Maheder Ethiopian Cuisine

I used to come here on a regular basis when I lived in Seattle, before the name change when it was called Chef Cafe. I still dream of their gomen— it’s perfectly garlicky and so flavorful. It was a family owned business and the main chef, whose name I don’t recall, used to be a private chef for imperials in Ethiopia. This family was always welcoming, kind, and warm. I pray this restaurant is still under the same ownership using the same recipes!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I usually go for veggie combos so apologies, can’t speak much to the meat dishes. By no means is this a fancy place, but it has everything you’d need! If you like places that feel homey, this hits those vibes on the head. The server/host was friendly and quick, and she advised we go for the Shiro Wot.

The Shiro Wot is soooo good. I haven’t had this dish before in typical Ethiopian veggie combos so we ordered this on the side and it was the highlight!

Portions were generous, food was quick to be prepared, and I will certainly be back.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Welcomed us and let us eat even though we were the only ones in the restaurant. Best Ethiopian food I’ve ever had.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Some of the best Ethiopian food I've ever had. Don't judge a book by its cover, this place does not disappoint.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wow 👌 👏 is was amazing food I ever had thank you

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Unfortunately not the best. I used to come here a lot when Chef owned the establishment so maybe my expectations were higher than they should have been. Musty grandma like smell throughout the restaurant. Injera was microwaved and soggy. Veggie combo had two out of seven stews that were acceptable. Fried fish recipe completely changed, no authentic hot sauce received sriracha. Will not come back. Waitress was nice and aware that food is not the same.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 3

I had a strong appetite for Eastern African cuisine and searched somewhere in the Seattle area with good ratings. My husband and I got lucky that the day we checked out this restaurant, they were celebrating a family activity. It was very endearing how they welcomed and serviced us, even bringing us cake from their celebration.

It felt aesthetically unassuming and their customer service was very attentive and sweet. We appreciated their help when going over the menu and selecting the right options. We went with a softer textured meat (can’t remember the name of the plate) and the Veggie Combo.

My husband cannot eat very spicy food, so finding less spicy food options can be a bit tricky. For example, please note that the salad comes with jalapeños. This would have been good to know in advance since we did not expect that.

They have a section with a pool table. Again, quite modest in aesthetic but it looks like it is a family-friendly option where they put on their own celebratory events.

Very worth a try.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious food in a casual setting. Tasty veggie combo, friendly owner. A worthy heir to Chef Cafe.

The service was great. Everyone was lovely. I only wish I could have eaten more to show them how much I enjoyed the food. I'm very excited that I get to eat leftovers for the next couple days.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious food, warmest service, exciting atmosphere. A gathering place for the local community that has a truly authentic feel. Reminds me of eating in a cafe when I visited Africa. Fevin is a great proprietess.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The best Quanta Firir ( ቋንጣ ፍርፍር) you can find in Seattle. The veggie combo is out of this world . I recommend that and the Shiro if you're a vegetarian. The host/ manager ( Feven ) treated us like we were kings. 👌 Highly recommended

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Got the veggie combo and meat combo, both very very good. Injerra was the perfect texture. They have a bar section with music and a non bar quieter area. Will definitely be back

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food and service was awesome!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great service and good menus 👌👌👌

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First of all, the food was AMAZING. It had just the right flavors and it tasted so hand-made which I love. For the price, we were fed SO much. They kept refilling our anjeer bread and we had plenty of leftovers left. The service was super nice. I loved this place. Lots of vegetarian options too. 10/10 recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5