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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
7 months ago
We don't get Ethiopian often. This Ethiopian restaurant was excellent. My favorite dishes were collard greens, cabbage, and beets. If you get a chance to eat here, do it! read more
To say that I was shocked to know that Asheville has an Ethiopian restaurant would be an understatement. After driving from ATL to Asheville, NC from my winter road trip, my friend and I were hungry. So before we headed out to our secluded Airbnb in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we stopped here. The restaurant wasn't packed but was fairly empty when we arrived, but the service was nonetheless amazing. The male server was very nice and gave good recommendations on the vegan tibs which are tempeh. I've never been to an Ethiopian restaurant that offers a vegan option to tibs. So that was a plus and a first. We ordered the vegan/vegetarian platter for two people. It was extremely delicious and the food melted in my mouth. It was so flavorful and did not lack any seasonings whatsoever. I loved the atmosphere because they played nice music that met well with the Ethiopian theme and the photos on the wall made me feel like I was in Africa enjoying my yummy meal. I love that they offer Reed's Ginger beer, it is spicy but tasty. On our week-long trip to Asheville, we ate here twice. Also, another thing that I loved was the fact that they give you an abundance of injera. I can't wait to return the next time I visit Asheville! read more
As first time dabblers I'm Ethiopian food we went with a vegetarian sampler option so we could try several things. Our food was really good and I look forward to trying more dishes. Having gone in only looking at pictures from other restaurant goers, I will say what we received wasn't exactly what I expected to get. So with that, just ask questions when ordering to make sure the platter(s) you order are what you're hoping for! read more
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! read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
11 months ago
2 years ago
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. read more
2 years ago
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. read more
2 years ago
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. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
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! read more
7 years ago
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. read more
I loved this place! I was so upset back in May when this restaurant was closed but so glad I got the chance to try it out in 2021. They make very authentic Ethiopian cuisine, and I enjoyed every dish on the veggie messob platter and they even gave me a super authentic spicy powder which was AMAZING! Don't even think twice about if you should go here, JUST order and enjoy your delicious Ethiopian cuisine, you'll thank me later. You know a restaurant is AMAZING if they can make their veggie dish right, so I approve! read more
3 years ago
our server was amazing ! super helpful with the delicious recommendations. helped us figure out how to get a little bit of everything to try. super yummy food and atmosphere was great too! read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
Been looking for authentic Ethiopian food for years, finally stumbled on it in downtown Asheville, truly delicious and the staff were super friendly, go early as it gets really busy, we were there before the opened and waited at the door lol Tip: The sampler isn't enough for two hungry adults. read more
5 years ago
Hidden gem in the area with superb Ethiopian food. My wife and I ordered the veg messob and it was amazing. My friends ordered the chicken one and it was equally good. Do try the coffee in the end! read more
4 years ago
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5 years ago
This is the only place I've been where the aroma that filled the restaurant could legitimately be called an appetizer. It smelled like home cooking of generational recipes - the kind that aren't written down. I'd rather sit and enjoy that fragrance for ten minutes than actually eat a stack of jalapeño poppers. And I like jalapeño poppers. My wife and I had the veggie and meat sampler plate(s), and the amount of flavor in each bite was incredible! I'm really not one to gush or even write reviews, but this place put its hand up in the mosh pit of restaurants to choose from in Asheville and deserved a nod. The injera bread that accompanies many of the dishes was delicious - not too dense and had a great chew - it was the perfect vehicle to enjoy all the wonderful morsels thoughtfully arranged on the table. The staff were super friendly and helpful, as well (and I needed a lot of help! I'm not very familiar with Ethiopian food, but I plan to change that). Thanks very much to the great people at Addissae for making this an amazing experience! We can't wait to come back next time we're in town! read more
5 years ago
One of the best and least talked about restaurants in all of asheville. Incredible food, with good vegan and vegetarian options, that you won't find anywhere else in the city. The staff isn't overly attentive but I've never minded and it remains a favorite location for low key friend dates and takeout dinners. read more
Visiting from out of town, found this place totally by accident. When we walked in the door we were overwhelmed by the amazing aromas -- so warm, rich and enticing. As total noobs to Ethiopian cuisine we had no idea what to expect. The names on the menu were unfamiliar but most of the ingredients were things we knew, in new combinations and with spices that most Americans probably have never tried. The overall experience was very favorable, and the weird rolls of light spongy flatbread were intriguing. The food is tasty and rich, the service is friendly if somewhat less than speedy, and the prices are a tad high, but this place is worth visiting at least once to broaden your culinary horizons. read more
7 years ago
We had a really great experience here. The food came pretty quickly and it was absolutely delicious. We ordered the vegetarian platter (charged per person), all 100% vegan, which was a sampling of a bunch of different dishes on the Ethiopian bread injera. The staff was very nice, the service was relatively quick, and the food was tasty and extremely filling. Definitely recommend! read more
5 years ago
First time trying Ethiopian food and the waiter was so helpful and kind. The food was full of flavor and fresh. read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
Got takeout today and it was very good. Fresh, flavorful and a lot of variety. We'll be going here again read more
6 years ago
Nice little Ethiopian restaurant with awesome flavorful food. We ate vegetarian messob here and it was delicious. The price is very reasonable read more
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48 Commerce St
Asheville, NC 28801
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(828) 417-7189
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http://www.addissae.com
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