My husband and I tried many Ethiopian restaurants in the area but we were not as impressed as we were when we came here. This food and service was exactly what we hoped for and more! My husband asked for a specific dish and the owner customized it for him. It was the best he’s ever tasted! When I went to the bathroom my husband told the owner it was my birthday and I got a free drink. Later on they wanted to bless me because it was my birthday and came out with a pot of roasted coffee beans and said this is a tradition they do for celebrations! They walked around our table with the smoking hot pot of coffee beans and blessed us with the smoke and aroma! This was such a unique experience! The food was exceptional and we decided this was going to be a regular place for us to go on our date nights. We talked about it all the way home and we are still talking about it and we’re telling all our friends! Thank you so much for this amazing experience! We will see you again soon!
We haven't been here for quite some time (pandemic, etc.) but used to go all the time. Decided to head over there again, and it did not disappoint. Food is delicious and portions good. Some of the best Ethiopian we've had in Winnipeg. Highly recommend! Prices have gone up a bit, but they've gone up everywhere and seem about where they should be for the quality of food. Had yebeg tibs as well as the vegetarian combo, and flavour was excellent throughout.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian platter contains a range of lentil dishes, collard greens, mixed potato-carrot-cabbage dish. Good portions and delicious.
The bar owner is one of the most hospitable and charismatic people that I have ever met. He made me feel incredibly welcome The first time I walked in the doors and every time since going to this restaurant is like dining with family and you never feel left out.Food is amazing and the drinks flow well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kim Campbell
Great food and great people. Really made me feel welcome.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cannuckk
As newbies to Ethiopian cuisine ( which we decided to try at Merkato after passing the restaurant on a trip to the grocery store) we really had no idea what to expect, or order. We were served by the friendly owner of the restaurant, and he suggested the mixed platter, which had seven different dishes ( three meat and four vegetable based). It was a good choice for us, but we particularly liked the spicy beef stew and chicken dishes, in preference to the vegetable options. Eating Ethiopian style ( no utensils, just hands aided by the spongy flatbread) was a fun and unique experience. It was just my wife and myself ; I’m not sure how comfortable I would have been sharing the platter with anyone else, given the no utensils approach of the dining style. ( Having said that, we were offered, but did not take, side plates, and I suspect utensils would be cheerfully provided if requested, should one be uncomfortable with the dining style). We could not finish the platter,so it was plenty of food, and the total bill ( albeit no alcohol purchased) was only $50 Cdn all in, so it certainly was good value. The restaurant is pretty casual, and the bar area is clearly a favourite spot for the local Ethiopian expats, giving the restaurant what we perceived as pretty authentic atmosphere. All in all, we enjoyed our visit, and look forward to trying Ethiopian cuisine again.
Yechenu Audu
Had a pleasant experience where I enjoyed delicious Ethiopian Cuisine and experienced Ethopian Culture. Had Ethopian roasted coffee made the traditional way. Service was amazing, music was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eritrean love Massawa
Nice food and nice service go and test it. Thank you for your service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin Cummings
My partner and I love it here! Food is delicious, service is great, and the atmosphere is really friendly and laid back. Definitely a favourite spot of ours.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin Henry
Great spot I’ve frequented for years. For what it is and what it offers I can’t think of what I would change. Food is great and price is good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Platter
A Reimer
Our server was welcoming. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious.
What a flavour and excellent customer service and mouth watering cuisineEthiopian cuisineDifferent types of injeraWould absolutely recommend to visit
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tanithilis Quil'Anthalasa
Haven’t been for years. A charming restaurant with a lovely staff. Had beef sambosa, spicy tea (sort of like a mulled spice drink, very nice!) and the Merkato platter.Very flavourful, just a bit spicy, and a great variety of types. Come hungry!
Tanithilis
Haven’t been for years. A charming restaurant with a lovely staff. Had beef sambosa, spicy tea (sort of like a mulled spice drink, very nice!) and the Merkato platter.Very flavourful, just a bit spicy, and a great variety of types. Come hungry!
Thomas Steur
delicious food. the veggie combo was too much for the two of us to finish, but I'm excited about the leftovers today.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Farah Souleiman
Merkato is the best ethiopian restaurant in winnipeg. I tried almost all, but this one stands out.
