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    Cafe Aurora

    4.1 (156 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Cafe Aurora Photos

    Business Info

    CAFE AURORA ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Aurora

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    Reviews With Photos

    Tea
    John H.

    This was my first time trying this type of food, and it was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend giving the tea a try! When I walked in, Sesen assisted me and gave me a great walkthrough of what to try and eat. She didn't disappoint. I hope to visit this area again and will definitely be back to try more!

    Katie Q.

    Delicious food and a large menu. Portions were large and filling. The cafe itself is very small and cramped, leading to a less-than-private feel to dining as the table next to us was so close it felt like we may have been dining with them too. Service was a little slow but we weren't in a rush so there was no reason to speed through lunch.

    Jennifer N.

    Coffee Shop No. 382 June 17, 2024 Cafe Aurora Alexandria, VA The Land of Commin Sense. Any cafe that sells coffee obviously has common sense in my book. Cafe Aurora is an Eritrean cafe tucked in the back corner of a small strip mall. The smiling lady at the counter said, "No cortado, but I make a delicious cappuccino." How could I turn her down? Not only did the woman make a visually beautiful cappuccino it tasted good too! If I wasn't a cortado fanatic this cappuccino might have swayed to Team Cappuccino. Luckily, I sat next to a lovely young lady named Eden and her family is from Eritrean. She graciously told me about Eritrean; which is a country I had never heard until today. The world is full of friendly amazing people and cultures. I hope you meet someone new today who is as friendly and as beautiful as Eden.

    Katrina G.

    Delicious breakfast and lovely staff! I would recommend trying Cafe Aurora if you are in the neighborhood.

    a take out container of chicken wings
    Singi D.

    I've been to this place a few times and really enjoy interesting breakfast dishes. I Normally like egg silsi (scrambled eggs, tomatoes, spices,) Today I tried Kitcha fitfit (Eritrean bread, red pepper, spices, beef with yogurt), which is pictured below. This is a very small establishment. Unfortunately, mask requirement posted on the front door was not enforced. Staff was wearing masks, none of the patrons who walked in and out if the restaurant was. It was packed, tables were not distanced. This place is so small, they'd have 2 tables if they distanced. So I'm surprised they are not "take out only" for safety. However, I ordered take out, stood outside till they waved me back in to pick up. Given the distancing issue inside, I'm surprised they don't have a pickup table set outside vs. Making me come in to the restaurant. I'll definitely continue to order delivery and support this small business that produces flavorful authentic dishes. Staff was very kind as usual.

    Decor
    Kira W.

    The food is amazing! I ordered the QLWA beef and it was flavorful! They bring out the Enjera bread which was a super-soft tortilla-looking bread. The service there was great! We had a little one with us and the server (I'm assuming may be the owner) was very accommodating with making a meal for him. She offered him some rice with shiro b tzahli. Also, you must eat with your fingers! Eritrean food is mostly eaten with fingers! Will be definitely BW visiting this place again!

    The full is delicioussssss!
    Mekdela T.

    May have found my favorite Ethiopian breakfast spot!! I meannn when my Ga'at came out in a star shaped form I was impressed. It was so good, just what I needed! It honestly felt like home. A group of 7 of us came for brunch one afternoon, the place is a bit small, so don't go too crazy with the invites. The service was great. Our food came out in a timely manner, we ordered about 12 dishes....not lying. My favorite dishes: Ga'at, injera fir fir, and the full! We all left happy and full! I'll definitely be back. Also, be sure to grab a latte or cappuccino. The coffee is amazing!

    French toast w eggs and coffee

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    6 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

    Incredible. Folded eggs were amazing. Breakfast Balance sampler was amazing, so if you don't know what to get, start with that! 10/10 coffee

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Best Food in the area! The breakfast is a hit. Also, very family environment and nice hospitality.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    2 years ago

    It was great to try a new style of food. The staff was very helpful and explained the menu.

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    The service was super slow and took forever to do everything but overall food was great and staff super friendly !

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    4 years ago

    Amazing amazing food. Cannot recommend highly enough. So so good. Lovely, casual atmosphere

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    7 years ago

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    Page 1 of 4

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    Dalia's African Cuisine - Supposed to be (4) Meat Pies!

    Dalia's African Cuisine

    4.3(59 reviews)
    28.3 mi

    I was craving something rich, spicy, and flavorful, and African cuisine immediately came to mind. I…read moredecided to stop by for lunch, and it was honestly the best decision! I ordered the jollof rice and oxtail -- both were cooked to absolute perfection. The flavors were bold, rich, and exactly what I was hoping for. There was a bit of a wait for the main course, but it was definitely worth it. No complaints at all -- just delicious food and a satisfying experience. God bless Africa! P.S our waiter was awesome as well!

