Strongly recommend Sekela, there is literally nowhere else in the area you can reasonably expect to get authentic fresh Ethiopian food in such quantities at such a great price point. Even the injera was made in-house read more

Sekela Ethiopia Restaurant - Incredible food, all clearly made fresh, we were provided substantial portions and more than enough injera. Unbeatable for the price - Ethiopian Near Me - Riverside, California

Everything we ate was truly delicious and so enjoyable to eat. All the food is made in-house, the injera is amazing and the chef really loves her craft and offers great service. Come here for some good food and a chill atmosphere -- or come here to enjoy the work of an artist. There are only so many places you can get something special like this. It's a must-try. We got the special plate for 3 and lentil samosas, it was great. She also makes really good doro wat, the chicken dish. Next time I want to try the ceremonial Ethiopian coffee for a breakfast visit. read more

Sekela Ethiopia Restaurant - Outside view of the restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Riverside, California

Very big on flavor. Everyone in our party, loved their food and how bold and flavorful it was. They were extremely busy, but customer service was still pretty good. My only complaint would be the amount of food that came with the Doro Wat. It was an entrée, but it came with only one drumstick and one boiled egg; I'm a grown ass man so ‍ read more

Sekela Ethiopia Restaurant - DORO WOT - Ethiopian Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

Selam! Place is super clean. Folding chairs I think is cool, nice cultural decorations. Air con very cold, start with the incense giving a nice smell but not for everyone. Service nice and simple. The coffee is small and strong taste really bold, bitter really good. The lentil sambusa a little pricy and a little small but very tasty. We had quanta firfir beef jerky mixed with injera nice flavor lots if injero not a lot of beef jerky but still yummy. Also got the veggie combo and all of them yummy. I like veggie combo the most. The whole experience is cool eating with your hands. Injero acts like your plate and silverware. The experience is awesome the food is great. Have a nice day! read more

See all

Found a hidden gem tucked away in a small shopping center in Riverside. I am so glad it's a mile from where I live. Picked up Beef and Lentils Sambusa, 2x of Doro Wot and 1x Kikil Lamb. The food is amazing. Talked to the owner/chef and service was 5 stars. Please try this as you won't be disappointed. read more

See all

My husband suggested we try this place for lunch with some friends. None of us have ever tried Ethiopian food and we were not sure what to expect. We came on New Year's Eve and it was relatively empty inside with maybe two other patrons. The interior was decorated with Ethiopian decor like curtains and artwork all along the wall and ceiling. We were given a menu and I decided I wanted to share the veggie combo with my husband because I wasn't too hungry. The food came out on a huge plate! The veggie combo had "Red lentil stew split yellow pea stew whole lentils string beans, Greens,mixed vegetable(cabbages, carrots)Chicken pea stew, injera mixed with red pepper sauce tomato salad with house dressing served with injera." I didn't know what injera was so I looked it up and it's a fermented sour and spongy flatbread. The combo plate can with extra injera on the side. We tore that and used it to scoop up the food. There were no utensils - just your hands! My favorite was the mixed vegetables. It was really flavorful and good texture for a stir fry. The cabbage and beets were also tasty as well. I'm glad we decided to share because it was a lot of food! I got pretty full. After we were done eating, the owner asked if everything was good and we told her it was delicious! We told her it was all of our first time and she was surprised. She was very sweet and offered my friend complimentary coffee because he was on the fence about getting some or not. She also offered us herbal tea and I took her up on it. It came out piping hot and she gave us some sugar to add to it. It hit the spot on a rainy day and warmed me right up. She was so hospitable and so happy to hear us enjoying her food. I highly recommend checking this place out - especially if you've never tried Ethiopian food before. She told me they opened about 4 months ago. Go support small businesses and check this place out! I'll be coming back if I'm in the area again. read more

See all

I have been waiting to try Ethiopian cuisine for a while, and Sekela was the perfect introduction. This hidden gem has a wonderful, homey atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in your favorite aunt's living room. The owner's hospitality is truly the heart of the place. I ordered the veggie combo with injera, and because everything is made to order, it arrived incredibly fresh and flavorful. The asparagus and carrots were really flavorful with garlic and the lentils are delicious. Please try this hole in the wall, you won't regret it! read more

See all

Finally, Riverside has an excellent Ethiopian restaurant that rivals the best Michelin recognized Ethiopian restaurant in Washington DC! We had the vegetarian combination platter and the beef Shekla Tibs. The flavors were excellent each one of the vegetarian dishes had its own spice and character. Everything was unique. The service was excellent. We met the owner and she was very happy that we were familiar with Ethiopian cuisine. The restaurant is very simply decorated but comfortable the food is absolutely fantastic. I can't wait to try everything on the menu. Highly recommended. read more

Sekela Ethiopia Restaurant - SHEKLA TIBS and VEGGIE COMBO Excellent! - Ethiopian Near Me - Riverside, California

