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Ranch Side Cafe

4.4 (452 reviews)
Open • 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

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RANCH SIDE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - Ranch Side Cafe

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Reviews With Photos

Katy K.

I saw this restaurant featured on TikTok and had to make it a point to stop on my most recent road trip back home to SoCal. I loved the owner's story that led to their decision to feature Ethiopian, Mexican, and American menu items. The ambiance is definitely nostalgic of the restaurant that came before it, which added to the charm. I tried their chickpea stew with injera, and was a huge fan. The service was very friendly as well. I overheard the staff talking in the back about how they were getting noticed on social media, so it warms my heart to see great restaurants get the promotion they deserve. Will be back the next time I'm in the area!

Awaze Tibs with Injera
Gary I.

Who would have guessed there would be an eatery that serves Ethiopian cuisine near the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in northern San Fernando Valley? Featuring about 5 different varieties. No need to go to Fairfax to Little Ethiopia, an hour away. Interior is decorated mostly with all things western cowboy with smattering of movie stars & bit of British royalty. Other menu items are basically American diner breakfast, lunch, dinner, punctuated by standard northern Mexican. Service is polite, understatedly welcoming and subtly aware. My ice tea was refreshed many times due to the piquancy of Dorowot. 1) Dorowot/Ethiopian Chicken: Injera, a hole pocked, spongy, huge "pancake" made from Teff, gluten-free, faintly nutty, earthy grain native to Ethiopia. It reminds me of Indian rice based Appam with many holes from the carbon dioxide given off while the batter mixture is fermented. Dorowot here is not slowly stewed for 3 days to create a rich, dark, thick, sauce demi-glace by the likes of Master Chef Genet Agonafar, but the dark red, paprika enriched thickened sauce may be braised for about 3 hours which is enough to mellow out the chiles so it only leaves a slow burn. Chicken leg & thigh cooked in this red sauce anchor this main dish. The three vegetable accompaniment are: a) Soft, smooth, velvety, sweet cabbage cooked with buttery olive oil b) Chunks of earthy, dulcet red beets that have an initial firmness yielding to cleavable softness. c) Collard Greens are chopped with pieces of garlic, cooked retaining fresh greenness. Ranch Side's Dorowot at $21 may be a good value compared to the more detailed $31 Dorowot by Genet. 2) Awazè Tibs: Sweet, butter aroma hits first, Acidic tomato paste-like, red chile piquancy. Slow burn as well as a subtle smokiness to this complex stew. Owner explained the Berbere was the name of the chile based spice mix. There is a subdued sourness that comes into play along with aromatics from chopped onion and green bellpepper. I ordered off menu so I asked that the mushrooms and cubed beef be mixed together. Mushrooms are soft and cushy while the beef has a good chaw to add contrast in texture. 1-2a) Old Prague Traditional Czech Beer, Bohemian Premium Lager: The art on the can depicts elegant old buildings of the Stare Mesto old town and picturesque Karlov Most crossing tbe Vlatava River on the way to Hradcany castle. Toasty, roasted grain, light fizzy acidity, brown sugar, long lasting sweet, burnt, tingly finish. 3) Peach Cobler has a wheat flour crust that is very moist and plush to the point of feeling almost like a pudding picking up the cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg spicing. Canned yellow Cling peach slices seem suspended in this rather overly sweet, rustic version. I had to take the peach cobbler home since it was so sweet. But glad I did since it pairs perfectly with strong Japanese Matcha, powdered green tea. 4 stars for a taste of Ethiopian international cuisine

Clean tile floors, gleaming wooden tables, comfortable pleather seating.
Liz L.