    TERRIBLE SERVICE AND UNDER COOKED BLOODY CHICKEN - FOR THE PRICE!…read more I was excited about trying the cuisine, so I ordered online a few signature dishes. The cost was around 140 dollars for 4 dishes and some meat pies. The cost was not an issue until we opened the bags to partake in the food. The first thing we tried were the meat pies, that they seemed to just toss in a plastic bag (see photos attached). Terrible presentation, but the pies were tasty. The second dish we tried was the JERK CHICKEN - as soon as you cut into the meat - it squirted a mixture of blood and spices! (see photos attached). The third dish we tried was the (2) orders of OXTAILS - they were delicious, however for the price point to get 3 small pieces of oxtail was disappointing. Finally we tried the BANKU with Tilapia - very good, the fish was cooked thru and the spices and veggies were on point. The sides on all the dishes were nicely seasoned and delicious-plantains, coleslaw, rice and peas and joloff rice. The other blaring issue is customer service and decent communication. I ordered this meal thru the online tool, who notified me when to pickup the food - 3:09 pm was the time, I was there at 3:10 pm. I did not get my order until 3:45 pm! I watched as two customers who clearly ordered after me receive their orders. Of course I inquired when I entered the establishment and the owner assured me just a few minutes- they cook the fish to order. No problem, I want my food freshly prepared. So 30 minutes in I approach again, mind you I have not left the establishment, and was told they had burned the fish and needed to prepare it again. Why not communicate to your customers that there was a problem- instead of having me sit there not knowing what the heck is going on!?!? Now you must be asking yourself - after about an hour and a half from order to pickup- why was the JERK CHICKEN a bloody mess? Especially since you had more time to prepare everything!! TERRIBLE Service! Food under cooked and price points don't match food quantity or quality! (clearly, I am not the first customer with this issue). Please DO BETTER - it is nice to see after 15 years of residency in this area this genre of culture and cuisine, but the way you're going will cause you to be closed down.

    Photos
    Dalia's African Cuisine
    Dalia's African Cuisine - Bloody Jerk Chicken!

    Bloody Jerk Chicken!

    Dalia's African Cuisine - Oxtail Stew with Rice.

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    Oxtail Stew with Rice.

    Swahili Village - The Consulate DC - Beef Stew Nyama Mchuzi

    Swahili Village - The Consulate DC

    4.3(403 reviews)
    7.7 miDowntown
    $$$

    Finally got an opportunity to dine here. Ive had the food catered before and this time I was able…read moreto try in house. The establishment itself is quite dated. The awning outside needs refurbishment and inside furniture is not updated. It's dark inside, almost like a night club. Perhaps it is sometimes. I did not like the decor, it was a little run down and honestly did not match up to the prices. The service was also disappointing. I felt that staff lacked a bit of professionalism and they rarely checked on us. The plates are huge. That is a plus. My partner ordered the goat and I tried the red snapper. I think one plate is big enough to share. I like the spinach, but everything needed a bit of salt. While the red snapper was coated in a lovely tomato and red pepper gravy, I felt it made the crispyness of the fried fish disappear and it was kind of soggy. Maybe you can ask for the gravy on the side. The food is not bad, but given the physical establishment and the service I wouldn't return.

    First time trying this spot and the food was really good. The suya was tender and you could tell it…read morewas grilled, though I wish it had a bit more seasoning. I ordered the "Mother Land" cocktail--it was very strong but still sweet and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the service was a big letdown. Our server wasn't attentive, barely checked on us, and put our order in incorrectly. I ended up waiting a long time for my partner's food, and by the time it arrived, mine was cold. The space itself is super cute, I loved the afrobeats music and the overall vibe is great. While the food was good, I just wish the service had matched it for a better overall experience.

    Photos
    Swahili Village - The Consulate DC - Decor in dining room

    Decor in dining room

    Swahili Village - The Consulate DC - Grilled Goat -Mbuzi Kaanga // Spinach + Jollof Rice

    Grilled Goat -Mbuzi Kaanga // Spinach + Jollof Rice

    Swahili Village - The Consulate DC - Lamb Chops w Jollof Rice and Spinach

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    Lamb Chops w Jollof Rice and Spinach

    Rahama Restaurant & Catering - Egushi- everything tasted funky. Fish was dry with a weird taste, and beef was dry af.

    Rahama Restaurant & Catering

    3.4(82 reviews)
    6.2 mi
    $$

    DO NOT ORDER FROM THEM! Would give this place zero stars if…read moreI could. I ordered online. On their system just wanting Fufu and egusi and a meat pie. Didn't think anything of it because i like to support local restaurants snd was happy to give money to them. However, I thought it was weird that their delivery was $10. Proceeded anyway. Only to find out 45 mins later thay my driver got there and said they didnt have the order bc their system isnt set up or fufu. My driver said she hates working with them bc they always make you wait. I asked for pounded yams as a substitute. They said they dont sell that there. Even though its on their website. They said theyd give me jolly rice for free too. When my order finally arrived I didnt get my meat pie, ir the jolly rice.. Lastly food is not great. Beef and fish were dry. Everything had a weird taste. Waste of $38. Especially, because it shouldve only been like $25 Extremely disappointed.

