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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.