Sunset Cafe

4.5 (312 reviews)

ModerateEthiopian, Seafood, Breakfast & Brunch

Closed • 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

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Sunset Cafe - a plate of fried chicken and french fries with ketchup - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sunset Cafe - a bar with a lot of bottles of alcohol - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sunset Cafe - a plate of fried chicken and a bowl of salsa - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Sunset Cafe - a table with a basket of food and a glass of wine - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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SUNSET CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Moderate noise

Good for kids

Good for groups

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Kathy N.

The food was soooo delicious and the sunset combo was HUGE! It fed 4 people for only $22! Service was super nice. We also got the meat combo ($20) and had to take that home (glad we did that because it made great leftovers). The waitress even bagged the leftovers for us. To eat at the restaurant, we got 2 orders of injera ($2). The injera was so soft and 2 orders was more than enough for 4 people. The place itself felt like I was at someone's house. It was a little smoky from what I think was incense. This place was a gem. This was my first time eating Ethiopian food and I'm looking forward to eating here again

Anna B.

Phenomenal Ethiopian and Eritrean food! The sunset combo was such a great size, especially for the price, and really came with an excellent variety of flavorful toppings- we especially loved the cabbage, beef tibs and super spongy injera, which we ordered extra of, but everything was devoured. Filled with locals and fun music videos playing to watch while you wait for your food. The staff were also so friendly! Next time would love to try their big Eritrean breakfast menu, and their jebena specialty coffee :) great place to stop on your way to or from seatac airport!

Josh W.

Always a great stop for breakfast when in town. The staff is friendly, fast, and have good recommendations.

Timothy L.

One of the best Ethiopian restaurants in Seattle. We ordered the sunset combo as it had both the meat and veggie platters. The portion was huge and could satisfy 2-3 people at a pretty low price, which made it all the better. While the beef and lamb were good, the highlight here was the lentils. The service was a bit slow even when there were not many customers, which was really the only downside. Otherwise I liked the space and the cozy environment.

Sunset Combo (Special). May I recommend you order this if you want to try many things. Mmmmm

Jim B.

What an authentic spot. I am not going to get into the dishes because I have not had one dish that I did not love. Lentils are always on the bottom of my menu wish list. However, they knock the lentils out of the park. I ordered them all the time. Somebody really knows how to work in the kitchen and produce an amazing plates of Ethiopian food. It must be the love I cannot recommend any higher. I have shared it with so many friends and loves going back. Staff is very helpful if you have questions and love what they do.

Brandi C.

In contrast to my previous experience, the order quality was truly not what I was expecting. I was looking forward to trying the collard greens by themselves as well as the veggie platter. Collard greens are one of my favorite part of Ethiopian platters and the last time I had the Sunset Platter, the vegetable sides really stood out in being very flavorful and light, so I wanted to try them by themselves without the meat. Wow... It's almost like they got a new chef because nothing in this meal tasted like the previous experience. First, with the gomen/collard greens, they did not cut the stem as usual, making it very tough to eat. The gomen also came with spicy peppers embedded throughout and tasted like it was dumped with a cup of salt. I tried my best to finish what I could but it was really bad. Extremely salty and unnecessarily spicy and the juice was not removed well, so the injera was very soggy. This is a stark contrast from the collard greens that are usually served in platters which have stems removed, are very sweet, and light. The veggie platter itself was really bland. Each side did not have much flavor and although I usually love their lentils, they had no flavor and all. I'm wondering how this is possible? I'm so disappointed and would hate to not come here again because of the great experience last time, but there was nothing redeeming about this.

Nancy T.

I've been here pre and during covid, and the it never disappoints! I usually get the sunset combo which is a solid deal for the price. For me, it's equivalent to 4 meals (granted I'm petite). They provide a lot of injera and I really like the taste of their injera (it can be a hit or miss sometimes for me). The restaurant is pretty small and service can be a little slow, but it's nice feeling the slow vibe. If you're looking for a good Ethiopian place, definitely come by sunset cafe!

Jason L.

Decent, nothing mind-blowing but satiating Ethiopian food Sambusas are dry but I think that is the style, I wonder if there is traditionally a sauce that goes with it. Veggie dishes could do better and meat dishes taste okay. I had it delivered and packaging was great. Overall 3.5/5

Linh L.

This restaurant is my friend's "go to" Ethiopian local spot. We shared a combo between the two of us, and still had leftovers! It could have fed 4 people. The decor is modest, but service is friendly. The joy of eating with your hands is truly something to experience if you have not tried it before. You rip a piece of the bread and then use it to scoop up the meat or veggies and then use your thumb to push it in your mouth. It's as simple as that. Have fun with it! I like the communal aspect of this type of eating and sharing a meal. We have something to learn from every culture and it's unique and delicious cuisine. Give it a try!

John G.

We had the sunset combo with the tea and bread. As most people comment we were not disappointed. There is a lot of variety in the combo we liked everything with favorites the beef and lamb. It was sufficient for two, it's a good deal for 15$. The bread that came with the tea wasn't that great though. Also service felt mostly absent, but we had everything we needed. We were the only ones in the restaurant, not sure why, it felt a bit weird.

Nora S.

As good as it gets when it comes to Ethiopian food. I probably should take a star off for the slow service but the lady was all by herself. I think she did a great job considering. Price point is unbelievable. We ordered the veggie combo to split ($12) and enough food for lunch and dinner. If we had been a little less greedy, it was enough to make another lunch. However, the food is so good we couldn't stop eating it. I was blown away by the number of dishes that comes with the veggie combo. There are also quite a few items on the menu that were new to me. Don't let the sketchy neighborhood and outside appearance of the place deter you. This is a gem.