My husband and I tried many Ethiopian restaurants in the area but we were not as impressed as we were when we came here. This food and service was exactly what we hoped for and more! My husband asked for a specific dish and the owner customized it for him. It was the best he’s ever tasted! When I went to the bathroom my husband told the owner it was my birthday and I got a free drink. Later on they wanted to bless me because it was my birthday and came out with a pot of roasted coffee beans and said this is a tradition they do for celebrations! They walked around our table with the smoking hot pot of coffee beans and blessed us with the smoke and aroma! This was such a unique experience! The food was exceptional and we decided this was going to be a regular place for us to go on our date nights. We talked about it all the way home and we are still talking about it and we’re telling all our friends! Thank you so much for this amazing experience! We will see you again soon!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Tibbs, Vegetarian Platter, Zilzil TIBS, Sambusa-Lentil 2 Pieces
We haven't been here for quite some time (pandemic, etc.) but used to go all the time. Decided to head over there again, and it did not disappoint. Food is delicious and portions good. Some of the best Ethiopian we've had in Winnipeg. Highly recommend! Prices have gone up a bit, but they've gone up everywhere and seem about where they should be for the quality of food. Had yebeg tibs as well as the vegetarian combo, and flavour was excellent throughout.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian platter contains a range of lentil dishes, collard greens, mixed potato-carrot-cabbage dish. Good portions and delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Platter, Vegetarian Combo
The bar owner is one of the most hospitable and charismatic people that I have ever met. He made me feel incredibly welcome The first time I walked in the doors and every time since going to this restaurant is like dining with family and you never feel left out.Food is amazing and the drinks flow well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and great people. Really made me feel welcome.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
As newbies to Ethiopian cuisine ( which we decided to try at Merkato after passing the restaurant on a trip to the grocery store) we really had no idea what to expect, or order. We were served by the friendly owner of the restaurant, and he suggested the mixed platter, which had seven different dishes ( three meat and four vegetable based). It was a good choice for us, but we particularly liked the spicy beef stew and chicken dishes, in preference to the vegetable options. Eating Ethiopian style ( no utensils, just hands aided by the spongy flatbread) was a fun and unique experience. It was just my wife and myself ; I’m not sure how comfortable I would have been sharing the platter with anyone else, given the no utensils approach of the dining style. ( Having said that, we were offered, but did not take, side plates, and I suspect utensils would be cheerfully provided if requested, should one be uncomfortable with the dining style). We could not finish the platter,so it was plenty of food, and the total bill ( albeit no alcohol purchased) was only $50 Cdn all in, so it certainly was good value. The restaurant is pretty casual, and the bar area is clearly a favourite spot for the local Ethiopian expats, giving the restaurant what we perceived as pretty authentic atmosphere. All in all, we enjoyed our visit, and look forward to trying Ethiopian cuisine again.
Had a pleasant experience where I enjoyed delicious Ethiopian Cuisine and experienced Ethopian Culture. Had Ethopian roasted coffee made the traditional way. Service was amazing, music was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice food and nice service go and test it. Thank you for your service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My partner and I love it here! Food is delicious, service is great, and the atmosphere is really friendly and laid back. Definitely a favourite spot of ours.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great spot I’ve frequented for years. For what it is and what it offers I can’t think of what I would change. Food is great and price is good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Platter
Our server was welcoming. The food was fresh, hot, and delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
What a flavour and excellent customer service and mouth watering cuisineEthiopian cuisineDifferent types of injeraWould absolutely recommend to visit
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Haven’t been for years. A charming restaurant with a lovely staff. Had beef sambosa, spicy tea (sort of like a mulled spice drink, very nice!) and the Merkato platter.Very flavourful, just a bit spicy, and a great variety of types. Come hungry!
Haven’t been for years. A charming restaurant with a lovely staff. Had beef sambosa, spicy tea (sort of like a mulled spice drink, very nice!) and the Merkato platter.Very flavourful, just a bit spicy, and a great variety of types. Come hungry!
delicious food. the veggie combo was too much for the two of us to finish, but I'm excited about the leftovers today.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Merkato is the best ethiopian restaurant in winnipeg. I tried almost all, but this one stands out.