Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

Ordered veggie combo on seamless. It arrived in one pile (must have shifted in transit). Called the restaurant to let them know and was received incredibly rudely, told it wasn’t his problem, and when I asked to speak to the manager I was hung up on.

Food: 1

Service: 1

Super delicious food! It was a LOT of food for two people but reasonably priced.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Miser Wot, Miser Alicha

Whatever you do, do not order the veggie platter for two. It’s a giant platter with all the veggies, then they plan to serve you the same giant platter again. It is way too much food and cost about $50. We went and were confused about how to order a plate with all the veggies and so we asked the waiter about someone else’s plate and he said it was just like that. But he didn’t state that it is two giant platters. We took the second one to go since the waiter wouldn’t let us cancel the second plate. Just order a main veggie or chicken dish and add the other options. The combination plates for one is way too much. Too much confusion. The service was very slow and they took a while to clean up tables next to us where other patrons ate. The food was alright but we are definitely gonna try other Ethiopian food places that are nearby where the service is clear about the information. It sucks to leave a restaurant with an entire extra order of food that you did not intend to bring home. What a bummer.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 2

I don't want to ruin the rating of the restaurant so gave them 4 stars, but really this was more of a 2 for me.

We had the vegetarian sampler which was less flavorful than other Ethiopian restaurants I've gone to. On that alone I would say 3.5/4 stars. (Plus the side injera was cold which I was surprised by, normally it's warm or room temp at least.)

But the thing that really ruined the experience for me was that we ordered the vegetarian sambusas and when they came, we bit in and were suspicious that they might be beef. We called over a waitress to check and she said, "If you ordered vegetarian, they're vegetarian." So we ate a few more bites and then continued to be worried so we asked another waitress and she confirmed they were beef and took them away to replace them. Mistakes happen, fine, but they weren't as apologetic as I think would be appropriate, and didn't even comp any of our meal. We were all pretty upset and I wish the customer service around the mistake had been better.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

I don't want to ruin the rating of the restaurant so gave them 3 stars, but really this was more of a 2 for me. We had the vegetarian sampler which was less flavorful than other Ethiopian restaurants I've gone to (try nearby Awash). Plus the side injera was cold which I was surprised by, normally it's warm or room temp at least. But the thing that really ruined the experience for me was that we ordered the vegetarian sambusas and when they came, we bit in and were suspicious that they might be beef. We called over a waitress to check and she said, "If you ordered vegetarian, they're vegetarian." So we ate a few more bites and then continued to be worried so we asked another waitress and she confirmed they were beef and took them away to replace them. Mistakes happen, fine, but they weren't as apologetic as I think would be appropriate, and didn't even comp any of our meal. We were all pretty upset and I wish the customer service around the mistake had been better.

I don't want to ruin the rating of the restaurant so gave them 3 stars, but really this was more of a 2 for me. We had the vegetarian sampler which was less flavorful than other Ethiopian restaurants I've gone to (try nearby Awash). Plus the side injera was cold which I was surprised by, normally it's warm or room temp at least. But the thing that really ruined the experience for me was that we ordered the vegetarian sambusas and when they came, we bit in and were suspicious that they might be beef. We called over a waitress to check and she said, "If you ordered vegetarian, they're vegetarian." So we ate a few more bites and then continued to be worried so we asked another waitress and she confirmed they were beef and took them away to replace them. Mistakes happen, fine, but they weren't as apologetic as I think would be appropriate, and didn't even comp any of our meal. We were all pretty upset and I wish the customer service around the mistake had been better.

Amazing food; I have been to many Ethiopian restaurants all across New York and none of them can compare to Lalibela. The restaurant is very clean and the service was amazing. The owner, who was very friendly came up to me and the other customers and would check in on us and make sure everything was perfect. 10/10 will definitely be back👍👍

I was impressed. I will go back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lalibela Platter and Sambusa

Food was good, but not too tasty. I missed many spices as they're common in other Ethiopian places. The atmosphere inside is good

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recently had lunch there with my family. The food and service was excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Excellent food, remarkably accommodating staff, good prices.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Healthy portions

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

This place is really wonderful! They have delicious chicken and also a vegan platter. Perfect if you’re gf and/or vegan (or not!) The owner has such soul and it’s such a fun experience for families, friends, etc! Our 3 year old loved it. Absolutely phenomenal. We will be back!!!

Dietary restrictions: Vegan/Df/Gf/No Eggs

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Doro TIBS

This is my favorite Ethiopian Restaurant in New York City! Whenever I’m craving Ethiopian food, I come to Lalibela, I even had my birthday here! Everything is delicious!!

Second time visiting here. It always fills my soul. It also happens to be a great place to teach an emerging or struggling reader - thank you to the wonderful service for helping a mom push that process along and teach me to slow down. My son and I had a delightful time ☺️. I was able to find street parking after picking up my son from school for our afternoon reading/snack/bonding time.

Vegetarian options: I love how many varieties of non-meat (vegetable and no vegetable) as well as non dairy options that are available.

Kid-friendliness: They understands what a kid (and parent) needs.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5