Andrew L.

I have been dealing for a while about how to write a review about this place. It's not just a great meal, but an experience. It's something you remember the first time, and every time, the kind of intimate transmission of delicious that the owner shares with you. A destination, that is more than a the sum of its parts. You can scour the land, and you will find a few excellent places around Seattle, and serve Ethiopian food; but this one stands out. My group of 6 finished volunteering nearby, and we came looking for good food. What was delivered, was a testimony of good food. Combos were the way to go, and before we knew it, and after some wonderful help from the owner; we had a plate of food, the size of a large pizza. Let's explain, the owner comes out, with dishes of food, and individually places them on a platter of injera (the soft bread layer). Many different lentils, meats, and African curries that left us wanting more. Vegetarian options too, it was a march forward, systematically more delicious than the previous plate. It was a vast exploration of complex and delicious flavors. Get the Combo Plates, it's a good way to find a ways to try all the flavors from this culture. Highly Recommended. It's not the most amazing décor, but who cares, when the food is delicious and priced wonderfully.

Sunset Combo of meats and vegetables on injera.

Jessica G.

Best. Ethiopian. In. Seattle. Wow. Just wow. Found this place on Yelp (of course!) and decided to give it a go to get out of my usual dining area. Took my friend, who was a little worried about the area, but was willing to give it a go for good Ethiopian. We were blown away! What they lack in humble interior, they make up for with warm, inviting customer service and amazing food. We split the Sunset Combination (various meats and vegetables served atop injera). This was MORE than enough for two people; we had leftovers to take home. Presentation was fabulous - the owner came out and described what each and every dish was (beef, lamb, chicken, collared greens, homemade cheese, etc.) and gave us an additional basket of rolled up injera. When we asked for additional injera to take home, they didn't charge us. The prices are very economical for what you get. Plus, the patrons seem to be regulars, and they made the atmosphere very lively. I think that if you're new to Ethiopian, it's essential to try a place that is good and has a good reputation. My first (and subsequent) experiences (back in Little Ethiopia in Los Angeles) left me feeling very nauseous (the quality of the food wasn't the best), so I didn't eat it again for a very long time. But, I'm so glad I gave it another go. If you're okay with spices (not necessarily hot - just flavor), you will love this fare.

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Preetha A.

Elite 24

154

1111

10 years ago

Good sunset combo for meat eaters. Portion sizes are extremely large and meant to be shared. They don't modify the combos or plates like the other reviews mentioned, which is too bad as that was a selling point for small businesses like this. Would recommend for meat eaters, might be on the spicy side for those who aren't used to it. Owner was very nice however the other waitress not so much. read more

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Jess M.

12 years ago

I've gone here 3 times now, it's the best Ethiopian I've ever had. Don't let the humble exterior of the building scare you away, it hides a gem! I used to go to the place down the street but they were closed one day and I popped over to sunshine. I was impressed to say the least. Plus, the value is insane! Incredibly hearty portions, for incredibly small prices. Bring your friends, it's a great experience. I suggest veggie combo! read more

Sunset Cafe - Veggie combo! - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Keri W.

11 years ago

The reviews are all spot-on. After a 5 hour swim meet at Rainier Beach Pool, I decided this was a good time to introduce my kids (& their much earned hunger) to Ethiopian Food. Couldn't have picked a better place. Me the vegetarian, them, carnivores in the true definition of the word. Everyone is friendly and everyone really truly cares about their restaurant. From the guy out front sweeping up the leaves to the owner who really does come out, sit at your table, greet your family, and make you coffee. (It's not just turning on a machine... it's truly a ceremony). After my 12 year old swimmer ordered the Sunset Combo (for himself), Sunny came out to make sure we knew it was ALOT of food. After the food came out she checked in again. Sat with us and talked about her kids, their swimming days etc. In the end, we stayed for a couple of hours enjoying the company, feeling welcome and most importantly the amazing food. While a bit too spicy for the smallest (who had many other non-spicy but equally flavorful options), those that really appreciate a good blend of spice that doesn't kill the flavor we truly found a place that strikes a perfect balance. Sometimes, atmosphere can make the food taste better than it might otherwise. But it's a rare time when you have both incredible food and a very inviting atmosphere. And yes, the food might take some time to come out, but there is a reason for that. read more

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Renu G.

116

10 years ago

We have been here once and were left with great impression! It was fun to talk with the chef who comes out to serve the dishes. She described each dish as she served. We would like to go again, but have been hesitant to drive that far, as during another attempt to try it out for lunch on one of the weekends (it was supposed to open at noon), we waited until 1 PM, and had to leave as it did not open. I am not sure if anyone has had similar experience during weekends. read more

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Amrutha T.

11 years ago

Me and my husband were on food high after our dinner at Sunset Cafe. We ordered veggie combo and the owner(who is also the cook and waitress) got so many varieties of food and all tasted sooooo good. There was also Ethiopian coffee ceremony, coffee was as good as the ceremony. Will definitely visit this place more often. read more

Sunset Cafe - Yummy veggie combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sunset Cafe - Coffee ceremony - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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LEALA S.

