Very casual Ethiopian restaurant with a solid menu of very authentic dishes that come in very large portions I came here for dinner with my fiancé and we early could have split one of the entrees between the 2 of us. Also, they really don't skip on the meat here which I love. Food was very tasty The place is also attached to a small Ethiopian coffee shop that also has a variety of desserts read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

After hearing so much buzz about the Ethiopian food scene in DC, I eagerly came to Dama based on a recommendation from a friend to check out the hype. As a verdict: Dama is so good that I find myself craving for it the very next day. Each dish is served in a sizable portion with the meat and veggies deliciously spiced and seasoned, all served on top of the soft pillowy bed of injera. Our group shared four different dishes: Special Veggies Combo, Fish Goulash, Lamb Alicha, and Lamb Tibs. We couldn't stop eating, but we also couldn't finish the food despite our best effort. Considering the quantity and quality of what you get, the price-point is more than reasonable. Service can be slow, likely because all dishes were served at once, so don't go there famished. We waited about half an hour before our food arrived, but once it did, it was worth the wait. The injera is refillable, which is awesome since it paired very well with all of the curries and cubed meat of each dish. There's a small parking lot in front of the shop, and it was easy for us to find parking there around dinner time. I'd happily go there again on my next trip to DC. read more

See all

Came by as a party of 2 on a Monday lunch. The restaurant is super spacious and gives a family dining room feel, decorated with family pictures honoring the late father of the business owner. The food was delicious - we got the meat platter, and it was enough for the both of us place a couple more meals! Super delicious and freshly cooked. A huge perk is the injera is 100% gluten free, which is not always easy to find. The family running the restaurant was so kind. The only downside is parking. We were lucky enough to get one of the few spots available - not sure how the restaurant gets full with so few parking spots! read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Meat Combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

What a spectacular restaurant set in the Arlington-Fort Myer, and Pentagon footprint! I was incredibly fortunate to have stumbled upon Dama Pastry and Restaurant while I was in town for work and want to share my experience here with other inquisitive diners wishing to experience something novel. From the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Dama Pastry and Restaurant was no more than a stone-throw a way which made it an ideal dining choice for me. After arriving to town that day and settling in at the lodging accommodation, I soon found myself rather famished. Not the one to simply settle for the dining options and venues at the hotel, I wanted to explore the local cuisine. Almost immediately, Dama grabbed my attention when I did a quick search using Google maps. The restaurant sits off of Columbia Pike (Rte 244) at the corner of South Oak Street. The parking situation at the establishment is limited, with 4 spots in the front of the restaurant, while the side of the restaurant has several spots (definitely consider this if you're coming here with a large party). Dama Bakery and Restaurant has 3 distinct sections. There is the bakery (left; make sure you don't walk into the extreme left of the building as it is a salon), the market (in the middle), and the restaurant (right); you can also walk freely from one section to another as they are all connected on the inside. I happened to enter through the bakery from which the staff happily guided me to the restaurant section. Here, I was met with a welcoming host. The setting and ambiance were fairly modest with some portrait hangings that shed light on the history and culture of the establishment and cuisine. This along with the plain-straight forward menu was a refreshing change to the colorful, extravagant decor and menu pamphlets that can sometimes be overstimulating. Although not my first time having Ethiopian food, I still required some assistance and recommendations from the host. Again, the menu descriptions were straight forward and to the point however it contained culturally named items that I was not familiar with. The host was more than gracious and patient to explain these items and make her recommendations based on my preferences. After relatively quick deliberation, I submitted my choices and eagerly awaited the entree. The dish I ended up ordering was the Awaze Tibs. As I waited, I reflected and attempted to recall my previous experience with Ethiopian cuisine. Whilst I remembered the occasion and venue, I did not specifically have any take aways from the meal other than the fact that I simply enjoyed it. When the meal was delivered, my eyes were the first to feast on the platter. While simple in plating and presentation, the notion that the meal was infused with flavor was immediately apparent from the colorful notes that coated the beef cubes and slides while chopped green jalapenos added another splash of color. On the side was a freshly prepared house salad. All of this sat over the injera that met with the circumference of the aluminum plate like a perfectly sized placemat. The meal was paired with more injera that was carefully folded like a crepe ready to be unfurled for enjoyment. Followed by my taste buds, I could have not asked for anything more exhilarating to kick off my work-visit. The spice and aroma paired perfectly to provide a beautiful symphony that played out in my mouth. Eating with just my hands (this is the way), I enjoyed every bite of the beef as it paired with the delightfully sour-y injera. Having some bites with the fresh jalapeno, and some with the house salad, I ate until my belly could no longer - and even then I craved more. I continued to eat the injera that soaked up the juices and stew of the Awaze. Finally, after I was physically and spiritually satisfied, I surveyed the completed platter in a victorious gaze. What a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend to anyone staying at the Sheraton to give this place a try - there is no reason not to - as well as anyone in the Arlington area. It is a 100% must! read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Awaze Tibs - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

