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Amba
Categories: Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants Middle Eastern Restaurants Kosher Vegetarian, Middle Eastern, Kosher [Edit]
6464 Moraga Ave(between Medau Pl & La Salle Ave)
Oakland, CA 94611
Neighborhoods: Montclair Village, Oakland Hills
(510) 339-8000
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 9 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 3 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
159 reviews for Amba
Review Highlights
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"The mezze platter was enough to share between two people." In 16 reviews -
"Fresh and yummy- pita bread outta the oven." In 15 reviews -
"Who would have thought hard-boiled egg + fried eggplant..." In 6 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
159 reviews in English
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Review from Grace C.
3/30/2012
Last Sunday, J and I decided to try Amba. We arrived at 11:30a (just as they were opening) and ordered $45 worth of food. We were hungry and we thought the portions would be small.
French fries - enormous basket - hand cut fries, i specified no salt and they complied.
Hummus Eggplant bowl - large bowl
Side order of hummus - tasty
3 salad plate - large servings of cucumber, carrot, tomato salads - I wasn't impressed by the salads. Like the place in Walnut Creek better.
Falafel - small balls as opposed to the larger, flatter ones I am accustomed to eating from the Farmers' Market. I think Amba's falafel is more "authentic" but I prefer the non-authentic kind.
Lentil & potato soup - Delicious! Enormous bowl.
Pita bread - Amazingly fresh. Couldn't stop talking about it.
Clientele: Families (saw an orthodox jewish family - good sign - dining there) and couples.
3 stars for the food
1 extra star for the nicely renovated and super clean tables, floors and bathroom
Pleasant to eat there and watch the big screen TV.
I would return for the soup.
Please note it is closed on Saturdays (observing the Jewish sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown) -
Review from Andrew C.
I've been a bit under the weather so wanted something simple for lunch. I saw the recent good reviews so decided to give Amba another try with their Hummus Bowl with Eggplant ($8.50) + extra Egg (+$1) To-go (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).
What a difference from my last visit!
The pita were warm & fluffy as opposed to dry and broken last time. One was pretty thin in the middle (the top 2 halves http://www.yelp.com/bi...), but overall still held up. The generous amount of hummus was really garlicky, just how I like it! Three rounds of eggplant were good with a nice char and all topped with a non-chalky yolk hard-boiled egg.
Bumping them back up to 4 stars.
I hope they keep it up. A few more meals like this and I might forget my sub-par Sabich.Listed in: Falafels and shawarma and…, Montclair - my hood, Vegan / Veggie
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/7/2011
Sandwiches are up to $8.50 from the $7 from my last review and quality seems to have slipped . . .… Read more »
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Review from Michelle S.
Oakland, CA
3/15/2012
I have always had a thing for Middle Eastern food. Could be that I am part Lebanese, could be it's largely vegetarian or could be that I'm just mad for the mezze platter.
Whatever the reason(s), it doesn't have much bearing on what makes this place so great. Because what makes it great is LOVE; love of only the best, freshest ingredients, love of technique and love of good, simple food.
If, as a general rule, you're under whelmed by falafel or hummus or baba ganouj or even pita bread, I promise you one visit to Amba will change that. The falafel is cooked to perfection - crunchy on the outside and almost creamy on the inside (that's where the love of technique shines through).
The hummus is fresh and delicious because apparently they make it in small batches several times a day. And the pita bread is in a class all its own - warm, soft and fluffy vs those cold, hard cardboard-like impostors. Unless you are a baker - or you are very cozy with one, I seriously doubt you have access to pita like this. These people promise it's easy to bake good ones at home. Maybe. I think it's easier to order a bag full and take them home.
Put all of these things together with a tangy, crunchy cabbage slaw, fresh tahini and a few house-made pickles and you have the best falafel sandwich this side of the Jordan River.
I love the hummus bowls too. They are big enough to share and include tasty toppings like fava beans, roasted eggplant and fried mushrooms. There's a vast array of salads and dolma made fresh everyday - great fodder for that top-shelf mezze platter I mentioned and/or a fresh catering option.
Now you notice their logo says, Amba - Falafel/Hummus/Salad/Fries. If you crave, I mean appreciate, great fries the way I do. You have been warned. Try these once and now you are the junkie and Amba the pusher.