11 years ago

The outside of the cafe isn't much to look at. Don't be fooled. The food is amazing, and the owner is a delight. This is some of the best food I've ever had, ever. The food is very affordable -- we had the Sunset platter which would have been PLENTY of food for two or more people. After the cafe closes, she went to go work her second job which is a graveyard shift. Go support her and have some delicious, affordable food. read more

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Heather W.

8 years ago

Used to absolutely love this place- brought all my Seattle visitors here and would drive out of my way any day for that veggie platter. Came by on Xmas eve and the place had been remodeled and food was such a disappointment. Only half of the usual dishes on the veggie platter- we were hoping it was a holiday fluke but saw another review saying maybe they got new ownership. So sad if that's true, Sunny was a goddess! read more

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Joel J.

12 years ago

Loved our visit. Owner is friendly, and the food tastes wonderful. Takes some time with a large group (more than 7 or 8 people), but well worth the wait. read more

Sunset Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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John S.

12 years ago

Wow, that was a lot of fun! I went in with my World Cultures class and was greeting warmly by the owner. I explained to her that we wanted to sample traditional Ethiopian fare. With a large smile, she provided us with an incredible array of diverse tastes and flavors with a combination if their sampler trays loaded with sides of injera. The injera was the best I have eaten. Very fresh and wonderfully sour. Our dishes were a blend of differently spiced meat and vegetable dishes and all moderately priced. We spent $50 and it fed all 8 of us to the brim and still had three boxes of leftovers. read more

Sunset Cafe - A sampler plate of meat and veggie dishes with injera, traditional Ethiopian flat bread. - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Vyjayanthi R.

Elite 15

175

152

10 years ago

Another great Ehiopian find! Large portions of food at very reasonable prices. My friend and I shared the veggie combo which had 6-7 different dishes and came with endless refills of injera (the bread). The lentil dishes were my favourite - all of them had different but equally delectable gravies! The combo proved to be too much for the 2 of us and we ended up with generous leftovers. We also had the Sambusa which is similar to an Indian samosa but with a mixed veggie filling instead of just potatoes - yummy! Its a pretty small place but very charming. The waitress was super nice and the chef (or owner) came out to talk to us and explain a bit about the foods - very thoughtful. Don't let the somewhat dingy exterior deter you, this is a great place to dine at! read more

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Od Y.

10 years ago

Delicious injira. Beautiful presentation. Fresh ingredients. Honestly one of the best injiras we ever had. Sunny, the cook and owner, is always sweet and a great host. Big portions but feels light and healthy. read more

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Samuel B.

10 years ago

My wife and I try to go to Ethiopian restaurants when travelling just to compare to this place. This one is the best. The setting is a bit old but clean and tactfully decorated. The menu is complete and prices are very reasonable. The service is fashionably slow but with a beautiful smile. Slow sometimes is due to the fact that the owner is the cook and waitress. So visit this place if you are in the mood for the best Ethiopian food in the greater USA area . read more

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Susie W.

12 years ago

Friends found this little Ethiopian restaurant on Yelp- and all of the 5-star reviews are true! The atmosphere was relaxed and Sunny, the cherf/owner, made sure we were well fed. We got a veggie combo, doro wat, and awaze tibs. When the food came out, Sunny gave us a tour of each dish- how it was made and what ingredients we would should pay attention to. The food was amazing, a wide variety of flavors and spices. The injera, as others have mentioned, is perfectly sour and just the right thickness for grabbing all of the tasty stews and veggies dishes. It was a savory feast! We will be back. read more

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Shannon M.

101

122

12 years ago

Sunset gave us an amazing experience, great food and excellent service! I would highly recommend it to anyone read more

Sunset Cafe - Such great service! - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Joseph P.

9 years ago

The zilzil tibbs and the lamb tibbs were so delicious! The richness of the marinated meat was complemented by the spicy jalapenos and sautéd onions. Those dishes combined with the veggie platter made a well rounded meal that three starving men couldn't finish. The restaurant has simple decor, but the atmosphere is one where you feel at home. Highly recommend to those interested in trying Ethiopian food the first time, as well as those who know and love this cuisine. read more

Sunset Cafe - The veggie platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Dwayne L.

12 years ago

This place has a really good and fulfilling Veggie Platter combo. The food here is outstanding, and the owners are extremely nice. Be sure to partake in the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony if you get the chance! read more

Sunset Cafe - The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Samuel P.

199

12 years ago

As we walked through the door on a rainy Friday evening we were greeted by the foggy haze of burning incense. The restaurant was empty save for a man sitting in the corner drinking Corona and chatting with the waitress who promptly got up and gave us a choice of tables. She showed us menus, poured us water and smiled. When we ordered she didn't really understand our request for both vegetarian and meat combo platters. Then, as if on queue, out of the kitchen appeared the chef to clarify our order. When the food came the chef explained each of the items as she poured them out onto a large tray layered in a traditional Ethiopian bread. First an egg, followed by lamb, beef and collared greens. The rest of the tray was covered with red beans, cabbage, potatoes and split peas. I got great satisfaction from eating the food with my hands. With each bite I unrolled some of the bread provided for us in the basket and scooped up the contents of the tray. To finish,'we tore into the bread on the bottom of the tray which had been soaking up the juices the whole time. Overall I got great pleasure from my first Ethiopian experience. The service was good (remember this is African style so not super fast but super friendly) and the prices were low (can't beat $25 to feed 4). I would certainly consider going back. I just hope they have more customers the next time. read more

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Erika G.

197

12 years ago

If you want amazing service and delicious Ethiopian food come here! What a great experience!! read more

Sunset Cafe - Veggie and meat combo! - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Calvin T.

