Welcome to the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Washington, D.C., where the Ethiopian restaurant scene shines brightly. This city, enriched by its significant Ethiopian community, offers a treasure trove of culinary delights that tantalize the taste buds with authentic Ethiopian flavors. From the earthy, complex flavors of teff flour-based injera to the concentrated flavor of raw beef dishes and the aromatic allure of Ethiopian coffee, D.C.’s Ethiopian eateries are a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the area.
Whether you’re looking for a bright, white-tablecloth restaurant experience, a cozy night restaurant vibe, or a full-service restaurant that caters to all preferences, including vegetarian dishes and fusion or trend-setting dishes, D.C. has it all. Our guide explores the 10 best Ethiopian restaurants in Washington D.C., each serving up their own unique twist on classic, well-made dishes.
From the colorful combo platters of Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant to the delectable vegetable platter of Nazret Ethiopian Restaurant, prepare to embark on a culinary journey that highlights the best of Ethiopian cuisine, from its iconic dishes to its impressive menus.
1. Zenebech
Image From: https://www.instagram.com/p/BYeW6yXgWYG/
Address
2420 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
The family-owned Zenebech is a renowned institution in Washington, D.C., and a local favorite. The Mahberawi platter, which includes four vegetarian meals and four meat dishes, is an excellent opportunity to sample the variety, but they also offer an extensive range of “tibs,” which, when combined with a vegetarian platter, can easily feed two people.
Website
2. Beteseb
Image From: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUdbA-fvWzF/?img_index=2
Address
8201 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, United States
Beteseb, one of the several Ethiopian restaurants in Silver Spring, ranks well in flavor and spice. The homemade injera is deliciously spongy, and the menu features a variety of vegetarian, lamb, beef, and chicken entrees. The Gomen Besiga, which consists of collard greens cooked with beef, herbs, and butter, is one of the most distinctive and delectable dishes available.
Website
https://www.betesebrestaurant.com/
Needing an orthodontic appointment?
Visit Kumra Orthodontics Washington, DC or Kumra Orthodontics Stafford, VA, and request an appointment with us!
3. Keren Restaurant and Coffee Shop
Image From: https://www.instagram.com/p/CBt7_scgQIh/
Address
1780 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States
The nation’s capital is home to the largest diaspora, so it is nearly obligatory to seek out Eritrean or Ethiopian cuisine if you’re visiting. Go to Keren when you crave diner-like ambiance and a large, reasonably priced food dish to cure whatever ails you. Choose the ful, a dish composed of beans, eggs, and veggies. Or, choose a plate with a variety of meat and vegetarian selections that are appropriately hot. Some of the menu items are provided on mass-produced white rolls that are unquestionably not Eritrean, which surprises you? There is a great deal of sauce that needs to be wiped up.
4. Meaza Ethiopian Cuisine
Image From: https://www.facebook.com/meazarestaurant/photos/pb.100063570114801.-2207520000/685141504982234/?type=3
Address
5700 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, United States
Meaza Zemedu, the Ethiopian proprietor whose Meaza Restaurant, Cafe, and Gourmet Grocery Store have been highlighted in the Washingtonian and the Washington Post, was born into a modest family. Meaza Zemedu began her business by selling injera bread, a crepe-like staple of Ethiopian cuisine, to local Ethiopian businesses.
Demand for the tangy bread increased, allowing her to launch her magnificent restaurant serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Northern Virginia Magazine lauded the restaurant’s menu, which includes doro wat stew, the national dish of Ethiopia, which consists of chicken, red pepper, garlic, and hard-boiled eggs. From the ye beg kikil—lamb stew in spicy sauce—to the kifto—ground beef customarily eaten uncooked or rare and seasoned with cardamom and a mitmita spice blend—many of Meaza’s meals are prepared with pure, spiced Ethiopian butter.
Website
https://www.meazaethiopiancuisine.com/
5. Habesha
Image From: https://www.habeshamarket.com/node/4
Address
1919 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
This restaurant and market are open throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner and late into the evening. Breakfast consists of “foul,” also known as mashed and boiled wide beans with tomatoes, jalapenos, and olive oil. Lunch and dinner contain a range of beef and lamb dishes and numerous vegetarian options. Mix-and-match configurations are appealing.
