After a Two-Year Hiatus Ambra in Queen Village is Set to Reopen With New Dining Experiences
On Thursday, October 13, after a two-year hiatus, Chef-owner Chris D’Ambro and his partner and wife Marina de Oliveira will reopen Ambra Restaurant (705 S. 4th St.) with two fresh dining experiences. Ambra, located in the city’s Queen Village neighborhood and adjacent to their first restaurant Southwark, has reformatted from five tables to two. The Kitchen Table, a beautifully decorated, carved out space for 2-4 guests literally in the restaurants’ kitchen, provides front row seats to the talented and poised team of cooks at work. For larger groups, The Dining Room at Ambra can accommodate 8 to 10 guests by the invitation of the booking party. For each, Chef D’Ambro and his team will prepare a multi-course tasting menu complimented by a beverage pairing that accompanies your meal. Note: Ambra has begun taking reservations via Resy for bookings beginning Thursday, October 13 either at The Kitchen Table or The Dining Room.
When it comes to composing the tasting menus for Ambra, Chef D’Ambro and his team are greatly influenced by Italian traditions, local producers, seasonal ingredients and a passion for from-scratch cooking. “I enjoy cooking for people, I love finding thoughtful ways to share my favorite food memories and reimagine traditions in a way that makes a connection to here and now without all the formalities of traditional fine dining.”
The Kitchen Table is available for two to four guests and offers a behind-the-scenes look at a working kitchen. Guests observe Chef D’Ambro and his talented team prepare each course of their own menu from start-to-finish as they simultaneously prepare dishes for diners at Southwark and Ambra’s dining room. This immersive experience is unlike any currently offered in Philadelphia. It is at once exhilarating and relaxing as you feel the energy of the hard-working team while sitting back to relax as the friendly staff guide you through your evening.
For larger groups, The Dining Room accommodates 8 to 10 guests. The intimate space has been reimagined to evoke the feelings of a dinner party with your family and friends. The warm hues of the room are balanced with an American hickory wood floor and has been outfitted with its own copper topped bar where guests begin their evening enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Upon sitting for dinner, guests begin a multi-course tasting menu that incorporates elements of family-style dining as well as individual courses. A casually splendid night awaits as guests gather around the custom 12-foot table which like most of the room was built by Chef D’Ambro’s brother, Joseph. Surrounded by flickering candlelight from the exposed brick wall, the knowledgeable staff will assist throughout the evening, providing your group with explanations of the food and wine while you enjoy only the best parts of hosting a dinner party.
The beverage pairings for the two tables are carefully selected and highlight a variety of winemakers from all around the world, featuring acclaimed and young producers alike known for both new and old-world wines. Sommelier-consultant Jamie Rubin, who previously worked as the restaurant group’s full-time general manager and sommelier has been working with the kitchen team to source and pair bottles from Ambra’s wine cellar that compliment and elevate each dish.
Whether dining at The Kitchen Table or in The Dining Room, guests may expect about a three and a half hour experience. The Kitchen Table is $300 per person and includes the chef’s tasting menu, beverage pairing, tax and gratuity. The Dining Room is $2500 for eight to 10 guests and includes hors d’oeuvres, a multi-course menu, beverage pairing, tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made up to two months in advance. Expect a confirmation call from the restaurant upon booking and an e-mail more than a week prior the date of visit. There is a strict cancellation policy of seven days prior to your reservation, please read all the information on Resy prior booking. Additionally, cash is the only accepted form of payment.