11 years ago

Checked out this place after reading all the positive reviews about it. It was our first time trying Ethiopian food so had no idea what it would taste like. The service at this restaurant is super friendly and welcoming. Definitely good quantity of food when ordering the combo. I love the fact that the lady introduced all the food items when she took it out for us - definitely add a special touch to the whole experience. However, the food was either too spicy and too sour for my liking to be honest (veggie and sunset combo). I am sure it was good food, but my taste buds and I didn't enjoy the flavour too much. So based on Yelp rating system, I could only give in an a-ok (3 stars) and not I'm a fan (4 stars). read more

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Molly B.

107

8 years ago

This used to be our favorite little Ethiopian gem of a restaurant. Sunny & husband were always so welcoming, portions huge with bonus dishes and amazing prices. When visiting today, the first thing we noticed was a bad remodel. Then came the smaller portions (still good food), then the inattentive service and next the jacked-up prices. Quite the difference! We were told that they recently changed owners. What a shame. read more

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Carl H.

10 years ago

Solid Ethiopian food for a reasonable price. It's in my neighborhood and I've been back a couple times. I recommend the sampler platter. You get a bit of a bunch of different things. The sambusas are good too, though $2 each. read more

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Da H.

10 years ago

Weren't sure when we first saw the outside of the restaurant, but it was quite clean and nice inside and, OMG, the food was fabulous. Sally welcomed us and served us 11(!) separate dishes on injera bread for the veggie combo. Amazing spicing and everything was delicious. Loved the carrots and green beans. We are definitely coming back. read more

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Looc B.

8 years ago

Authentic. Almost everything in the sampler was good, but some of the flavors were actually bland, surprisingly. Service was delightful. Very cozy little place, probably has lots of repeat customers. read more

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Monica N.

Elite 12

10 years ago

Boyfriend and I have always wanted to try out Ethiopian food. More so me than him. With enough convincing he finally agreed. Service: Was great. We got the feel of the mom and pops restaurant. The owners were both very nice and sweet! Food: We ordered what was recommended and got the Sunset Combo. All the meats were really good! Our favorite was the lamb curry. The Ethiopian beers were good! We tried both the light and dark. BUT - The Ethiopian bread is sour. If you like sourdough then you will probably like it. We arent fans and it felt like it threw the whole the whole meal off. We also ordered the "hot wings" for the appetizer. Be warned. DONT order it. Im guessing they dont get many orders of this. Because it literally tasted like the frozen "buffalo wings" and just microwaved. read more

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Peggy Y.

9 years ago

Love eating here. Reminds me of the food I had in Ethiopia, real home cooking. Sunny the owner is the best. She takes your orders and then runs back to the Kitchen so it's nice and fresh coming out to you. Be prepared to leave very stuff with left overs for lunch or breakfast the next day. Be prepared to wait for the feast she places in front of you. read more

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Aprameya R.

Elite 17

261

11 years ago

This place is very good. It is a small place. It is very neat inside and very tidy. It has a nice feel to it. We got the Sunset Combo. It had: - Doro Wot - Lamb with Doro Wot sauce - Chicken with greens - Chicken Tibs - Beef tibs - One dish of lentils - Collared greens The sauce/gravy of the Doro Wot is amazing. It is the best I have had. It is spicy and flavourful. The meat dishes were a little overdone but mostly nice. The lentils were good but it wasn't either Shiro Wot or Misir Wot. The service was good and the chef/owner (I think) came out to meet us and explain to us all the dishes. It did take a long time to get our food - almost forty five minutes and it seemed that everything in the kitchen is serialized. Overall, this place is great. It is slow though. read more

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Karen B.

11 years ago

My husband and I love Ethiopian food but hadn't gone to any of the local restaurants since we moved into the south lake neighborhood. My son suggested Ethiopian last night and after checking yelp we went to Sunset. YUM!!! The best ever!!! We had both the vegetable and meat platter which included items that were new to us as well as old favorites. The savory spiciness of the dishes makes it hard to stop eating even after you're full and still, there was so much that we had lots of leftovers to take home. The people there are very friendly and create a very inviting and homey atmosphere. This might be our favorite new restaurant! read more

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Yellow S.

11 years ago

This is the kind of place Yelp was invented for. Hole on a wall with great authentic food. Located in Ethiopian neighborhood, it looks a bit scary from the outside. (Inside is clean and charming) We had the Sunset combo ($13) and Buritto ($5) appetizer. Combo was big enough to share with 2 hungry people. They were both so fresh and good! The owner/chef Sunny was very nice and lovely. Coffee was delicious. (And the coffee ceremony is interesting) Sunny obviously take a lot of pride in her food. read more

Sunset Cafe - Sunset Buritto - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sunset Cafe - Coffee - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sunset Cafe - Sunset combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sunset Cafe - Sunset combo. Lamb was my fave! - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Serg K.

254

10 years ago

My pregnant wife has been craving East African food recently. So I decided to take her to Sunset Cafe - the portions here are HUGE so we shared a meat combination. Great service, great food! read more

Sunset Cafe - Traditional Ethiopian coffee. I love the smell of sage. - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Julie Y.

6 years ago

Food portion was good. Food was ok. Very poor customer service. They got the order wrong and seemed inconvenienced that we requested to get what we already paid for. Will not return. read more

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Mike L.

