“TLDR; I'm so fortunate I live nearby.Long story: Boyfriend and I stopped in for dinner, starving. We ordered the sambusa, veggie platter for 1, and meat platter for 1. The sambusa order came with two pieces. They were tasty, crispy, filled with potato, and came with a smoky chili sauce that was delicious and yet not too spicy.The platters were LOADED. They are not stingy with the amount they give you here. Everything was so flavorful. We ate until we needed to roll out of there and we still didn't finish half of everything.The owner also treats everyone like family.Pssssst to whomever needs to hear... This place deserves a Michelin star! ⭐“
“What a fabulous Saturday night evening spent here. I’m dog sitting for dear friends and found myself solo, hungry, and wanting to eat out in Bailey’s crossroads / Columbia Forest. I happened to come here this morning to grab a cappuccino to go (which was fabulous) and decided venture here for dinner as well. I cannot wait to bring my friends back here and try more items. As it is Ramadan, there was a lovely dinner buffet option (as well as a la carte) but I went with the buffet and had the opportunity to try many of their lentil and vegetable options paired with a fantastic selection of domestic and Ethiopian beers (drafts and bottles). I topped off the night with their Ethiopian spiced tea while listening to live music. Service was beyond phenomenal. Everyone here, staff and patrons, are here to enjoy each other’s company.“
“Its been awhile since i ate here but the food is fantastic!!! when im in the area its the only place i go to for authentic Ethiopian food. the beef tibs are my favorite to order, the meat is so tender and full of flavor. The service is kind and quick. Parking is short spaces, but its worth the trouble.“
“I had Ethiopian cuisine on my bucket list for real long time, but since I couldn't find much time to visit any Ethiopian restaurant in New York city, I decided to go ahead with the one in Washington DC!Initially, I was a bit hesitant to order the meat dishes since my last adventure with African cuisine wasn't a great one. Glad that Ethiopians have a good amount of vegetables in their diet which helped me make a safe and easy choice to go with!I went ahead with their traditional veggie platter, which consisted of 2 vegetables, 2 lentil dishes and a salad served over Injera( basically the Ethiopian version of dosa: An Indian dish and a much softer one instead of crispy). The vegetables served were cluster beans along with cabbage and potato. The cluster beans felt right out of my home kitchen whereas the potato was undercooked in the cabbage one! The two lentil dishes served out of which one was the spicy one and the other not spicy. I loved both of them. Honestly, I never thought it would be so close to traditional Indian cuisine as a result I also let the server know the same.The server was pretty friendly and was happy to guide me through their menu while providing quick service. The restaurant though feels like a homely vibe with close seating and the ambiance being that of a family home.Overall, an amazing experience for me with interesting thing being it felt like having a home cooked meal rather than eating at a restaurant!“
“In a spot where space seems quite debated,And for tables, folks patiently waited,Though the meat was overdone,The service was second to none,And their quick, friendly charm, we celebrated.Though the crowd seemed to give them a test,The wait staff showed they were the best.With meals served with speed,Fulfilling every need,In the end, their efforts impressed.“
“Amazing food from start to finish, amazing portions, great tea, and Coffee. We read the reviews as we where looking for a place to eat breakfast. The owner is amazing, the food is phenomenal, my family and I all agreed. My kids never agree on food, we were all in a food coma.“
“The food here was incredible! The sambusas were so crispy. The lentil was my favorite. We also got the derek tibs and the veggie combo platter. It was delicious we somehow finished the entire plate. Injera was super good too. We also really enjoyed the house made honey wine. It was not too sweet and was really good.Vegetarian options: Lots of veggie dishes and vegetarian combo platter“
“Some of the best Ethiopian food I've had! The owner is so sweet and took such great care of us. Highly recommend the samosas, lamb, veggie combo with injera. Finish the meal off with traditional Ethiopian coffee you'll be so happy and satisfied. 10/10 would recommend. I'll be coming back the next time I'm in the DC/Silver Spring area!“
“The food and cocktails were amazing. We have been in the DMV for 4 years and it’s the best Ethiopian I have eaten here (out of about 20 restaurants). The servings were generous and the seasonings were spot on. Try The Builder cocktail for a nice twist on Honey Mead! My daughter found it on a top 100 restaurants in DC and we totally know why. Highly recommend!!“