Website
https://www.habeshamarket.com/
6. Chercher
Image From: https://www.chercherrestaurant.com/category/our-food/
Address
1334 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Ethiopian restaurants constitute one of Washington’s finest culinary jewels. What distinguishes this cozy rowhouse dining room? Owner Alemayehu Abebe attracts both East Africans and newcomers with his vegetarian sampler of collard greens and lentils seasoned with berbere and served on a wheel of injera. But Chercher is also well-known for its hearty meat stews and kitfo, which is customarily served uncooked with mild white cheese and spicy chili powder. A bottle of St. George, the Ethiopian Budweiser, is the right accompaniment.
Website
https://www.chercherrestaurant.com/
7. Queen of Sheba
Image From: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipPWtxR1Emf3c-SAqqjL2wYwJwtMCphzPgLHqC04=w1080-h608-p-no-v0
Address
1503 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Queen of Sheba was founded in the 1990s to develop and introduce Ethiopian items to the U.S. market. Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant was established in 1996. Through this restaurant corridor, they have been able to showcase their wide range of exotic items, including spices, tea, chai, and other necessary plant-based beverages with various flavors.
8. Das
Image From: https://dasethiopian.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/049-1024×681.jpg
Address
1201 28th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States
Nestled in the heart of Georgetown at the intersection of 28th Street and M Street Northwest, DAS is a lovely stroll from Georgetown University and the commercial hotspot of Wisconsin and M. It is a quaint, two-story building with expansive windows that offer a wonderful view of Georgetown’s busy M Street, as well as ample outdoor patio seating.
On the menu at DAS, you’ll find both traditional Ethiopian meals and novel combos like Eggplant and Carrot Wot. Eggplant in tomato sauce and Spinach and Rice, in which vegetables are cooked with tomatoes in rice. Traditional favorites are Collard Greens Gomen and Miser Wot, red lentils seasoned with Ethiopian spices. Meat and vegetable recipes, including combinations of lamb, chicken, and beef with meat and vegetables.
Website
9. Ethiopic
Image From: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrkzjH7O-44/
Address
401 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
The focus of Ethiopic Restaurant is Ethiopian cuisine and culture. Traditional Ethiopian ingredients are used to evoke Ethiopia’s authentic flavor. The traditional Ethiopian menu at Ethiopic will include vegetarian, beef, poultry, and fish options. Ethiopic Restaurant is pleased to be the first Ethiopian restaurant in the H Street Corridor and aims to serve a diverse clientele. We want everyone to feel amused and welcomed.
Website
https://www.ethiopicrestaurant.com/
10. Letena
Image From: https://www.instagram.com/p/BzZQtRAHyID/
Address
3100 14th St NW #121, Washington, DC 20010, United States
Letena is a farm-to-table Ethiopian restaurant that serves cuisine produced using premium, natural ingredients. Letena is a family-owned restaurant in the heart of Columbia Heights, Washington, DC, specializing in authentic, high-quality Ethiopian cuisine. Owner Yamrot Ezineh opened Letena’s doors in October 2016. Yamrot and her crew enjoy introducing new and old acquaintances to Letena’s fresh, delectable cuisine. Its mission is to make the distinctive experience of Ethiopian cuisine accessible to everyone, from vegetarians and vegans to meat eaters. Letena’s authentic Ethiopian meals have been praised by Food Network, Washingtonian, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, among other publications and review websites.
Website
Conclusion
The Ethiopian restaurant scene in Washington D.C. is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike, offering a chance to experience the authentic, dynamic, and delectable world of Ethiopian dining. These restaurants offer a vibrant mosaic of flavors, colors, and experiences, offering something for every palate.
Whether you’re indulging in a dish at breakfast, savoring a classic chicken dish, exploring the variety of meat dishes, or delving into the concentrated flavors of beef stews, each restaurant offers a unique insight into the heart of Ethiopian culinary traditions.