If this is as close as I get to the Promised Land - well then, so be it. -
Review from Helen S.
Lafayette, CA
5/13/2012
Middle Eastern food is my very favorite and this restaurant here in Oakland is a real treat. I have to drive a little out of my way but it has always been worth it.
My favorite plate is their Fava Bean meal. -
Review from Salsaboy S.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 2/23/2012
I tried Amba a few times after a lengthy hiatus, and I'm happy to report that they seem to have made some improvements. Namely, at least the last couple of times I've been there, they made all fried items to order. True, I've gone at off-hours, and perhaps they have to made everything to order because the food would sit around too long otherwise. No matter. It is for this that I up my rating one star.
As for the food, it is all on the bland side of the spectrum for me, still. The falafel needs more cumin and spice. The hummus, too, is a bit pasty and bland in flavor, although it has a beautiful consistency. The french fries are not the same, I don't think, as the fries when I first visited in April 2010. I like these new fries better, but I don't love them. They do, however, give a very generous portion of fries. There were several patrons who came in solely for them.
I wish Amba well. I can't say that I won't be back -- I likely will. Periodically. I do get cravings for falafel from time-to-time, and I love the concept of an entirely vegetarian (and kosher to boot!) restaurant. If Amba were more flavorful, it would be a regular haunt.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/23/2010
It was okay, but I wasn't impressed as many of my fellow Yelpers have been. The biggest… Read more »
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Review from Stu S.
Oakland, CA
2/26/2012
Amba looks like a chain, with it's bold graphics and trendy decor, but it is an independent restaurant that serves veggie fast food. Their diverse menu appeals to young and old, and they even have a Jewish handwashing station to maintain the Jewish tradition of cleaning your hands before a meal.
Their sabich sandwich is something you have to try. It is roasted eggplant, a hard- boiled egg with some veggies and an excellent sauce. The serving sizes are generous and everything is delicious.
The staff is friendly, service is fast, and they serve pizza and fries, so the whole family can enjoy a vegetarian meal together.
This is not only a great eatery, but a service to the community. You don't have to go to a typical fast food chain to feed your family. -
Review from Steph K.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've visited Amba a few times, primarily initiated by my BF's Groupon coupons. I've tried their Falafel Sandwich, Sabich Sandwich, Israeli Salad, and Spicy Pita Chips.
Overall I've been happy with their food: The Falafel isn't dry or oily which is always a plus; This was the first time I've had the Sabich Sandwich and I would definitely order it again; The Israeli salad is a simple mix, fresh and crunchy, but I probably wouldn't order it again (I would rather save my stomach space for the next item); the Spicy Pita Chips are loaded with spices, it's not not hot spicy, and are a great side order to munch on.
I look forward to coming here again to try the other things on their menu. However, I'm not sure if I'd be able to stay away from the Falafel or Pita Chips when I actually get there. -
Review from Stephanie R.
CA
2/2/2012
I fianlly was able to use my Groupon for Amba last night. I had been trying for a while, but I had showed up at least 3 times and it has been closed. Be sure to check the hours before you go!
That said, I really enjoyed my meal. I got the hummus bowl with eggplant, and a side of falafel. I didn't need the extra falafel, but I had to spend $10 for the groupon. The bowl itself is plenty of food. Everything was really tasty. I especially liked the eggplant. The hummus was nice and creamy, and the falafel was really flavorful. I was there at 5pm and grabbed the food to-go, so I didn't experience any of the poor service some of the other reviews mention. I hope to visit again soon. Delicious meal! -
Review from Erica M.
Bay Area
5/3/2012
I've been a big fan of Amba since a friend suggested I try it about a year ago. I love falafel, and it seems like there is a lack of really good falafel in the area! Amba solves that problem. Their falafel pita is absolutely amazing. Their balls of falafel are the biggest I've ever seen, and they put 3 huge ones in each pita. They are so flavorful and perfectly crispy. The other toppings inside the pita all compliment the taste so well. I just went to Israel a few months ago and I can honestly say that Amba even has better falafel than most of the ones I had there! I have fallen so in love with it that I haven't tried anything else yet, but last time I was in there I saw after I had already ordered that they have bourekas! Those are my absolute favorite so I will have to try them next time. The only thing I would have to say about Amba is that is can be a bit pricey...they do give good portions but with tax I'm paying nearly $10 for a just a pita sandwich, which to me seems a little pricey. However that is not enough to keep me from coming back and I am looking forward to trying more things here!