“I recently visited Letena while on a visit to D.C. from Israel. Amazing food! Great option for those who keep kosher...just ask the super helpful staff about specific preparations. Loved their injera! I often find injera too sour for my personal tastes, but this injera was wonderful!“
“We had breakfast here on Sunday and were so glad we did! The foul was amazing! Made me feel like we were back in Addis. The owner was a gracious host and even made coffee ceremony for us. Will DEFINITELY come back next time we are in town!“
“What a gem! Went with two girlfriends, we spent a fantastic evening. Comfy, service was wonderful, and food might be the best Ethiopian I’ve had after living in Silver Spring for twenty years.Definitely worth the little detour from the main drag!“
“I had an amazing time at Abuare. After my haircut at the lady clipper next door, I walked past their happy hour sign and gave them a try. They made this amazing sangria from scratch and just happened to have the beautiful pink tulips sitting by.“
“I had avoided this place, just 2 minutes walk from my house, for the longest time. First I thought it was a junkfood type coffee and sandwich place. Then when I realised it wasn't fully that, I still thought the name was totally dumb. I did know that I can't keep avoiding it forever, thus, a few months after my friendly neighbourhood convenience store owner heavily talked it up, I went. It is an Ethjiopian-owned spot that caters to the typical coffee shop crowd. They have a mix of normal fare, and some lowbrow version of fusion Ethiopian dishes. I had their altered variant of chechebsa. It wasn't bad as long as I didn't think of it as chechebsa. The place is tiny and quite cosy. I know I'll go back.“
“So so good! Food is always so fresh every time. I always usually get a veggie combo, fish dulet and Goden tibs. You can tell this place is great because its mostly always packed with Ethiopian people. Service is good, sometimes a little slow but nothing crazy. The owner is very delightful and always walks around to say hi to everyone. There is often incense burning which is nice but sometimes a little strong. I will always come back here!Dietary restrictions: I asked if they have gluten free injera for my aunt and she said yes and it comes from ethiopia (not made locally).“
“I stop in a new Ethiopian Resturant every visit to the DMV. So far this has been the best one! So good that I’ll be pausing my taste test to freshen this spot. The injera was so soft. The ribs cooked to perfection and the rice melted in my mouth.The chef was so friendly. I enjoyed every minute here.“
“Absolutely incredible Ethiopian food with the kindest owners. We ordered the veggie platter and sambusas and it was delicious! Owners clearly care so much about their customers satisfaction and were willing to go above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. We will absolutely be back - looking forward to Lidu’s becoming a regular date night spot!“
“I recently had the pleasure of dining at elfegne Ethiopian restaurant in d.c and it was a delightful experience. The cozy ambiance and friendly service set the stage for a memorable meal. The Ethiopian dishes were full of flavor and authenticity. I especially loved the injera and tibs – they were cooked to perfection. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, adding to the overall wonderful dining experience. I highly recommend elfegne Ethiopian restaurant for anyone looking to enjoy delicious Ethiopian cuisine in D.C“
“This place is really great! It's a cozy little spot run by a lovely family. The food they serve is delicious, although I must say it could use a bit more spice. Overall, I highly recommend this place without a doubt. You won't be disappointed!Kid-friendliness: This place is super kid-friendly!“
“Great place for a date or friends night. Ethipoic is an excellent, slightly upscale place with delicious food, attentive servers who are happy to help customers who aren't familiar with Ethiopian cuisine, and a dining room that is both cozy and modern.For those who like to dine outdoors, they have a covered patio facing 4th Street.It's usually busy, but there's rarely a long wait. They also take reservations.If, like me, you hate ordering on your phone via a QR code, you can get a physical menu, but you have to ask.“
“Best drip coffee and beans on the strip. Especially good with yirgacheffe blend Family owned and friendly. The locally made sambusas are excellent.Not skilled at cortados, flat whites or other specialties; though. The baked goods could be better“
“This ethiopian restaurant food is phenomenal,beyond amazing ,delicious and tasty.I bought ethiopian food newyork and new jerseys.The food is trash.I drive four hour from Allentown Pennsylvania to go buy ethiopian food.Ain't disappointed one bit habesha market carry out and restaurant in Washington DC recommended by me.I wish they open branch in Allentown Pennsylvania“
