Ambar Belgrade – A Culinary Journey by the Sava
Nestled on the banks of the Sava River, Ambar Belgrade offers not only a captivating view but also a dining experience that lingers in memory. From the moment we were seated—a perfectly set table for two overlooking the water—it was clear that the evening would unfold with elegance and warmth.
We began, with sparkling water, letting the anticipation build for what was to come. As a starter, I opted for the Beef Tartare and the Beef Carpaccio. The tartare was delicately seasoned, respecting the purity of the meat while enhanced by subtle notes of herbs. The carpaccio was paper-thin slices of prime beef tenderloin, laid gently over fresh arugula, then crowned with a vibrant herb salsa. The dish was elevated further with toasted almonds for texture and the unmistakable depth of truffle, which lingered luxuriously on the palate.
Although we skipped the heavier mains, we explored the side dishes with enthusiasm. The standout was the Roasted Beet Carpaccio—beets roasted in their skins to preserve their natural sweetness and juices, paired harmoniously with peppery arugula, toasted walnuts, and a reduction of beet and balsamic vinegar. Earthy, tangy, and sweet all at once, it was a masterclass in balance.
Curiosity drew me to the bar, where I asked a bartender—Nataša, with an expert’s touch—for a recommendation. She introduced us to one of the house signatures, Welcome to Belgrade. A cocktail that felt both modern and rooted in tradition, it combined apple rakija, freshly pressed apple juice, lemon, and a cinnamon syrup. The result was refreshing yet comforting, like the city itself—spirited, layered, and memorable.
Before leaving, we sampled Ambar’s renowned slow-cooked pork ribs, lacquered in a rich glaze that balanced smokiness and sweetness, falling effortlessly off the bone. Paired with the earlier elegance of our meal, it served as the perfect final indulgence.
Ambar Belgrade is more than a restaurant—it is a celebration of modern Balkan flavors, a place where tradition meets refinement, and where every plate tells a story. With its riverside charm, meticulous service, and inventive bar program, it deserves a place among Belgrade’s...
Read moreThe service here can be a bit slow and they need to work harder to get drinks, especially easy ones like wines, to the table before the food arrives, because I hated that my food came before my wine. I don’t care if it’s a quick dish to make, wine should always be served first. Dining 101, that.
But that said, I felt the food was really good and the wine was delicious (but very overpriced at 600 per glass).
And what was really lovely was that despite the patio being jam-packed and my dining alone, they seemed to realize I was simply out to enjoy a nice meal and was travelling alone. They didn’t rush me and in fact brought me a big slice of cake with their incredible homemade chocolate ice cream and gave that to me on the house. As a woman travelling alone, I have to say we often feel overlooked or not valued as much as men or couples might be, so I really appreciated being made to feel special.
Pork pâté profiteroles were insanely decadent and gave me a couple zits but that’s what I get for eating four! The leek croquettes were yummy. I was almost pressured into the pulled pork and I’m glad I was, it was excellent.
The only thing I didn’t love was the spring salad, because I felt the avocado cream just made no sense on it and the dressing was too...
Read moreMy partner and I had the pleasure of dining at Ambar during our recent trip to Belgrade, and we couldn’t have been more impressed. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed, with a stylish and welcoming atmosphere that immediately sets the tone for a great evening.
We chose the “all you can Eat balkan” tasting menu, which allowed us to sample a wide variety of dishes from the Balkans. Every single plate was full of flavor, thoughtfully prepared, and beautifully presented. It’s rare to find a tasting menu where every dish stands out, but ambar truly delivered. A special mention goes to, Milica ,the waitress who served us. She was incredibly professional, kind, and efficient — truly a standout in terms of service. She made us feel welcome and well taken care of from the moment we sat down. To accompany our meal, we enjoyed a fantastic Serbian wine that perfectly complemented the rich and diverse flavors of the dishes. And to top it all off, the prices were more than fair for the quality and experience provided. If you re visiting Belgrade and want to explore delicious Balkan cuisine in a stunning setting, Ambar is a must-visit....
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