Selam! And say hello to Aurora's newest culinary hotspot, Meskerem. Conveniently located on the…read moresouthwest corner of Peoria and Mississippi, this fabulous find will soon become your go-to place for edibles from the East African nation of Eritrea! (Now, before you ask - no, this place is no relation to the long-closed cafe on East Colfax with the same name. That was Ethiopian, and Meskerem is a very popular woman's name in both countries). Plop yourself down at a table - yes they even have the circular wicker-topped ones known as Mesob if you'd like to eat in a more traditional fashion (stop slouching!) - and have a look at the menu. To start, you could try a couple slices of the soft, lightly-spiced bread known as Hambasha, sided with the zesty sauce called Awaze (usually made by combining the multi-purpose spice paste Berbere with honey wine, known in Tigrinya as Mies). Then again, the lentil salad Azifa, rich with ginger and Senafitch [native mustard] is always a palate-pleaser. As tempting as it might be to fill up on starters, don't forget about main courses either! The meat/tomato/onion stirfry called Tibse is one of Eritrea's national dishes, and perhaps unsurprisingly, Meskerem offers several versions, like Goden (with beef shortribs) and Zilzil (with strips of steak) just to name a couple. But perhaps you'd like to try the combination called Misto which, true to its name (a nod to Eritrea's Italian heritage) offers you a beef dish, then ups the ante with a lamb one, giving you even more delicious choices. Vegetarians and vegans, don't fret! They've got you covered too, with dishes like 'Ater Alicha, made with creamy yellow split peas, and Hamli, with soft, earthy collard greens. And if you're an early bird, you'll just love the breakfast menu, with outstanding offerings such as Quanta Firfir (dried beef stewed in tomato sauce, then mixed with the fermented flatbread variously known as Taita or Injera), and Kinche (cracked wheat liberally dappled with spiced clarified butter). In another homage to Italy, there's even a frittata available. So embark on an East African excursion at Meskerem. I can pretty much guarantee that your first visit won't be your last.

Since under new management/owners, the place doesn't have the quality or the class that I…read morepreviously received. I ordered the veggie combo, and all it came with was two types of lentils, yellow split peas, and a bland potato concoction. There were no collard greens as the waiter promised. A wilted side salad was included, but it desperately needed help. Queen of Sheba still rules in my book.

The owner, Zewditu is so endearing!! But not only that, her food is fantastic. If you don't know…read morewhat to order, she's more than happy to offer some input and help you assemble a balanced meal. We tried the yebeg Witt (spicy lamb stew), chicken, tibs with a vegetarian combo. Everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked-- nothing was too salty. I loved the degree of spice in the lamb. Her injera, both the regular and 100% teff flour versions, are so good-- springy with just the right tanginess. Come here for amazing food made by a gem of a lady.

CALL AHEAD. This business is a one woman show. Food is…read moredelicious and cooked from the heart. Be flexible with the menu - items subject to change on availability but you'll be pleased with anything you try! Also, amazing gluten free injera!!!

This place is a major hidden gem and I was so bummed to drive by the other day and see construction…read moreblocking the restaurant. If you're looking for a flavor packed meal and like the option of eating with your hands, this is the spot for you. When we visited the Ethiopian restaurant with a group of eight, they managed to seat our big group efficiently, even though it's a small space. The service was awesome and they delivered multiple mind-blowing platters of food to our table effortlessly. Our vegetarians and our meat eaters alike were extremely happy. I live nearby and have not had a chance to return since my first visit, but you bet that I recommend friends to go here whenever they are looking for a new spot to eat.

The food here was delicious! I knew it would be because I've had it as take out. From the outside…read moreit doesn't stand out very much but on the inside there is lots of seating and beautiful decoration. We over stayed our welcome because we were unaware of the time they closed but they were very nice about it and never rushed us! Will definitely be coming back.

