Ethiopian Restaurants near Arlington, VA

“A true hidden gem in the area! We got the veggie combo platter with awaze tibs. Every time I come here the people are so kind and the food is always delicious. A wonderful local business and my favorite Ethiopian place in the DMV. Thank you Hana, our waiter for a pleasant time.“

“My first experience at Enjera, and my first experience with Ethiopian food. Highly recommend!“

“The food is wonderful. We always eat here when we come up from Richmond, VA. The staff is great as well.“

“Excellent food and atmosphere. The bartenders were also super chill and make really creative drinks. Recommend the honey wine!“

“While my lamb, veggies, and lentils were just ok, the service was so outstanding it absolutely made up for it. The owner is phenomenal and really goes the extra mile to make sure your experience is top notch. Also had the best hot tea (I gotta figure out this spice mix) and honey wine of my life. Samosas were fire!“

“very tasty Ethiopian dishes and very good atmosphere also excellent services!!!!“

“The food was amazing here and the atmosphere was out of this world. As somebody who has grown up integrated into the Ethiopian culture this food was so authentic and traditional. Especially happy to see that they had traditional Ethiopian coffee and wine. You know the coffee will be good when they pull out that jebena, and from the looks of it, it looks like it was from the Gurage tribe. I went with my Work of Black and Brown indigenous queer and trans folk and I was treated with nothing but respect and care!“

“This place is soooo cozy and feels just like home. Their food is always delicious. I had veggie beyaynetu, and you could tell it was made fresh and was absolutely delicious.
They have incredibly sweet and welcoming hosts, esp Maraki. She really makes you feel cared for.
On two different occasions, they treated me to Buna on the house which was prepared in a traditional way, with frankincense and all 🤭 I just love it so much! I wish I lived in the DMV area so I could come here all the time.“

“Are you tired of eating the same few cuisine all the time? Sushi and burger and the usual? Well, venture out and try Ethiopian food.

1. Reservation: recommended if you are coming on Friday or Saturday.

2. Food: very good
- Enjara: the bread made of teff. it is very unique and it was my first time trying it and I loved it
- collared green was good
- yellow split beans were excellent options for vegetarion dish
- red lentils were unique in seasoning.

3. Drinks
they have full bar, mixed drinks and beer and wine options are available.

4. Service: very nice and welcoming

5. Extra: they serve their Ethiopian drink Tej is an aded bonus, it is nothing like I know. Technically a honey-wine.

6. They have LIVE MUSIC!
call and check with them. Artists usually come on Saturdays. Cannot wait to check them out.

Highly recommend!!“

“I recently visited Letena while on a visit to D.C. from Israel. Amazing food! Great option for those who keep kosher...just ask the super helpful staff about specific preparations. Loved their injera! I often find injera too sour for my personal tastes, but this injera was wonderful!“

“I haven’t tried the food yet but I just wanted to rate them on the atmosphere and pleasant energy when I walked in . It’s so hard to find great atmosphere restaurants nowadays but I know the food will be great 👍🏾 this will be one of my go to Ethiopian spots ! Great job on the customer service Amen 🙏🏾“

“We loved our first experience with Ethiopian cuisine! Instead of leaving us to decipher the menu, the owner (also the chef and our server) asked us what we liked, and she took care of us. We enjoyed a veggie platter and a meat platter, both excellent. 10 out of 10. Would recommend.“

“Absolutely! Excellent food and continuous service.“

“it is amazing food and great service“

“Went in to buy coffee a few weeks ago with no intention of getting food. The owner mentioned that his kitfo is the best and I didn’t have anywhere to be anytime soon so I just sat down and ordered some. I’m glad that I did, because it was indeed the best. Staff is super nice and the food is amazing.“

“Got the meat combo for 2. Incredible value for about $30 before tax and tip and the best Ethiopian food I’ve ever had! Delicate meaty stews full of flavor without being too rich or salty. If more people knew about this place it’d probably be very crowded.“

“very relaxing and cozy as a date night.“

“Learned customs I was unaware of. Wonderful! Rahwa & Ella servers very helpful to a neophyte“

“Great experience. Definitely recommend combo platters to test the waters. Excellent service.“

“I eat here every 2 weeks or so, I love their Beef and Lamb Tibs and sides. Always get carry out so can’t comment on eating in the restaurant. It’s delicious and always tastes fresh. Highly recommend the Lega tibs over the Derek tibs. Taking off one star because the meat does tend to be SUPER oily compared to some other places. I love the flavor so I keep coming back, I just wish it were slightly less oily.“