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Review from Kimberly A.
Berkeley, CA
12/1/2011
My friend (and her 5-year-old daughter) and I went here tonight, and I found myself wishing that this restaurant was located closer to my house, because I *love* the menu. There's a nice blend of light fare (including some salads) and heartier dishes (such as the hummus), extending into the heavier (but very tasty) stuff such as falafel, french fries, fried veggies, etc. I liked that flexibility.
The prices seemed perfectly reasonable to me for interesting, tasty, freshly-made food. I'm on a tight budget, so I'm very sensitive to such things, and I felt that the food I received was well worth the price.
I ordered the shakshuka (a spicy tomato sauce with poached egg), which I've had elsewhere before and so knew I loved. The shakshuka here was much soupier than what I've had elsewhere, and the sauce/broth was oily enough that it wouldn't really adhere to the pita bread when I dipped it in. (It didn't *taste* or *feel* oily when I ate it, but it was slippery on the pita.) One order of the shaskhuka, however, was far more than I could eat in one sitting, and it will provide me with at least one more meal, possibly two. Since the order only cost $10, that sounds like a good deal to me.
We also ordered the "Fal" (hummus with fava beans) for all of us to share, and we all agreed that it was delicious. It wouldn't have occurred to me to order it, since I think of hummus as ho-hum (I have it for lunch most days at home), but this particular hummus was really quite enjoyable. I also really liked their pita bread, which is fluffier than what I've had in most places. It tastes freshly made, rather than store-bought.
It's difficult for me to rate the service, as we barely interacted with the staff at all. We ordered our food, sat down, and then a bit later a different employee brought our food to us. We didn't have any other interaction with the staff until I went up to ask the cashier for to-go boxes when we were ready to leave. This isn't really a "staff waits on you" place, but all the minor interactions we had with the employees were pleasant and helpful.
My one real gripe about this place is the price of the drinks. $2.50 for fountain drinks? Sheesh! On the other hand, they have great lemonades (which count as fountain drinks), including a pomegranate lemonade that was very tasty. So I winced when I shelled out the cash, but I smiled when I drank my beverage.
Okay, one more gripe: tv. There was a tv playing fairly prominently against one wall the whole time we were there. The volume was turned down so that it didn't affect our ability to carry on a normal conversation, but it just felt a bit trashy. I prefer to dine in restaurants that don't have the boob tube running 24/7.
I also wanted to mention that they have a pretty good kid's meal deal, with which you get a decent-sized serving of pasta or pizza and a small fountain drink, all for $5. -
Review from Rebecca S.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 12/8/2011
Happened to be having lunch and met the owner. I told him about my concern about the change in size of (to go) hummus bowls - and he shared that he thought the night staff had been using the wrong size.
He made me a free mushroom hummus bowl for my trouble.
Yeay! Amba is (happily) back in my good graces. Looking forward to more takeout and catering!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/14/2011
While the food at Amba is still exceptional, I'm downgrading my review b/c apparently they've cut… Read more »
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Review from Klara Y.
San Francisco, CA
11/17/2011
I had been meaning to check this place out for a while, my groupon was expiring so I finally came here with my cousin. We loved this place!!! The food was great, the service was decent. The sandwiches and the salads are very flavorful. Great portion size as well. Wish they had a hummas side on the menu, I wouldn't be able to eat hummas as a full meal.
Can't wait to go back! -
Review from Dan S.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/22/2012
Good food. Decent prices. Nice portions. In my opinion, the best kosher restaurant in a 20 mile radius.
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Review from John D.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Been going downhill for a while. But today the surly counterguy set a scalding hot pizzetta down right in front of my 4 year old, who being 4 went to grab it before I could move it. A small burn and much screaming ensued. Almost more disturbing was that the owner didnt come over to see what was wrong and refund my money (god forbid).
My falafel was also thrown together with no thought whatsoever. Guess ill have to follow liba around for good falafel and better vibes.
