Ambli Global - DTC — Restaurant in Denver

Dear Reader, I don’t post reviews but You, the People, need to know. Let me save you the hassle. DO NOT attempt to book a private party/business dinner here. Note: I have the text message conversations and call logs to prove this interaction

This restaurant was specifically requested by one of my customers. I had a month to plan the business dinner scheduled for 2/27. I called on 2/2, 2/6 and 2/7 and left messages requesting a reservation in their private dining room. I finally received a text from the owner, Kelly, on 2/8. She explained the food and Bev minimum, the type of menu available, and requested any necessary food restrictions. Her message said she was willing to work within my budget. She requested I confirm my interest to hold the room. I immediately replied with gratitude for accommodating my budget, confirmed my interest and to please hold the room. I asked if they had A/V capabilities since there will be a presentation. She asked what the occasion was for. I told her it was a pharma/medical/business dinner/presentation. She said their A/V wasn’t working, and I said it was ok since I could bring in a tv. I asked about a small table to place it on but didn’t receive a reply.

Eight days later, when I hadn’t heard from Kelly, I texted asking about the capacity of the room -my customer wanted to add more people- or if there was an agreement that I needed to sign. I asked if she had a sample menu I could preview or if they print individual menus that I could put my company as the header. No reply.

Another 4 days passed and I decided to go into the restaurant to try and talk to someone about my reservation. My husband and I went during their happy hour. Kelly wasn’t there. I was shown the dining room space. I asked my same questions, to which the host wasn’t able to answer. I was told that Kelly was aware that I was there and she would be calling me later that day. She didn’t call. I texted her the next morning and told her how we enjoyed the food and asked about the capacity. No reply. I called later the same day but had to leave a message.

Last night, 2/21, at 8:16pm -less than a week away from the event- I finally heard from Kelly: “Hi! Let’s plan to chat in the morning. I did not understand that you thought the room was reserved for Monday as we don’t allow pharm groups and don’t have AV capabilities. There is another group in our private dining room Mon night having a Holiday dinner. Unfortunately we have been burned so many times in the past by trying to accommodate groups with limitations on their per person spend, that we stopped allowing pharm presentations.

Our room is designed for 16 for dinner.

I apologize if mine and my teams communication wasn’t clear.”

Soooo, I waited TWO weeks to hear from her that they don’t allow pharm groups?! This would have been nice to know at the very start. She initially agreed and was willing to work with my budget, but now she’s not? This whole time I had been asking to pay a deposit or sign a contract to agree to the reservation to prove my commitment. Now I have only 5 days to find another restaurant and coordinate this dinner.

The utter lack of communication and professionalism is astounding to me. Organizing dinners for large parties isn’t an easy task. When you own a restaurant “business” that doesn’t care to communicate their rules, availability or goes back on their word, it’s a lose lose for...

If I could give Ambli Kitchen + Bar (Belleview location) and especially Becci, their guest experience guide, 10 stars I would! We came to celebrate my Grandma’s 93rd birthday and my Grandparents’ 71st wedding anniversary, and from start to finish, it was unforgettable.

Becci is an absolute firecracker, in the best way. She shared her story with us about why she joined Ambli (the food was so good she just had to be a part of it), and you can feel her passion from the moment she greets you. She’s personable, fun, knowledgeable, and made our entire night so special. The way she explained every dish, gave us tips on how to enjoy it, and her energy at the table...it was the definition of hospitality. Becci didn’t just serve us, she elevated the entire experience.

Now…the food. WOW. When we asked what’s good on the menu, she told us, “Everything.” Bold words, but she wasn’t kidding. Every dish was an explosion of flavor, the kind where you literally close your eyes while chewing because you don’t want the bite to end.

We started with two orders of the Poblano Cornbread (made-to-order, about 15–20 minutes, so you know it’s worth it). It came out warm with pecan butter that was out of this world. My grandpa (who usually calls food like this “too fancy”) went back for seconds, smiling ear to ear, so you know it was a win.

The entrées were jaw-dropping in both portion and flavor. I had the Kabob Bowl with chicken, which came with house-made hummus, a cucumber avocado refresh salad, masala rice, and the garlic lemon oil whip (GO FOR THAT ALONE! It’s insane!). My cousin’s Spicy Ambli Paella was so good I wanted to literally dive into it. My grandpa ordered the Ribeye French Dip, piled high with tender meat, perfectly paired with crispy fries, and jalapeños that had him sweating but smiling the whole time. My grandma had the Carne Asada, and every bite was perfection.

The ambiance was warm, the staff was attentive (water glasses never empty), and the food blew us away, but Becci tied it all together into an experience. She’s the kind of person who makes you want to come back again and again, because she loves what she does and it shows.

Ambli isn’t just food...it’s a memory you’ll talk about for years. LITERALLY RUN, do not walk! I live in Arizona now, but I will come back to Denver just to eat here again.

Thank you, Becci, and thank you to the Chef for what truly felt like an out-of-body...

If I could crush on Ambli every second of my life, I would be useless but utterly happy and forever in bliss. I love love love and love this spot more than dessert itself.

Staff is impeccable with their friendly smiles and warmth, attentive service and stellar culinary knowledge. Pritza embodies everything about Ambli. She is the epitome of a restaurateur but also the most inviting gracious host. She remembers details about guests and you feel like you want to sit and chat with her for hours.

I can rave forever about their happy hour as well as the dinner menu. I love the rotating selection of bites and cocktails. This is the one place that converted me to a gin lover with their drink. Recently had the raspberry lemon drop (prefer the sugar rim versus the salt version) and their lychee margarita martini. YES!!!! There is a drink goddess who created this for us thirty mortals.

Everything is made to share so play nice. It is almost a requirement that one must make the quintessential order of the lobster shooter. It is phenomenal. Period. The spicy tuna crispy rice, Indian trio and the lamb kebabs are incredible starters or perfect if you're not wanting one specific entree.

My recent favorite is the Thai croquettes (I may be bias). The texture and taste of toasted coconut and sambal with goodness that you can't stop smiling or wanting a second order. Not too spicy , just the right balance of flavor.

The entree that stole my heart is the Chilean sea bass. Ooeemmggee I can't get enough of this. There's broccoli, petite potatoes and savory tomatoes and a sauce I want to lick the bowl like an uncivilized foodie. The fish is cooked to perfection and just melts into your tastebuds. I am also a fan of the filet mignon roulade but I forego the blue cheese plantain due to my allergy to the cheese.

I do have soft spot for Ambli. It was the starting point of my love story and we make a point to always come as often as we can, for business lunches, gathering of our happy circle, and date nights. I'm pretty sure this is a forever thing with Ambli. Come and you'll see why you...