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We discovered Ama through listening to Alex Clark's podcast, and now I'm completely obsessed with this restaurant! So obsessed, in fact, that my husband and I came yesterday for lunch and returned again this morning for breakfast. The Insalata Verde with the Signature Herbaceous Dressing is so yummmmmm! For lunch, we ordered the minestrone with organic chicken added and the Tagliatelle al Ragù di Cuore ~ both were absolute deliciousness. Every bite tasted fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Breakfast was equally incredible. We enjoyed the mushroom and onion frittatas, a cornetto vuoto, and some of the best lattes we've had in a long time. And don't skip dessert ~ the tiramisu is gluten-free, yet you would never guess it (made with hazelnut flour). It's creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious! A special shoutout to Maxwell, whose service was superb. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, he made our visits even more enjoyable. The only minor challenge is parking, which can be a bit complicated. If you're lucky, grab a spot at Whole Foods and pick up your groceries on the way out ~ it worked perfectly for us! We only wish we lived closer to DC because this would easily become our go-to spot multiple times a week. This place has been opened for 2 years and we wish we knew about it sooner! Highly recommend!
This is such a cozy neighborhood spot in the Navy Yard area, which seems to be increasing in chain restaurants by the minute! Thank goodness for Ama for adding back some character to the area with its North Italian charm! My friend and I ordered the rabbit stew, which was delicate and tender. It was served with a thick slice of sourdough bread which we used to sop up the tasty tomato and fennel based stew. I don't see rabbit much on menus these days, and this was a unique dish that pleased the palate! We also ordered artichoke and lemon for appetizer, and an al dente spinach and cheese ravioli, which was recommended by our server. For dessert we shared a caramel pie a la mode, which was a little overly sweet. Everything was nicely done, but in small portions. My only complaint was that my friend and I were still hungry after two main dishes and an appetizer! I like how light the dishes are, but they could use a little more heft portion-wise (and this is coming from someone who doesn't eat huge meals usually - so that might be saying something). Or perhaps add on an extra dish and get more than you think. Ama seems to have good happy hour deals and they also have a cafe/coffee side of the restaurant that opens at 8 a.m. At a quick glance of the menu, you'll get a sense of the restaurant's whole ethos. They stand for many idealistic values, including a menu that was approved by integrated nutritionists. Hopefully these values are sustainable to maintain! Everything is organic, with no seed oils or refined sugars - not even in the dessert! Even their cookware is plastic-free and PFAS-free. They also go into a few paragraphs about their state of the art water filtration system on site for all cooking/drinking. Beyond the health of the food/drink for customers, they extend this healthy mindfulness to their employees, offering full health insurance benefits to all their employees (with a ~3.85% health wellness charge to customers). Even with the extra charge, our overall bill wasn't too high for two people. Hopefully Ama continues to adhere to all their promises and values. Would love to come back to support again. Restaurant margins can be super slim these days, so I'm glad they don't cut corners.
Great location, right across from Whole Foods on the Capitol Hill. Nice ambiance and fresh food. The service was nice and pleasant. We tried a few dishes on our first visit. We went back again the next week just to make sure. The stood out dish was the rice bowl. My friend and I are going to order it again in our future visits. The other dishes were fine but kind of ordinary.
I came in on a Monday night so it wasn't too busy but still lively. There was plenty of seats at the bar. The menu is seed oil free and very cautious of our health. I liked how the menu talked about the benefits of different ingredients throughout. It is a great spot to go for a meal when you are still ingredient cautious. All of the food was good and solid portion size. I got the baba au rhum for my dessert and the server warned me it is boozy and it lived up to the hype. My friend got the tiramisu and they make their lady fingers in house so it's gluten free. They also had a full page of nonalcoholic drinks at differing price points. I will definitely return. I also saw they have a water service so I'll need to check that out.
As an Italian, I think Ama really nails the simple trattoria flavors. Not everything was perfect, but the pici and the coniglio were both standouts, and rabbit is genuinely hard to come by in the US, so that's always a win. I'm also fully on board with their philosophy of organic, healthy, micro-plastic free ingredients, which feels very true to how food is approached back in Italy. Service was good, and the ambiance leans upscale, though the food is very much trattoria in spirit. As an Italian, that's always an interesting dynamic to encounter in the US, not something you'd typically see framed that way back home.