One of the challenges of living in Murrieta is the embarrassment of riches that we get to choose from any time we travel north toward LA or south to San Diego. I just so happened to be in Riverside last week for a doctor's appointment, when we learned of the opening of Sekela. I love Ethiopian food. My wife loves Ethiopian as well. Perfect time to try a new place and have a cuisine we haven't had in quite some time. Got a myriad of dishes. The vegetarian combo was amazing. The doro wot was really, really good, as were the awaze tibs. But I think our favorite was the kikil. So good. My recommendation to anyone new... get the vegetarian platter. It's an awesome mix of different flavors. Due to my cancer diagnosis and subsequent need to social distsnce, we chose to order to go. The owner was very kind in providing us some bread and tea while we waited. Also, for those that like a lot of injera... The owner gsve us plenty for all of our different meals, including for the remaining leftovers. So glad to see Sekela in Riverside, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. read more

See all

Excellent!!!! Genuine - authentic food . Clean small family place. Been here couple of times already . Now I call In advance if with kids

Great food! Lovely homemade, fresh and delicious ethnic food! Delicious! Magical! A gem in SolCal, like you find traveling to another country. read more

See all

I have been wanting to try Ethiopian food for a while and came across this place. I am so glad I did. It was delicious. The host is not only the host but the waitress and the cook. She was pleasant and helped us decide on what we should try for our first time. The restaurant is small yet cozy and has cultural art displayed. I will definitely be returning! read more

Sekela Ethiopia Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

The food is great and the service is wonderful. We're adding this restaurant to our rotation. Ethiopian food has quickly become my daughter's favorite! read more

I bought this off Uber and was immediately unimpressed. The price was way high, and the portions were really small. Not to mention the injera reeked of apple cider vinegar the moment I opened the zip lock it came in. Who flops a bunch of injera into a zip lock bag in the first place?! The flavors were all off, and the actual meal it came with didnt even fill the Tupperware it came in. I'm more angry at myself for getting excited I found Ethiopian food in the area were its at then I am at actually getting ripped off. I should have known better given the demographics of the area. To sum up my little rant, don't come here if you're looking for real authentic Ethiopian food unless you want to be ripped off for a passable fake. read more

We had veggie combo and lamb Kikil. They are so good! The lamb kikil has such a good flavor! As for the veggie combo, I specifically love the cabbages and chickpeas. Have to come back again! read more

I loved this place! It was my first time having Ethiopian food and I will definitely be back. Everything is made to order and feels very authentic and made with love. It's a small restaurant but has enough space to feed multiple families. I got the beef sambusa and the veggie combo plate. I loved the dip with the beef sambusa. This platter is huge and I had enough to take home for my brother to try. We LOVE the red lentils and everything was delicious. Amazing service and I can't wait to come back to try the doro wot next! read more

Sekela Ethiopia Restaurant - Veggie Combo Plate - Ethiopian Near Me - Riverside, California

Definitely the best food around in Riverside, a hidden gem Restaurant, the service is amazing in a very relaxing ambiance that makes you feel comfortable like eating at home. Since you don't get eating utensils, you might consider washing your hands thoroughly before and after eating because your hands are going to be back and forth from your plate to your mouth. Now you'll discover what this saying means! " The flavor of the food is in the tip of your fingers " I'm glad I found this Ethiopian restaurant, so blessed to be around the corner from where I live, can't beat that!! May the Lord keep this business going successfully!! read more

All the above, location is great ! The room is clean, decorated with taste, by an Ethiopian, full of her memoirs of it, colorful and beautiful pieces, the service is friendly and can explain you whatever you need to ask about everything , food was Glorious! I felt moved by the spices to another time and space. Even my husband was surprised by the presentation and the level of love put in the details even on the food. The photos match the food AMAZING! And yet the food smell and taste better than them. Whomever read all this please let's make this a successful restaurant in the IE RIVERSIDE area. read more

See all

I'm so glad to see an Ethiopian restaurant open in the IE! It's a small family owned and ran restaurant with a cozy welcoming atmosphere. Both the service and food were wonderful. I ordered the veggie combo which was both delicious and a great size. The sambusas were also very tasty. It was a wonderful warm comforting meal on a cold rainy day :) read more

See all

Amazing food! Service was great and while it did take some time for everything to come out ( only 1 nice lady working) that meant everything was fresh! Will definitely be coming back! read more

See all

Absolutely delicious Ethiopian food. My friend and I went last night and were pleasantly surprised by the quality service and to-die-for taste of the food. This wasn't my first time eating Ethiopian, but it was certainly my favorite. Would certainly recommend anyone to come here! read more

I've been here twice and both times the food and service were excellent! We ordered the veggie combo to share and everything was delicious. My friend also loved the gomen besiga (collard greens stew with beef). The place is super cozy and feels like you're enjoying a home cooked meal. The owner is also really friendly and helped us choose what to order our first time! I will definitely be back :) read more

Delicious flavorful food, great options for vegans and vegetarians and meat eaters. Generous portions and kind service. Would return! read more

Sekela Ethiopia Restaurant - Veggie plate, and 2 different beef dishes. - Ethiopian Near Me - Riverside, California

