I have been to the Bole in St. Paul and the consistency between the restaurant shows just how great an establishment this gem is. I came here with my sister and a friend while visiting home from where I currently live in Miami. There are no Ethiopian restaurants in Miami. None at all! And so every time I am in Minnesota, I HAVE to stop! We ordered the veggie sambusa, my sister and fried got the Ethiopian tea, which also comes with a teabag of English Breakfast on the side in case caffeine is desired, and I ordered the Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Yes, ceremony. The tea is hot and filled with spices and comes in a clear glass mug. For those who have not had Ethiopian coffee before, the coffee is brewed in the same clay container with the grinds and the vessel is then poured straight into a small coffee cup. The vessel has a narrow and long spout to pour out the liquid and not the grounds. It is flavored with different aromatics that I wont even try to identify. Cardamom, maybe? cinnamon? Alongside the coffee is an incense-like natural rock that burns to provide a pleasant and accompanying aroma. The server explained the name but I cannot remember it! It was a perfect introduction to what would transpire to be a great lunch. We ordered also the lunch super vegetable combo platter, which has each of the vegetable dishes laid out on a large plate and my sister and I both got the lunch portion doro wot. The dinner version comes with 2 pieces of chicken whereas the lunch comes with the drummy alone (still plenty of meat!) My friend who has a lower tolerance for spicy food ordered the steak tibs. The tibs came out on a sizzling skillet and each doro wot in an individual dish/bowl. It was a LOT of food but we dug in greedily. The server provided two extra baskets of nijera for us in addition to what came with each dish. Tibs were tender and the smell of toasted rosemary added to the aromas from the tea and coffee ceremony Unlike a foible of some wot/Ethiopian dishes, the doro wot was well emulsified and had no layer of oil, which just highlights the care taken to properly cook the stewed chicken and blend the spices. Needless to say, there were plenty of left overs which were gone within 24 hours at home. Congratulations, West side suburbs! There is a GREAT Ethiopian restaurant in your neck of the woods! No need to haul yourself over to downtown Minneapolis or over the river to St. Paul when you have this great restaurant in your backyard! read more

See all

One of the best dining experiences we had in a long time! Upon entering there, wasn't anyone at the hostess desk so we walked up to the counter and were quickly directed to the last remaining open booth in the restaurant. Our waitress came over and brought us water and menus right away. She asked if it was her first time there and we said yes, and she genuinely got excited about being able to explain the menu and the experience to us. She walked us through the options and made recommendations taking into account our an anticipated spice tolerance. We wanted to try a variety of things so opted for the half-and-half platter, which had three stews and three veggies - even though we were warned it might be a bit spicy. Based on her recommendation, we also got the rolled crispy kitfo roll appetizer. The food was delicious. Each bite had a different flavor and it was balanced well with the salads and veggies to tone down the spice when needed. Our favorites were the lamb stew and the beef stew but as we watched other items get delivered we were clearly making our list for what to try next visit. I can't understate how exceptional the service was. Our waitress was an absolute gem. She kept walked us through the menu, explained the way to eat the food with the injera and kept checking on us, even offering rice if it was too spicy. An extra bonus was we had a lovely couple next to us that had dined at the St. Paul location before and they asked us how we liked it, what our favorite was and also recommended a specific drink for our next visit. The food was great but the service and environment made it stellar. We will absolutely be back...hopefully soon! read more

Bole - Ethiopian Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

Delicious Ethiopian/East African food in a small but cozy vibe. Don't feel embarrassed or shy and ask questions about the food because the service here is very friendly and helpful. And yes, you must use your hands! I got the special so I would try some veggie and meat options. I enjoyed it but I think it would use more salt and spice. For drinks they have both alcohol and nonalcoholic options. I would come back but would pass on the desserts next time. Free street parking or parking in the back. I believe this is the same owners as the Bolé in St. Paul. read more

Bole - Ethiopian Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

See all

Absolutely delicious food. Would come again, very filling. Everyone is welcoming and checks in frequently. Plenty of space to choose from too. Also has bathrooms to wash hands for the customers. read more

See all

We wanted to find an Ethiopian restaurant near us and I think we found a keeper! Bole had a great range of Ethiopian food to try and many great options to share. We really loved their Awaze Tibbs. It had a little bit of heat but the flavor was incredible! Definitely will be going back. read more

See all

Great Ethiopian food in a wine bar setting. Bole is one of my favorite Ethiopian restaurants and I've been to their other locations several times. This was my first time at the Maple Grove location. It's very modern and well-decorated, and the menu and service are very approachable for people new to the cuisine. The dishes we had that night were great, though the cabbage was a little undercooked, and the green beans were sweeter than I'm used to from their other locations. And instead of the food being served on a whole injera, each portion is placed on a cut-out circle for presentation. Coffee comes on a colorful tray with a beautiful pot and a very strong incense that the server said is to create a full experience. I felt the incense overpowered the restaurant - it was the first thing I smelled coming in, and it distracted from the food for me. I probably won't go back to this location just because of that. Overall, it's the same great flavors and service of the other locations with an upscale and approachable twist. I did miss some of the homier and casual elements of the other restaurants, But people new to Ethiopian food will appreciate the chic modern environment with attractive decor and servers. read more