Food was amazing and so fresh. Ordered Bronzino, Lamb Chops, spring mix salad with green goodness dressing, potatoes, Ragu Pasta and sautéed kale. Ohhh the drinks! Fresh fruit is used for all the drinks and we got the Kiwi martinis and Dusse cocktail and both Everything was very authentically Italian recipes! Price was high for the portion size but we ordered enough to get full and so worth it because the ingredients were fresh! Server was great too, had great recommendations and very attentive. Excited to go back.
The Paccheri con sugo di mare was light but filling. You can tell they were using all natural ingredients and fresh pasta. The restaurant was lightly dimmed and inviting. All of the staff work together and very knowledgeable of the menu, wine pairings and the region this restaurant is inspired by.
Came to Ama with three friends for Restaurant Week and had an amazing experience. The vibe is super cute and cozy. Parking can be hit or miss, but I lucked out this time. We were supposed to stick to the Restaurant Week menu but somehow ended up ordering three different breads -- all were a hit, including the pea pancake (so good). And I loved the one that's like a pizza. For apps, the soups were solid. The minestrone was my favorite. Just a heads-up: the pasta fagioli is not like Olive Garden's, so don't order it expecting that. Entrees were a 10/10 -- we shared the Branzino and pasta Bolognese and everything was delicious. Dessert was gelato or sorbet, and we all left very happy. Restaurant Week is back and Ama definitely delivered. Great spot for celebrations too. Our server, Gerard, was super attentive and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended -- I would definitely come back and recommend this place.
AMA nails the balance between intentional dining and genuine enjoyment. The vibe is warm, stylish, and thoughtfully curated without feeling try-hard. The menu leans wellness-forward while still feeling indulgent. We ordered the focaccia (get two -- trust me) and the Spaghetti al Pomodoro, both of which were beautifully executed. The pasta was simple, bright, and comforting, letting high-quality ingredients do the work. Service was excellent throughout -- attentive, knowledgeable, and aligned with the restaurant's calm, confident energy. Overall, AMA delivers on food, ambiance, and experience in a way that feels cohesive and intentional. Easy five stars, and absolutely a place I'll return to.
The ambiance is beautiful and calming with soft lighting, terracotta tones, and an authentic charm that feels both elevated and familiar. It is intimate, warm, and full of character. Ama was such a highlight during DC Cocktail Week 2025. I ordered their featured cocktail, Fiato di Bosco, and it was INCREDIBLE. The mezcal actually brought a gentle smokey flavor in comparison to cocktails I've had before. That blended with the bright citrus felt like taking a deep breath in a forest. Classic and so well balanced. I also loved their eco-friendly approach. No microplastics in their food or cocktail prep, all grass fed beef, wild caught seafood, and clean house made ingredients. It is the kind of integrity you can taste. The team made the experience even more memorable. Eden the restaurant manager was so kind and relatable. Chris, the bartenders created cocktails so quick but with so much precision. And Blake, the bar manager, was truly outstanding. She was serving, bartending, answering questions, checking in, and making the space feel warm and family oriented the entire time. Ama feels like a neighborhood favorite with intention and incredible hospitality. I cannot recommend it enough. Definitely going back!
I wasn't wowed, I'm afraid. The happy hour cocktails are sickly sweet. The wine was fine but only 2 options. The famous focaccia was too hard and not great. The pastas are so expensive and pretty small. I got the pasta with duck ragu. I normally love duck but the duck flavor was gamey and overpowering. The pasta was good but the overall flavor was not the best. We asked for Parmesan cheese. They brought a tiny amount in a little cup, ground up parm, and then charged us $2 for it without any warning. My friend liked the pomodoro but otherwise I was underwhelmed and overcharged. There's also a service fee of nearly 4% to boot.
Nice cozy neighborhood spot, menu offers authentic Italian dishes. For small bites, grab the beef and pork meatballs. Service at the bar was prompt. Bartender was knowledgeable and too technical with dink explanations.... Would have loved to see a smile - he was too focused. I will have to return for table service.
