I love Ethiopian food and their spices and flavors! This place has the best Ethiopian food in Cincinnati. I've tried their veggie plate with doro wat and it was amazing seasoned perfectly with good sized portions. The ambiance is great they have so much culture in their restaurant. Service was great it is a family owned business so you will be served with love and care. read more

Habesha - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

See all

No frills Ethiopian restaurant. Of the many Ethiopian restaurants I've been to; this one had very little options. No sambusas, no honey wine, and few options for the platter. Though the options are few; they were still delicious. I got a vegan/ vegetarian platter and all of the items were tasty. read more

Habesha - Beyaynetu (veggie) platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

First time having Ethiopian cuisine. My friend and I had a lovely lunch. No one else dined in during our stay but three pick-up to go came through. Tumeric is one of the star spices and it did not disappoint. If you're interested in trying something new, go try Habesha!!! read more

Wonderful meal here. Quaint little place. I had the beef awaze tibs. Perfectly spiced to make the beef and berebere, tomato, onion, garlic and green peppers dance in my mouth. Just enough food for one person to enjoy by themselves. I'd get another entree if I were out with friends and try something else. Kind service and ample parking. I can't wait to come back!! read more

To the man that was the cook, counter clerk, and waiter: I tip my hat to you. You were doing your best given the circumstance and made our meal enjoyable and, surprisingly, quick. The ambiance is nothing to write home about (think converted day care center- to- restaurant aesthetics), but, face it, that is usually not the reason we go to Ethiopian restaurants. The food is the shining star. Having eaten at many Ethiopian places, this was some of the better food that we've had; certainly, the best in Cincinnati. We created our own meat and veggie sampler and everything was fantastic on it. Don't miss out on the doro wat! read more

Call a head to check hours just in case. The food was delicious and the service was good.

Not a fan. The lady working there was the best part. The food was rather flavorless and we worried about the cleanliness.

Easily the best Ethiopian/Eritrean in town. Also holds its own against out of town places, such as those I've had in DC or Columbus. The owner, Wiubi is a wonderful, caring person, and I cannot recommend her home cooking enough. Beyond the beyaynetu, vegetarians should ask if she has shero/shiro on hand. read more

I ordered take out here last night. I went about a month about supposedly an hour before they closed but I called at first to make sure they were open. They were open for carry out only and a very nice lady took my order over the phone. I have a feeling she was working by herself in the kitchen because the front door was locked when I got there. I called and she said she would come fetch me out in my car when it was ready. So already it's a little bit different, but these are strange times and she was working by herself so she gets full credit for that. She came out and I came in to pay. Took it home and was in love with the food! mine had meat and it was very spicy but still very good and flavorful with plenty of injera to eat with. My friend had the vegetarian one which was less spicy but still just as flavorful. I am definitely going to go back and pick up more food as they have dine in closed right now. Just know that you'll probably need to call to be let in and it will probably take a while. But that's the way it works there. read more

Habesha - Spicy tibs - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

See all

It was wonderful! The food was incredible, so delicious. There was one lady working when we came in, but she welcomed us very warmly, made fresh injera, and was a very attentive host. We'll be back for sure! read more

Habesha - a plate of food on a table - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Within the Cincinnati area there aren't that many Ethiopian choices, but if you are looking for authentic Ethiopian food I would choose this spot. I've had many Ethiopian restaurants within the United States and Ethiopia and Habesha is authentic. Reasonable prices and friendly staff. The location is relatively small, but I ordered To Go and it was ready on time when I arrived. read more

Habesha - Beyaynetu (veggie) - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We used to live in Cincy and would eat here at least once a month. The food is just amazing, and the family who owns it the sweetest. We were visiting relatives in Indianapolis this weekend and drove to Cincy just to eat here and now on the way back I'm already looking forward to whatever my next excuse is to come to this wonderful hidden gem. Habesha needs to be on every Cincy foodie's list! read more

Our current favorite restaurant for ethnic cuisine. We were at first put off by the very plain almost drab (but very clean) interior, but the two dishes we ordered were fantastic! We just can't say enough good things about this modest little restaurant. The server was quick and the staff very friendly. LOVE that they don't give utensils unless you ask for them. Ethiopian food is somehow better when not touched by metal. And it adds a nice touch of authenticity. read more

