This is a hidden gem sitting in Research Triangle Park where TW Alexander crosses S. Miami Blvd. behind the Sheetz. The food is cooked fresh as you order it. This was my first time having Ethiopian food although I have been eager for years to try it. A few things that stood out to me: 1) I was curious what Injera would taste like (I was expecting something like a Nan bread flavor, but to my surprise it was this beautiful tangy lemon flavor due to the fermentation process it goes through. 2) the lentil Sambusas are outstanding as well as the beef. I had the combo. I will try the chicken ones next time. They are these beautiful triangular stuffed pastries. (Think outside texture similar to a fried asian spring roll with the savory filling of say a Jamaican patty but better!) 3) The coffee is so darn flavorful!!! I usually drink my coffee with cream and lots of sugar. But because of the rich flavor of this coffee, I was enjoying it straight up. Then I added a small amount of brown sugar that, in my opinion, added nothing. Next time, I will leave the sugar out. 4) The ambiance was very inviting although, I could not tell from the quick trips I was making to the Jersey Mike's next door. 5) My server Salem was very nice. She had a jovial personality and was excited to share the culture of the food and its preparation. Needless to say, I'll be going back often. There are so many other items I want to try and when I'm in a rush, I'll swing by and grab about a half dozen or more of those Sambusas and a coffee shot for the road. I love Abol Ethiopian!!!! read more

Abol Ethiopian Restaurant - Gomen Be Siga (beef and collards) served with and atop Injera bread that is spongy with a lemony flavor. Spices on the side. - Ethiopian Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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New Ethiopian restaurant opened in my neck of the woods! It was our first time trying Ethiopian food (as a full meal anyways...) so we ordered the Abol Special Meat & Veggies Combo for two which was essentially a sampler featuring a couple of their meat dishes and few veggie dishes. For the meats, we chose Gomen be siga (beef with collard greens) and Doro wet (chicken in Berbere sauce), and we went with lentils, split yellow beans, and salad for the veggie options. The chicken was my favorite, hands down though I definitely need/want to try more from their menu! While it leans on the casual side, there is (very friendly) table service. It is located at the very far right end of the shopping center right next to Jersey Mike's. read more

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Incredible, authentic food and fabulous, kind service. Best Ethiopian food in the triangle.

The waitress was super nice! Whenever I go to an Ethiopian restaurant, I've always order the veggie combo. And theirs was good. BUT, my friend ordered the Doro Wat. I tasted the berberre sauce, and theirs was DELICIOUS. I've subsequently tried the berberre sauce at two other Ethiopian restaurants, and liked Abol's the most. read more

Abol Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

If you've never had Ethiopian food, Abol is an excellent place to try it! Just outside their restroom is a handwashing sink. So wash your hands and get ready! They have a reasonable sized menu with good variety, family-owned personal service, with clean and friendly ambiance. If new to the cuisine, to help guide your selections, just keep in mind what kinds of vegetables and meats you prefer, what spice level you like (spicy or mild/none), and choose accordingly. Bring a friend or two, then order their smaller platter combo--two meats and three veggies gives a great introduction. Unsure? Ask and they'll gladly help describe the menu or lower the spice level some. From the times we have gone with friends, we have varied our meat choices. All the veggie dishes are great too. Our go to are the yellow peas, collards and red lentils. All are well-seasoned and full of flavor. Ethiopian food is generally very hearty. But if you want something lighter and smaller instead of the combo platters, the fish is also excellent (I think it was tilapia). The bread served with the main dishes is a central part of the meal, and was the best I have had. It is cooked into large flat circles, served cut and rolled in a basket. Compared to other places, their moist fermented spongy sourdough bread is noticeably lighter and fluffier. Tear off pieces by hand, scoop meat or veggies and eat it like mini hand tacos! If you do it right, your hands stay pretty clean. The platters also come with additional bread under those dishes to supplement what comes in the basket. The sambusas are excellent. Crispy toasted triangles filled with veggie, beef, or sometimes chicken by special request. The spicy dip was aromatic. We're still working on trying more of the appetizers. Regarding the dessert menu, apparently Ethiopian culture doesn't really do dessert. This should not matter because the food is so filling and satiating. Instead, they often serve Ethiopian coffee after a meal. It's famous for being strong, so beware! One important mention...many authentic ethnic foods use a decent amount of seasoning and spices. But often to save money and suit American palates, they cut corners by reducing or simplifying out ingredients. At Abol, they don't do this. Their recipes have the feel of quality restaurant meets home-style cooking. Two families started this restaurant, and if you're looking for a personal touch as well as a distinct taste from the other side of the world, Abol is wonderful experience with friends and family. We'll keep on returning and personally recommending them! read more

Wow! Abol made my dream come true: Authentic Ethiopian food in Durham with great customer service. My biggest issue with Ethiopian restaurants have always been the poor service, long waits, and inconsistent quality. Abol came on the scene and said "We're going to show everyone how it's done" and they are crushing it! We went with our vegetarian friends and ordered all vegetarian, everything was full of flavour and not too salty, which sometimes is an issue with vegetarian food, but not at Abol! We went home stuffed and the next day we weren't dehydrated, we felt really good like we had some delicious home cooking! My only critique is I wish they had more lamb options and I'd pass on the baklava. Their coffee is great, I highly recommend saving room for that at the end of the meal (we went with just the coffee and passed on the incense ceremony as we're not Ethiopian). Keep up the great job, Abol! Flavours & seasoning on point, service is setting the bar high, and love all the vegetarian options! read more

