AMBAR Restaurant, Chicago
Experience exceptional Balkan cuisine in Chicago with a 4.8-star rating. Discover generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. Reserve your table today!
Experience Aba in Chicago, a highly-rated 4.8-star Mediterranean restaurant. Discover delicious dishes and a vibrant atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Posh destination for elevated Mediterranean fare and cocktails, plus a lounge-style rooftop patio.
This popular Mediterranean spot, consistently earning a 4.8 out of 5 stars, offers an elevated dining experience in the heart of Chicago. Diners frequently praise the incredible, well-plated food, highlighting favorites like the garlic hummus and perfectly cooked steak frites. The atmosphere is lively, and the restaurant is known for its excellent cocktails and outdoor seating. While it leans towards the pricier side ($$$), the quality and overall experience make it a standout choice for many, and reservations are highly recommended for this sought-after destination.
Restaurant Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Upscale)
Upscale dining ($$$) - Fine dining with premium prices
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
Set your dining preferences to see how well this restaurant matches your taste.
Get 5-12× more clicks with prominent CTAs, a sticky button, and a TOP badge. Starting at just $4.99/month.
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
Through and through this is a 5 star joint. The food is incredible, well plated and paired incredibly well with the bottle of orange wine. The garlic hummus is a must try, the pita was fresh, and the steak frites was cooked to perfect temperature. This is a must visit place for me everytime I’m in Chicago. Make sure to make a reservation, but if not, put in your name and go down the street to grab a drink, this spot is well worth the wait! A bit on the pricier side, but the food is definitely worth the cost! Great place for a business meal, or just to try out some small plates with your buddies! Aba in Chicago was absolutely incredible! Definitely one of the top restaurants I’ve ever enjoyed. We were a group of four and ordered about 10 dishes to share, and every single one was spot on. The garlic hummus, eggplant, potatoes, falafel, whipped feta, fries, brussels sprouts, scallops, pork belly, salmon, and steak were all bursting with flavor and tasted fresh and authentic. The standout for me was how balanced and thoughtfully prepared each dish was. The only thing that wasn’t my personal favorite was the added sweetness in the Brussels sprouts, I’m more of a savory girlie and prefer salty over sweet, but that’s just me. The ambiance was lovely, lively, and warm, with such a great vibe throughout the night. Between the food, service, and atmosphere, Aba truly lives up to the hype and is a must-visit spot in Chicago!! We went to Aba for brunch and it was such a great experience! They recommend at least 4 items for 2 people, and every dish we tried was excellent and absolutely mouthwatering. The Mediterranean cuisine with a California influence makes the flavors so fresh and unique. Both the outdoor patio and indoor seating are beautiful , definitely a place worth visiting. I love their food and enjoyed every bite! Want to visit again during lunch time!
Find the Restaurant
October 28, 2025
Through and through this is a 5 star joint. The food is incredible, well plated and paired incredibly well with the bottle of orange wine. The garlic hummus is a must try, the pita was fresh, and the steak frites was cooked to perfect temperature. This is a must visit place for me everytime I’m in Chicago. Make sure to make a reservation, but if not, put in your name and go down the street to grab a drink, this spot is well worth the wait! A bit on the pricier side, but the food is definitely worth the cost! Great place for a business meal, or just to try out some small plates with your buddies!
November 5, 2025
Aba in Chicago was absolutely incredible! Definitely one of the top restaurants I’ve ever enjoyed. We were a group of four and ordered about 10 dishes to share, and every single one was spot on. The garlic hummus, eggplant, potatoes, falafel, whipped feta, fries, brussels sprouts, scallops, pork belly, salmon, and steak were all bursting with flavor and tasted fresh and authentic. The standout for me was how balanced and thoughtfully prepared each dish was. The only thing that wasn’t my personal favorite was the added sweetness in the Brussels sprouts, I’m more of a savory girlie and prefer salty over sweet, but that’s just me. The ambiance was lovely, lively, and warm, with such a great vibe throughout the night. Between the food, service, and atmosphere, Aba truly lives up to the hype and is a must-visit spot in Chicago!!
October 3, 2025
We went to Aba for brunch and it was such a great experience! They recommend at least 4 items for 2 people, and every dish we tried was excellent and absolutely mouthwatering. The Mediterranean cuisine with a California influence makes the flavors so fresh and unique. Both the outdoor patio and indoor seating are beautiful , definitely a place worth visiting. I love their food and enjoyed every bite! Want to visit again during lunch time!