213

11 years ago

Charming chef but nowhere near the quality of food as Altaye. Most of it was over-microwaved and while still tasty just lacked the subtlety of the insanely good Altaye. Sunset probably does have slightly nicer ambience though with more space or blaring TV, which might explain its higher yelp rating. read more

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Lily G.

8 years ago

The food is fabulous. Even my family, all of whom are from Ethiopia and Eritrea, enjoyed it. We got the Sunset combo-highly recommend!

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Dawn C.

8 years ago

The veggie combo and lamb stew were great. We will be back! Nice cafe ambiance. There is parking in the lot next to the building :)

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T K.

11 years ago

Wow such delicious food with fun experience! Ordered the meat combo plate, really amazing! Really friendly service :) Want to try the veggie combo plate, but need to be next time, so full... read more

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Netsie T.

8 years ago

I need to update this post to reflect the fact that the woman who was running this restaurant is gone. The new owner does things very differently. read more

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Nyakim B.

8 years ago

This place is the worst Ethiopian shop I've ever been too. The food was dry, I ordered the sunset combo I was very disappointed. Customer service was horrible! I suggest never to come here, they are very rude people. read more

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Zoe L.

11 years ago

Like it very much. Like all reviews have stated, food is delicious and portion very generous. And the owner is so warm and welcoming. We were invited to sit for the coffee ceremony, and spent over two hours there. It's like eating at a friends house! read more

Sunset Cafe - Menu pg 1 - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sunset Cafe - Menu pg 2 - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sunset Cafe - Sunset combo. Could barely finish between 2 ppl - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Sunset Cafe - Coffee ceremony set up - Ethiopian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Michael G.

8 years ago

We found this place just down the road from the Airbnb we were staying while in town. From the outside it doesn't look that inviting but we found it to be very clean and the food was authentic and excellent. We were there at a time between lunch and dinner so the place was not crowded and our waitress was also helping out in the kitchen. I would love to come again and try out more of the menus. read more

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Lisa W.

163

9 years ago

Fantastic place for Ethiopian food! Our new favorite. Or favorites are the Sunset Combo, the Veggie Combo, the kitko, and the que wot.

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Ashley K.

8 years ago

My favorite Ethiopian place in Seattle! I love the veggie combo and I'm always greeted with a warm smile:)

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Page 4 of 8

8115 Rainier Ave S
Seattle, WA 98118
Rainier Beach
Directions
(206) 722-0342
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://sunsetcafe-seattle.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Sunset Cafe open?

Sunset Cafe opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Sunset Cafe close?

Sunset Cafe closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Sunset Cafe take Bitcoin?

No, Sunset Cafe does not take Bitcoin.

Does Sunset Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Sunset Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Sunset Cafe have catering options?

Yes, Sunset Cafe does have catering options.

Does Sunset Cafe serve alcohol?

No, Sunset Cafe does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Sunset Cafe allow dogs?

No, Sunset Cafe does not allow dogs.

Does Sunset Cafe have TVs?

Yes, Sunset Cafe has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Sunset Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Sunset Cafe has bike parking.

Does Sunset Cafe have outdoor seating?

No, Sunset Cafe does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Sunset Cafe have parking?

Yes, Sunset Cafe has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Sunset Cafe wheelchair accessible?

No, Sunset Cafe is not wheelchair accessible.

Does Sunset Cafe have free WiFi?

Yes, Sunset Cafe has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Sunset Cafe

Is there usually a long wait time here on Friday/Saturday evenings (7 PM ish)?

Hi Ojass, Yes there can be a fairly long wait on Friday and Saturday evening. It is the best time to go since that's when Sunny makes the freshest and largest variety of food… Read more

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Cafe Selam

4.4(396 reviews)

5.5 mi•Central District

•$$

YUUUUUUMMMMMM! This place is amazing! Ordered take out this…read moreweek and was blown away by how flavorful everything was. The servings are generous and I unknowingly ordered too much food. The Doro Wat was rich, silky, with just enough spice to round out every bite. The order came with 2 drumsticks ( other spots give you 1 drumstick only), plus a small side of Lyb and sautéed greens, plus a generous portion of injera. Every things was so tasty! Not knowing the chicken came with sides, I also ordered miser wot (lentils) and they were equally delicious as the Doro Wot, as well as a side of Lyb. I inhaled the chicken and accompanied sides and had the lentils and leftover injera for lunch the next day. I will be going back...it's on the way home from work...another plus

Ordered inside the restaurant for take out. As we usually do in an Ethiopian place, we ordered the…read moremeat combo and veggie combo. No complaints about the veggie combo, but the meat combo only has two types of meat and is otherwise all veggie/lentil. You'll get better value and variety at other spots for the same price. I liked the sour injera, but it somehow wasn't edible on it's own, and I usually really like it as is. I'd go back if someone else suggested it, but I won't be choosing it as my #1 Ethiopian pick.

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Veggie combo

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Comfy shaded outdoor seating with a cameo by the Blue Angels!

Ras Dashen Ethiopian Cuisine

4.4(182 reviews)

5.5 mi•Leschi

•$$

Look at your bill before you pay!!! They charged us $35 instead of $30 (as is written on their…read moremenu) for the Family Combo. And, another $5 for gluten free bread (we never asked for gluten free, and the menu says that bread is included). When we asked about the $10 extra charge that we didn't plan on, they said that they ran out of regular bread and had to give us gluten free. And the $35 instead of $30 was because they have a new menu coming out with the higher price, but "its not yet printed." This is misrepresentation and illegal. They were dishonest. They never told us about the price change in the beginning, when we were ordering. When we wanted them make it right and remove the $10 extra charge, they wouldn't. They just said its now on the "new" menu, which is "not yet printed." A bunch of BS in my opinion. It felt like they knew exactly what they are doing in scamming Americans who come into their restaurant. Be careful! Or just go some places else. There are a lot of other great options in the area.