“This was my first time to an Ethiopian restaurant. Our server guides us through the menu, provided samples to set our palates and made excellent suggestions for the meal. The Yebeg Derek Tibs with lamb as protein was the star. Beef waa good but not as flavorful as the lamb.Teje (honey wine) was soda-level sweet. Enjoyable. Served in authentic glass. Loved that.“
“Great food and attentive service. Plenty of options for vegetarians across all courses. The noise level gets very high though with a full house. It is not surprising given the cozy ambience of the place but still irks. I will look for a mid-week reservation the next time around and avoid Fridays / weekends.“
“I’m so glad I tried this place! The food is the best Ethiopian food I’ve had. I had the vegetarian platter and it was so tasty with the right level of spice. The service was superb. The waitress was so sweet to my son while we waited for our food. The atmosphere is nice, clean, and comfortable. I will definitely come again!Vegetarian options: Vegetarian combo platter“
“Really good food and friendly service, both indoor and cute outdoor seating with umbrellas. Parking garage across the street, which is all you can ask for in Silver Spring. One entree is probably enough for two light eaters, especially if you also get an order of sambusas“
“The menu at The zemeda offers a delightful fusion of flavors. Each dish is beautifully presented, showcasing fresh ingredients and attention to detail. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian Ethiopian food there's something for everyone.“
“When I get the team was welcomed me with a big smile the dining was nice I love it .Vegetarian options: I tried the food called " Fish Gulash " and I must say it was an absolutely delightful culinary experience. The flavos was fantastic and it was truly a wonderful dish.I highly recomand you guys this place to try it ,you will love it .“
“Delicious food, good music playing in the background and prices are comparable. The whole restaurant only had one waitress plus the bartender. She was very friendly but had to wait a while for our drinks and refills.Vegetarian options: Lots of veggie options.“
“They made my special day unforgettable!! Thank you guys for the exceptional catering service! From the presentation to the taste, every detail exceeded our expectations. The variety of dishes offered were not only delicious but beautifully crafted. The staff was professional, attentive, and ensured that all our guests were well taken care of. Overall, a flawless experience that truly elevated our event. Highly recommend!“
“I have been going to Selam market for several years. Every time I visit, I am greeted like family and get service worthy for a king. I appreciate their positivity, courtesy and how respectful they are in providing service- a great example of wonderful Ethiopian culture.Thank you and I wish the whole family good health and success. <3“
“The food was incredible and it was cooked fresh for us! The service as wonderful too. The spices in the chicken dish is unlike anything else. We walked away with full bellies and happy hearts. Thank you for sharing the wonderful food with us!“
“An exceptionally delicious experience, and considering DC inflation, comfortably and generously priced. Entrees were delightful and incredibly flavorful, but what sealed the deal was the baklava, which I would get again and again - I thought I would pack some of it up, but I polished the plate instead.Exemplary, would recommend to anyone in the area.“
“I stumbled upon this place after checking out several vegan late night options within metro DC and this was one of the few places that was open. I had not had Ethiopian food in a while, so I was excited. I’m glad I went because I was not disappointed because the food was great and tasted fresh, Great size portions for the price and the Injera was amazing. I ordered the vegetarian combination with fried fish. The fish to me was fried just right, it was very well seasoned. I believe one of the veggie dishes was a smashed eggplant and it was definitely one of my favorite parts of the entire meal aside from the fish and the lentils. I ordered my food to go, but inside of the establishment it was clean and the restaurant gave off nice vibes, I would definitely come back for a date night, and or just for Ethiopian food with friends/family because the service was prompt as well. Definitely give them a try if you’re in the area, I can’t wait to go back and try the Doro Wat and Kitfo“
“No complaints from me :) Nice and new. Wheelchairs can get in through the back from M St. We were early for dinner, so the only ones when we got there, but it started getting busier while we were there. Wonderful service. They were friendly and explained the menu. The food was the best part: incredibly delicious variety, healthy, and filling. Lots of options eaten by picking up with injera bread. There are lots of different spices, and they made some dishes less spicy for someone in our group who couldn't eat spicy foods.Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchairs can get in through the back from M St.“