Skip it! Even with a groupon.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/10/2010
Amba is a welcome addition to the Montclair village, seems like were turning the corner and getting… Read more »
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Review from Luiza L.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2011
The Sabich is phenomenal, restaurant is clean and family owned, lots of personality.
Didn't get 5 stars 'cos of the overpriced drinks ($2.50 for a fountain soda, and $3 for any drinks on the fridge! Whoa!) -
Review from Tiffany N.
Oakland, CA
9/22/2011
Amba what happened???
Once upon a time I would've easily given 4 stars. The quality and taste was not good today. In fact I'm not sure I will go back. I'm really disappointed :( These used to be my favorite french fries; today they were just good, not great. Falafel sandwich...barely edible. Too bad! -
Review from Melinda Y.
San Leandro, CA
Amba didn't make a good first impression on us. I've had this Groupon for eons, but each time we wanted to go, the restaurant was closed! Apparently closed on Friday evenings and Saturdays for Sabbath for us non-Jewish folks who got upset to discover it's closed when we're hungry. That's when I'm out and about usually. So, one Friday night was our last attempt to go there and had to opt for Toshi Sushi instead.
Okay, we're finally there. My Groupon expires on Wednesday! Our expectations were low. SOO...let's talk about the food first. We had the mushroom hummus with pita bread ($8.50), dolmas ($3 for 3 small ones), and three salad combo ($10, orzo, couscous, and falafel ball). Out of everything, my favorite has to be the falafel ball. I love fried crispiness. The hummus was okay. The pita bread was warm and soft. The couscous was overly onion-y and pungent, overpowering any other flavor in the dish. Blah...where's my breath mint? The orzo was not memorable at all. For what it was, the food seemed overpriced.
The service was alright, but it bothered us when the waitress was bus'ing the table next to us and sprayed diluted bleach to wipe down the table. Ugh...having chlorine dispersed in close vacinity of us was especially appetizing. BLAH...serious?
The restroom was clean, but why was there Purell and not liquid soap by the sink? WHAT?
Meh, I won't be coming back. I'd rather spend my money elsewhere... -
Review from Robert M.
Albany, CA
3/31/2011
A few weeks ago I picked up a Groupon for this place and ran across it the other day. Went there for takeout this afternoon. Prices are average for Middle Eastern places. This place is all vege so don't expect to find any shawarma here.
I had a Falafal pita sandwich. Their balls are huge, almost bursting the pita. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Along that they put a bit of colesaw and hummus inside. On the side they put pickles, olives and dolma. For an extra couple of bucks you get an insane amount of fries. These had just come out of the fryer so were hot and actually warped the platic takeout container pretty bad.
For sides I went ahead and got some falafal, dolmas and Israeli couscous salad. The dolma rice was a bit on the soft side, almost to the point of being mushy in some. Falafal again was pretty good though I wish there was some type of dressing to go with it. The salad showed real promise. LOTS of soft red onion and cooked mushrooms mixed in. Unfortunately, it was really lacking in any type of dressing as well so I added a whole bunch of cherry balsamic vinegar to it which perked things up considerably.
They jncluded an extra pita with it all, which had just come out of the oven and was still warm and soft when I got home
Staff was friendly and stuff was ready to take out after about 10 minutes during the lunch hour. They have an advertised Sunday Brunch which I may have to try sometime. Place was clean and furnishings were in good shape. Parking is Oakland ripoff street parking pricing. If you're lucky you'll be able to park in a short walking distance. And there's a parkjng lot a few blocks away (pay).
Despite the shortcomings mentioned above I will be back, especially if I am up at the LDS Temple doing genealogy research.
One thing to note. They must've picked up a liquor license finally as they do serve bottled beer now. No Goldstar, Macabee or Dancing Camel, but they did have Sierra Nevada and two others I don't remember by name. As I didn't order any I don't remember the pricing. -
Review from Stan S.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Amba has a great selection of tasty foods that are non-meat to satisfy that hunger. I always get the Sabich sandwich which is comprised of fried eggplant, Israeli salad (think fattoush), cabbage, tahini, and hard boiled egg. So yummy. A self contained, real delicious meal in a pita.
The basket of fries are perfectly prepared with crispy outside and hot potatoey inside. The portion is enough for 2+ folks. And for more tasty treats, recommend the fried pita bread which come in either savory or sweet. I recommend the former. -
Review from Cynthia C.
