with the truffle flavor made every bite comforting and flavorful.
Mediterranean-style spreads and breads – The dips and spreads were fantastic and added great variety to the table. Perfect for sharing and layering flavors.
Seafood options – We loved that there were seafood selections available that fit perfectly within our pescatarian diet. The dishes were fresh, well seasoned, and added a nice balance to the meal.
Because the plates are small, we were able to keep ordering and trying new things throughout brunch, which made the experience feel like a culinary journey through different Balkan flavors.
Bottomless Cocktails
No brunch is complete without great drinks, and Ambar absolutely delivers here as well. The bottomless cocktail optionallowed us to try a variety of drinks throughout the meal.
The cocktails were refreshing, well balanced, and never felt watered down or rushed. The staff kept everything flowing smoothly while still making the experience feel relaxed and enjoyable.
Ending with Arabic Coffee
To finish off the meal, we ordered Arabic coffee, which was the perfect ending to an already memorable brunch.
Rich, aromatic, and slightly spiced, it had such a comforting warmth to it. After a full brunch of delicious plates and cocktails, the coffee provided the perfect moment to slow down and savor the end of the meal.
The Atmosphere and Service
Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Ambar made the experience even better. The space is modern yet welcoming, making it a great spot for a casual brunch date, meeting friends, or celebrating a special occasion.
The service was excellent throughout the entire meal. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and always happy to recommend dishes. The team made sure plates kept coming at the perfect pace so we could enjoy everything without feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
Our brunch at Ambar Chicago was truly fantastic. The all-you-can-eat small plates concept, the variety of vegetarian and seafood options, the bottomless cocktails, and the incredible Arabic coffee at the end all combined to create a brunch we’ll definitely be returning for.
If you love trying new flavors, sharing dishes, and enjoying a lively brunch atmosphere, Ambar is absolutely worth adding to your Chicago brunch list.
We’re already looking forward to our next visit—and all the plates we’ll get to try again.
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Living My Best Life 