We love going here for their vegetable combo. It feeds my 2 kids and me for a great price!…read more They have recently updated their food so the injera is always gluten free, and the vegis are all vegan. Their food has been amazing everytime we've gone, and service has been friendly.

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Inside

2. Fish Asa Goulshe 1. Lamb Tibs Family Combo

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Empty table ready and bar toward the front

Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant

4.4(235 reviews)

5.9 mi•Central District

•$$

Locally owned spot with a charming and homey feel! We ordered the meat combo and veggie combo which…read morecame served on a tangy injera with extra injera on the side. There's three of us and we couldn't finish so we had a decent amount to take as leftovers. The meats were all stewed until tender and all of the other veggie dishes complimented everything so well. There was just one waitress at the time so the vibes are pretty laid back. I didn't feel like they're not trying to rush you at all! I'll definitely be back here!

I ordered the Adey Meat Combo from Adey Abeba Ethiopian Restaurant via UberEats while visiting…read moreSeattle, and wow--I'm so glad I did! The combo came with a beautiful spread of veggies--cabbage, greens, split peas, lentils, and beets--along with the beef wat I selected as my meat. Everything was packed with flavor, perfectly spiced, and the portion size was just right. The presentation was thoughtful even through delivery, which is not always the case with takeout. One of the best parts? They offer gluten-free injera! That made the whole experience even better. The price itself was very fair for the amount of food you get, but like most delivery apps, the UberEats fees made the total much higher than expected. Still, the quality and flavor made it worth it. I'd love to visit Adey in person to get the full experience and ambiance when I'm here again! Since I was in town for work and too tired to go out, I specifically looked for a Black-owned restaurant that delivered, and I'm so happy I found Adey. Delicious food, great portions, and care put into every detail--I'll definitely order again next time I'm in Seattle!

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Combined veggie and meat combo into one for us

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Inside

Shewa Ber

4.6(54 reviews)

5.1 mi•Central District

Shewa-ber does Ethiopian better than NYC. I'm so new to the…read morecuisine so I can't speak for authenticity to the culture but for the American palette the food is fire. You eat with your hands and the different entrees are put directly onto Injera (which is like a naan or roti for Ethiopia but very acidic), they also have professionally rolled injera to accompany the meal. We tried a combination with three different entrees and it was definitely enough to serve two people. The lamb was cut into cubes and very good, the Fish was by far the best and perfectly seasoned. The beef option was not my favorite as it remined me of a sweet pumpkin pie and was shocking. The ambiance felt more like a dark night club but the service was very polite and helpful. Overall this experience has left me craving for more.

Well Yelpers, you have led me astray. My usual Ethiopian restaurant is closed on Mondays so we…read moredecided to try this one based on their reviews. The veggie combo was small and most items were bland. Plus I kept my jacket on as it was cold and the music was still loud after I requested it to be turned down. Honestly, I would give this place a 2.5. Service was fine but at least the veggie combo should be avoided. We are vegetarian so I can't say about the meat options.

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Restaurant interior.

Restaurant interior and bar.

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More seating up front.

Zema Bar & Restaurant

4.5(20 reviews)

6.7 mi•South Lake Union

This place is a gem! It's a little hard to find, it's off the alley! But it's def worth it!…read more The customer service was tip notch and the atmosphere is wonderful. Very attentive. Staff! The food was the best Ethiopian I've had in a long time! I'll def be back! Taking left overs home to the hubs!

The food was very good and I would definitely order the veggie combo again. Great portions for…read morecost! The service was also great - the bartender took my order promptly and even brought it outside to me where I was waiting. It was done really quickly too! Maybe like 10 minutes from ordering in person. The inside looks like a nice little cocktail bar and has TVs and seating. It was pretty empty when I stopped in at like 3 on a Tuesday but that's to be expected for the area it's in. It's kinda off the beaten path and a little hard to spot unless you know it's there. Only downside is their online ordering does not work and they don't seem to answer the phone ever or I would have tried them by now.

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Popcorn

Ethiopian Ful ( With Egg & Cheese )

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Traditional coffee !!! Very good

Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant

4.4(126 reviews)

5.5 mi•Central District

Good food, good service, the parking situation could be a little better, especially for when it…read moregets busy. I do think the first time I came my portion was a bit small, and the 2nd to 3rd time the injera was cold but other than that flavor is there, I love when they have music playing, and love when all the uncles come out. Makes the atmosphere a lot better. I'll definitely be back for that kitfo!!!

I came on a Sunday and this place was busy. Street parking only and it can be a little difficult…read more The restaurant is pretty big with a whole bar side in the back. The service was a little slow, but again, it was busy and there were only two people taking orders and serving. With this in mind, our food came out relatively fast. The bathroom area was also a little neglected during this busy rush with none of the sinks having paper towels, so I had to use napkins at the table to dry my hands while waiting for our food. I got an Ethiopian beer, the Zagol combo, and the lamb yebeg tibs. Everything was flavorful and paired well with the injera. The portions were pretty generous. Our meal came with 3 side injera on top of the injera plating all the veggies and meat. Between two people, we had leftovers, but a lot of it is a the injera used for plating. I wish the zagol combo had one more meat option in it, but the addition of the lamb dish was perfect. Definitely try the lamb yebeg tips because it was my favorite out of all, and we got it spicy. There's also a meat combo option on the menu as well if more meat is wanted. The beer is light and paired well with the bold flavors of these dishes. Overall I would come back again. A lot of tables had tea and I would like to try that next time.