Alameda, CA
3/1/2011 3 photos
Fast, friendly, hefty healthy portions & delish iced tea.
Thumbs up: mezze platter, even the dolmas was edible, I hate dolmas, super garlicky hummus, thick lentil soup with cubes of perfectly cooked potatoes and the french fries were crunchy and seasoned right. Super cute mini baklava in different varieties and shapes.
I LOVED how nothing was drenched in EVOO as many mezze plates are.
Thumbs down: dry falafel.
Parking is fairly easy, if you're willing to hoof it a block or so on Moraga, but hey it's FREE, can't beat that.Listed in: The Biggity, biggity O!!!
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Review from vic f.
Oakland, CA
3/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Clown size portions for kosher vegitarian food. We got the mezze platter w/a side of fries and it MORE than enough for the two of us. However we pride ourselves on "leaving no survivors" so we polished it ALL off.
Was it really necessary, in a word "yes" as it was yummy. We'll be back when we are looking for cleansing whole bunch of food.
Did I say the fries were good? Steak cut double fried to a crisp outter layer...mmm -
Review from E L.
Oakland, CA
6/2/2011
I was craving a falafel sandwich and was surprised to see a more extensive menu of salads, hummus bowls, fries, and specials tempting me when I arrived. Almost caved for a hummus bowl (next time!), but stuck with my original idea and got the falafel sammie. Prices were a bit more than I expected or wanted to spend, but portion size seemed generous.
The sandwich comes in a full size pita with the top cut off, stuffed with hummus, Isreali salad (cucumbers and tomato), 4-5 falafel, and cucumber salad. Big size sammie for $8.50.
Pleasantly surprised by the pickles, green olives, and dolma that came in the basket with the sandwich. They added an extra dose of veggies to the meal and I supplemented the sandwich with bits of pickles and olives when I wanted a little extra party in my mouth.
The falafel were warm and relatively moist, though I found myself wishing for more hummus or salad to moisten up the middle part (that's when I started adding pickles - see above). When I finished I wished I had more, but within 10 minutes of leaving, my belly felt plenty full. I wished I'd tried the fries, but now that I'm done, I'm satisfied without.
Bonus - the metered parking lot around the corner so I didn't have to deal with full street parking during the lunch hour. -
Review from alejandro z.
Alameda, CA
2/17/2011
My girlfriend and me were there a couple of nights ago for dinner.
The neighborhood is very nice and friendly, and we could park just a block away from the restaurant.
The place is nice and clean and you can see the kitchen and food prep area, which is also nice and clean.
Menu is varied and healthy, and prices are reasonable.
We ordered the Mezze Platter and shared it. It was very good.
The serving was also fast.
The downside (and this is why I'm taking a star off from the rating): During the time we were there, my girlfriend was facing the kitchen area, and she could notice about the dynamics going on there, and here's what she told me: She could notice the employees were not treated very nicely, she felt they were being a little abused, and mistreated, and that, unfortunately, is for us reason enough not to go back there again.
I must say my girlfriend is a Social Worker, working with abused people, and she's very sensitive to abusive relationships, so I really trust her judgment in this matter.
It's a shame, because other than that, we both liked the place, but we're standing up for our principles here. -
Review from Laurie K.
Oakland, CA
2/4/2011
The kids who work here have no class or professionalism, and on top of that they clearly cannot run the kitchen to save their lives. I ordered a falafel platter, a sandwich, fries and a hummus bowl. $40 worth of food, and I tipped, too.
IT TOOK ONE HOUR.
I received a defensive, disdainful apology peppered with F-words from the kid at the counter, and when I asked for the pita due with my order he tossed a package of unheated pitas at me with a self-satisfied grin.
They must really enjoy doing their jobs poorly, otherwise I'm not sure why the service has actually gotten worse over time, rather than better. I've already given this place enough chances and tried to overlook haphazard and awkward service, but I'm done. I could drive all the way to University to Chick-o-pea and be back before my order's ready at Amba. And next time, that's exactly what I'll do. -
Review from Zoey R.