8 months ago
The staff was lovely and helpful with explaining the menu and offering wine pairings. The ambiance was nice, nothing bad to say there. However the tagliatelle bolognese was made with fettuccini, and the pesto pasta had one little piece of potato and one green bean which we found quite silly as they were ingredients mentioned on the menu. The breadsticks that came with the charcuterie weren't great, I would've preferred a cracker or bread, but the quantity of meat and cheese was generous! Overall, lovely glass of wine and pasta for the night! read more
10 months ago
I'm not going to go on and on about how this restaurant is a rare breed and there's nothing quite like it. The truth is, there absolutely is, but not in D.C. The refreshingly authentic take on elevated Italian food is welcomed to these parts. Why reinvent the wheel when you already have such a solid foundation. Overall the menu execution is really strong and it nearly feels like Italian home cooking. The atmosphere doesn't exactly match that and I'm not sure what to think. To me it feels like a Jose Andres restaurant, but with Italian cuisine. So I'm torn between tried and tested... or just flat out copying. Either way, if it works it works. read more
We showed up as a family with our toddler, but the vibes were giving date night haha. Nevertheless we were welcomed and seated right away. The first thing you'll notice about this restaurant is that it has this old school feel with a twist: a focus on health and sustainability, which is like a dream to me. (I've really scaled back on eating out because the quality of ingredients that does not match up to the price.) With that being said, the portions here are microscopic. The focaccia was not the classic focaccia you'd expect, it's more like a flat bread (Ligurian style). The pasta dishes we tried were delicious. I could immediately taste the freshness and they really tasted nothing like any pasta dish you'd have at any other place. I just wish there was like a parsley garnish - presentation was so basic. The potato appetizer was the only disappointment. It was extremely garlicky and charred from the outside but not cooked very well from the inside. Also no garnish, no interest. I loved their mocktail menu and the one I tried was lovely. Dessert, however, was def the cherry on top. We got the chocolate torte and it was out. Of. This. World. The cardamom whipped cream added the perfect kick to the decadent chocolate and I couldn't have asked for a better ending to our evening. But then they showed up with a scoop of lemon gelato for our toddler as a treat, which was what really made our night. Thanks to the lovely staff who were so friendly and cooperative when our son was having a hard time. It's always so uplifting to dine out and not have to worry about being judged for your child's occasional big feelings. :) read more
I walked in and thought what a cute place and the guy at the front was jovial and welcoming. That was the best part. I love a good meatball. But these were more like, crispy, greasy meat disc's - see the pic. I even questioned my server about them- she said the menu is more northern Italian. . Nowhere did it resemble a Lucious meatball. So disappointed. So I asked for another recommendation- and received a ravioli stuffed with some green veg stuff and thick white sauce. It completely lacked seasoning for me and needed some texture. Very one note and looked unappealing. I working near by and had planned to come back cause then menu looked interesting .... I've changed my mind. read more
We came for an early Saturday night dinner and had a good, healthy dining experience (until we got to dessert, at least). Located just 3-4 blocks from the Navy Yard metro, Ama was easy to find and boasted a classy interior filled with natural light. Hungry, we started with a focaccia - the farinata. This was 3 triangles of wafer-thin chickpea-based bread, a nice starter but nothing particularly filling, prompting my husband to order the fugassa - two thick slabs of warm and delicious bread My tartare di salmone was a large disk of fresh delicious salmon, helpfully served with crunchy, thin eggplant & farinata chips (I liked these more than the limp farinata we had earlier). With this, I had a Hugo spritz, refreshing and citrusy (and the multitudinous ice was easier to 'swallow' as Ama wasn't one of those restaurants that blasts AC and make you feel like you are dining in a refrigerator). My husband didn't like his vitello tonnato (he wanted the veal but didn't realize the sauce in the middle would be a salty tuna puree - I didn't taste it but the mix of presentation of meats did seem unusual). For entrees, we had the chicken with plain salad (he had a lot left-over, but enjoyed it) and the piccage verdi pasta. The latter didn't have ramps mixed in but the pasta itself was made of ramps, and the amount of butter and cheese accompanying the pasta was perfect. Portion size was very reasonable and not too heavy. This was a highlight. For dessert, gluttony took over and we had the tiramisu, a millefiogli (which isn't on the online menu, perhaps being seasonal), and pistachio gelato. Each one was very well done, and although it wasn't my favorite tiramisu (the buckwheat savoiardi, minimal mascarpone-to-savoiardi ratio, and limited expresso being disfavored), I liked it. The seasonal dish had nice strawberries and a light cream (the lightest of our three desserts), and the pistachio gelato was very rich and creamy. No complaints about the prompt service (probably helped by us being the earliest diners in the restaurant). read more