A great sage once inspired me by saying "be realistic, plan for a miracle". Shouldn't we all live by that? I have wanted ethnic and exotic restaurants to move farther north and even come to the SCV. My wishes have been granted and we have Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants that rival the best in the southland. But, we lacked Ethiopian, one of my favorite cuisines. Not any more! Joy of joys, there is Ranch Side Cafe, just 20 minutes from Valencia and a stone's throw from two freeways. Ranch Side Cafe is sui generis. There is a stupefyingly broad and deep menu of American and Mexican fare (see my photos), but most and best of all, there is a very credible Ethiopian list too and that is what we visited for. A sunny cool day, bathed in golden light, this place just glowed warmth and welcome. It took a minute to appreciate all the little touches and the original artwork on the walls. There were ample tables inside and out, and a cheerful staff. The minute we walked in, we were greeted from across the room and invited to sit anywhere we wanted. I always choose a window (clean!) and then sat down to study the choices that were many. People think vegetarians eat rabbit food, you know, plain vegetables and non-gluten breads. If anyone is observant they will realize that we eat far more complex and seasoned food than meat-eaters. Ethiopian meals place a large emphasis on non-animal dishes, so it is a natural for me. Add to it that they have unique and elegant spices and the ordinary vegetable becomes a heavenly ambrosia. Also, it was full even on a late Sunday afternoon -- people streamed in the entire time we were there. Lake View Terrace (of Patrick Swayze fame) is a beautiful, verdant, horse-loving town, too, so the trip there was delightful as well. Our vegetarian platters were cooked to order. We enjoyed cups of delicious hot Italian coffee, a lovely server named Marisa who anticipated our every wish, and we took home half of the generous dishes we got. The tab was downright scandalously reasonable. Sunny, warm, cheerful, clean, delicious, upbeat and homey -- we are going to return for the Mexican menu next time. I am grateful to the gods for hearing my plea for Ethiopian food so close to home.

Raw honey
SouLfia K.

Food is delicious. I order healthy egg white omelette. Got the wild flower honey it's raw and organic.

Alejandra D.

My boyfriend brought me on a date yesterday and the food did not disappoint. This was my first time trying out Ethiopian food and I thought it was soooo delicious. I love that it is vegetarian and that I get to use my hands to enjoy it. My bf and I are definitely coming here again for future dates.

Sad chili relleno
Danielle H.

The Ethiopian food is great. The chile relleno was not great. The chile part was good, but the sauce on top didn't taste great. The rice was also bland. I'll definitely come back for the Ethiopian.

Breakfast Burrito
Manuk D.

This was our first time here for breakfast and it was soo good we came back for dinner as well. The customer service from the employees and the owner are outstanding. The place is kind of old school but it has a good vibe to it. We got some breakfast items and they were all very delicious and fresh. They have outside seating as well which is really nice. The parking is plenty. We also got the peach cobbler to go but I highly recommend you eat it there. Definitely give it a try if ever in the area. We'll be coming here more often that's for sure.

Picture perfect
Brenda S.

just moved into the neighborhood and had such a wonderful experience at The Ranch Cafe. Our waitress, Lee, truly made our day. She was so welcoming, kind, and genuinely excited to have us there, which meant a lot as newcomers. Lee gave us great recommendations and everything she suggested was spot on. The service was attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience feel special instead of routine. It was the perfect welcome to the area, and we'll definitely be back. Thank you, Lee, for making our day!

Ethiopian - Vegetarian Plate with Injera
Rochelle P.

The food and service are incredible here! Love family run businesses like this. They serve American, Mexican, and Ethiopian food here. I went with my kids and of course they had a standard American breakfast - pancakes, eggs, bacon. I love Ethiopian food and there's not many options around but their veggie plate and lentil sambusa are amazing! I have yet to try their Mexican but I'm sure it's as delicious as everything else here. Can't wait to return!

Awaze Tibs with Injera
Porch G.

Awaze Tibs with Injera was the bomb Delicious and that spicy sauce was perfect heat balance for me. Last time I had Ethiopian food was about 12 years ago on Fairfax... This place serves American, Mexican, AND Ethiopian .... Staff are friendly and helpful... I will definitely come back

Breakfast
Natalie K.

We stopped here randomly while looking for a breakfast spot later in the afternoon. It's right off of the osborne exit from the 210 freeway. It's an interesting restaurant, the menu is split with american/mexican/ethiopian food. My husband and son ordered breakfast, my other son had chicken fingers/fries. I had the ethiopian veggie plate, it was really good, both spicy and flavorful. I was stuffed and could barely finish half the plate. Service was great and the owner also was kind and came out to greet us. We definitely will be back!

