Walia Ethiopian Restaurant

We have been to this restaurant several times in the past and was always good to have some good authentic Ethiopian food. However, last night not sure what happened but the service was ultra slow (when there were only 2 tables occupied). Took forever for them to bring in injera, or soda or anything for that matter. Didn’t even give us 5 glasses for 5 patrons dining on a table to serve water. Same with small plates. They even messed up our order and forgot the different entrees ordered on our two separate samplers. Yellow lentil was too sweet and so was shiro. We used to be regulars here but probably not anymore.

We have been to this restaurant several times in the past and have always enjoyed the authentic Ethiopian food and the overall dining experience. However, last night was a bit different.

Firstly, the service was notably slow, even though there were only two tables occupied, including ours. It took quite a while for the injera, soda, and other items to be served. Additionally, we were not provided with enough glasses for the five people at our table, nor were we given sufficient small plates.

Moreover, our order was not handled correctly. The entrees we ordered for our two separate samplers were mixed up, and some items were forgotten. The yellow lentil dish was unexpectedly sweet, as was the shiro, which was not in line with our previous experiences.

We have always been regular patrons at this restaurant, but this recent experience has left us feeling disappointed. We understand that occasional mishaps can occur, and we hope this feedback helps in improving the service and food quality for future diners.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Recommended dishes: Meat Combination for 2

Best Ethiopian restaurant in New Jersey. Food is delicious and plentiful. Service is good.

Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian protein options

Wheelchair accessibility: Tables are spaced enough apart and tall enough for a wheelchair.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Kitfo

I love this place so much. it's seriously so delicious please come here

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Tasty!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Meat Combination for 2, Doro TIBS

Ethiopian food is one of my favorites and I have eaten it in restaurants across the country and Walia is one of the best! The vegetarian sampler is amazing and they have some of their own unique takes on it. I went with someone who doesn't eat gluten and they were able to make her injera (Ethiopian bread) that was gluten free. The food was so yummy, I had to pause and not speak to just enjoy the amazing flavors. The service was also excellent and very attentive. In fact, the chef came out to talk to us! I highly recommend it and plan to go back on my next visit to New Jersey.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I've been to Walia many times over the last 10 years and it's pretty consistent and delicious each time. It is honestly my fav Ethiopian restaurant in the NJ / NYC area that I know of. The food is always amazing the service is great. Highly recommend the misir watt, the cabbage and potato the string beans the pumpkin curry and the collard greens. We mostly get the veg combo for two and eat it for a few days.

Can't go wrong going here!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a great experience here! The food was yummy and the service was excellent. Gluten-free options are available.

The place is clean, staff is friendly. The place is welcoming and the food is yummy… please note, Ethiopian food is consumed with your hands. There are utensils available if needed.

Parking is on street and difficult. We were lucky to find a spot close by.

The area can be kind of sketchy at times, and while we were there, several police were on foot and on the hunt for an individual.

if you can overlook the other issues, it’s worth a trip.

Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian options and gluten-free options

Dietary restrictions: Has vegetarian options available

Parking: Metered Parking is located on the street

Kid-friendliness: No kid, friendly options

Wheelchair accessibility: Entrance is at ground level, no issue for wheelchair

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Meat Combination for 2, Sambusa, Meat Combo for Two

Walia is our go to when we have guests. Has never failed to impress! The staff is lovely, sweet, and helpful. Food is beautiful, truly. Everything is flavorful and distinct. We always get the vegetarian for two, all of the veggie options are incredible. Recommend adding the seitan tibs. The injera stays flowing. BYOB sweetens the deal. Finally, an amazing finale is topping your meal off with an Ethiopian coffee. Can’t recommend this place enough.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Meat Combination for 2

Best Ethiopian food I've had since spending time in the country.. almost 20yrs ago. And I have it often. So glad I found this place. It's hard with all these online reviews because so many reviews are positive it's hard to know what's the real deal. Well, this is it. Amazing flavor, food cooked to order, lovely people. Will be going back for sure. So happy to have found it!

AMAZING!!! Took a stop here during a long road trip and it was absolutely delicious. The warmest and friendliest environment, incredible service, and the food was beyond. Five of us shared the meat combo platter and the veggie combo platter and it was the perfect amount of food for our hungry bellies. Everything we ate was cooked to perfection and soooo flavorful. We shared a pot of the best Ethiopian coffee i've ever had and a lovely lady from the kitchen brought out the beans she was roasting for our pot so we could smell it before brewing. After our meal and coffee she also brought us a complimentary banana pudding for stopping in on our travels and asked us to come back anytime we're in Jersey which we will definitely be doing!! Literally the best experience we could have had after driving for over 1O hours and with more to go. Thank you so so much Walia for the nourishing healing dining!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Incredible service and food. I’d give six stars if I could

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Walia is a delightful find! The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with authentic decor that sets the stage for a great meal. The food is outstanding, especially the injera and doro wat, and the vegetarian options are equally impressive. The service is friendly and attentive, making the experience even better. Whether you're new to Ethiopian cuisine or a fan, Walia is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely delicious food, great folks and atmosphere.Had plenty leftover, excited to share with my partner.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food, extremely pricey.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great Experience ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5