Such a cool, sexy vibe. Great for date nights. I love the decor and how dark it is. I tried five different cocktails and they were all so unique and tasted really good. Our bartender was super cool & informative.
Devin P.
Flavorful food and drinks, with great ambiance. A perfect date night option in my opinion, but keep in mind that they do not take reservations.
Lindsay R.
The most beautiful and unique restaurant I have ever had the pleasure to visit. I felt as though I was transported into a swanky NYC restaurant. The ambiance really allows your senses to enjoy each flavor incorporated into the thoughtful dishes. Cocktails were also incredible.
Mark G.
Amba DELIVERED, after wanting to try it for so long. We went on a Saturday night at 8:00pm and the place was buzzing. It's darker inside than I was expecting but loved the ambience. It was long wait for a table for a walk-in, but they have first come, first serve seating in the back with 2 bars available for bar seating. My girlfriend and I split a few shareable plates - Chicken tikka masala, popcorn chicken, gluten free flatbread, and spicy chili. Everything was excellent. We were impressed with the quality of both chickens. We will be back for more visits!
Maureen M.
Delicious food marred by abysmal service. Writing as we sit, ignored, wondering whether the final of the dishes we ordered is on its way or forgotten. Haven't spoken to our server since we ordered. Coursing was poor; the forgotten (maybe?? If I disappear, it came and I'm eating paneer) dish was intended to accompany clay bread. Instead, the bread arrived long before anything else and sat cold. Even the explanation and ordering process were poor. Server was indifferent and seemed out of it. Too expensive not to enjoy the meal, wouldn't return. Food really was fantastic though! Host was lovely and attentive.
Matt R.
Amazing addition to Cleveland restaurants. The food is high quality and has great flavor. The ambiance is a little dark but overall makes for an interesting vibe. The service is always fast and prompt. Just make sure to get there early for a seat. Would recommend the zucchini we get if every time
Elizabeth M.
This place is absolutely amazing! One of the best dining experience I have ever had. We have ordered & loved: - cocktail : a9 amba mini (the best alcohol I have ever tried. It's essentially tequila that's infused with herbaceous flavors and ginger) - clay bread - chili crisp (spicy oil for topping food with) - herbed raita (creamy yogurt dip) - fried zucchini (ask for extra sauce lol. literally best vegetable I've ever had) - samosa (good, but wouldn't go out of my way to order again) - popcorn chicken (very good, nice staple to get especially for picky eaters in the group) - rice pilaf (delicious, helps to bulk up the meal for a lower price) - pineapple cucumber salad (banging, underrated. Absolutely would get again) Looking forward to to trying (have been highly recommended) - warm cashews - lentil donuts - crispy puris Tip on seating: the 'bar' is the entire back room (including the tables that aren't near the bar). You have to walk through the restaurant all the way to the back room (just past the bathrooms) and all of that area is seat yourself / first come first serve. It's a great option if you don't wait to join the waitlist and didn't make a reservation ahead of time
Faith M.
Amba has quickly become my go-to dining spot in Cleveland, offering a truly unique experience that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a romantic date night, a girls' night out, or just a casual dinner. The ambiance sets the perfect scene with its low lighting and elegantly cozy interior, matched with an exciting menu of small plates that arrive freshly prepared in no particular order, adding an element of surprise to each visit.Their cocktail list is nothing short of stellar, but the mini Amba steals the show as the standout drink. For food, the fried zucchini is an absolute must-try; it's one of those dishes that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds. I always ask for an extra side of sauce - I'm a big fan of sauce, and frankly, I think they could be a bit more generous with it for this dish.If you're looking for the perfect culinary trio, trust me on this: order the clay bread, herd raita, and chili crisp. It's a combination that I find myself craving constantly. Every friend I've introduced to Amba has been enchanted, insisting on returning whenever they're in town. If I had it my way, I'd dine here for every meal.The one caveat to this otherwise perfect dining experience is their no-reservation policy. Arriving after 6 pm usually means waiting upwards of two hours, even for just a duo. That said, there's a silver lining: the back section offers bar seating along with a few first come first serve tables. Despite the wait, Amba's allure is undeniable, making every visit worth the anticipation.