See all

I have fond memories of enjoying Ethiopian food in my college's cafeteria, especially injera. I hadn't had it for many years because for reasons I don't understand, Ethiopian food seems less common than other cuisines in places I've lived. My friend told me about Bole and we came here this afternoon and had a fabulous experience! We shared the veggie plate which had potatoes, chickpeas, two kinds of beets, green beans, potatoes, yellow and red lentils, and mixed greens. My favorites were the red lentils and potatoes, but everything was great. Of course the plate came with a generous portion of injera and was refilled as needed. The injera had cloud like texture and absorbed the sauces perfectly. Friend got tea, which she liked. Even for the two of us, the portions were huge and we took the rest home for leftovers. The desserts at the counter looked amazing but we had no room! Our food was served quickly and paying at the counter was easy. Appreciated having hand sanitizer at the table. The owner, Solomon, is super friendly and welcoming. I believe Solomon said the restaurant has only been open for 7 months and that his family works there (including his wife as the chef). Love supporting local/family owned businesses so we can't wait to come back! BONUS MATERIAL 1) the menu is very veggie friendly! 2) come with a friend or few and share everything! read more

My book club decided to go here and it was amazing! Service was a bit slow but the food was worth the wait. Had the chicken tibs combo...so good! read more

See all

Ethiopian cuisine is one of my favorites and when I learned Bole has a new location in Maple Grove I had to check it out. I met a friend of mine here for dinner after work last week. It was my friends first time trying Ethiopian food and she really loved it. It's a very cute small place with great service and delicious food. The owner explained the menu to us and recommended a few dishes. We tried the beef sambusas, fried chicken wings which the owner wanted us to try. Both delicious but the Chicken wings were so good, perfectly spiced. Will get it again for sure. For entree we got Awaze tibs but with fish and red lentils, yellow lentils and a cabbage dish for sides. The entree came with their traditional bread injira. Everything was so delicious. We had a great experience. We will definitely be back to try more things on the menu. read more

See all

We came on a Sunday afternoon. The place was cozy, clean and comfy. Our server was friendly and helpful with the menu. Food took a while to come. We figured because the place was fairly new. The wait was worth it b/c everything that we ordered tasted amazing! Maple Grove is soo lucky to have this gem! read more

Bole - Ethiopian Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

See all

There were 6 of us and 4 of us shared the Veggie plate, it was delicious. Our 2 grandchildren had the chicken strips with cut fries. We ordered extra fries which were amazingly good! We also shared the tasty Cauliflower bites. I highly recommend going early as it was very busy! Service was excellent! We will go back soon! read more

I ate here for lunch the other day. I had the lamb, lentil, and collard greens options on the lunch special. It was delicious and the server was very helpful. I have had Ethiopian food before but it had been a while. He made some really good suggestions. It was filling yet not a belly bomb. I love finding hidden gems like this one! read more

Everything we had was so flavorful great service wings are a must have ! Price was good to will be back read more

Bole - veg platter got to try a little of everything - Ethiopian Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

See all

I had such a beautiful experience at Bole Ethiopian Cuisine that I literally came back the next day for more. No shame. When something is that good, you honor it. From the moment we walked in, the staff was generous, warm, and genuinely inviting. You can feel when a place operates with heart, and this one absolutely does. Even the owner came out to greet us and have a real conversation not a quick "table touch," but a meaningful exchange that made the experience feel personal and intentional. And the food? Flavorful doesn't even begin to cover it. Every dish was layered, rich, and deeply satisfying. You can taste the care in the spices, the balance, the tradition. It's not just a meal, it's a full cultural experience. If you've never experienced Ethiopian dining before, come ready. The traditional way of eating is communal and specific sharing from the same platter, using injera, being present with your hands and your people. It slows you down in the best way. It invites connection. It turns dinner into something sacred. Bole isn't just serving food. They're offering hospitality, culture, and joy on a platter. I'll absolutely be back. Probably twice. Again. Don't judge me. read more

Has to be the top Ethiopian restaurant in the cities now. Not only was the food outstanding, but the presentation and service are excellent too. Comfortable, casual, and fancy at the same time. Go get your gursha! read more

Bole - Tokkumaa meat platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

We came in for lunch on my Dad's birthday. The owner was a welcoming host and server, and took the time to explain the menu. The food was delicious. My 1.5 year old nephew was with us and the staff was very kind to him. The birthday dessert they gave my Dad was above and beyond! I would recommend this warm and welcoming restaurant to anyone! read more

Bole - Ethiopian Near Me - Maple Grove, Minnesota

So tasty! The vegetarian dishes are my favorite, especially the red lentils which are just the right amount of spicy and the potato/cabbage/carrot dish. Their ingeri is light and airy with a delightful tang. I intend to go back many more times. read more

Excellent food, we tried the sampler and every single dish was delicious! Service was incredibly helpful and attentive. Very nicely decorated as well! read more

First time having Ethiopian food and everybody loved it. The server was amazing-giving us great ideas on how to order a wide combination of food to share and try. It was a great time. The chicken wings alone are mind blowing. The day started out with it being a curiosity to now being a favorite. The restaurant is a great space, very open and inviting with great art work. And try the desserts too - wow! Whoever made those, you are awesome. Thanks to the staff for a great experience- we will be back! read more

Great experience at Bole Ethiopian Restaurant! The food was flavorful and authentic, the ambiance was warm and inviting, and the service was outstanding. Ruth was an incredible server--friendly, attentive, and made us feel truly welcome. Highly recommend! read more

A Magical lunch at Bole maple From the moment we walked in, we felt wrapped in an earthy, inviting embrace -- warm lighting, natural decor, and the faint aroma of spices dancing in the air. The bold flavors of Ethiopian cuisine -- rich, nuanced, and full of character -- were there in every bite, and the generous shareable platters made it feel like a feast! What truly made the day unforgettable, though, was the owner's presence. He served us, shared stories, and seemed to channel a special touch into each dish. (Though I love this place on every visit, that day the food seemed to glow.) Whether you're coming for the food, the culture, or the connection -- this is a must-visit read more