November 6, 2025
The experience here was *chef kiss*. From thr service to the food, everything was hands down amazing. When my group of 3 girlfriends & I walked in, we were greeted with a warm smile & bright welcome. They were super accommodating for us even though we were running behind (we did call in to let them know we were running late). The servers were super knowledgeable about the menu from food to cocktails. This was my first experience in a Chicago restaurant & they made it so awesome. Can't wait to come back! ☺️
October 26, 2025
Pricey! But great service at the bar. Eddie is a cool, friendly server. I ordered the crispy chicken thighs and my partner order the steak frites. We took the green line here. The hostess was meh. I wouldn’t come back but I don’t regret trying this place. Ambiance is cool and dim-lit. Nice date spot or hang with friends. Keep in mind it’s busy on weekends.
Features and amenities that make Aba special
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Everything you need to know before you visit
Build your own culinary trail—save these spots for future nights out in Chicago.
Experience exceptional Balkan cuisine in Chicago with a 4.8-star rating. Discover generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. Reserve your table today!
Experience exceptional Italian dining in Chicago with a 4.8-star rating. Discover a warm atmosphere and memorable dishes. Book your table.
Experience Chicago's premier steakhouse with a 4.7-star rating. Discover exceptional steaks, classic cocktails, and a memorable dining experience. Book your table.
Dine at a top Chicago restaurant with a 4.7/5 rating, known for its inventive American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Perfect for groups. Explore reservations today.
Experience top-tier American dining in Chicago at The Dearborn. Enjoy a 4.7-star rated meal with cocktails and live music. Reservations recommended.
Experience exceptional Italian dining in Chicago with a 4.7-star rating. Revel in stunning river views and impeccable service. Reserve your table today!
Experience Chicago's STK Steakhouse, a 4.7-star favorite for fine dining. Enjoy exceptional American cuisine, seafood, and lively ambiance. Book your table.
Dine at a top Chicago American restaurant with a 4.6 rating. Enjoy river views, great service, and delicious dishes. Reservations recommended.
Dine at Chicago's acclaimed Purple Pig, a 4.6-star Mediterranean gem. Savor exceptional dishes in a vibrant atmosphere. Reserve your table today!
Experience Alinea in Chicago, a 4.6-star fine dining destination. Savor an extraordinary culinary journey with exceptional service. Book your table.
Discover Chicago's vibrant brunch scene at Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe, boasting a 4.6-star rating. Experience delicious breakfast and brunch favorites.
Dine at Remington's in Chicago for acclaimed American fine dining. Enjoy a 4.6-star experience with cocktails and group-friendly seating. Reserve your table.
Savor classic Chicago diner fare at Lou Mitchell's, a local favorite with a 4.6-star rating. Experience friendly service and delicious breakfast.
Discover a vibrant culinary destination in Chicago's Fulton Market. Enjoy diverse food, cocktails, and rooftop views. 4.5 stars. Perfect for groups.
Experience 4.5-star Cajun & Creole cuisine in Chicago. Live music, cocktails, and group-friendly. Discover your new favorite dining spot.
Dine with a 4.4-star view at this iconic Chicago rooftop. Enjoy crafted cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere. Discover why it's a must-visit spot.
Experience vibrant Chicago dining at Carnivale Chicago, rated 4.4/5. Savor creative Latin-inspired dishes in a colorful, energetic atmosphere. Book your table today!
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Chicago.
Excellent public transportation with L trains, buses, and Metra. Walking is perfect for exploring downtown, and ride-sharing services are widely available.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Find the perfect accommodation for your Chicago adventure. From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique hideaways, we highlight the best basecamps for food lovers.
Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Explore world-famous skyscrapers and architectural masterpieces in the birthplace of modern architecture!
Experience blues music, theater, public art, and Chicago's rich cultural heritage!
Taste legendary deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and diverse Chicago culinary scene!
Cruise the Great Lake, explore Navy Pier, and enjoy waterfront beauty!
Discover world-class museums from Art Institute to Field Museum and Museum Campus!
Explore diverse communities from Wicker Park to Pilsen revealing authentic Chicago!