Upon walking in, you are greeted by the heavy stench of cigarette smoke (people were smoking…read moreinside). Very dim lights, table was sticky and straw littered the floor. Bathroom toilet didn't flush due to being clogged and the sink looked like someone vomited on, in, and around it. How are you suppose to eat with your hands if the wash facilities are dirty??! Didn't get past that to try the food because, well, if the facilities look that way, then.... Also, the parking sucks: people park haphazardly, so getting in (or out) would be a headache. Plus side is that it wasn't too busy, so the lady came quick with menus and water, but that's about all the positives we've experienced.

My wife and I stopped in for dinner at the recommendation of an Ethiopian acquaintance and had an…read moreexcellent, super flavorful veggie combo for two. This restaurant feels like being invited to someone's home for a great dinner. Highly recommended!

We came as a group of five and were surprised to find the restaurant completely empty during…read moretypical dinner hours. It might be the location, but honestly the food deserves way more customers, everything was fantastic. We ordered the Meat Combo, which came with Kitfo and Ayeb, Key Wot, Alicha Wot, and Gomen Besiga. The Kitfo, an Ethiopian-style steak tartare seasoned with coriander, mitmita (hot chili powder), and herbed butter, was incredibly flavorful. Most of the meats leaned on the spicy side, but when you mixed them with the veggies and injera, everything balanced out perfectly. My favorite was the Key Wot, a spicy stew of slow-cooked beef with onions, garlic, cardamom (korerima), berbere, and Ethiopian herbal butter. My second favorite was the Gomen Besiga, made with boiled beef cubes flavored with spices, onions, and garlic. The texture was surprisingly tender, almost like fish. We also got the House Combo, which includes a mix of meats and vegetables. It only comes with two meats, but it's a great option for first-timers because you get to try a wider variety of flavors. The waitress was very helpful and thoughtful, taking the time to explain each dish to us. And bonus, they have some parking available, which is super convenient. Overall, the food was amazing, and I really hope more people discover this local gem.

Hoping to try every Ethiopian spot in Rainier Beach and the south end this year and this was a…read morestrong start! We were the only people in the restaurant and the kind owner explained that was because Ethiopians are fasting during their Christmas time. She also explained all the dishes that we got in the house combo including that her mom had just brought her spices back from Ethiopia! I really enjoyed the red lentil dish which was nice and spicy as well as the shiro and the beef tibs and of course the salad that is so simple but always so good. We also tried the Ethiopian coffee ceremony and the coffee was both delicious and strong! It also included this burning incense that filled the restaurant with a wonderful aroma. It made me wish that we had more Ethiopian coffee shops in Seattle. Would definitely return for the food and the people :) I love the south end

I went here as I was intrigued by this place from Plate of Nations - $30 for a special combo which…read moreis more than enough for 2 people. We had leftovers after being super stuffed from the dish. We also got an imported beer from Eritrea. You can't really beat these prices, even at a few top rated Ethiopian restaurants in the area. Injera seems to be unlimited - they proactively refill once they see you are running low. Even the takeout they gave an extra piece of injera! The waiter checked up on us a few times to ensure we had everything we need. Definitely don't overlook this place - very local feel, and there's a bit of language barrier too just fyi, but it's all part of a great holistic experience that is easy to pass by in the busy Rainier Ave S.

Best Ethiopian food in town! The food is delicious, the people are lovely, the service is fast, and…read moresuper reasonably priced. We got a meat combo and a veggie combo for four people, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. One of the best meals I've had in years. If you are looking for a relaxed date night, do yourselves a favor: go see a movie at the Beacon Cinema, then walk two doors down to Alem and eat a great meal.

Delicious food!…read more Came on a Sunday around 11:15am. We easily found parking on the street. This spot is really cute with indoor seating. Service was friendly! We got the vegetarian platter for 2 and it was very filling! All of the dishes were flavorful and very tasty and the injera bread was really tasty! Prices are reasonable!

I was in the neighborhood when I was feeling hungry, and I began searching for an Ethiopian…read morerestaurant as there are more of them closer you get to Seattle. I found this place which was a five minute walk from the coffee shop. I was at and it was advertised as an air tree and restaurant. I knew Eritrea was part of Ethiopia in the past, but I did not think the food would be different. I took a look at the menu, the food was pretty much the same if I'm not mistaken with maybe a few differences, which I could not recall. Service was a little bit slow, bI was there in the late afternoon on a Tuesday and there was not anyone else there. It was hot in the restaurant. Quickly decided what I wanted to eat, but I ended up waiting a while for my order to be taken. If it wasn't for the person who called on the phone, we may have waited another five minutes. Prices are pretty typical , maybe slightly less than I thought. I tried ordering the special kitfo, but they were out. Ordered the awaze tibs ($20) which was not bad. I think the food here is not the best Ethiopian food I have had, but it is not bad either. Definitely give it a try.

I phone ordered a vegetarian combo, which was a sampler platter of sorts, served with the tangy…read moreinjera. Everything was delicious and seemingly authentic. I ordered my food to go, they were careful to separate the injera so that it wasn't soggy prior to me getting to my destination with it. Others were dining in when I arrived and the whole place smelled like warm Ethiopian spices. Staff was friendly, fast, made small talk even though I was in and out quickly I still felt appreciated. Delightful. Will go back. Side note; they are open super late.

We shared a veggie combo plate, was a generous amount of delicious food. The whole vibe was…read morefantastic and welcoming.

Excellent food, some of the best sambusas I've ever had. The injera is so soft and fluffy…read more Service is a little bit slow but that's because they're making all your food from scratch! Worth being patient for

Delish Ethiopian was great. The food was super good, the service was attentive, and everyone there…read moreseemed genuinely nice. We ordered the Delish Special, and it was the perfect amount of food for two adults and two kids -- good portions and a great way to try a little bit of everything. We'll definitely be back!

Delish is exactly that, Delicious!…read more This was a delivery order so I didn't get to experience the ambiance of the restaurant or customer service but the food was great and makes me want to dine in! I got the veggie combo to be able to taste all their veggie dishes! And it was a perfect variety. They were all tasty. My top three favorites were the Miser Wat, Ater Alicha Wot, and Shiro Wat! Also the best injera I've ever had. The flavor was well balanced and the texture was perfect!

It was my first time trying Al Azayem tonight and I had mixed reactions to their food. Wanting to…read moresample a bit of everything, I got their spicy tikka chicken plate, chef's special lamb plate, falafel salad, and beef schawarma sandwich. The meal came with 3 large pieces of homemade boat-shaped pita, 3 sides of hummus, and 2 side salads (as well as the entrée sized salad with the falafel), and 2 sides of spiced rice. Note: I told them I had an egg allergy so I don't know if anything was modified in my order from the standard menu. While flavors were excellent, the meats were quite dry overall, with the worst being the beef schawarma in the sandwich which was irredeemably dry. Like, maybe a few days old and re-fried kind of dry. No amount of sauce or douses of extra olive oil could save the dehydrated, jerky-like beef chips that lay shriveled amongst a bed of gorgeous fresh veggies and delicious homemade pita. It was depressing to eat. Their talents seem to shine best in the dinner plates, so I will only order from that menu going forward and just forget the sandwiches. I was also very impressed with their falafel and thought this dish was the standout star of the grouping. Each oily little falafel donut was perfeftly crunchy on the outside and pillowy on the inside with good seasoning, and the cheese on the salad with it was a nice touch.

I ate here with my family. Lovely food , beautiful flavors…read moreand nice hard working family owned ... Very tasty, good value. I would definitely recommend!