Ronan Herry
Lacks of flavor and subtlety. The cooks are overambitious and the meals are not well-mastered. We had fried zucchini: raw zucchini in a poorly made batter; some tasteless yogurt with what was supposed to be beetroot; dry and tasteless samosas; a "revisited" sloppy Joe that could have been taken out of a can; over-spicy overcooked cauliflower; over salted and dry lamb kefta that didn't taste like lamb. The restaurant is dark (I needed my phone light to read the menu), and over-crowded with loud music so people are screaming at each other to talk. It gives the place the feel and vibe of a cheap district canteen
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Emily Keeble
Went here for a small celebration. They don’t take reservations but we had a special occasion so they made an exception. Im vegan and the Vegan food is Amazing!! It’s pricey but worth the splurge.
This is my go-to spot to bring guests from out of town. Truly one of Cleveland’s best experiences.Love the decor, the menu, and the cocktail bar.Lentil doughnuts will have you and your friends dreaming about your meal for weeks.
NOT FOR THE TYPICAL DESI, BUT PERHAPS GREAT FOR YOUNGSTERS - The ambience is like that of a discotheque or bar with dark environment and loud high bass music, so not meant for families with children. Food is not bad, but Indian food is a lot about it's color and you cannot clearly see that in the dim setting...Kid-friendliness: Not very kid friendly ambience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Chili Crisp, Chickpea Fritters
Katherine Prince
The atmosphere and the service were great, but the food was lacking flavor. We were expecting several of the dishes to have more spice, as we have tried them in other places serving Indian food, but it was like the food was toned down for the Western palate. The food wasn’t bad, but we just wished that it would have had a little more spice to it. The clay bread, herb raita, and crispy puris were great and everything was well valued. Overall, it is a good place for sharable plates (which are not very small and pretty large).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Crispy Puris, Lamb Kofta
Erin W (Erin)
Lived up to the expectations. Service, atmosphere and presentation were all spot on. Highlights were the spinach dip and tikka. Glad we opted for the crispy puris instead of the lentil donuts, they were great! Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Howard Rabb
Very unusual Indian food presented by a creative kitchen.
Such a cool, sexy vibe. Great for date nights. I love the decor and how dark it is. I tried five different cocktails and they were all so unique and tasted really good. Our bartender was super cool & informative.
Flavorful food and drinks, with great ambiance. A perfect date night option in my opinion, but keep in mind that they do not take reservations.
The most beautiful and unique restaurant I have ever had the pleasure to visit. I felt as though I was transported into a swanky NYC restaurant. The ambiance really allows your senses to enjoy each flavor incorporated into the thoughtful dishes. Cocktails were also incredible.
Amba DELIVERED, after wanting to try it for so long. We went on a Saturday night at 8:00pm and the place was buzzing. It's darker inside than I was expecting but loved the ambience. It was long wait for a table for a walk-in, but they have first come, first serve seating in the back with 2 bars available for bar seating. My girlfriend and I split a few shareable plates - Chicken tikka masala, popcorn chicken, gluten free flatbread, and spicy chili. Everything was excellent. We were impressed with the quality of both chickens. We will be back for more visits!
Delicious food marred by abysmal service. Writing as we sit, ignored, wondering whether the final of the dishes we ordered is on its way or forgotten. Haven't spoken to our server since we ordered. Coursing was poor; the forgotten (maybe?? If I disappear, it came and I'm eating paneer) dish was intended to accompany clay bread. Instead, the bread arrived long before anything else and sat cold. Even the explanation and ordering process were poor. Server was indifferent and seemed out of it. Too expensive not to enjoy the meal, wouldn't return. Food really was fantastic though! Host was lovely and attentive.