Berkeley, CA
1/6/2011 ROTD 2/7/2011
About a year ago yours truly became a Bat Mitzvah. The keen observer -- and well probably the casual ones too -- will note that I'm not exactly thirteen years of age. Don't let the youthful angst or the teenage acne fool you. I am 'of age.' In terms of Jewish law, however, I was held back a few years. It's embarrassing, I know. So, in an effort to make up for lost time, I went all out. I cemented my faith in the Jewish religion while in HaEer HaAtika, the Old City of Jerusalem.
I had my Aliyah to the Torah, gave the bracha (blessing), was showered in flowers and candy, and finally hoisted up in a chair as we all sang and danced. If that wasn't enough of a celebration, at the close of Shabbat we ventured out into the city and partied it up with the locals, bar hopping and noshing on good street food.
My choice Israeli street food? Sabich (pronounced: s-ah-biqh). One of the few truly Israeli foods, its heritage coincides with the arrival of exiled Jews from Iraq. Its name stems from the fact that it was typically eaten for breakfast on the Sabbath, but its filling qualities and hearty ingredients makes it the perfect penny-saving anytime food. In layman's terms, however, it can be described as an overstuffed sandwich: a pita round filled with fried eggplant, hard boiled eggs, hummus, tahini, and Israeli salad (chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and red onions). The sandwich is then topped with amba -- the sauce that this restaurant is named for. A Middle Eastern condiment, amba is as important to sabich as secret sauce is to an In-N-Out burger. No amba? It ain't sabich.
So imagine my surprise when my sabich from Amba lacked amba! The menu lists its important inclusion, but when I asked about it the people at the counter seemed surprised that I actually wanted some. Sure it may be an acquired taste -- an orange colored pickled mango sauce with vinegar, salt, mustard, turmeric, chili, and fenugreek (the ingredient that provides its distinct flavor and scent) -- that my mom describes as being "very old world" in flavor. But in ordering sabich, one expects it. Especially from a true Israeli restaurant as Amba seems to be (it closes for the Sabbath, and a significant portion of its clientele sport yarmulkes -- always a good sign).
My dining companion had the falafel sandwich which was served with six plump, perfectly crispy pita balls -- not those hockey pucks you usually end up with at most Mediterranean restaurants in the US -- fresh cabbage slaw, Israeli salad, hummus, and tahini.
My sabich was prepared fresh; the eggplant still had a slight crisp to it and the Israeli salad retaianing just the right amount of acid. The pita bread it was wrapped in was decent, having a pleasant texture and flavor, but unfortunately lacked the flexibility of a fresh one.
The restaurant's namesake, though? Lackluster. On first look I almost didn't even recognize the side serving of amba that I had so painstakingly asked for. It wasn't until I timidly dipped a finger in and had a taste that I finally recognized what it was. Amba's version of amba is darker in color than most preparations I've seen and the texture was as if it were run through a food mill one too many times. Since it's a flavor that generally tends to grow on you, I tried it again. Unfortunately, taste after taste, the flavor profile just wasn't there. There even seemed to be a slight metallic taste to it, leading me to believe that it was not freshly prepared, but from a can.
Overall, though, I have to say that the food was very good. In-fact, probably some of the best Israeli food I've had outside of Israel. Maybe the restaurant should just change its name from 'Amba' to 'Falafel' and showcase what they're really good at making.Listed in: ROTD!, In search of The Holy Land
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Review from Norm L.
Oakland, CA
4/30/2011
I was working at a nearby school and had two free periods to get something to eat and relax. So I took out my trusty phone and clicked on the Yelp app. I wanted to try something new so I figured Hey! I never had a falafel sandwich before, so why not? So I ordered a falafel pita sandwich and some fries to go with it. Now I don't know how a falafel sandwich should taste like, all I know is that I loved it. The falafel balls were pretty big I thought the pita was going to burst but it didn't. I think I also tasted coleslaw and hummus in it. Had a nice fresh crunch to it. Oh and the fries were pretty crunchy, it came in a pretty big portion.
Well what can I say, I walked out of there with a full stomach and a smile on my face. So I ll defintely try it again if I am in the area.
Oh and another thing I came here at like 1pm on a Thursday so there wasn't any line and I think I got my order in like 4 minutes. -
Review from Rick C.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 1/6/2011
I just read my Discover card bill and decided, you know because it's the end of the year, that I should use the nifty spend analyzer tool. According to Discover, which does not lie I assure you, 12.5% of my restaurant purchases have been at Amba Falafel. Apparently, I pay their rent. The fact that they remember me, know my order, and ask how I'm doing at Berkeley merely confirms this.