“I went to the restaurant Monday night, even for a Monday night the place was packed. My wife and I ordered the special 1 and the special 3. The food was very delicious but the service was even extra ordinary! After our server realized my wife has a hearing problem, she tired to help us order by the few sign language she knows. She told my wife “Going out for dinner experience includes ordering food for yourself so I wanted you to part of it” which made my wife so emotional. By the end of our night we taught her some new sign languages which might help her for other customers. She was so friendly and patient even though the house was so packed. I’m so happy my wife had the experience she did. I didn’t know it met so much to my wife until I saw how happy her face was. I will definitely recommend it for people who have hard of hearing or family member. It will definitely make them happy they are part of the EXPERIENCE rather than sit there while other people order the food for them.“

“The best Ethiopian food and fresh food made immediately when you order thanks ghion that make me love it“

“If you’re looking for a place that combines amazing food, generous portions, and a comfortable atmosphere, this restaurant is a must-visit!

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm and inviting environment that makes you feel right at home. The staff are attentive, friendly, and provide top-notch service — always ready with a smile and quick to meet your needs without being intrusive.

The food is, without a doubt, the star of the show. Every dish is prepared with care and bursting with flavor. The portions are very reasonable — enough to satisfy without overwhelming — and the presentation is equally impressive.

Whether you’re dining solo, with friends, or for a special occasion, this restaurant strikes the perfect balance of quality, comfort, and service. It’s definitely a place worth coming back to!“

“They made my special day unforgettable!! Thank you guys for the exceptional catering service! From the presentation to the taste, every detail exceeded our expectations. The variety of dishes offered were not only delicious but beautifully crafted. The staff was professional, attentive, and ensured that all our guests were well taken care of. Overall, a flawless experience that truly elevated our event. Highly recommend!“

“Their food is so delicious ♥️“

“A wonderful, authentic Ethiopian restaurant/cafe with great service. I had the vegetarian platter and it was delicious. I was very touched because I accidentally left a small thing on the table and the owner had a customer rush after me to return it (I had already crossed the street and was halfway down the block). I’ll definitely eat here again and recommend it to anyone who likes delicious Ethiopian food.“

“The food was good and approachable if a little spicy. We loved the short ribs.“

“I love coming here and supporting these folks. The food is so tasty and authentic. My wife who is usually picky loved all the different items on the vegetarian sampler and the Tibs are fantastic. Ethiopian cuisine really flies under the radar, and it was a great date night for us. Highly reccomend!“

“A place everyone must try at least once. I have been to Meaza Restaurant several times and l just love their food. Their menu has a lot of options for everyone, whether you are a meat lover or vegan. I particularly love their Kitfo and Veggie combo dish. I recently used their catering services for a private party for 100 people. I opted for the package that includes food, servers and bartenders. The food was delicious, my guests loved it and the servers were exceptional! The servers took care of my guests and provided the best service I have not seen elsewhere. I definetly recommend this place to anyone hosting an event and looking to impress with Ethiopian food, or wanting to simply dine at their restaurant. I will definetly use their catering services again.“

“I almost don't want to review it for fear of this hidden gem being overtaken by hype and becoming packed. However, it would be a disservice to not support the good people at Amen Cafe, so I will. This quaint, lowkey spot, tucked in the corner of Georgia Avenue and easy to walk by, is a MUST visit. The hospitality is unlike most cafes. They're attentive, kind, and make you feel secure in a home away from home feel. The Ethiopian coffee is some of the richest and boldest in the city, and if you want a huge wake up, get the ginger coffee. The fresh juice is refreshing and revitalizing, and always hits the spot. The pastries and sandwiches are solid as well, but by far if you're going to visit, get the Ful or Ful special, its a beautiful, rich spread that is my personal go to. I didn't even know I liked ful and now I'm hooked. I tried other cafes, no one in the city makes better ful than here. So yeah, I love my cafe, I hope it never leaves. Ameseghnalew“

“Today I ordered doro wot, alecha beef, veggie combo, special kitfo and special tibs. It was delicious! I drove from MD to pick up my order and it was on time and on point. Everyone in the restaurant was very welcoming and nice. I felt I was back home. I don’t know if it was the owner but he was so nice and offered me to help me carry my order to my car. They have a life time customer. First impression matters and I was not disappointed from the food to the customer service. Thank you!!“

“Enjoyed a great dinner at Beteseb Restaurant when we came into town for the funeral of a dear Ethiopian friend. The food was excellent and the owner/chef and her brother (who was our server) were very kind, helpful, and welcoming. I highly highly recommend this place, especially for their kitfo!“

“The food and service was excellent. The server helped us out with ordering our food so we didn't over order. Her suggestions were spot on. At the end of the meal, coffee was freshly roasted and served piping hot
It was a wonderful treat after indulging in such delicious food.“