See all

Came to this family owned spot while getting my tires changed next door. I ordered the doro wot (chicken) and coffee. The doro wot was amazing, but the coffee wasn't as tasty as the coffee I've had at other Ethiopian restaurants in the area. The server was super nice and the food came out quickly. The decor was reminiscent of a local mom and pop spot and there were several families eating there when I visited. I'll definitely come back for the food! read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Doro Wot - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

See all

The pros: - excellent buffet options during lunch, with all of the traditional Ethiopian veggie sides (red lentils, yellow split peas, cabbage, potatoes, collards and more) - unlimited enjera bread The cons: - Tibs are basically inedible. They use the roughest, chewiest (see: cheapest) cuts of meat that have visible fat chunks on them and, even then, the dish is more than half jalepenos, onions, and tomatoes. A complete waste of $20 I would be ecstatic to find this place if I were vegetarian, but it's a definite skip if you're looking to eat meat read more

I would highly recommend Dama! We shared the vegetarian combo and vegan tibs. Being vegetarian, I hadn't had Tibs before so I was so excited that Dama had vegan Tibs! The Vegan Tibs definitely lived up to my expectations. The flavors were delicious and the veggie combo was also excellent. The ambiance was great and the service was pretty fast! The restaurant wasn't too busy on a Friday night so not sure if you need a reservation. Overall I really enjoyed trying out the food at Dama! I also didn't get a chance to try them, but they have so many vegan alternatives of the typical meat dishes at other Ethiopian restaurants so I definitely want to come back to try out more. read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Vegan Tibs Vegetarian Combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Came here mid-afternoon with a friend who has been many times. It's an unassuming but comfortable place. I had the vegetarian combo and wow! Everything was excellent. Way too much for me to eat so I had plenty to take home for later. read more

I catered food for my daughter who is in college( for a birthday). The food was rated 10/10. The pastry was amazing. All The menu is thoughtfully designed, featuring a variety of delicious, hearty meals. The flavors are vibrant, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients . From comforting classics to innovative dishes, there's something for everyone. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring you won't leave hungry, and the meal options are both nutritious and indulgent, making it easy to find the right balance. The cake is a standout feature, especially for those celebrating special occasions or just in need of a sweet treat. It's rich and flavorful, providing the perfect end to any meal. Delivery is prompt and reliable. You can count on your order arriving on time, making it a convenient choice for families who are ordering from out of state. In short, Dama Restaurant combines fantastic food, great portion size. Whether you're dining in or ordering for delivery, the experience is sure to impress! read more

I have not been a customer of the bakery, but am a regular at the restaurant. The food is excellent -- the addition of savory beets to the veggie combo was a delight. An amazing flavor with none of the cloying sweetness of beets elsewhere. The staff are fantastic and friendly. They seem to genuinely care about you enjoying the food. When our son comes home from college (he's on spring break), Dama is on a very short list of must-get-to restaurants. read more

all the people there are so sweet and kind they treat you like family their cake is so moist and delicious I recommend the mango chocolate cake the most read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I seek out Ethiopian food wherever I am, since I don't have much opportunity to eat it near home and it's one of my favorite cuisines! This restaurant did not disappoint. My friend and I split the vegetarian combo and added both the vegan tibs and the vegan doro wat. Everything was delicious, and we were particularly impressed by their vegan protein. I also enjoyed my ginger tea and had a slice of the coffee velvet cake for dessert, and my friend enjoyed her coffee. Our server was very attentive and service was great. If you're in the area, I would highly recommend trying this restaurant. read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

See all

Nasty, disgusting, unsanitary. Got a cake, but it was full of flies. They just kept on coming out from the middle of the cake. read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Flies laid eggs in the cake - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

We had cookies and pastries plus a tiramisu-all vegan and super delicious!! Very friendly excellent service reasonable prices. read more

I love coming here for the meat and veggie special. I could eat it every day for a month! The way the parking lot is set up can make it a little difficult to park but if you go during non-peak hours you should have no problem. read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Meat Combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

This restaurant has been my longtime favorite for years. Whether I'm eating in or taking out the food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and just plain delicious! My favorites are the Asa (fish) dulet and the awaze lamb tibs. The bakery goods are top tier and cannot leave without the Tiramisu! I also love the market side and always leave with some injera and spices for my home. This is a small restaurant with a lot of love inside and I will always patronize whenever I can. read more

Absolutely the best Ethiopian! Fresh and flavorful. Friendly service. Very welcoming.

Wow! What a cool spot I'm glad I found. Great latte and had the cookies from the bakery. They are fresh and delicious. Great vibe.