“The capuccino was amazing! We dont live around here so our usual coffee shops are like starbucks, etc. We tried this place because it was near our destination and it was amazing! It was what we call real coffee. The customer service was great, the workers were so sweet and gave us recommendations on what to order. Its a cute bookstore and meeting place with ethiopian food and coffee. Definitely recommend if you want some real coffee or something different than your usual starbucks.“
“This is a great grocery store to visit. It has a wide variety of Ethiopian spices, along with other delicacies Food . You can order fresh Food , and fresh Meat too. The prices are very reasonable and the store is well laid out and clean. Defiant worth the visit! Customer service is on point.“
“Had dinner here with friends on a Friday night. Had the 7 vege combo with juicy beef between 3 people. Friendly service, the beer was tasty, and the food was delicious. The best I have had. The spicy lentils, collard greens, and beef were just a few of the favourites. I wish I could find a place like this in New Zealand.“
“We cannot thank enough our Ethiopian Uber driver who suggested Axum! Axum offers generous portions in a very family friendly, unpretentious ambience. The wait staff are wonderful and helpful in suggesting plates to those excited to explore Ethiopian cuisine. A must when in DC!“
“Selam Woldemariam is a world class guitarist and a legend in his home country, and it is such a treat to be able to catch him in this humble and elegant eatery on Fridays where the flavors and libations keep coming and everyone is treated like family.“
“I want you to know how much I appreciate the excellent service you provided Today( August 1st,2019 night) when one of my best friend Tesfa brought me in the restaurant. Specially the owner of the restaurant AMY attention to detail, great communication skills made the experience even better than I expected. I won't hesitate to bring future friends to your restaurant and I recommend every one to visit this wonderful restaurant. Shimeles“
“Walked in 10 hours from my last solid meal and ordered the chicken tibs. They turned out to be too spicy for me, and I was preparing to pay and leave disappointed. The waitress saw I hadn't finished, and the cook came out, apologized personally, and cooked a milder dish at no charge. I don't get service like that every day! The new chicken was great.“
“One of our favorite places nearby that has just the right combo of cozy atmosphere, consistently good food, friendly staff, and heck, they have a glass encased wall of beer. They have an eye on all their guests.I know people have their own preferences for injira, but we like the taste, texture, and soaking-up ability of theirs. We like the crispy beef tibs - combo of the roasted tomatoes, onions, and beef is very good. We usually get the veggie combo platter and the meat and veggie combo to satisfy the whole family of four, plus a meat dish. The lamb is tender and delicious as well. We try a new dish each time and they have all been delicious so far.I had an unfortunate run in with their salad that came with the combo, so maybe unfairly, I usually shy away from that.Parking is sometimes tricky, depending on the day. There are parking lots nearby and street parking. On some evenings cars are double parked as the street is popular.This is a restaurant that is confident and comfortable with their food and are happy to share it!“
“I have been to many Ethiopian restaurants in the DMV. Rohobot is the most recommended by my Ethiopian friends. The food is sooo flavorful and the owner is nice too! I order the veggie platter (which is vegan). Enjoy a meal here, your tastebuds will thank you.“
“The food at JD Bar & Restaurant is truly delightful, with a wide variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences. While the service was not terrible, there is room for improvement in managing the time to serve all customers efficiently. It would be beneficial for the establishment to ensure that customers do not need to call out to get service and to proactively check on all customers to guarantee a top-notch dining experience.“
“Zemen market has quickly become my favorite Ethiopian restaurant in the area. The beef tibs with a veggie combo were simply fantastic and now I can't wait to explore the menu some more. Everything was cooked perfectly with big, delicious flavors! Even with the favorites of Tom Sietsema down the road I would chose Zemen 10 out of 10 times. Please do yourself a favor and get your next dinner here. I am so happy I found this place!“
“Great food! Small, hidden gem off Columbia Pike. Almost couldn’t find it. My sons first time trying Ethiopian. He had the awaza tibs and I had vegetarian combo, but plenty to share! The lentils had some spice, loved them. Great, spongy injera. We will return!“