My wife and I have become regulars at Abol Restaurant, visiting almost every week, and for good reason. This Durham gem has won us over with consistently excellent Ethiopian cuisine and a warmth that can only come from a true family operation. Abol is run by three families working together, and you can feel that collaborative spirit in every interaction. The cooks and waitresses treat guests like extended family, creating an atmosphere that's as nourishing as the food itself. The beef sambusa is a perfect way to start any meal - crispy, flavorful, and addictive. For our mains, we rotate between several favorites: the doro tibbs is perfectly seasoned with tender chicken, the kek alecha offers a beautifully mild and comforting yellow split pea stew, and the tikil gomen showcases how delicious simple cabbage and vegetables can be when prepared with care. Everything arrives fresh and bursting with flavor. The injera deserves special mention - it's that perfect balance of tangy and spongy that makes Ethiopian bread so special. The staff is attentive too, always bringing more injera when we need it without us having to ask. The interior isn't fancy, but it's clean and accommodating. While the space is somewhat small with a bit of a cafeteria feel, the Ethiopian atmosphere shines through in the aroma of spices hanging in the air, regional music playing softly, paintings adorning the walls, and a traditional coffee service setup. These authentic touches transform the modest space into something cozy, warm, and genuinely welcoming. After countless visits, the quality has never wavered. Abol has earned its place as our go-to spot, and we're already looking forward to our next visit. read more

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Amazing amazing amazing!!! I'm so happy there's an Ethiopian restaurant closer to where I live now. The food is extremely delicious and service was very attentive. read more

Abol Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The best, and only, Ethiopian food I've had. Absolutely amazing atmosphere, insanely underrated and unappreciated. Restaurant was completely empty upon arriving at 6 oclock or so, which is surprising, considering the amazing food and service. Absolutely above and beyond. read more

Abol Ethiopian Restaurant - Family Dinner:) - Ethiopian Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

authentic locally owned, reviewed with ethiopian folks in my group, they talked to each other, i don't know what they said, and the food was great. (have already gone back) read more

They are located in an unassuming strip mall but the inside does not match the outside. Once you walk in, you're hit with wonderful smells and a beautiful space that wants you to sit down. The staff are super nice and the food comes out fast and fresh. Gorgeous colors, wonderful aromas and even better on the tastebuds. And the amount of food you get for the money is an added bonus. They're somewhat new (only open 4 months), but they're doing it all correctly. I will be back. read more

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We ordered Yetashe Kitfo and Quanta Fir Fir, mm mm mmmmmmm. If you don't eat meat, they have lots of vegan options too. It was so good, down to dessert. The baklava was warm when served. The best part? All the desserts are also made in house. The best best part? The restaurant is woman owned and operated. read more

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I had a great experience at this restaurant. We have eaten at many Ethiopian restaurants back in New York and when we were in Washington DC. This was comparable to some of the better restaurants we used to frequent. The portions are very good. The flavors and freshness are exceptional, and the staff is very friendly. I am bringing my coworkers for our group lunches. Every chance I get. read more

You may not know it yet, but Ethiopian cuisine is now your favorite food! Believe all the shining reviews of Abol Ethiopian Restaurant. This woman-owned jewel is tucked away in an unassuming Durham shopping center, but you can expect amazing things when you dine here. The minute you walk in, you're greeted with rich aromas of savory dishes in a setting that is as sparkling-clean as your granny's front parlor. We were warmly attended by the owners and their family members, which definitely adds to the feeling of abundance and hospitality. But the DISHES! We had only had Ethiopian food once before, so the staff graciously answered our questions. We decided to order the Lega Tibs and Doro Wet, which was beautifully presented on a platter covered with delicious injera bread. Sooooo good!!! This is the most fun you will ever have eating with your right hand! We were very quickly immersed in this rich, cultural experience where the food is made from high-quality ingredients and prepared with love. Can't wait to go back! read more

Abol Ethiopian Restaurant - Tibs - Ethiopian Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Food- Amazing. We had the veg plate plus Shiro Wat per the recommendation and it was truly outstanding if not addictive. Service- Quick. read more

Authentic and delicious Ethiopian food. Excellent service. Everything was on point!

My wife and I were in the Durham area last week and loved our experience at Abol! Our dinner was amazing and absolutely delicious. My wife, who is from Ethiopia, said the food truly is authentic. My sweet tooth was more than satisfied with the homemade baklava, the best I've ever tasted. The ambiance and service were great. Our server Rebekah and the chef were very hospitable and made us feel like family members. Though we live about 160 miles away in Coastal North Carolina, we likely will make a day trip back sometime with Abol being our travel centerpiece! read more

The food is amazing! The people are sweet. Great customer service! They have kids options so the hubby and I will be back with our kid, very soon! read more