This place has changed a lot since I used to frequent this place (and wrote my first review). For one thing, they have added that nifty TV and advertised that you can watch NFL games with a couple of beers too! (Yay, appealing to the goyim!) This place has also become a sort of de facto JCRC, except with better food (sorry kosher petit fours get boring after a while). Amba has hosted a lot of community events at their restaurant but also catered for so many events that I have been to at Berkeley. Delicious Israeli Glatt Kosher food? Thank you!
The one thing that I am a bit disappointed about this place is sometimes they are simply overworked. Randomly, there will be a HUGE rush and with the addition of their pitzas (pizzas on delicious homemade pita), orders have taken a bit longer. However, they always accommodate us and ask if we want to get our fries first before our order or give us one or two pieces of Ferrer Rocher (did you know they are kosher? I didn't!!) for free.Listed in: The Classics
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/8/2010
This is my favorite place to get some authentic Israeli/Mediterranean food in the area. The fact… Read more »
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Review from Tammy T.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
-: Amazingly awful service for something that should take minutes to serve - ordered and waited 30+ minutes for food to come to our table and food came out one by one within large waiting periods in between.
+: Amazingly tasty at the same time.
+: Good portions for the prices. -
Review from Brian G.
1/5/2011
A solid 3.25/3.5 (actually, that would be wavering wouldn't it?)
I'm kind of picky with my falafel because goddamn do I love it. The falafel balls here were a little nutty and the tahini sauce wasn't overly adventurous. I could have done with less cabbage and more cucumber/tomato as well. The portions were very generous and matched up nicely with the price (8 bucks for a falafel sandwich, 5 bucks for a big-ass-plate-o-fries). I like the atmosphere and the staff seemed to be working VERY hard in back (go staff!). My boss and I called in an order in advance and it was ready to go when we arrived, which is always nice.
Fries are BOMB here. Lots of oil and thick cut, love it.
I would go back for sure, but it's not the best falafel I've ever had.Listed in: Vegan East Bay
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Review from Lee R.
Oakland, CA
The food is terrific. No frills ... just good food and really great fries.
My husband likes the food here, especially since he is a vegetarian and he happens to be Jewish too. Yesterday, I brought treats from here to my daughter after school and I barely heard a word from her on the way home ... her mouth was full ... yum yum.
This weekend, I will be taking my in-laws to Amba and I am sure they will love it.. I will love it more since they recently obtained a license to sell beer.
The food is covered ... Now I look forward to them getting some good beer & wine.
*fingers crossed* -
Review from Angie S.
Castro Valley, CA
8/8/2011
yum, i love this place. I've only had the falafel, but that's more than enough. When I get falafels elsewhere, usually it's half a pita, and the ingredients are not as fresh.
This place however, it's basically the entire pita with a slit at the top filled with hot fresh falafel balls, their yogurt sauce is soo good, with cucumer salad, hummus, etc.
I love it! -
Review from Tiffanie P.
Fremont, CA
2/24/2011
There are not too many Kosher restaurants that I've found in the Bay Area, but I love the look, feel, and most importantly the FOOD at Amba! Maybe it was the fact that we went on a Weds evening, but the wait for our food was only 5 minutes and even though there was a consistent line we were asked a few times if we needed anything else.
The Mezze platter was enough to share for two people and if it is your first time at Amba, I would highly recommend this selection since it will give you a wide variety of their menu - you can add some other items later and they're all priced right.
Food - very good
Service - very good
Pomegranate Lemonade - very very good
Amba is one of those holes in the wall that can easily become a favorite. Definitely worth a try! -
Review from Wendy L.
Berkeley, CA
1/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really interesting Israeli place with yummy hummus! The pita bread isn't anything special, but the eggplant hummus was delicious. I've tried their sampler plate, pizza, falafel sandwich and a few hummus plates, but the hummus was definitely the clear winner. Portions are large, service is fast - no extraneous frills.
Great place for lunch, lots of room for families, flat-screen TVs. -
Review from Joshua E.