The service has been hit or miss at AMA but the food is always delicious. You can tell the ingredients are fresh and light. The dishes are consistent from what I've ordered and seen from other guests, I've dined twice and Spaghetti al Pomodoro and Raviolini al Tocco are my favorites. read more
6 months ago
One of the best restaurants in DC. What a great mission this restaurant has with phenomenal food, ambience and care from the owner chef and all the staff. I absolutely can't wait to come back!!! Food was amazing read more
The restaurant is clean and our server was very kind and attentive! I hate to give it only 3 stars but the spaghetti was bland. It would have been better with fresh Parmesan and chilli flakes. I'll be back and see if the other dishes are more flavorful. read more
1 year ago
An underrated gem in the Navy Yard! The food is all deliciously indulgent, but the values of the restaurant definitely come through in how good you feel after. Some favorites of mine include the meatballs, salmon tartare, chicken milanese, and lasagna. The pesto trofie pasta is something I never would have ordered on my own, but when I asked the waiter to surprise me, this is what he brought out and I couldn't have been happier! This is the perfect place for family dinners, date night, girl's night out, and everything in between. read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
I have been here 4 times and i drive from the other side of town to try new and very seasonal items on their menu. The ingredients are fresh, inventive and authentic. We brought our kids on two occasions and they were taken care of as if we hired a nanny on site! The bar is so much fun as well. Gelato is incredible. I have also been during the day on the outside and i highly recommend trying their pastries. The ingredients across the board seem so clean and thoughtfully sourced. I highly recommend Ama! read more
Ama is a chic Italian restaurant that welcomes you with bright, inviting spaces and a window where you can snag an espresso or snack. The warm space is filled with terracotta hues and inviting seating. We sat in the smaller side room, which was much quieter and perfect for smaller conversations. The food was very good. We started with the Focaccia di Formaggio, which reminded me of a thin quesadilla. The app had flaky bread and soft, melted cheese. For our mains, we each sampled a pasta. My favorite was the Trofie di Castagne con Pesto Genovese. Other standouts were the Paccheri con Gamberoni and Pansotti con Sugo di Noci. The aperol spritz as a Note--This spot is great for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegans! Most dishes fall within one of these categories or are easy to customize. read more
This is a great new neighborhood spot in Navy Yard! I picture this being good for dates or girls nights. It's good for dinner but also for cocktails. The ambience is fabulous. It's good for photos. The decor is really nice. The cocktail menu is amazing. The drink selection is really thorough and they come out really fast. We had two appetizers the thin focaccia, which was really good but definitely not enough for four people so order two I got the spaghetti Pomodoro and it was really good. I definitely recommend the portions are small, so order a lot of small items for the table and share! The tiramisu was really good. The cream was perfect and the coffee flavor was not overpowering. The price point at this restaurant is a little bit higher, but I wouldn't say atypical for the neighborhood. Just be prepared to spend a little bit more if you're ordering drinks and appetizers along with your dinner, but I definitely recommend Ama if you're looking to try a nice spot. read more
6 months ago
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2 years ago
What can I say! Ama is absolutely amazing and I'm addicted! I've been to Ama 20+ times since September 2024. If you have a defined palate, enjoy the finest ingredients, the best and cleanest cuts of meat and fish, and care what you put in your body, well Ama is for you. What sets Ama apart, is the passion the chef/owner has for every single detail. From a personal relationship with the local beef/ meat supplier, Italian vineyards, and other local farmers... all the way down to the water which is poured from a state of the art filtration system, to the sustainable paper towels, toilet paper and non chemical cleaning products. Some of my favorites, are the rabbit stew, steak (can rival some of DC's best steak houses) breaded veal, focaccia (cheese), Charcuterie, roasted beets, raviolli (I'd kill for the brown sauce) tiramisu (moist- perfectly layered) and the beef broth. The chef/ owner genuinely cares about the food served, her staff- staff daily meals, what you put in your body, changing how the world should eat one plate at a time... aaaand, you can definitely feel it when you're dining at Ama. I added a few photos... enjoy, and if anyone needs any suggestions feel free to message me. I'm becoming a neighborhood regular ;) read more
Ama is a regional Italian restaurant that cares about the philosophy of good eating as much as the good eats themselves. We really appreciated hearing the chef's focus on maximizing taste and nutrition as well as environmentalism as she brings the cuisine of her family to Navy Yard. We started with a kiwi margherita which was a ghostbuster's green. The drink itself didn't taste too much like kiwi but it was a good margherita and we enjoyed it. The zero proof elderberry gazzosa was sparkling and refreshing. Our appetizer was an ooey gooey (in a very good way) focaccia di formaggio. Though it wasn't like the more solid and denser focaccia we have had in the past, it was a true comfort food. The stuffed squid was beautifully done. Like the other flavors of the meal, it was subtle and elegant. This mix of meat and seafood is apparently a staple of Ligurian cooking. The trenette al pesto was fresh and vibrant and accompanied by the traditional two green beans and two pieces of potato. You could tell that it was again, skillfully cooked and very fresh. Again, the flavors were subtle. The rabbit entrée with fennel and olives was more robust and was accompanied by a super housemade sourdough bread for dipping - yum! The dessert millefoglie was also made from the house sourdough starter. It was accompanied by really fresh cream and strawberries. The space itself was larger than we expected with a big bar area that can get noisy. The staff was very friendly and helpful even when the restaurant was full and they were very busy. There is limited street parking available but also garage parking. read more