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Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the flavorful, varied menu options, friendly, attentive service, and an inviting atmosphere.

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6 years ago

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5 years ago

Ethiopian food in Sylmar? Yes, please! Great meal, friendly owners. I will be back!

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6 years ago

I drive 30 mins just to get their biscuits & gravy! This spot is so warm and welcoming.

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

If you are in this part of the Valley, visit this place for good, wholesome food. Roomy, spacious good service. Daily specials.

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4 years ago

awesome food. awesome service. would highly recommend checking this place out. cool western theme.

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10 years ago

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9 years ago

It's great that they have breakfast all day. The food was good and the service was fast. I enjoyed my french toast.

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Abyssinia Restaurant  - Combo.

Abyssinia Restaurant

4.5(492 reviews)
38.9 mi
•$$

The Abyssinia Restaurant has been on my list to try for quite some time. I drove from Temecula, CA…read moreand I was not disappointed. I met the owner and I believe his son, both great folks. The interior had Ethiopian and Eritrean pictures all around so the ambiance was a 10. The service I'll have to give it a 10 has well; the owner was accommodating and gave the perfect amount of time to look over the menu. Now for the food; I got the veggie combo plus the Zii Xii Tibs which was a tender beef. My tastebuds were in heaven! Please come try this restaurant out, you will love it! I have to go back and try the lamb, chicken, heck even their kitchen sink. Every bite was absolutely enjoyable! Go check them out!

Been trying some Ethiopian food lately and glad we found this place!…read more Came here with couple friends because I saw that the traditional combo is a type of food that you want to share, although I saw some people enjoyed their combo alone. It's very healthy and flavorful dish and it's vegetable based. Recommended to add additional meat dishes if you're craving more. Their injera bread (some sort of crepes) is something that you eat with, and I'm telling ya, you'll get addicted pretty quick ! The owner is nice and the staff that help us also nice. He recommended different type of beers as well, so we got to try them. They are very interesting. They have plenty of Ethiopian decorations and pictures all over the restaurant. Parking is plenty in the plaza.

Photos
Abyssinia Restaurant  - Partial photo of inside of the restaurant

Partial photo of inside of the restaurant

Abyssinia Restaurant  - Inside lentil filling of fried sambusa

Inside lentil filling of fried sambusa

Abyssinia Restaurant  - Signage  03-22-2025

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Signage 03-22-2025

Rise N Shine Cafe - Homemade corned beef has delish!

Rise N Shine Cafe

4.4(494 reviews)
2.4 mi•Shadow Hills
•$$

A really quaint, cash only, country diner in Shadow Hills. Basically north west of DTLA up in the…read morevalley. Inside is fairly large with many different size tables so they can host many different sized groups. One thing I love about these sort of places is the service and this spot did not disappoint. Our waitress was extremely polite and everything that we ordered came out super fast. There is a small free parking lot attached in front otherwise free street parking is also easy to find. I love how eclectic it is on the inside, every inch of the wall is covered in a collage of American memorabilia and various different things from various different places. It's really fun to glance at all of it while you're waiting for your food. As you would expect the menu is very large and filled with all sorts of diner classics. For this breakfast, I chose the Chili Cheese Omelette and really enjoyed it. It was a large sized portion and had some great flavor to it. The coffee is also really strong and I was a big fan of that as well. I would definitely recommend if you are in the area and make sure to bring cash.

We love the Rise N Shine Cafe! The staff are all warm and welcoming, the food is consistently…read moretasty, and the decor is cowboy charm. We eat there every week, it is our Sunday habit. We have gotten to know the other Sunday eaters and the whole place feels like coming home.

Photos
Rise N Shine Cafe - Rosie the Riveter in the center of wall of photos

Rosie the Riveter in the center of wall of photos

Rise N Shine Cafe - Pancakes, bacon, sausage and eggs!

Pancakes, bacon, sausage and eggs!

Rise N Shine Cafe - Outside

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Outside

Ranch Side Cafe - tradamerican - Updated October 2026

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