The food was excellent. Although service and food delivery was extremely slow. Great place to go if not in a hurry. If I came back to Cincinnati I'd go out of my way to come go again. It's kind of a hole in the wall place. Don't expect much in the way of ambiance. read more

We always get takeout and I love their doro wot and vegetarian entree. They supply plenty of injera. I easily get two meals out of one order. read more

Food was delicious... Although beware it doesn't exactly match the menu. We got the vegetarian platter and it said it came with salad and tomato. Nope. I asked and our waiter seemed clueless what I was asking even though it says it on the menu. Service was very slow too. We waited 30+ minutes for our food and another 20+ for our check until we went to the bar to ask. Good alone-5 stars Service-2 stars (and I'm being generous) read more

Habesha - Vegetarian combo and beef in a pepper sauce - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Habesha had been on our radar for a while but was quite a ways from where we live. We happened to be in the area and grabbed carry out. The vegetarian plater was amazing! The injera was delicious and the portions were extremely generous. We'll be back! read more

Eating this I just kept thinking "Why have I never had Ethiopian before??"! And as you're reading this, you shall consider your previous food choices as well... Because man have we all been missing out! Habesha is on the West side of Cincinnati in a small plaza. It's definitely a hole-in-the-wall, not appealing to the eye. But the authenticity of the restaurant pulls it all together. With the art work, the music, the owners, the food, food, and food... Even though I know very little about Ethiopia I find that this place is a good representation when it comes to the style of it all. We did have to wait around a little bit for the service, just because there were very few people working. But my mom and I were in no rush, so we hung out patiently for the lady. Our meal choice for the evening was to split the veggie platter, which is totally enough for two people. It is served in a large dish over top an Ethiopian flatbread (which I believe is naturally gluten-free). From my understanding the veggie platter is vegan other than the cheese section. They had lentils, vegetables, and a few other dips that you eat with the flat bread. It's such a unique experience, not having any utensils but eating simply by picking up the foods with the bread. Such a phenomenal experience, and I 100% recommend it to anyone. read more

Habesha - This is a solid (and super filling) vegetarian platter! - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We are regular takeout customers here, and drive 25 minutes each way to pick up their wonderful meals. It's good, authentic Ethiopian cuisine and the only one in the area--we are lucky to have it. We usually share the awaze tibs (spicy beef) and vegetarian platter. Their misr wat (red lentils) are the best I've tasted, and I love the cabbage and potatoes as well. I wish the menu was a bit broader and longer, so I was compelled to move past our go-to order...maybe they will expand in time. Telling all my West Side friends about this place! read more

Delicious vegetarian platter! I can make three (sometimes four!) meals out of one order. Fast carryout (15-20 minutes after an order placed). Lovely staff. Easy parking. read more

BEST ETHIOPIAN FOOD EVER!! The best decision I made was when I moved to the west side to be close to this restaurant. Just kidding. I just got lucky and the restaurant happens to be within a 5 min driving range. What I love: veggie combo platter, mixed combo platter, shiro (chickpea stew), doro wat (chicken/egg in tomato sauce), locally owned by kind owners (gave mom free coffee). A must try. Don't let being on the East side stop you from visiting this place. Also, eat with your (clean) hands to enjoy the full experience. :) read more

See all

Habesha is one of the few must-try restaurants in the west side of Cincinnati. I have visited Habesha twice, and I enjoyed my two visits! Habesha specializes at Ethiopian cuisine. It does not have fancy interior decor, and it does not serve alcohol, but hey, it serves delicious Ethiopian food in a traditional manner!!!! That is why I came back! You will not be given utensils to have your food. You will have to use your hands. Sound fun, doesn't it? Just request more napkins. :) When we entered this restaurant, we were immediately greeted by two friendly ladies. One of them owns the restaurant. She got us seated promptly and brought us water and the menu. We ordered two entrees--the vegetarian plate and sautéed cubed beef. We asked the lady to serve our dinner in the "family" style. We had Ethiopian food several times in the past, and we knew what to expect. And our dinner was just delicious--a variety of veggie dishes (cabbage, lentil, collar greens, chickpeas), deliciously spiced cubed beef, and homemade cottage cheese. All of these goodies were beautifully placed on traditional Ethiopian "bread" ("injera"). The bottom injera soaks all of the great flavors of the dishes.... just delicious! It is also very fulfilling! The lady who owns this restaurant was very happy that we ate all of the food on the plate. :) I told the lady that would definitely come back again! I hope you Yelper will also give this Ethiopian restaurant a try!! read more

