Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Alem Restaurant

    4.6 (52 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Alem Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    ALEM RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like Alem Restaurant

    Recommended Reviews - Alem Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Meet and Veg
    Michael T.

    We stopped in on a Sunday afternoon and it was not busy at the time. Coming in during slow times always makes it difficult to judge the service but it was ok. We ordered the meat and veg sampler. The food was good. I think Ethiopian food has some of the best veg dishes. I was hoping for a bit more but I believe it was just the weird time we came in.

    Vegetable sampler
    J G.

    Very good Ethiopian Cuisine. I would come back. The lady who helped me was very friendly and helpful. I had the vegetable sampler and a side of shiro. The hot greens dish was super good in the sampler and everything else was enjoyable as well. If the shiro had more flavor it would be an easy 5 stars. I reviewed 3 Ethiopian restaurants in Seattle in last week, I would rank this one the best. They are all above average! I've had Ethiopian food at numerous spots in NYC, DC, and Baltimore so my standards are extremely high. Most people would rank 2-3 of these spots I reviewed at 5 stars which I do understand.

    Good food, neat place, very shady location. Street parking available although it gets busy and people drive very fast and scary here. I was not sure how safe the car would be as we had to park a block down the restaurant. Food is good!

    Meat combo dish
    Megan L.

    We want to this restaurant on a quiet weekday afternoon. We were the only customers there for the first half of the meal. The cook was also the server, and she said she was new, so things were slower than usual. She graciously apologized for the wait and treated us very well. We ordered a veggie platter and a meat platter. Both were great but the meat was especially good. I'm never completely sure what I am eating at Ethiopian restaurants but that doesn't matter, as it is all delicious.

    A perfect coffee.
    Krystian F.

    I stopped by Alem on a Rainy day for a generous late lunch for one. I live South of Seattle, and don't have Ethiopian food readily accessible so I was really looking forward to this meal. There was plenty of seating, and I was able to grab a table right away. The server was very kind and took my order right away (I ordered the #1 meat/veggie). My food came out shortly after, and was beautiful. I had so much food, it was really enough to share but I was in heaven. I ate as much as I could but still had about half of the meal left. It was all perfect. ALL PERFECT. The okra is especially amazing. The chef also came to introduce themself and asked if I'd like a coffee. Y'all. They brought me a beautiful cup of coffee. It was sooooo delicious. I want another cup right now. 10/10

    Veg combo with Shiro

    Back again and again and it literally just hits so good. Have had a ton of Ethiopian food all over the west coast and even compared to the Bay Area this is my favorite hands down. Veg combo and shiro for the win. Injera is perfect level of sour and good amount of teff.

    #1. Meat combo.
    Nami N.

    We decided to stop for lunch while driving down Ranier Ave. I found this restaurant on Yelp and decided to give it a try. We were able to park in front of the restaurant. Only street parking is available. We arrived at the restaurant at 12:30 pm with 3 people, but there were no customers, probably because it was a weekday. A woman in the store greeted us with a smile. We looked menu and chosen #1 meat combo and 3 of ginger tea. We always eat one plate of Ethiopian food for two people. This time, the meat combo was large, so we ordered one for 3 people. A meat platter with a mix of meat entries are perfect to try. Ginger tea tastes different depending on the restaurant. I usually like sweet ginger tea with honey. But there is no sweetness here, and sugar comes. So adjust sweetness by yourselves. Meat combo comes with 8 kinds of ingredients on the injera. The taste was good and made us full. I would like to try other menus next time.

    Yes, yes yes.   Holy Ethiopia goodness.

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Matt B.
    36
    1549
    2476

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Great service and my chicken Doro Wat was unbelievable--so fun/delicious and a wonderful experience.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hau H.
    0
    54
    8

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nami N.
    315
    813
    9143

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The food and service was amazing! The food was very traditional and had great flavor. We got the meat and veggie combo and could not finish.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    The food and service was good. My only complaint was the small portion sizes. The $50 meal felt like an appetizer.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    We ordered Alem combo, it's really delicious! Will definitely come again. And the service is also good. Highly recommended!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Crystal I.
    144
    12
    19

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Service was great. Server asked me about spice level and I got what I asked for. Great flavors and super nice staff. I will be back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The service is great, very nice people. We had delicious Ethiopian foods and the whole experience was amazing.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bill S.
    20
    54
    20

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Alem Restaurant

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Ethiopian 2,660 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Ras Dashen Ethiopian Cuisine - Vegetarian combo with Doro Wat in the center

    Ras Dashen Ethiopian Cuisine

    4.4(182 reviews)
    3.1 miLeschi
    $$

    We love going here for their vegetable combo. It feeds my 2 kids and me for a great price!…read more They have recently updated their food so the injera is always gluten free, and the vegis are all vegan. Their food has been amazing everytime we've gone, and service has been friendly.

    Look at your bill before you pay!!! They charged us $35 instead of $30 (as is written on their…read moremenu) for the Family Combo. And, another $5 for gluten free bread (we never asked for gluten free, and the menu says that bread is included). When we asked about the $10 extra charge that we didn't plan on, they said that they ran out of regular bread and had to give us gluten free. And the $35 instead of $30 was because they have a new menu coming out with the higher price, but "its not yet printed." This is misrepresentation and illegal. They were dishonest. They never told us about the price change in the beginning, when we were ordering. When we wanted them make it right and remove the $10 extra charge, they wouldn't. They just said its now on the "new" menu, which is "not yet printed." A bunch of BS in my opinion. It felt like they knew exactly what they are doing in scamming Americans who come into their restaurant. Be careful! Or just go some places else. There are a lot of other great options in the area.