Amazing addition to Cleveland restaurants. The food is high quality and has great flavor. The ambiance is a little dark but overall makes for an interesting vibe. The service is always fast and prompt. Just make sure to get there early for a seat. Would recommend the zucchini we get if every time
This place is absolutely amazing! One of the best dining experience I have ever had. We have ordered & loved: - cocktail : a9 amba mini (the best alcohol I have ever tried. It's essentially tequila that's infused with herbaceous flavors and ginger) - clay bread - chili crisp (spicy oil for topping food with) - herbed raita (creamy yogurt dip) - fried zucchini (ask for extra sauce lol. literally best vegetable I've ever had) - samosa (good, but wouldn't go out of my way to order again) - popcorn chicken (very good, nice staple to get especially for picky eaters in the group) - rice pilaf (delicious, helps to bulk up the meal for a lower price) - pineapple cucumber salad (banging, underrated. Absolutely would get again) Looking forward to to trying (have been highly recommended) - warm cashews - lentil donuts - crispy puris Tip on seating: the 'bar' is the entire back room (including the tables that aren't near the bar). You have to walk through the restaurant all the way to the back room (just past the bathrooms) and all of that area is seat yourself / first come first serve. It's a great option if you don't wait to join the waitlist and didn't make a reservation ahead of time
Amba has quickly become my go-to dining spot in Cleveland, offering a truly unique experience that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a romantic date night, a girls' night out, or just a casual dinner. The ambiance sets the perfect scene with its low lighting and elegantly cozy interior, matched with an exciting menu of small plates that arrive freshly prepared in no particular order, adding an element of surprise to each visit.Their cocktail list is nothing short of stellar, but the mini Amba steals the show as the standout drink. For food, the fried zucchini is an absolute must-try; it's one of those dishes that leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds. I always ask for an extra side of sauce - I'm a big fan of sauce, and frankly, I think they could be a bit more generous with it for this dish.If you're looking for the perfect culinary trio, trust me on this: order the clay bread, herd raita, and chili crisp. It's a combination that I find myself craving constantly. Every friend I've introduced to Amba has been enchanted, insisting on returning whenever they're in town. If I had it my way, I'd dine here for every meal.The one caveat to this otherwise perfect dining experience is their no-reservation policy. Arriving after 6 pm usually means waiting upwards of two hours, even for just a duo. That said, there's a silver lining: the back section offers bar seating along with a few first come first serve tables. Despite the wait, Amba's allure is undeniable, making every visit worth the anticipation.
Lacks of flavor and subtlety. The cooks are overambitious and the meals are not well-mastered. We had fried zucchini: raw zucchini in a poorly made batter; some tasteless yogurt with what was supposed to be beetroot; dry and tasteless samosas; a "revisited" sloppy Joe that could have been taken out of a can; over-spicy overcooked cauliflower; over salted and dry lamb kefta that didn't taste like lamb. The restaurant is dark (I needed my phone light to read the menu), and over-crowded with loud music so people are screaming at each other to talk. It gives the place the feel and vibe of a cheap district canteen
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 4
Went here for a small celebration. They don’t take reservations but we had a special occasion so they made an exception. Im vegan and the Vegan food is Amazing!! It’s pricey but worth the splurge.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lentil Donuts, Smashed Pea Samosas, Pineapple Cucumber Salad, Roasted Eggplant, Chickpea Fritters
Restaurantji Recommends
This is my go-to spot to bring guests from out of town. Truly one of Cleveland’s best experiences.Love the decor, the menu, and the cocktail bar.Lentil doughnuts will have you and your friends dreaming about your meal for weeks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Puris, Lentil Donuts, Herb Grilled Chicken Tikka, Pineapple Cucumber Salad, Paneer Cheese
NOT FOR THE TYPICAL DESI, BUT PERHAPS GREAT FOR YOUNGSTERS - The ambience is like that of a discotheque or bar with dark environment and loud high bass music, so not meant for families with children. Food is not bad, but Indian food is a lot about it's color and you cannot clearly see that in the dim setting...Kid-friendliness: Not very kid friendly ambience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Chili Crisp, Chickpea Fritters
The atmosphere and the service were great, but the food was lacking flavor. We were expecting several of the dishes to have more spice, as we have tried them in other places serving Indian food, but it was like the food was toned down for the Western palate. The food wasn’t bad, but we just wished that it would have had a little more spice to it. The clay bread, herb raita, and crispy puris were great and everything was well valued. Overall, it is a good place for sharable plates (which are not very small and pretty large).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Crispy Puris, Lamb Kofta
Lived up to the expectations. Service, atmosphere and presentation were all spot on. Highlights were the spinach dip and tikka. Glad we opted for the crispy puris instead of the lentil donuts, they were great! Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Very unusual Indian food presented by a creative kitchen.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5