The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. has the largest Ethiopian community outside of Africa. As the immigrants settled in Adams Morgan and the U St Corridor in the early ’80s, a plethora of authentic Ethiopian restaurants sprang up. While in D.C., be sure to pull up a chair, grab your injera (spongy, tangy bread) and dig in at these eight, great Ethiopian restaurants.

Lalibela Restaurant

Restaurant, Ethiopian

Trying Ethiopian for the first time? Check out Lalibela. Grab a seat on the patio and dig into their special gluten-free injera. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable, so let them know it’s your first time and you’ll be in good hands.

Ababa Restaurant

Restaurant, Ethiopian

Ababa Restuarant is an Ethiopian restaurant in the bustling Adams Morgan. This family-run spot offers a fun-filled, casual dining experience. We highly recommended the beef tips and lentil soup.

Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Ethiopian

Want a place to go for some late-night Ethiopian fun? On weekends, Queen Sheba becomes the go-to hangout for expats, with music, dancing, and a lively atmosphere. In addition to the typical dishes found in most restaurants, Queen of Sheba offers some less common items such as the telba wot (flaxseed) and fitfit (tomato and peanut butter).

CherCher Ethiopian Cuisine

Market, Restaurant, Ethiopian

Though not technically in D.C., this Michelin-recommended restaurant and mart is worth the trip outside of the District. CherCher Ethiopian Cuisine Restaurant and Mart is a casual eatery serving fresh, regional Ethiopian dishes. Known for its authenticity and cheap prices, CherCher is a favorite among expats and locals alike. After a bite, you can grab some Ethiopian spices from the mart and take the flavor of CherCher home with you.

Das Ethiopian

Restaurant, Ethiopian

If you’re looking for a great date-night spot, look no more. Das offers upscale Ethiopian cuisine, complete with white tablecloths. It’s located just off M Street in Georgetown. Das’ menu features traditional Ethiopian classics including miser wot (red lentils) and collard greens gomen, plus more modern combinations such as eggplant and carrot that are equally delicious.

Addis Ethiopian Restaurant

Restaurant, Ethiopian

Addis is a funky, fun spot to hole up for dinner and a drink. On the H St Corridor, it offers affordable and delectable Ethiopian bites. Try out their combination platters with vegetarian and meat options for all, and don’t forget to order a glass of tej, honey wine that is made fresh, in-house.

Letena Ethiopian Restaurant

Restaurant, Ethiopian

Letena caters to vegetarians and vegans with its healthy, authentic Ethiopian menu. The kitchen sources local, organic ingredients coupled with imported Ethiopian spices. To introduce the cuisine to the public, Letena offers injera, burrito wraps and rice to accompany the entrees. Make sure to try the Gomen – collard greens cooked with seasoned oil and jalapeno peppers.

Keren Restaurant & Coffee Shop

Cafe, Restaurant, African

Don’t miss this hidden gem on your trip to D.C. Keren serves up Eritrean food (very similar to Ethiopian cuisine). Start your day with breakfast and a cup of house tea, or come by around dinner for a vegetarian combo and cheap beer. Be prepared to wait if you come around dinner time – the locals love it here.

About the author

Kirsten Ballard

Kirsten was born in North Carolina and moved to Washington, D.C. in 2015. She received a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication and a minor in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has worked for newspapers, women's magazines and food publications. Currently, she works at a newspaper trade association. In her free time, she's running, reading and eating her way around DC.