    Photos
    Ras Dashen Ethiopian Cuisine - Inside

    Inside

    Ras Dashen Ethiopian Cuisine - 2. Fish Asa Goulshe 1. Lamb Tibs Family Combo

    2. Fish Asa Goulshe 1. Lamb Tibs Family Combo

    Ras Dashen Ethiopian Cuisine - Empty table ready and bar toward the front

    See all

    Empty table ready and bar toward the front

    Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant

    Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant

    4.4(235 reviews)
    3.5 miCentral District
    $$

    Locally owned spot with a charming and homey feel! We ordered the meat combo and veggie combo which…read morecame served on a tangy injera with extra injera on the side. There's three of us and we couldn't finish so we had a decent amount to take as leftovers. The meats were all stewed until tender and all of the other veggie dishes complimented everything so well. There was just one waitress at the time so the vibes are pretty laid back. I didn't feel like they're not trying to rush you at all! I'll definitely be back here!

    I ordered the Adey Meat Combo from Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant via UberEats while visiting…read moreSeattle, and wow--I'm so glad I did! The combo came with a beautiful spread of veggies--cabbage, greens, split peas, lentils, and beets--along with the beef wat I selected as my meat. Everything was packed with flavor, perfectly spiced, and the portion size was just right. The presentation was thoughtful even through delivery, which is not always the case with takeout. One of the best parts? They offer gluten-free injera! That made the whole experience even better. The price itself was very fair for the amount of food you get, but like most delivery apps, the UberEats fees made the total much higher than expected. Still, the quality and flavor made it worth it. I'd love to visit Adey in person to get the full experience and ambiance when I'm here again! Since I was in town for work and too tired to go out, I specifically looked for a Black-owned restaurant that delivered, and I'm so happy I found Adey. Delicious food, great portions, and care put into every detail--I'll definitely order again next time I'm in Seattle!

    Photos
    Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant
    Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant - Combined veggie and meat combo into one for us

    Combined veggie and meat combo into one for us

    Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant - Inside

    See all

    Inside

    Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie combo platter

    Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant

    4.4(126 reviews)
    3.1 miCentral District

    Good food, good service, the parking situation could be a little better, especially for when it…read moregets busy. I do think the first time I came my portion was a bit small, and the 2nd to 3rd time the injera was cold but other than that flavor is there, I love when they have music playing, and love when all the uncles come out. Makes the atmosphere a lot better. I'll definitely be back for that kitfo!!!

    I came on a Sunday and this place was busy. Street parking only and it can be a little difficult…read more The restaurant is pretty big with a whole bar side in the back. The service was a little slow, but again, it was busy and there were only two people taking orders and serving. With this in mind, our food came out relatively fast. The bathroom area was also a little neglected during this busy rush with none of the sinks having paper towels, so I had to use napkins at the table to dry my hands while waiting for our food. I got an Ethiopian beer, the Zagol combo, and the lamb yebeg tibs. Everything was flavorful and paired well with the injera. The portions were pretty generous. Our meal came with 3 side injera on top of the injera plating all the veggies and meat. Between two people, we had leftovers, but a lot of it is a the injera used for plating. I wish the zagol combo had one more meat option in it, but the addition of the lamb dish was perfect. Definitely try the lamb yebeg tips because it was my favorite out of all, and we got it spicy. There's also a meat combo option on the menu as well if more meat is wanted. The beer is light and paired well with the bold flavors of these dishes. Overall I would come back again. A lot of tables had tea and I would like to try that next time.

    Photos
    Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant
    Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat combo

    Meat combo

    Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant - Walia Ethiopian Lager

    See all

    Walia Ethiopian Lager

    Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant - BBQ Special, $28.50 - 4.5 Stars

    Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant

    4.1(217 reviews)
    3.1 miCentral District
    $$

    Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant is an institution having been in the Seattle area for 30+ years. Now…read moreonwards to its second generation in the family, Meskel is now in an area that is dotted by many other Ethiopian restaurants. They remind an OG steward in a building that incidentally looks like a family house with an interior decorated with Ethiopian art. With much competition nearby, Meskel was sadly quiet on the day we went. The proprietor was nonetheless enthusiastic with new customers to her restaurant. Per her recommendation, we ordered their popular items listed at the top of their food menu. Side note: They do not offer a meat combo, unlike many other Ethiopian restaurants. The Food: Their injera (spongy bread) is impeccable with a potent sourdough taste. Despite having had many injera in the past, theirs stood out in this regard and is incredibly flavorful as is. Unfortunately, if one doesn't like sourdough bread, this could be problematic. Each entrée includes a full-size piece of injera. BBQ Special, $28.50 - 4.5 Stars Aromatic berbere-infused steak is slow cooked and paired with peppers and onions. This dish is served in a ceramic warmer with a small piece of charcoal underneath. Hubby said he liked this better than the typical meat combo. Vegetable Combination, $25 - 4 Stars The photo's veggie combo included veggies that are served with the BBQ Special, possibly just the salad, not sure. This combo with eight variants is modest compared to other restaurants both in terms of variants and portions of each. I commonly see ten variants in the veggie combo with bigger portions for each. Looking at older posted photos, the original portions are indeed bigger. I'll chalk it off to inflation. While the flavors of each are good, overall, this combo did not compare as well as others I have had.

    Such great service!! The owner does it all, she cooks and serves and even has great conversation…read morewith all her guests. This place is amazing. The food was so delicious and unique to me. Local owned place, go support. This was my first time having Ethiopian food and I loved it. It's served "family style" and portions are large. She gets all her spices shipped to her from family in Ethiopia.

    Photos
    Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant
    Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant
    Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant - Food Menu

    See all

    Food Menu

    Alem Restaurant - ethiopian - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...