Enat Ethiopian - Optimist Hall

My wife and I went to charlotte for the weekend. We stopped by optimist hall for lunch and after seeing someone else’s delicious looking food, stopped by Enat Ethiopian !! I had the lamb with red lentils, collards, and pita and it was the best meal I had all weekend. All the meats will be on my list for our next visit.

This was such a good dish! We got the large plate that has a few different options on it (beef, lamb, chicken, etc.). We shared it between 3 people and it was more than enough. You can probably share it between 4 people to be honest. Note that some of the stuff is pretty spicy!

If you’re looking for an Ethiopian restaurant, you’re in for a treat! They offer gluten-free Injera made with teff, which is a fantastic option. The staff is super friendly and really knowledgeable about the menu, so feel free to let them know you want the 100% Injera made with teff. Plus, there’s a delicious vegan option available right on the menu.
Enjoy your meal!

Delicious food made with love - great options for vegans and vegetarians.

First time trying Ethiopian cuisine. Interesting mix of spice combinations!!
Good service

Amazing Ethiopian food! Food comes out quick too. Will keep coming back to this location.

Gathered my team for a staff dinner at Optimist and Enat was a hit. The grouper awaze tibs and the classic lamb tibs were flavorful and cooked to perfection. All of the sides were great. THANK YOU for a great meal.

Great food and great service. Thank you!!!

Enat Ethiopian Restaurant is a true gem for anyone seeking authentic Ethiopian cuisine. From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere sets the stage for an incredible dining experience. The restaurant’s decor, inspired by traditional Ethiopian culture, adds to the authenticity, making customers feel as though they have been transported to Ethiopia. Whether you are a longtime fan of Ethiopian food or trying it for the first time, Enat provides a welcoming environment that enhances the overall experience.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Enat Ethiopian Restaurant is its outstanding food. The dishes are prepared with high-quality ingredients, ensuring rich and vibrant flavors in every bite. The injera, a staple of Ethiopian cuisine, is perfectly soft and spongy, serving as the ideal base for the flavorful stews and sauces. From spicy meat dishes like doro wat (spiced chicken stew) to hearty vegetarian platters filled with lentils, collard greens, and cabbage, the menu offers a wide variety of options that cater to different tastes.

Another highlight of Enat’s cuisine is the balance of spices and seasonings that make each dish unique. The chefs take great care in blending traditional Ethiopian spices, such as berbere and mitmita, to create bold yet well-balanced flavors. The slow-cooked nature of many of the dishes allows the spices to fully infuse, resulting in meals that are rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Even those who are new to Ethiopian food will appreciate the complexity of flavors and the comforting, home-cooked feel of the meals.

Beyond its incredible food, Enat Ethiopian Restaurant is known for its excellent customer service. The staff members are friendly, attentive, and eager to share their knowledge about the menu. They take the time to explain the dishes, making recommendations based on customers’ preferences. Whether it’s a first-time guest or a returning customer, everyone is treated with warmth and hospitality, which makes the dining experience even more enjoyable.

In addition to great service, the restaurant fosters a communal dining experience that is central to Ethiopian culture. Many of the dishes are served on a large platter, encouraging guests to share and eat with their hands, as is traditional. This style of dining creates a sense of togetherness, making Enat an excellent choice for families, friends, or even date nights. The experience of sharing delicious food in such a friendly environment adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal.

Overall, Enat Ethiopian Restaurant excels in every aspect, from its mouthwatering food to its top-notch service. The combination of authentic flavors, expertly crafted dishes, and welcoming hospitality makes it a standout destination for anyone craving Ethiopian cuisine. Whether you are looking for a unique dining experience or simply want a great meal, Enat delivers on all fronts, making it a restaurant worth visiting again and again.

Everything absolutely fabulous, the sambusas and the vegan platter are amazing!!😍😍😍

Great place, delicious, succulent food, succulent with amazing aroma, great service and friendly staff

Every time we come to optimist hall we love to get sambusas from here. The chicken and lentil are flavorful, while the beef tends to be dry so it needs the sauce more than the others. The sambusas are a good size to share or could be a meal in themselves.

Love!! The food was flavorful and I always love me some Ethiopian food!! Amazing injeera! I ate so much of it and I can keep eating it. I got the vegan platter which was a lovely spread. The only reason for not a 5 star is I prefer non seed oils in my food. They cook with canola oil which I try to avoid, and for me the green beans were a bit too oily for my liking. But overall it was positive and I ate pretty much my whole portion !!

Optimist Hall has a wide variety of food for all flavors and tastes; yet, Enat is a culinary treat! If you enjoy quality ingredients, flavor, spice, and savoriness then you must taste this experience. Their food is so good, I keep forgetting to take pictures to post. All I have is an empty plate.

Amen gave the best customer service ever! The food was AMAZING!👌🏾👌🏾