If you're seeking a culinary adventure that will leave you speechless, look no further than Dama. From the moment I stepped through the door, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance was warm and inviting with a lovely aroma of incense. Every dish was a masterpiece, a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. We ordered the awaze tibs and the vegetable combo. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the food at Dama brought tears to my eyes. It was that good. It was the kind of experience that makes you grateful to be alive. read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

This is a family fav! Its our go-to place for authentic Ethiopian food (restaurant part). absolutely love the wide selection of veggie options - we usually get the veggie combo and vegan tibs. tho i recommend ordering ahead of time bc they get lots of business and it can be along wait sometimes. the pastry/cafe next door is great too- they have lots of began options that actually taste good considering they are vegan we cant wait to visit Dama again! read more

I did myself a huge disservice by not coming to this restaurant sooner. I had tried to go in the past.. but it was always busy...too busy for me to even get a parking space. I guess that should have been a sign for me to keep trying!! Clearly I was missing out. Anywho, I ordered the Awaze tibs (my fav) and veggie combo to go, and it was some of the best Ethiopian I've had in Arlington! Everything was seasoned well, and the tibs weren't in a pool of oil like you may get at some other restaurants, but they weren't dry either. They were just right! The Veggie combo comes with Gomen (collard greens), Atakilt wot (cabbage, carrots, potato), Misir wot (red lentils), Kik alicha (yellow split peas), Shiro (ground split peas), and a green salad. I highly recommend ordering a meat dish and the veggie combo so that you can get a little taste of everything.. especially if you're a first timer! I didn't try any of their pastries or coffee this time around, but I'll definitely be back! read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Awaze tibs to go - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Dama is my favorite Ethiopian spot in Arlington. I've never had a bad meal here--in fact, every meal has been great. This is a perfect place for vegans and vegetarians to get a hearty, flavorful meal that isn't just a menu afterthought. You won't miss meat or dairy if you get the vegetable platter. There are also good meat selections if that's what you're looking for. A vegetarian sampler and 1-2 meat dishes will be more than enough for two people. Low contact pickup was very easy. They also have a nice, covered outdoor seating area if that's what you're looking for. The parking lot is small and tight so pickup might be the way to go, though. Tip generously! read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - The exterior. - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

From the sweet servers who were so kind to our toddler, to the promo and polite service, to the delicious meal, to the desserts to-go! Every step of the evening was bliss and magical. After a long day of sightseeing we ran back to our hotel room and then walked over to this little place, which is not so little of you count the bakery, the store and the dining room! We had the vegetarian combo and the beef tibs as suggested by many on YELP and we were thrilled to eat to our hearts content! One bite after the next, and the perfect setting for our toddler to join in on the meal! We will keep this place on our list when we return to DC in the future! Thanks to the sweet servers for treating us newbies like family and for dotting on our sweet baby! read more

See all

Of all the area Ethiopian restaurants I've tried, this may have been the most Ethiopian of them. Between all the employees and customers in the three interlocking businesses (restaurant, store, cafe), I think I was the only non-Amharic speaker there. The limited parking outside was about half taxi-cabs (kids, this is what they had before Uber). The cuisine is typical of what you'd get at any such restaurant, with the unusual extra step of offering fake meat versions of some of their dishes to expand the vegetarian portfolio beyond the usual, and their desserts. I did not try either of those things, though their cakes sound awfully good. A veggie combo yielded most of the things I like: lentils, split peas, and cabbage; I also do like when a little fresh salad is included between the various sautees and stews. The ginger and chili powder flavors came through, and plenty of injera both under the stews and on the side made it easy to eat. The ginger tea I ordered arrived as very hot ginger water with a Lipton tea bag; an interesting way of going about things, but a spicy and tasty one in the end. There was also some sort of buffet situation going on, but I was directly offered the main menu, and ordering something vegetarian seemed wise. It wasn't the nicest building, and parking is a bit of a hassle, but I'd be happy to return, particularly to shop at their little store or indulge in a dessert. read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Ginger tea - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

See all

I love this place. Parking can be tight, but worth it. Get the awaze tibs and veggie platter. Haven't tried the desserts, but everything looks delicious. Will always be a neighborhood favorite spot! read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Whenever I'm in the DMV I make sure to stop by Dama. I really like the vibe of the restaurant/coffee shop. It's super casual and has authentic Ethiopian food. Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or meat eater Dama has something for you. It also has a wide variety of pastries to choose from. The staff can recommend what sells best. read more