Loved the atmosphere and food. First time eating here and the food was amazing. My sister and I…read moreloved it. Service was quick and friendly. Will come again! Also highly recommend the veggie combo platter and the baklava

My cousins and I were trying to figure out what to have for dinner and came across this…read moreestablishment. Upon arriving, you can notice that the market and the restaurant are connected in case customers need some ingredients, spices, etc. We were unsure what to order since it was all of our first time trying Ethiopian food. Our server gave us some suggestions and we ended up ordering the Mogne Tibs and a Veggie combo. We didn't know how to eat the veggie combo and our server gave us tip on how to take bites of different items. The Monge Tibs had a generous spice kick. Overall, delicious gamble of food for trying the first time and service was awesome. Interior of the restaurant was decored to reflect the atmosphere of the food. We even got to speak with one of the co-owners and told us her story how the menu is not westerenized, the restaurant has been passed down from a few family members, and why they chose to come to Denver. Please support this awesome establishment if you're curious about Ethiopian food.

My husband and I love Ethiopian food and recently moved to the Denver area so we've been trying…read morequite a few places. This is our FAVORITE so far. We were a little nervous walking in as it looked kinda dark and was empty, but the chef-turned waiter-turned hostess came out quickly and had us sit wherever we wanted. The menu is extensive so if this is a one man show, very impressed by the variety! Our food was ready quickly and hot and delicious! Best gluten free injera we have tried in the city so far. Doro wot, doro tibes, gomen, atkilt wot, split peas, lentils - every vegetable offering is amazing! (fyi, closed on Tuesdays!)

Haven't been here in quite some time, but every time I go it's such a good experience. The food is…read moreamazing and the staff is friendly. I had my first taste of Injera here and it was magical. Great ambiance as well, seems to be traditional seating and the art is pretty. I love this restaurant.

Great food and great service! There were eight of us and everyone was very happy with the food…read more It's sometimes hard to find Ethiopian food that has not been adjusted for different palates. This hit the spot without having to make myself. I'd definitely go back.

Wow!! This place was soososooo good! It is a small place near colfax and me and my sister decided…read moreto go here because we wanted to try Ethiopian food and I'm so glad we came here! We decided to get the veggie and meat combos and everything was flavored so well and there wasn't a single thing we didn't like. My favorite was definitely the beef stew and the injera was nice and tangy. We also tried the Ethiopian beer and it was light and refreshing. Our server was so also so kind and we loved the cozy environment of the restaurant.

I went here for my first time trying Ethiopian food and at first I was a little skeptical but it…read morewas very good. I would like to say if it's your first time just know the "bread" ingera is more sour-ish and is kind of an acquired taste. I would say I have been here many many times now and have taken to go and eaten in small groups and bigger groups. I would say the area is definitely very beautiful and cultural. The take out doesn't really give you the experience so I would say eating there is better. I wouldn't say costumer service is above and beyond but they definitely are nice and have helped us taking out food to go and check on us to see how we're doing. The food is definitely more expensive than I would wish but lots of time and effort go into making the food so it is nice to splurge on this kind of food. Now since I have been here many times, every time the food is amazing and hot (not spicy hot but temp hot) waiting time isn't too long and it's usually nice and quiet enough to hear your friends not too quiet where you can hear a pen drop. FYI they are not welcome to outside food/drink in case one person wants other food.

Food was pretty good, but it's too long of a wait for food. There was one maybe 2 tables with…read morepeople during lunch, but it took them 45 mins to bring us food for 4 people (we ordered veggie plate and fish tibs).

