This April, the vibrant River North neighborhood welcomes a brand-new hot spot to their already top-tier food scene: Ambar, a Balkan-inspired and Michelin-recognized restaurant. Bringing his successful concept to Chicago, founder and CEO of Street Guys Hospitality, Ivan Iričanin leads Ambar’s vision while executive chef Nikola Stefanović and chef de cuisine Dustin Musgraves, experts in Balkan-cuisine, execute a menu that combines modern Balkan flavors with contemporary twists. I got a chance to connect with Ivan Iričanin and get the inside scoop on this highly anticipated restaurant opening.
Why is it important to bring the Balkan cuisine into River North?
River North is the perfect location for Ambar because it combines the charm of a neighborhood restaurant with the energy of a major dining and nightlife district. Our concept thrives in areas where locals and visitors come together, and River North offers the ideal mix. With its high density, constant foot traffic, and convenient parking options, it provides an excellent opportunity to introduce Chicago to the rich flavors and traditions of Balkan cuisine. We’re also excited about how well our programming—brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour—aligns with the dining habits of the area.
What are the menu’s highlights?
Our unlimited tasting experience is at the heart of the Ambar experience, allowing guests to explore an array of bold and authentic Balkan flavors in a single meal. Some standout dishes include our Pepper & Cheese Croquette, Cevapi (Balkan Kebabs), and Short Rib Goulash, each showcasing the depth and richness of Balkan culinary traditions. Our guests love the ability to try multiple dishes, reorder their favorites, and enjoy an immersive dining experience like no other.
What can you tell us about Ambar’s reservation policies, opening hours, special promotions/deals, pricing range, etc.?
Ambar will be open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, ensuring guests can experience Balkan cuisine at any time of the day. The key highlight of our concept is our unlimited tasting menu, priced at:
- Brunch – $34
- Lunch – $27.99
- Dinner – $54.99
This allows guests to sample over 40 items on the menu at dinner, including a dessert, for a set price. Guests can reorder their favorite dishes, making it a dining experience unlike any other. We also offer a happy hour program with drinks starting at $6 and a private dining room for up to 40 guests, perfect for celebrations or corporate events.
Will Ambar participate in any Balkan community engagement across the Chicagoland area?
As we prepare to open in early April, we’re excited to become part of the Balkan community in Chicago. We are actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with local Balkan organizations, participate in cultural events, and create a welcoming space for anyone looking to experience authentic Balkan hospitality.
What is Ambar’s approach to sustainability?
Sustainability is a core value at Ambar, and our unlimited tasting experience helps reduce food waste by offering smaller, tapas-style portions, ensuring that every dish served is enjoyed. We promote a no-waste policy in both the kitchen and the dining room, optimizing our ingredients and minimizing excess while still delivering an abundant dining experience.
Are there any exciting events coming up that 3CR readers should make note of?
We’re kicking off our launch with two nights of Friends & Family dinners, followed by special events to introduce Ambar to the neighborhood.
- Official opening on April 1st – Lunch & Dinner Service
- Brunch launch on Saturday, April 12th
We also plan to host exclusive tastings, wine-pairing events, and cocktail nights to highlight the vibrant flavors of the Balkans.
What are some of Ambar’s local sourcing practices?
We take pride in making many of our ingredients in-house, including our sausages, kebabs, and spreads. Additionally, we are committed to sourcing quality ingredients from local farms whenever possible, such as:
- Catalpa Farms (Dwight, Illinois)—Supplying fresh lamb, pork belly, and pork shoulder
- Closed Loop Farms (Chicago)—Providing microgreens for our dishes
By working with these local partners, we ensure the highest quality ingredients while supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices.
Beyond the extensive food menu, Ambar also is proud to feature a Balkan beverage program curated by award-winning Serbian sommelier and wine consultant, Jelena Prodan. This drink menu features quite a selection of wines from the Balkan region, with a focus on small, high-quality producers, and specialty Rakia-based cocktails. Some of the cocktails included on the menu are 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.
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.
Stop in at Ambar this spring. They are eager to open their doors and transport Chicago residents and visitors alike into the Balkan region through food, drink, and an incredible atmosphere. Located at 700 N Clark St. For the latest updates on Ambar’s opening, visit ambarrestaurant.com and follow them on Instagram and TikTok @ambar_restaurantchicago.
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