See all

Enmeshed with a bakery and coffee shop the Dama Restaurant serves a up a delicious bit of ethnic grit. It's the Ethiopian equivalent of Panera Bread. Their customer service is a delight. Late on a Monday night, I walked in to find groups of old men sitting around talking. The barista was counting her drawer so asked if it was too late to see the menu. She pointed me to the door leading to the bakery. Through it was another woman at the counter and I asked the same thing. She pointed me to the door of the restaurant and invited me to have a seat. Recognizing it was my first time she explained the menus to me quite patiently as I was slightly confused. Much of the menu described food I have never heard of some of it was in another language. I asked about the vegetarian options and what is spicy and she guided me to the Vegetarian Combo. I only waited five or so minutes for my food. I learned how to dip the injera flat bread instead of using utensils. My to-go plate was filled by the varieties of the vegetarian combo: Misir Wot, Kirk Alicha, Yatakilt Wot, Gomez Wot and Shiro Wot. Some of the plate was like a garden salad, some of it savory, some sweet and some spicy. I'm not an expert yet and there's no way I can tell you which each of those are but it was a well rounded meal, until next time. read more

I'll confess, I haven't yet become a fan of Ethiopian food. I'll say that on me because I know so many who love it including my wife. Dama is especially friendly to vegans and vegetarians which is awesome! They even have meat analogues for options which I've never seen in ethiopian before. My favorite was the Vegan Tibis- chunks of seitan in s delicious tomato sauce! Big winner! The other one I liked was Yatikilt Wot- as the recipe says "a delicious blend of cabbage, potatoes, carrots and onion". They also have a great selection of vegan baked goods- cake and cookies! Fluffy and light frosting! Moist cake! Very good, worth a trip. read more

See all

My first time getting Ethiopian food and I was not disappointed. Really good food and very hospitable. Would 100% come back and telling friends to try this. read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Tibs - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

If you're looking for an Ethiopian restaurant in the area, this is definitely the place to go! We had a delicious meal here that left us having to roll out of the door from how full we were. While everything we got was delicious, my personal favorite was the Awaze Tibs. A little tangy and full of flavor! The staff was very friendly and helpful as we tried to figure out what to order. Until next time, I'll be dreaming of more of those tibs. read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant is a true gem in Arlington's Foxcroft Heights neighborhood. A short walk from the Air Force Memorial, this family-owned Ethiopian restaurant is a market and bakery too. It opened in 1980 and quickly became a staple for Arlington's Ethiopian community. They sell all the usual suspects as well as Ethiopian coffee. However, they also sell large cakes, gluten-free cookies and fresh bombolonis, a frosting less, less-sweet doughnut. For under $3, it was the best fried doughnut I've had ever. read more

Delicious food and wonderful service. Enjoyed the vegetarian platter and multiple vegan desserts. The fruit Bavarian cake was amazing. Will definitely be back. read more

I have tried several Ethiopian restaurants in the DMV and this one has the best food so far. Sometimes with Ethiopian restaurants all the food tends to have the same taste but the cook does a great job. Every dish has a unique flavorful taste. Additionally, the meat was cooked to a tender level. The only reason that I did not give it all the stars is because I think that they should work on the ambiance of the place. I looks a bit plain and old and a bit unattractive to customers who want to dine in, instead of doing carry out read more

See all

What a treat. Food was authentic, delicious. Takeout on a Friday night didn't take more than 20 minutes. Also easy to navigate from an allergies perspective: no nuts in the food and eggs are only used in the chicken. We ordered the veggie combo, kitfo, and awaze tibs for three which left us enough for leftovers! read more

my husband and I have been going to Dama since the beginning, but nothing worth more than taking my kids back to Dama and seeing the owners treat us as if we are part of their family! it was nice to go back and see you them all!! Thank you for your hospitality!!! read more

This was my first experience with Ethiopian and we were not disappointed. The food and service was amazing. It was full of locals, so you know it is good! We will be back. read more

This is my family's favorite Ethiopian restaurant! We come often and especially during lent since they have an amazing special. Everything is delicious! I definitely recommend getting a meat platter and the veggie combo. You won't be disappointed. Like I said, we come during lent a lot and tried out their cakes as well. Wow! Sooo good. I could survive being vegan if I lived at Dama :) read more

Dama Pastry and Restaurant - Shiro, vegan tibs, veggie combo special, fitfit - Ethiopian Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

See all

EXCELLENT Ethiopian food and GREAT vegan options include their veggie combo, lentil samosa, homemade mock meat dishes & vegan cakes!!!! It's a community gathering spot and makes me happy to see people enjoying the company of those they know. They've been around 23 years. read more

What a find! Delicious, authentic Ethiopian food served hot and flavorful. The atmosphere is nothing to write home about, but warm, welcoming, attentive service, and a large, diverse menu of appetizing choices, each dish exceeding expectations, made for a great and inexpensive dinner out with friends! read more

Delicious Ethiopian food. Eat here. I usually get the veggie combo. I've had cake and baklava from the bakery and they were good.