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Meat combo

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Walia Ethiopian Lager

Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant

4.1(217 reviews)

5.5 mi•Central District

•$$

Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant is an institution having been in the Seattle area for 30+ years. Now…read moreonwards to its second generation in the family, Meskel is now in an area that is dotted by many other Ethiopian restaurants. They remind an OG steward in a building that incidentally looks like a family house with an interior decorated with Ethiopian art. With much competition nearby, Meskel was sadly quiet on the day we went. The proprietor was nonetheless enthusiastic with new customers to her restaurant. Per her recommendation, we ordered their popular items listed at the top of their food menu. Side note: They do not offer a meat combo, unlike many other Ethiopian restaurants. The Food: Their injera (spongy bread) is impeccable with a potent sourdough taste. Despite having had many injera in the past, theirs stood out in this regard and is incredibly flavorful as is. Unfortunately, if one doesn't like sourdough bread, this could be problematic. Each entrée includes a full-size piece of injera. BBQ Special, $28.50 - 4.5 Stars Aromatic berbere-infused steak is slow cooked and paired with peppers and onions. This dish is served in a ceramic warmer with a small piece of charcoal underneath. Hubby said he liked this better than the typical meat combo. Vegetable Combination, $25 - 4 Stars The photo's veggie combo included veggies that are served with the BBQ Special, possibly just the salad, not sure. This combo with eight variants is modest compared to other restaurants both in terms of variants and portions of each. I commonly see ten variants in the veggie combo with bigger portions for each. Looking at older posted photos, the original portions are indeed bigger. I'll chalk it off to inflation. While the flavors of each are good, overall, this combo did not compare as well as others I have had.

Such great service!! The owner does it all, she cooks and serves and even has great conversation…read morewith all her guests. This place is amazing. The food was so delicious and unique to me. Local owned place, go support. This was my first time having Ethiopian food and I loved it. It's served "family style" and portions are large. She gets all her spices shipped to her from family in Ethiopia.

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Food Menu

Agelgil Ethiopian Restaurant Seattle

4.5(108 reviews)

5.5 mi•Madrona

•$$

We enjoyed the meat and veg combo for lunch. A generous portion. There were standouts including the…read moreyellow and orange split pea and lentils. Yum. Also really appreciated the pickled veggies, potato and carrot. One of the meat dishes was grisly, though had a good flavor, and the one in the middle was my fav, dark in color and complex and rich in flavor. I expected Ethiopian dishes to be spicier and I asked about that as everything seemed mild. The server responded all their dishes have this mild level of spice. I'm not familiar enough with Ethiopian cuisine to know if level of spice is a regional thing or not. Tasty just the same. Service was slow but pleasant.

Absolutely the best Ethiopian food I've EVER had, and I've had Ethiopian food from DC to here, and…read moreI was completely blown away! Got the veggie combo, there were so many things on it! Usually, you get 3 maybe 4 different kinds of veggie dish on a veggie combo. This had 4 different kinds of lentils, a carrot and potato salad that was amazing, and a collard greens dish, and one other veggie medley. And everything was more flavorful that I've ever had, so so rich! And I asked for spice on the side, and they brought me 3 different types of spice. Blown away, it was packed for a reason! Will be back VERY soon!

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Ethiopian honey wine

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Coffee ceremony

Café Soleil

4.3(110 reviews)

5.8 mi•Madrona

•$$

Grabbed a Friday dinner. It was good food and great service. The casual atmosphere is relaxed and…read morenot rushed. The menu is great and has so many choices I recommend it all. Check them out when you visit Glassybaby.

I went to this place solely because when I drove by I thought the exterior was so beautiful. I'm so…read moreglad I decided to go as the food was amazing & I got to explore Madrona which I never would have otherwise. Good prices and no frills - I got an open face sandwich which was perfectly seasoned, light, and filling and my friend got the salmon sandwich which apparently was one of their most popular that day. Potatoes that came with it were cooked to perfection. I would highly highly recommend going on a sunny day as their location has huge windows and it's absolutely beautiful indoors with the sunlight. Service was prompt and friendly and there's such a cozy vibe indoors. Noticed that most of the patrons were incredibly well dressed for some reason. Would definitely recommend and would come back!

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Such cute decorations and GREAT natural light

Salmon sandwich

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Mocha

Geni's Ethiopian Corner

4.5(50 reviews)

7.7 mi•Queen Anne

Amazing food and great owners! A regular stop at the farmer's market!…read more The food is so flavorful, and a decent quantity. The green chutney is quite nice as well, make sure you add it! The chai has interesting aromatics that are different from Indian masala chai, so that was interesting to taste. In the summer they have rosemary lemonade which is good too. The owners are very nice, one week they gave me free samples even though I already had food from another stall! Good people just trying to spread the love of great food!!

Picked up a plate at capitol hill farmer market. Sorry to say that this joint's high point was a…read morefew years back. Today it was highly spiced mush missing a lot of the previously subtle flavorings. Key buttery flavors missing from the lentils. Cabbage pretty stinky and overly sour. Green sauce, once prized, also missing previous deliciousness. Too bad. I won't pay their price for this while recognizing how hard it is for restaurants to maintain consistency. minimum wage workers don't take care what they're cooking, unfortunately.

