Katar River Restaurant

After losing Fasika in St. Paul, I was craving the same delicious food. Lo and behold, this is a very good restaurant. It’s low key, but it’s popular for the right reasons. Enter the right hand door through the grocery store to get into the restaurant. A server will take you through to be seated. You can pay at your table. Portions are generous, flavors are delicious and service is top notch. Ginger tea is complimentary. I’m so glad I brought my friend from out of town to dine here. I will be returning with friends for more dining experiences in the future. Thank you Betty for a wonderful experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The best!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Each course felt thoughtfully prepared, combining taste and presentation flawlessly.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Friendly

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Such good food, have been here twice and I will keep coming back. Kind service, unpretentious atmosphere. Small seating area through an even smaller grocery store stocked with Ethiopian and other goods.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good choice to enjoy with friend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The most flavorable and fresh food and the kindest people.
I do door dash from Katar River restaurant at least twice a week.
The servings are huge love this place.

One of the best Ethiopian meals I’ve ever had in Minnesota!
The kitfo kochikocha (chili)was absolutely delicious every bite was full of rich, authentic flavor. The tibs were especially outstanding so flavorful and perfectly grilled. On top of that, the service was wonderful! The staff was incredibly kind, friendly, and helpful, which made the whole experience nice. Highly recommend

Katar River Ethiopian Restaurant is a true hidden gem tucked away in a quiet corner of town—and it deserves every bit of praise. From the moment we stepped through the grocery store door, we knew we were in for something special. After walking through the grocery Store, the warm, inviting décor set the stage, but it was the food that stole the show.

We began with the combination sampler platter, a colorful array of perfectly seasoned lentil stews, sautéed greens, and creamy split-pea dishes, each piled atop soft, fresh injera. Every bite was bursting with spice flavor. Next came the Doro Wat, rich and tomato-forward, with tender chicken simmers in a luscious red sauce that left us scraping the plate for every last morsel. We also tried the beef tibs, seared to order and tossed with fragrant garlic, fresh jalapeño, and just the right pinch of rosemary.

What really elevated the meal, though, was the service. Our server Isaac was patient, kind, and deeply knowledgeable about the menu. When we hesitated over which combo to choose, he guided us toward the perfect balance of mild and spicy dishes—and he was spot on. It felt less like ordering off a menu and more like discovering family recipes.

If you’re craving authentic Ethiopian cuisine—fresh, artfully seasoned, and cooked exactly to your taste—make a beeline for Katar River. Whether you’re a longtime fan or brand-new to these vibrant flavors, this restaurant is not to be missed. Highly recommended!

“Katar Restaurant offers a truly flavorful experience with authentic dishes that are both comforting and exciting. The atmosphere is cozy yet vibrant, and the staff goes above and beyond to make you feel at home. Every bite tastes like a celebration of tradition and quality. A must-visit!”

I had an Amazing experience at Katar river Ethiopian restaurant! The service was warm and welcoming from the moment we walked in. The staff was attentive and happy to explain the dishes to us. The food was absolutely delicious and the combination platters were bursting with flavor. I highly recommend this place.

Super place to eat , with a great staff, delicious food for a fair price and coffee and tea is free. A comfortable atmosphere to dine in, and l wish l would have had my jacket along, as dining on the outdoor patio looked inviting , but it was evening and too chilly. It was our first time here and l recommend Katar to everyone who desires a great ethnic dining experience .

Absolutely my favorite restaurant. Great price, portion and service ;)

The best Ethiopian food in the Twin Cities! They make their own injera and served us an amazing ginger tea. Service was excellent and everyone was so friendly. They also have an Ethiopian shop attached shop so you can buy injera to take home

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Combination with Shiro Maguro, Injera

Been here twice & tried the katar combo(solo) & the meat combo. They give you a lot of food for the price & most of it is excellent. My TT tibs(lamb) & awaze tibs(lamb) was a little tough & dry. The doro tib, kitfo & zigni key wot are all amazing. Staff is kind however service was lacking a bit during my visits.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4