10 months ago
It was decent went during restaurant week. The ambiance was good, food pretty mid if I'm being honest had the bolognese, didn't really have a lot of flavor but was ok. Service (maybe due to restaurant week) was really slow. Drinks were good. read more
2 years ago
a very green Italian feast at @amarestaurant.bar in navy yard, washington, dc starting off with my FIRST EVER hugo spritz, I genuinely don't know how come it took me this long to try one, but it was delightful, then the girls shared the focaccia di formaggio and I enjoyed the very green and gf TROFIE DI CASTAGNE CON PESTO GENOVESE in a Tigullio Basil Pesto overall, the service was very good, vibes in the side room were meh though, and while the pasta dish I got was good (don't get me wrong) it was nothing to rave home about -- the drinks however, I really enjoyed! read more
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Let me just say I am a sucker for aesthetics and Ama nails the charming daytime Italian open air cafe window + nighttime ristorante vibe. It's such a treat to be able to pop over and enjoy a casual espresso at the bar or Iced Americano to go from the sidewalk window. Seriously the iced americano + iced cappuccino are the best in town. Love this spot read more
8 months ago
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1 year ago
Absolutely fabulous experience. We were thrilled to find a Seed Oil Free spot to bring our family for a meal we could really trust. Focaccia was out of this world, and the staff was very helpful and kind to our toddler. read more
10 months ago
I've been coming to Ama since the summer of 2024, shortly after they opened, and it just keeps getting better. Owner Chef Johanna has an incredible vision for clean food and a truly sustainable restaurant. I've had the privilege of meeting her in passing a couple of times, and she is simply lovely--clearly passionate about Italian food and her Italian American heritage. The food is incredible. So incredible that when I have business in DC, I purposefully book the hotel above Ama so I can dine here every night guilt free. This visit my bartenders were North and Chris, and they were so helpful and kind--they felt like friends with excellent food recs. Johanna is so inspiring that my mom will randomly forward me articles whenever Ama is mentioned--we are clearly die-hard supporters. (I'm including a screenshot of my mom's random email to me that just says, "I love her!"). Ama is a win on every front. read more
2 years ago
Enjoyed a wonderful meal here on grand opening night that we came back again to try more dishes on the menu. We started with the focaccia bread which I was pleasantly surprised to see in front of me as a crispy and thin bread filled with warm cheese inside. A different take from the usual focaccia bread I've had before and it was delicious! The Fritti Misto reminded me of the street food I had during my trip to Cinque Terre last summer and it tasted just as delightful! Loved the outside walk up window bancone concept and on the 2nd night we enjoyed our meal sitting at the bar people watching. We also met some locals who lived across the street in the condos sitting to our right. They were a lovely couple and even shared with us a taste of their veal to try. For the pastas we ordered the Pomodoro spaghetti, braised beef ravioli and lasagne to share. Everything was delicious! We also ordered the fish in salsa verde sauce which was my favorite! Tip: When the waiter ask if you want extra sauce on the fish, say YES! From the ambiance to the service, everything was stellar. The bartenders and staff were super sweet and attentive. This place is a gem and much needed at the Navy yard! P.S., If you don't want the evening to end, go to Smoke and Mirrors next door for a night cap and enjoy a beautiful rooftop view of the city. read more
6 months ago
6 months ago
Immediately when I walked in I LOVED the concept of the walk up coffee bar -- although it would be even more fun if it was a walk up bar window with to go cocktails! The meal was good too, and our waiter was very friendly and described each dish on the menu in detail. My favorite dishes were the special eggplant parm and the spaghetti pomodoro. Ama does tomato sauce super well! The coffee cake for dessert was a treat, and I bet would be great with the coffee bar options during the day! read more
1 year ago
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More info about Ama
885 New Jersey Ave SE
Washington, DC 20003
Navy Yard
Directions
(202) 830-2505
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https://www.amarestaurant.bar
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Is there a vegan pasta entree available?
My experience has been they are able to make dietary accommodations given everything is made fresh !
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Ama - desserts - Updated July 2026
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