Italian aperitivo culture has finally arrived in Union Square, where a new neighborhood bar pairs inventive spritzes with Italian bites in the atmosphere of an old-school, boujee NYC lobby bar.
On Oct. 14, Bar Ambra hosted its opening night with the press, a happy hour, complimentary drinks, live jazz, and delicious crafted bites. It’s the sibling restaurant to Ambra, the Italian restaurant in the West Village and also under the same team behind Dandelion and Keepers.
“Italian aperitivo culture is about slowing down, gathering with friends, and enjoying a drink and a few bites at the end of the day,” Eytan Sugarman, Co-Owner of Bar Ambra, said. “Bar Ambra brings that spirit to NYC, as you always come back to what makes you feel welcome.”
While the original Ambra focuses primarily on restaurant dining, Bar Ambra is slightly larger and places greater emphasis on the cocktail and wine menus. Overall, the ambiance shapes an intimate and perfect night out. The food menu follows a tapas-style, meaning plates are meant for sharing rather than traditional entrees.
Behind the bar, there’s a “Spritzeria,” devoted to the bar’s inventive spritzes.
“Cocktail standouts include the Italian Ice, a grown-up twist on the nostalgic treat, the savory Sunday Saucespritz, and the Tiramisu Espresso Martini made with espresso, chicory coffee-infused vodka, and mascarpone,” Sugarman says.
The playful and creative approach is reflected in the food menu as well. Crispy Fried Artichokes & Olives with lemon aioli, while lasagna is served on skewers with fresh ricotta, buffalo mozzarella, and marinara. For a heartier meal, the Butternut Squash Ravioli with sage brown butter is another standout.
Walking through the doors for the first time, guests can expect to be blown away by the impeccable art and old-school atmosphere reflected on the walls.
Bar Ambra’s inspiration is drawn from upscale New York lobby culture, including intimate nooks that feel warm and personal, inviting dining areas, and lively corners that lend themselves to cocktails, conversation, and a night out. Rich, warm tones and layered textures bring a sense of familiarity and comfort while maintaining an understated sexiness. New York photography lines the walls, while the mix of amber lighting and candlelight adds depth and intimacy.
“It’s truly a sultry experience, and we intended to design more than just a beautiful room,” Sugarman says. “We wanted to evoke one of warmth, intrigue, and invasion.”
As the space is a new addition to the Union Square neighborhood, the team hopes it will fit in with the other energetic restaurants and provide a great place for friends, dates, and any social occasion, whether for after-work, dinner, or brunch. The team created a diverse, fun menu with bar snacks, full dinners, and an amazing cocktail list in hopes of creating a sultry, romantic atmosphere for guests.
Bar Ambra will remain the intimate neighborhood destination for any occasion, at any time of day. With Italian-inspired drinks and food, inviting design, and regular live jazz planned, this might be a new place worth checking out!
Bar Ambra is located at 134 4th Ave. For more information, visit barambranyc.com.
