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Addissae

4.3 (181 reviews)
ModerateEthiopian
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ADDISSAE ATMOSPHERE

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Casual
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Moderate noise

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Vegetarian and Meat platter combined with some herbal tea.
Alyson B.

My husband was craving some Ethiopian food and we ended up parking behind this restaurant on our first day in Asheville. We made a mental note to return for dinner and did just that. He has had authentic Ethiopian food before, while on deployment, and he was thrilled by the menu options. The food did not disappoint! The operation was run by only a few people, but they were extremely knowledgeable of the cuisine and happy to make suggestions. We had some herbal tea to start and they combined the vegetable and meat platter for us. While the entrance is in kind of an alleyway, the inside is welcoming and beautiful! We will be back when we return to Asheville!

Addissae Lamb Tibss and vegetarian platter
Siena D.

This was my first time trying Ethiopian food. It was a great experience, especially being able to eat with your hands. The injera had a great fermented flavor that complemented all the dishes. My biggest complaint is that when we asked for spicy, they never brought the spice. The owner didn't think as a female I could handle it. A member in my party went back and got the same dish. He said when he asked for spicy it truly was spicy.

Vegetarian menu and beverages
Todd B.

Second visit was just as delicious as the first. Just updating to say we each got the vegetarian platter this time, though instead of two, they just brought us the family style platter, with an order of tempeh nibbs. Service could have been better this time. I think the server's family was there because he kept stopping at one table to talk and interact with a woman and young child. So it slowed him down and he never came to check on us or fill our water glasses. Still, food was good enough that a dip in service can be forgiven. Really like it here.

Veg sampler

Fantastic. Staff helpful in walking me through menu. Food was delicious. One of my favorite meals in a long time. Large portion. Great prices. I had veg sampler.

Translations of Ethiopian words into English.
Brian L.

The food was amazing!!! So was the service!! The ambiance was perfect as well. I had the vegetable platter - wonderful for a first timer here to delve into the culture of food at the restaurant. Enjoyed their iced tea seeped with a hint of cinnamon. A must for me to revisit the place every time I come to Asheville.

Ethiopian Tea
John B.

You come to Asheville for the restaurants, and this Ethiopian place is likely the only one of its kind for some distance. I've been to a couple in the NC triangle area, but you can probably count on your fingers the number in the entire state. Me being from DC, where Ethiopian cuisine abounds, I know and like it. The place here is behind one of the main stretches and a bit hidden. It is very nicely decorated. The menu is short, and given the option to either order a single vegetarian entree or a combo, I would almost always get the combo. For those that haven't had it, Ethiopian is mostly slow-cooked stews of beans and vegetables, with a spongy flatbread called injera. In most American Ethiopian restaurants, the injera is made of a mix of teff (the uniquely Ethiopian grain) and wheat, but here they make their own using teff and rice, so it's all gluten-free. It is a tad sour, as is the norm, but pretty lightly flavored here. My combo gave a nice variety of colors and textures, and also a fresh salad on the side. It wasn't the most filling one I've ever had, but I enjoyed it. My tea came strongly spiced and needed no sweetening. I'm glad I was able to spice up my trip, and I would suggest taking the chance to try this place.

Addissae Vegetarian Messob
Rick L.

Downtown Asheville isn't that big so to say a restaurant is right in the middle of downtown would pretty much apply to any restaurant there...that having been said most locals I spoke with on my visit to Asheville hadn't heard of the place. It was about a 5-minute walk from our hotel (The tallest building in Downtown, Asheville) and well worth a visit. If you're looking for Ethiopian food (either because you've had it and like it, or want a new experience) it's the only game in town and it serves up the game well. My wife and I shared the Vegetarian Messob which, to her delight, also was gluten-free. It was filling with a variety of standard Ethiopian flavors all scoopable and eatable on the injera bread it came with. (Don't look for silverware in an Ethiopian restaurant.) My wife also enjoyed the spiced tea she got (sans the tea...just the spices.) Having had Ethiopian food a handful of times at restaurants in the "Little Ethiopia" area of Los Angeles where I live, I'd say Addissae holds its own in a casual environment that's as slightly off the beaten path of downtown Asheville as one can be.

Addissae Lamb Tibbs, difin misir, tikel gomen. Spicy lamb stew, brown lentil stew, and cabbage, carrot, and potatoes.
Daniel A.

Food was excellent. Had no previous experience with Ethiopian food, waiter was excellent and walked us through some of the options. Gave great recommendations. Will recommend and return. Restaurant was beautiful inside, very clean, interesting music.

Addissae Meat Messob Addissae Vegetarian Messob
Emily K.

I wish I could give this place six stars, it was such a lovely and warm experience. From the hole in the wall exterior, to our comfy spot in the back. All of the food in the messob was flavorful and delicious. We wanted to try everything, so we went with both the meat and veggie option. The spicy beef was our favorite by far. Cannot recommend this place enough, especially if you're willing to try something different!

Aimee H.

My first time having Ethiopian food so dont have a basis but i thought it was really good! Especially liked the chicken and the hard boiled eggs

Amy Lauren S.

When on vacation, we like to try foods and restaurants that we can't get back home in Charleston. My husband and I were wandering down Patton Street when we saw a sign for Ethiopian food and immediately decided it would be our lunch destination the next day- and we weren't disappointed. We arrived early for lunch and were greeted by a prep cook and the owner, who spent a lot of time chatting with us. Both of us opted for sampler platters (messob) to try a little of everything. I had the vegetarian sampler platter, and my husband had one with meat (chicken and beef). I believe most of the vegetarian food is also vegan, and if you go for lunch, it's a few bucks cheaper than the dinner prices. When our food arrived, the owner explained every item on our platter to us and told us to pinch the injirra bread and pick up the food, instead of using silverware. It's a unique and fun way to eat lunch, and you feel like a kid again- but if that doesn't feel comfortable, you can ask for silverware The beet dish was my favorite item, but I enjoyed everything on my veggie platter. Addissae was our first experience with Ethiopian food, so I can't compare it to other restaurants. However, if you're in Asheville and want to broaden your foodie horizons, I recommend this spot.

meat and veggies!

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2 years ago

Says full bar. There is no alcohol here. There are taps here but they are not active. Food is good.

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The wait staff was very kind and courteous. Ordered and Enjoyed the misir wat- it did not disappoint!

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Addissae - ethiopian - Updated May 2026

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