“great food and service nice spot“

“I stopped in with friends before a event Sunday evening. The staff was warm and welcoming. I had the lentil sambusas and a peanut-infused coffee at the staff’s recommendation. The food was fast and delicious- the sambusas were warm and spicy, and the peanut coffee was delicious! In a kind gesture, the chef sent over a sampling of sushi to our table. Fresh and refreshing, the sushi was a nice complement to my sambusas and hot beverage. I’m not on this side of town often, but now I have a reason to come back.“

“Amakel Carry Out and Restaurant is absolutely amazing! Their food is fresh, flavorful, and truly delicious. We especially loved the Sambusa and the veggie combo—both were outstanding and full of taste.

The service was just as impressive as the food. Our server and cashier, Sara, was so professional, kind, and attentive, making sure we had a great experience. We also want to recognize Kidest, the assistant manager, for her warm and welcoming attitude.

Overall, we had an excellent experience and highly recommend Amakel to anyone looking for great food and wonderful service. Definitely a 5-star restaurant!“

“We had the awesome Chef Mekonnen and the Nazret team cater our ~50 person wedding. My wife and I couldn't be happier with how things turned out. They were able to provide full support from a wonderful setup through bar support and went the extra mile to help clean after they had packed up their gear. \n\nThis is a lovely spot and I'd recommend not only dropping by for a meal, but trusting them with ANY event you could throw.“

“best ever!!“

“Wow, nice customer service and delicious raw meat, and Goden tibse, but the bar they have everything needs who knows what he do . I order longiland but it's Good , it's just it's OK. But the food and service and tea 🍵 are fantastic. Keep it up . I love it when I come next time. I'm gonna miss you. I wish Boston had that kind of restorant .“

“Today i sat down with the owner and held discussion about successes and challenges...She is such a fascinating woman and entrepreneur. She redesigned the hall, bar are, and ceiling to meet its coziness and attractions...I proved that during my stay in there. I think we should encourage business with stronger women entrepreneurship!! Besides, she is 100% devoted to self cooking, customer service and hospitality to customers. She faces a challenge of overcoming business recovery post covid phases. Its evident!“

“For $40 you get a delicious 7-course vegetarian dinner for 2 with croaker and honey wine. The staff makes you feel at home and the owner is a wonderful host. Try it.“

“The best, most authentic Ethiopian food in DC… pour up the homemade tej from the plastic soda bottle & taste the realness 🤤“

“Amazing food ! AMAZING SERVICE !!! Will be coming back 😍🤤“

“Wish there were pictures of the dishes so it was easier to order.
We went for lunch on a Thursday, and there was no parking available. A huge problem.
We ordered the three meat and three vegetable platter and it was enough for two people.
The grilled chicken and beef were amazing. It was served with jalapenos and grilled onions.
The sauce on the lamb dish was delicious, but I didn't care for the rolled up bread underneath the sauce.
The cabbage was amazing. Would definitely order again. The chickpea option was not good, and lentil option was mid.
Service and food was very slow.
I wish they served the food with utensils as well. I prefer to not eat with my hands, even though I know that's part of the cultural experience.“

“its a very cozy business that gives you a very intimate and familiar feeling. the food is bomb and served fresh and hot. the service was very good. felt taken care of.

Kid-friendliness: not much alcohol sold here and the restaurant is brightly lit so it’s comfortable for children

Parking: street parking and a parking lot behind the building

Wheelchair accessibility: there are table seats that can be removed and replaced by wheel chairs and there are no stairs

Dietary restrictions: vegan, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian.“

“I was rooming round in DC and saw this restaurant so we decided to go dine in, the very welcoming server made eye contact and showed us our table gave menu, come back to take our order also suggested that I should try sautéed Lamb onions, tomatoes and potato wedges with Engera or freshly backed bread I took the suggestion order Lamb. While waiting for my food I turned to see dine areas the atmosphere was great, the Lamb was cooked Beautifully and the portion was large so I asked to go parcel, definitely I would suggest this restaurant and when I go back DC I would love to visit the restaurant again.“

“Thank you for the delicious food, the wonderful hospitality and for your kindness.The servers were very polite, checked us out every 10 or so minutes and were professional in every manner!I'd definitely recommend the place to have a nice dinner and drinks.“

“Had the Awaze Tibes. Very succulent and tasty. Came with a side of corn meal I think it was and lots of Injera bread. Everything cooked to perfection. The owner and cook was very pleasant and accomodating. Hope to be back soon.“

“So authentic and tasty. yummy and feels like herby spicy. thank you“