This is an Inland Empire hidden gem in Riverside. All of the dishes have been amazing and, if you haven't tried Ethiopian cuisine, this is a great restaurant to try these unique flavors. The staff are very nice and I highly recommend Sekela. read more

I can't say enough about this place! If you enjoy Ethiopian, you'll love the personal touch and wonderful food here! Finally one close by. If you've never had Ethiopian food, this is a good place to start. You will be served a great meal! It felt like it was made with love. Wonderful spices, not too salty!! read more

As an individual who enjoy Ethiopian food, my biggest frustration is that the injera bread aren't gluten free. To my absolute delight, injera bread ARE gluten free, it's not optional. It's automatic. Amazing food. I enjoyed eating here! I will definitely come back and bring more of my friends. read more

Great service. The waiter was nice. Amazing experience for us trying out Ethiopian food for the first time. They recommended us the Veggie Combo and Shekla Tibs. So we tried it. The Injera tasted like very light sponge cake or Vietnamese pancake, and the spiced meat dish was delicious. There was a variety of veggies on the side and Injera on the bottom of the plate as well. The ambiance indoors has lots of Ethiopian artwork and cultural vibes. Overall, very enlightening experience. read more

Sekela Ethiopia Restaurant - Veggie Combo and Shekla Tibs - Ethiopian Near Me - Riverside, California

Wonderful food, delightful service, and plain but sparkling clean. My wife and I shared a veggie combo and couldn't finish it so generous were the portions. The recipes were nicely balanced but weren't overly spiced. Definitely a do over! read more

A friend brought us here to try the wonderful little restaurant, and if you haven't tried Ethiopian food, get here as quick as possible. This is a very small place filled with culture and decorated as such. Service is quick and friendly. But were here to talk about is the wonderful food. We started with Awaze tibs, which is a beef dish with an exciting flavor rich with spice. Next the veggie combo which has many kinds of items to excite your taste buds. and last Doro wot, which is a stewed chicken and whole egg dish full of exciting flavor, all served on a platter with injera (spongey tortilla) all to eat from. If you want to try something that will excite you, this is a must try. You won't be disappointed. read more

Very good food Little pricey Good hospitality Plenty of parking Children friendly Easy to nevigate read more

We finally have an Ethiopian restaurant near us , no more driving to Orange County!! The food is delicious. The owner is amazing. Best Injera and Doro Wat !! I've been there twice in 2 weeks. I never do that with any restaurant!! I can't wait to go back!! read more

Food is very fresh and tasted awesome! Owner is very personal and proud of her authentic Ethiopian food.

It was delicious and very fresh! Vegan and vegetarian friendly. The injera is yummy and the owner was so nice and helpful. She cooks everything fresh to order. read more

Sekela Ethiopia Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Riverside, California

This is my second visit at this restaurant and the food is on point, fresh and delicious. I highly recommend it. Looking forward to many more visits. read more

The veggie combo and awaze tibs were fantastic!!! The service was warm and we felt a very friendly atmosphere. read more

Sekela Ethiopia Restaurant - VEGGIE COMBO AWAZE TIBS - Ethiopian Near Me - Riverside, California

I can't even explain how happy I am that there's finally an Ethiopian restaurant in Riverside. It feels like piece of home just showed up here. It reminded me SO MUCH of back home! The owner is so sweet, the service is fast, and the food tastes exactly like back home. I had kitfo my first time and went back for the awaze tibs and both were amazing. The injera, the spices, everything was literally so perfect!!!! read more

Excellent food and kind service. Doro wot was tasty (and not too spicy). Grateful the chef could make tibs (delicious!) without spice for our kid. Coffee ceremony was lovely! read more

I can't tell you enough how good this Ethiopian place is. My in laws are all of Ethiopian descent. Everything we ordered was superb. There are some great Ethiopian places in LA, but this one was actually better. 100% gluten free as well. My wife has a strict gluten free diet and she was happy. Happy wife, happy life. The meat (chicken and beef) were so tender they fell off the bone. Easy to eat. Veggies were cooked fresh. A little bit of a long wait, but totally worth it! It takes a while to make this food so we have no problem with that. This allowed family time to talk while waiting. You won't be disappointed! read more

3 of us went, 2 of us not familiar with this foodway, so we ordered the family meal. Half vegetarian and half meat. This platter was amazing. The flavors were brilliant. The bread was lovely and soft. We probably used the bread like clumsy 5 year olds and made a bit of a mess but the food was wonderful. I don't know most of what we ate but I want more. Lots more. Note: it's a small place with maybe 10 tables. Small staff who cooks and does front of house, and the food is made as you order it. This means you're going to wait a while from order to getting the food, which is fine because the food is totally worth waiting for. Be patient. What a wonderful addition to the area. Everyone needs to go so this place can be a success. read more

Found this hidden gem in Riverside. First time trying Ethiopian food and it did not disappoint! The manager running the restaurant, Silhager, was extremely welcoming and helpful when deciding what dishes to try and how to eat the food. The food was freshly prepared and full of flavor. Great service and ever greater food! read more