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Beef samosas

Beef sambusa

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Meat entree

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

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28 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

James L.

11 years ago

This was a new experience for me because I never had eaten Ethiopian food before. I've always been the mexican or chinese restaurant type. Sunset Cafe was a little intimidating for me because of this very reason but my friends keep telling me that if I don't try new things, I'll never truly experience all that is out there to enjoy. Boy am I glad I tried something new! Sunset Cafe is now one of my go-to spots for a brand new world of eateries I was always leery about in the past. The old me would've never tried the "injera bread" simply because of how different it seemed. I know now that you cannot fear what is different, because if you do, you will shut out truly phenomenal joys that make your time on earth that much better. I'd recommend the veggie combo or meat combo for a perfectly balanced meal if you want to keep things classy... And come hungry so you can engulf yourself with the bread that is better than just about any appetizer I've ever tasted anywhere else! The service is also immaculate, as the servers have been kind and smiling every time I've seen them. The people who work here truly care about the food they make and the customers they make it for. Sunset Cafe gets five stars from this happy customer...! read more

Miko B.

Elite 26

747

543

2009

3 years ago

I recently visited Sunset Cafe and was thoroughly impressed with my experience. Despite the unassuming and low-key environment, the food was amazing! I ordered the Sunset Combo and was blown away by the flavor of the meat dishes that came with it. Each bite was tender and flavorful, and the portion sizes were generous. The veggie combo was great too -- the cabbage and yellow split pea dishes were particularly good! The only minor complaint I have is that the injera could have been a bit more sour for my taste. However, this did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the meal. read more

Merissa B.

13 years ago

I absolutely love this place! I've been here a few times and am now addicted. The owner is so sweet and always makes sure her customers are satisfied. (You can tell that she works hard.) As for the food, everything is amazing with great portions and the best prices I've seen in town. There are also a good amount of options and different varieties that I haven't seen at any other Ethiopian restaurant. I have now become a loyal customer. read more

Aliha S.

13 years ago

Right on Rainier, Sunset Cafe is an excellent place to stop by and enjoy a very satisfying meal. The beans are the best... yellow, red (slightly spicy), or green (: But don't stop there, there's plenty to choose from - greens, plenty of meat dishes and nothing short of DELICIOUS. The injera is always fresh! The best Ethiopian restaurant, by far. Give it a chance if you haven't already! read more

Dustin M.

8 years ago

I made a mistake choosing this place for dinner. Ordered a couple of things to go. Beed tibs and combo - 2 separate meals and yet when I got the food they were both put together in a big container that I was charged $2 for. Mind ya, the container was big with literally 1 egg, 1 chicken leg and some beans? Like really? I paid $40 for that? Don't think I'll be going back there again. read more

Sally W.

5 years ago

I came here with the family and everything was going great. When the manager came and introduced himself for no particular reason. He asked about our experience and we ended up striking a conversation. He even offered to buy us a desert on the house. I love when this happens because it means that management truly cares. I will be coming here more often. read more

Rose D.

11 years ago

Delicious. Sunny is delightful and the food was terrific. We took our time eating (two hours or so), we never felt rushed and there was more than enough food to last that time and still have some to take home for a tasty lunch the next day. We went all-veg and everyting was fresh so very wll prepared. I can't wait to go back. read more

James R.

6 years ago

Worst Ethiopian food I have ever had. The "Lamb" (more likely it was goat) was like small dry pebbles. The Berbere tasted like the cheap low grade dried spice you can get at any African market. There are so many good Ethiopian food places in the NW, but this is definitely not one of them. read more

Sage R.

5 years ago

We grab take out from this spot once a week as a treat. We get three appetizers, the specials, and two deserts. For a family of 7 it's a great place to eat and it is so affordable. We don't always get the same thing - we like to switch it up. But so far everything on the menu is great. read more

Kellz C.

13 years ago

Absolutely wonderful food. They really have a large range of dishes to choose from. I enjoyed my meal peacefully with the sound of authentic Ethiopian music playing around me. My server was very polite and attend to my needs as a customer. Great prices for what you're getting. read more

Lonnie P.

4 years ago

This is one of my favorite restaurants. It's a no frills establishment if that matters--not to this person who ordered the meat and veggie combo; it was so plentiful and delicious. The waitress was very pleasant, the music good...It made me so happy to dine there read more

Kelly B.

11 years ago

If you are looking for authentic Ethiopian food in the area this is your best pick. We ordered the veggie combo to share and even had leftovers. The portions are huge at this place so come prepared hungry. The staff was super friendly and helpful! We will be back! read more

Antoine H.

4 years ago

This is one of my favorite restaurants. It's a no frills establishment if that matters not to this person who ordered the meat and veggie combo; it was so plentiful and delicious. The waitress was very pleasant, the music good...It made me so happy to dine there read more

Tony M.

14 years ago

The best Ethiopian food I have ever tasted! Lots of unique dishes and generous portions. The cook/server is super-nice and makes sure you walk out full, satisfied and happy. read more

E B.

10 years ago

I thought it was too good too good to be true that this restaurant would have this many five-star ratings but it is in fact amazing and totally deserving of it. So good!!! read more

Tekle Z.

2 years ago

what an authentic spot. One of the Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle. I ordered the lamb tibs the test was fabulous and great. I recommend you to test the tibs. read more

Shawn K.