See all

Came out on Saturday in July 2019 at 5:30 pm to find the restaurant closed. The posted hours online and on the restaurant door showed 10:00 - 10:00. Called while sitting outside to see what was going on. Somebody answered and informed me that the restaurant will open in 1.5 hours. Will definitely not be back for that. Do call ahead to see if they are open or you might leave hungry. read more

Their food is so good. Very delicious, I have gotten the chicken tibs which was my favorite (especially if you like spicy), and the vegetarian which was also extremely delicious highly recommend getting this. read more

I live in Columbus and was in Cincinnati this past Sunday (May 15, 2022). I read the Habesha reviews on Yelp and decided to visit. The food was delicious and the staff welcoming, attentive, and friendly. They are currently operating with carry out service only but I hope they are open for dine in the next time I visit. I will gladly return!!!! read more

Guys, I had a really great experience at Habesha and I want everyone to try it. I'm not even entirely sure what I ordered, but what I loved about my experience is that the food for the table comes on one platter. What a unique, intimate dining experience. I was with someone who doesn't like spicy food, so we went low on the spice scale, but I'm excited to go back to see what a higher spice level tastes like. Also, I went for dinner on a weekday, so my friend and I pretty much had the place to ourselves and the server/he may have been the owner was awesome. He talked us through the menu and then cooked the food himself. He also brewed up some homemade tea and gave it to us for free. It had ginger and garlic in it (the garlic flavor wasn't overwhelming, so don't let that stop you from trying it if it's offered) and he said it would compliment our meal well. He was attentive and friendly and I hope the next time I go back that the place is full. The only downside to this restaurant, is its location. Even though I kind of knew where it was, I passed it before my first visit. Keep your eyes peeled and look for Habesha in the first mini strip mall area across from O'Charley's. You'll know what I'm talking about when you go. read more

Habesha - Habesha - a place where everyone shares - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I've been driving by Habesha for about a month now, waiting for a chance to get it and check it out. Finally everything lined up and I was able to do so. Habesha is located in a little strip of stores sandwiched between Penn Station and Custom-PC. The plain exterior hides a warmly decorated interior, and as you open the door the scents wrap themselves around your nostrils and pull you in. On this night I was one of the few people in there, and I was promptly greeted and seated at one of the dozen tables. The tables are all 4-tops, and they can be easily moved to accommodate larger groups. As a looked over the menu, the owner appeared beside me and asked if I had any questions. I told him this was my first time at this type of restaurant, and asked about the menu items. I said I would like to try the kitfo, which according to the menu is "Minced meat seasoned with herbed butter and hot red pepper (mitmita) served with special seasoned cheese. He said that I might not like that because of the spices and said I should try the awaze tibs, which is "Spiced cubes of selected lean beef sauteed with onions, garlic, green pepper, and awaze, a specially spiced red pepper". Being he's the expert I went with his suggestion, and he said he'd bring me a small side of the kitfo to sample. My meal arrived quickly, served on a large piece of injera, the spongy, slightly sour-tasting traditional Ethiopian bread, along with a small salad and a basket of smaller pieces of injera. The waitress told me that I was to use the injera to scoop the food, there are no forks. I tore a piece of injera off and dug in to the awaze tibs. Flavor explosion! It was very good! A little garlicky, a little spicy heat, a bite from the onion, and the beef very tender. Fantastic blending of flavor. I took a scoop of the kitfo next and bam! Even better than the the awaze tib, a stronger heat but not overwhelming and nice smoothness from the butter. The cheese (ayib) was very soft with a mild flavor, something like a ricotta, and it went well with both dishes. The salad was dressed with a light oil and added a nice contrast to the spice of the meats. I was not able to finish all of this, the portions are fairly large and the injera filling. I had water to drink as I wanted to enjoy the flavor of the food, but next time I go back I am going to try the ginger tea. And definitely the coffee, since coffee was born in Ethiopia. I hope this little place does well. Finding something other than chili or burgers on the west side is rare. I encourage you to try it and spread the word. read more