Monterey, CA
1/9/2012
We've been here before but today was quite disappointing. First the counter help ignored me when I approached the counter to order. After I waited some time finally one of the gals asked, do you want to order?
While we were waiting for our food, a very irate customer asked for his money back saying that he had been waiting a long time and just didn't want to wait any longer. They did give him his money back and I can just about guarantee that they won't be back.
The "condiment" station is and always has been quite dismal. This time it was near empty, sitting on the counter with no ice to keep it cold and fresh. I had asked for more hot sauce and saw the gal walk up to the station and scrape the remnants from the bowl....yuck!
I'm afraid that the owner either failed to properly train his staff or it was just because he wasn't there today. It was almost like a keystone cop in the kitchen.
They need some good management or this place won't be there for much longer I hate to say. -
Review from Kelly S.
Berkeley, CA
12/18/2010
It reminds me of a 7-11 because some of it is pre-made, and all of it is overpriced. Been here a few times. I had high hopes that with cute logo and design, it would be a clean and happy falafel place. Nope. Lots of flies, sticky tables with sticky condiment containers on them. Kinda gross.
Food is OK, not the best but good enough. Bad music. Loud rap blasting on a crappy sound system while families with little kids are trying to eat. -
Review from Christine M.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fresh and yummy- pita bread outta the oven! Falafels to perfection! Happy tummy!
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Review from jaf D.
Alameda, CA
12/5/2011
Will definitely come back... Bright and clean.
Drove there to use an expired Groupon, which they gladly took at its "cash value." Falafel and fries - all good. Fries seemed "twice-fried," hot out of the fryer, crispy on the outside. The falafel sandwich was packed full.
Appreciated the green and red hot sauces and a little extra tahini. A solid delivery.
I would have preferred the falafel to be "just out of the fryer," too. It was a little mushy - but good flavor. -
Review from Tim W.
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Finally got around to using my Groupon to this place and decided to head over on a Sunday afternoon.
Ordered the Falafel sandwich with fries and in less than 10 minutes I was chowing down on a hearty-sized pita sandwich crammed with crispy falafel, cucumber and tomato salad, and a nice sort of cabbage slaw. The sandwich was oozing with sauce but the pita and falafel managed to hold their own down to the last few bites. The side of fries were thick cut and crunchy and sort of reminded me of thicker McDonald's fries (probably without all the meat infusions and unnatural additives though). The sandwich also came with a dolma, which was nicely flavored, and a handful of olives. -
Review from Robin K.
Hayward, CA
8/30/2010
I love my chicken, but I didn't miss it at Amba, not one bit.
Our table shared a falafel sandwich with fries ($10) and the mezze platter ($13). The mezze platter was enough to share between two people. Huge! It contains all the fresh salads on the menu. I can't name most of the salads, but they were utterly delicious. Cabbage salad, red cabbage salad, Israeli coucous salad, tabbouleh, butter bean salad, hummus, cucumber tomato orzo salad, roast eggplant, baba ghanoush, dolmas, falafels and pita bread all for only $13 bucks. A full-on assault of different textures and tastes. Crunchy, creamy, sweet, spicy, tangy, bitter, savory and smoky. My tongue was excited, like a school girl at a Justin Bieber concert.
The mezze platter was so massive and filling that we couldn't even eat our falafel sandwich. However, we were able to nosh on the fries, which were delicious. Definitely fried twice, the way fries should be. We left fully satisified with two boxes of scrumptious leftovers.
We didn't have any problems with the service on our visit, but towards the end of our meal the place filled up fast with a minimal amount of restaurant staff.
I have found a new passion for delicious vegetarian kosher middle eastern food. Thank you Amba. -
Review from M K.
Oakland, CA
6/19/2011
I love a good falafel so I'm really happy to have found Amba. The portions are quite generous. I ordered the falafel sandwich which comes in a whole pita, about 4-5 falafels and topped with a cabbage slaw. The sandwich was so big I was actually full by the time I ate through the slaw; I hadn't even reached the falafels yet. My father ordered the hummus bowl with mushrooms and he raved about it. And the fries, I've been thinking about them since we left. I'd go back to order them whenever I have a craving for french fries.
So why not 5 stars? Well I couldn't tell if our utensils hadn't been washed or if they were just old, stained, and scratched up. Luckily I was eating a sandwich and didn't need them.