Thanks to one of my side hustle shifts I worked yesterday. Had I not gotten the shift assignment,…read morethis restaurant would have forever been unknown to me even though the long stretch of Havana Street has so many unique restaurants on both side and yet, past the 6th Ave where the restaurant is located had still been an unknown territory for me. I was definitely overdue for a good Ethiopian food so when I found it, I got excited. I intentionally left the house early enough so I could stop here and get me some food before my shift. And it all worked out well. Yesterday's takeout experience was met with so much goodness. I... -Was warmly greeted upon entering the restaurant by two women. -Was the only customer during the non-rush hour time between lunch and dinner. -Was able to place my order immediately as I had the full attention from one of the ladies upfront. -Waited good 15+ minutes and yet, this meant that the kitchen carefully prepared my food. -Received thorough explanation from the same lady (who took my order) as she opened each container to explain what I got. Service was top-notch here. Once I got to my car, I opened the two containers to take a close took at them. I also wanted to take some photos of my beautiful food. What I got were.... -Vegetarian Combo ($19.99) that comes with red lentil stew, split pea mild stew, powdered chickpea stew, carrots and cabbage with potato, collard greens, beetroot and salad. This whole dish was covered with extra layers of injera fermented bread that are/were gluten free. The whole container was so heavy. This was easily way more than what I paid for. And it was probably the best Ethiopian vegetarian plate with all sorts of delightfulness in this massive dish. -Two pieces of Veggie Sambusas (lentil based); this came with a mini salad. Deep-fried sambusas were nice and beautifully brown. And they were so crispy. The heat from the cooking was still felt when I ate them about 10 minutes later. Let's not forget to mention. The restaurant looks very unassuming on the outside. Although the front of it had a colorful green and red signage with restaurant name on it, once inside, it looks small and yet you will be surprised how spacious inside is. Although it's not fancy or modern in any way, it's clean with simpleness. And here and there, there are Ethiopian art decors on the walls which will (I'm pretty sure) capture your attention. You should take the time to look at them as they are quite beautiful. Not to mention, ample seatings are seen in the dining area; the bar is quite large as well. And they do serve alcohol. This is definitely and by far the best Ethiopian restaurant in the Denver metro area (in my opinion). The welcoming host (is this a woman owned business??) that will truly appreciate your business but most of all, the quality and hearty food that will entertain your palates..all sorts of goodness will mesmerize you for sure. This place will justify the miles you will drive to get to it even if you live a bit far from it. Give it a try!

I ate the food too quickly to take a picture of it. Truly remarkable service and a home kitchen…read moretype ambiance that has made this my go-to Ethiopian spot for all time.

The service was really good, great recommendations from the ladies. The restaurant is clean and…read morewell decorated. The food took a LONG time, we got there when they opened and the food took a little over an hour to arrive. We were the first party in and maybe the 4th party to get our food. There were more lamb and beef options, most items are jalapeños based and spicy. They do make items not as spicy if needed. We ordered the vegetarian combo plate to share with the Beef Derek Tibs and Beef Lega Tibs. Lots of African customers in the restaurant for birthday celebration so I'm sure they are legit. We were told that they were the best Ethiopian food in Denver. The Ethiopian spiced tea was also yummy. Definitely a treat!

Nile Ethiopian is AMAZING! The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, the service is friendly and…read moreattentive, and the food... wow. We ordered the Lamb Tibs and the Veggie Combo, and both were out of this world. The lamb was perfectly seasoned and tender, the veggie combo was full of flavor, and of course everything was scooped up with plenty of that soft, spongy injera bread. Honestly, the injera alone is worth the trip -- it ties all the flavors together and makes the whole meal feel like an experience. The restaurant is spotless, cozy, and welcoming, and the staff made us feel right at home. If you've never had Ethiopian food before, this is the place to try it -- and if you have, you'll be blown away by how good it is here.

This is the second time this week that I've had the vegan combo for takeout. I wanted something…read morelight and healthy but filling. This hits the spot for me. The service and quality and quantity of food is excellent. The restaurant ambiance is nice too. I'll definitely have to plan a date night for me and my husband for a sit down meal.

Delicious food! Four starving people came in for lunch and shared the Gursha Combo (for 4-5…read morepeople). It was fabulous and we had a little left over. If we had five people, we would have ordered an appetizer plus the combo. The restaurant is lovely inside and the service was nice.