Habesha - From top left: kitfo, salad, basket of injera, awaze tibs, ayib - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

See all

This restaurant is incredible. I lived in Ethiopia for over a year and returned to America a few months ago. I'm in love with Ethiopian food and Habesha was recommended to me by a few friends. It's very authentic and so delicious. Even inside the restaurant I felt like I was at one of the hotels in Ethiopia. The full menu is not listed on Yelp, so they offer more at the restaurant. I have missed injera so much, so it was so good to have it again! I can't wait until dine-in opens so I can participate in a coffee ceremony!!! Additionally, the staff was so kind and sweet. I cannot wait to return! read more

Habesha - Yesom Beyaynetu (vegan wots on injera) - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

My family just moved to Cincinnati from the Northeast and we honestly didn't even think we could find good Ethiopian food here if any, but obviously (thankfully) we were wrong. We love Ethiopian food and have eaten it at many different places so I was very happy to have gotten take-out here for my quarantine birthday : ) I don't exactly remember what we bought, but it was some type of combo along with a red lentil dish. The injera was a little thicker than we are used to, but all of the food was DELICIOUS. I was really curious as to how Ethiopian food would work as take-out, but they wrapped up all of food in the injera which was awesome! So just make sure that you have some big plates to put the food on for heating!! read more

Very good food! Must try. We came here in a large group for a friend's birthday on a Thursday night. Brought some beers and a few bottles of wine to share, which the owner kindly opened and brought us some glasses. They have fun music playing and after dinner we danced a little bit! We were also cracking up at the random video that was on the tv, which seemed to be a dash cam of someone driving around a town and running errands. Yes Service is slow, probably even slower because we were a big party, but if you're in a rush, just order takeout. Every Ethiopian restaurant I've been to has slower service so Ive come to expect it. So just take your time, enjoy the conversation, and get ready for some delicious food! read more

Habesha - 1 of 2 platters we ordered for our party of 12! - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Sometimes I get really excited about something and them I'm let down. I was so excited to go eat at Habesha that I was afraid it would be disappointing. The other Ethiopian in town that I've been to, Elephant whatever in Corryville, was a huge disappointment. Like I ate there three times because I thought I was expecting too much. No, I wasn't. It's really not that good there. This place is the real deal, though. Okay, the food was really good. Like it's my favorite food ever. It's mostly gluten free, but like I couldn't care less about that. What I do care about is that I can get vegan and soy free without even saying a word about it. And I liked everything on the veggie platter. It was the best meal I've had in ten years at least. It's VERY GOOD food. And they make the injera perfectly there. Also, they are very friendly. The owner made something special for my husband and he made us little ginger teas. Also, I got regular hot tea. Also, the guy was very friendly and we talked to him a lot. Like he explained a lot of things to us. We didn't have everything served in a traditional way because my husband insisted on eating meat and I don't want any meat things on my food. Like as if. I'm going to find some friends to go back with me because I think it's fun to share a big plate of food. Oh, also, OMG it's so cheap. Like it's too cheap if you ask me. $10 - $11 for the veggie platter and I was stuffed afterwards. I left a super large tip because we felt like it should cost more. It is on the west side, so maybe that's why it's cheap. Like I lived nearby for years, but didn't know this was here. As I was driving there, I thought I would probably never go back because that part of town is so scary. Like I always hear my old neighborhood on the police scanner. Maybe it's because it's where they send all the section 8 housing now and they over-police that area? Well, like I wouldn't even know. It's depressing as Hell to go over there and see how run down everything is, though. I guess that makes this delicious restaurant even more of a gem. Like okay, it totally isn't related to this restaurant being a gem. This restaurant is amazing, though. I'll definitely make the trip here again. OMFG it's so good. AND everything is safe to eat. No meat or soy! I don't even have to recite my list of what I can't have. I just say vegetarian platter. I only wish one thing and that's for the hot towels to wash my hands before dinner. Oh, and for a lot of friends to bring here. read more