    Terrible service. I went back hoping to update my 2017 review and well, that didn't go well…read more I walked in at 1:00P and gave my order however, the cashier didn't enter it and tuned into a conversation taking place behind me. I said hello to get his attention and placed the order again, he scratched his head and tuned back into the conversation behind me... I left and placed my ordered online from my car at 1:10P. The order received text said my order would be ready at 1:40P. I ran an errand and returned at 1:50P. A different cashier from the firsr said the order would be ten (10) minutes. I asked why and he said it takes twenty (20) minutes to make... I questioned the time as I placed the order at 1:10P and he simply said "Yes, it will be ten minutes more." I asked if the order could be canceled and he said it could not... I left. An hour for takeaway is crazy. Best of luck if you try it.

    Photos
    Rahama Restaurant & Catering - Menu

    Menu

    Rahama Restaurant & Catering - Egusi

    Egusi

    Rahama Restaurant & Catering

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    Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant - Awaze chicken and dereck tibs

    Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant

    4.6(702 reviews)
    3.8 miOld Town Alexandria
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Minority-owned & operated

    There are a lot of hip new Ethiopian places in DC. This Alexandria spot has been around a long…read moretime, and feels like it, for better or for worse. More for better in my opinion. The online ordering system was a bit baffling. There were a million boxes to check when I ordered a veggie combo, but it wasn't clear whether, for example, a drink was included or whether I had any actual choice of vegetables. I left it mostly alone. Their menu is varied. I had three different choices of sambusas, the fried savory pastry, and their mixed vegetable one had potatoes, green beans, and a distinctive sour spice mix. A more conventional spicy lentil creation also fit the bill. Getting a veggie combo to go left me with a bunch of small containers, each with a delightfully distinctive option. You'll get a wonderfully balanced meal this way, with many colors, flavors and textures. I opted to spend extra money to get 100% teff injera (this flatbread is usually made with a mix of Ethiopian grain and regular wheat when you order it at restaurants), which was spongy and a bit too crumbly for my liking. Gluten-free diners, and indeed most people with special dietary needs, will rejoice.

    Words cannot express how much I love this place. My friends and I have been here three times so…read morefar, and every time the food is exceptional, service is kind, warm and welcoming, and the ambiance is very calm and relaxing. Hawwi is such an absolute gem in our neighborhood. Prices are extremely reasonable, and the portions are huge! They are also extremely family friendly. I really appreciated that they had small actual silverware and mini bottles of water for kids. My favorite dishes are so far their lentil sambusas, the vegan sampler and the tilapia. The baklava is also absolutely out of this world. Please if you are in the neighborhood, visit this place. They will make you feel like family! I even used some of my leftovers for my daughters school lunch the next day, and she ate it all!

    Photos
    Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant - #17 surrounded by a veggie sampler!  Tasty....

    #17 surrounded by a veggie sampler! Tasty....

    Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant - Super combo sampler! Sooo delicious

    Super combo sampler! Sooo delicious

    Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant - Vegan sampler!

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    Vegan sampler!

    Spice Kitchen West African Grill - Spice Wing Plate

    Spice Kitchen West African Grill

    4.5(238 reviews)
    12.7 mi
    $$

    UberEats review…read more Service: given the distance of the restaurant, the order took a bit long but it was packaged well so nothing spilled and the food was still still fresh and warm. Dish: I ordered the spice wings with a side of jollof rice and spinach Efo-Riro. OMG! So let's start with the wings, the flavor on these wings were the right balance between rich spices and touch of sweetness. There was a hint of honey lingering on my tongue after it was greeted by a strong spicy flavor. Adding to this, the wings were fried to perfection with crispy skin resting on the top and smooth white meat down to the bone. AMAZING! The jollof rice was stellar! And while I do not know much about the perfect preparation for this dish to review if this is the best, I've had a few from various West African countries and can say that this one had that grainy texture with just the right spices mixed in. The spinach efo-riro was SO good. I honestly could have had a plate of this by itself and my taste buds would still be pleased. Overall, this place is very generous with their serving sizes. Well portioned, beautifully prepared, seasoned to perfection, and a sure trip down culture lane! I enjoyed it so much.

    I tried the salmon with jollof rice and spinach. I'd always wanted to try it, but I'm not sure I…read moreliked it. The spinach tasted frozen, and the seasoning was way too overpowering. I probably wouldn't go back. Customer service was good. when I called the woman that answered was very nice and attentive to my questions .

    Photos
    Spice Kitchen West African Grill
    Spice Kitchen West African Grill - Salmon Suya Plate

    Salmon Suya Plate

    Spice Kitchen West African Grill - Salmon Suya Plate

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    Salmon Suya Plate

    Cafe Aurora - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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