Habesha - Whatever - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Went here for a dinner with a coworker on a Wednesday. The injerA was cold. The food seemed warmed up. I wish the food was flavored more and portions were bigger. read more

Habesha - Combination platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Ethiopian food in Cincinnati can be hard to come by, so it's good to have a solid restaurant like Habesha to turn to. We've dined in a few times and also ordered food to-go for a housewarming party, and it's hit the spot each time. The owners are friendly and the food is pretty authentic. The injera isn't as sour as you can get from other restaurants, which may be a plus or minus depending on your preference. Apparently they do live music on certain evenings, but we've never been there for that, so I can't comment on that part of the experience. High Points: The meat dishes are on point. Low Points: You'll likely end up waiting a bit between every phase in the eat-bill-pay-sign cycle at the end of the meal. read more

Delicious powerful exotic flavor - four words describing why you should go to Habesha. Service is delightful, with a server who can explain the dishes and how to eat using that wonder of the gastronomic world, Injera. Injera is a spongey savory flatbread very much like a thick crepe or a sturdy pancake that you use to scoop up the Kitfo or Awaze Tibs or any of the brilliant lentil dishes before you pop it all into your mouth. The food is served on a platter with several pieces of Injera under the food so you can eat the pan liner, which has the best part of the sauces and the flavor. Really really awesome food. The decor is a bit blah, but you're not here to look at the walls - you're here to eat a tiny package of exploding flavor with your hands and then wash it down with the coffee prepared either as espresso (excellent) or in the traditional Ethiopian method (sublimely good). When your server can roast green coffee beans by eye, ear, smell and feel so that they're perfectly done without burning and right before your eyes, you've got a coffee expert at hand. Brewed in a traditional clay coffee pot over an open flame, the coffee is brilliantly done, with no bitterness. You should not miss this option if you have it. My wife and I love this restaurant, and even though the interior is only ok, the food and drink are tremendous. Be adventurous and try it. read more

What the what the what the???? AWESOME! Tekaling and his wife Betty and his best bud Desta are amazing and gracious hosts. Pure enjoyment and delicious home cooked Ethiopian food. You should do what we did: we're in your hands, just feed us! Betty also roasted fresh Ethiopian coffee beans to perform a ceremonial coffee brewing...oh my heavens! Smooth as pulled silk when you sip it down from traditional coffee cups. I am serious, if you don't go say hello to my new friends at Habesh, I may have to unfriend you. read more

See all

Fantastic authentic roasted coffee. Great tasting food. As Expected like most Ethiopian restaurants portions are small carried on large platters. Restaurant is a little dated but clean. With that you'll enjoy their food & service. read more

Ethiopian on the west side? YES, please! This restaurant felt comfortable and family run with some little ones running around the evening we were here. The menu is similar to other Ethiopian restaurants I've tried, with some beef, chicken, and veggie options. I'm not always aware of the specific spice profile, but generally like the flavors I end up with, and the smells coming out of the kitchen didn't give me any reason to be concerned. I ended up with the veggie sampler plate and loved the beans, veggies, and injera. The husband had chicken tips, or something similarly named, which he gulped up happily. A westsider himself, I'd consider this true success ;). The decor and the building are no fuss, but with good food...that's sometimes all one needs. I look forward to heading back when I'm looking for something different and spice to keep life interesting. read more

Habesha - Ethiopian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Delicious!! The Injera is perfect!!! Just how I remember it. Loveee!!! I recommend calling ahead or ordering online for carry out.

Good food but the service is severely lacking. We were the only ones in the restaurant and ordered the Mahaberawi, which included chicken, beef, and an array of sautéed and pickled veggies. It looked like the server forgot about us as the food took an hour to come out during which we only had our water refilled once. (We had to get up and ask them twice to refill our cups for one time). After we finished our meal, he cheque took another 15 minutes to come to us. Good food, very disappointed with the service... read more

This place was such a random find. We arrived for a friends birthday and the birthday girl seemed to be hosting and serving all the food. The food was great the place very unassuming. For a spot that you have to eat with your hands, you should definitely focus on having a lot of hand sanitizer, soap in the restroom, and more extra napkins. read more