After trying Zedamo for tea last week I knew I had to check Zemam's out! On Saturday night, my friend and I were seated right away and the service was extremely friendly. Everyone worked together and we never had a set server like typical restaurants, but everyone that came to our table made us feel incredibly welcome. We ordered a sampler to share: Foussulia (string beans and carrots), Yemisir Wat (brown lentils), and Spicy Boneless Chicken. The food came out pretty quickly and was served with three extra injera in addition to the one the samples were on. I have never had injera before, but I found it delightful. You could definitely taste the fermentation! The chicken tasted great, with the spice coming in afterwards. If it weren't for my low spice tolerance, it maybe would have been my favorite. However, the two other samples did not disappoint! Both were very flavorful. The experience of eating with your hands made the night so much more special. There were no forks even on the table, but there were plenty of napkins, which was appreciated, being new to Ethiopian food. Just the one sampler was enough for the two of us to feel satisfied and not overly full. Splitting it this way definitely makes Zemam's very affordable! I would love to come back with a larger group and try more menu items! Definitely give Zemam's a try! read more

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Fresh food with just the right amount of spice! I've been twice, and both times the service was impeccable, and the food was delicious. read more

Zemam's - Zemam's Combination Sampler - Ethiopian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Their default white injera without teff is very unappealing to me as someone who had lots of authentic Ethiopian food and teff flour is a huge part of the Ethiopian experience with the teff flavor. They don't have injera with both teff and a little barley/ wheat. They do have 100% teff injera for extra charge but overall this food just doesn't have the feel of Ethiopian food and kind of feel like they adjusted it too much to fit to the local palate. The plate lacks the color, bold flavors and amazing textures and flavors I love so much when eating Ethiopian or Eritrean food. The stews are decent and I could see myself enjoying it more if going in with the mindset of food vs Ethiopian food but I doubt I would go back again.. I'd just rather buy injera at one of the local markets on the day when they get it fresh and make my own Ethiopian stews at home. read more

Zemam's - Ethiopian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Thought they were cool till I was told not to wear anything from Israel inside. What I shitty ownership and no backbone. God bless.

My friend recommened Zeman's, so we decided to check it out on Saturday night. There are multiple businesses in the area. A restaurant, bar... Our group of two was able to get a table right away. We don't have a lot of experience with Ethiopian food, so we appreciated how patient and kind the servers were in helping us navigate the menu. My wife got a beer from the bar and we each got a sampler. I went with two meat, one rice and my wife went with two veg and one meat. We loved using the sourdough crepe to mix all the flavors together. I was surprised at how full I was from just having the three items and the crepe. The food was spiced well and was spicy but not so hot that you couldn't taste it. I saw the AZPM story on this family business and I'm so glad that we were able to try it out. It's a great place to bring a group and try lots of different any dishes. read more

This was our first time back since they remodeled and it did not disappoint! They still have the same authentic Ethiopian deliciousness but in a super new setting. The service was absolutely accommodating and friendly as always. They have extended to 3 buildings with the original still being the restaurant. The middle building is a bar and the third down heading west will soon be a coffee shop. All these super cutely decorated buildings are surrounded by a beautiful garden area with lots of sitting room and the bar area has fun outdoor games for entertainment. A favorite place of mine that just got better! read more

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I have loved this place for years, since it was an old house full of mismatched diner-style tables and chairs with incredible food. The new block is fantastic - the door moved to the back, the walls are painted and decorated, and the food is still delicious. Service is earnest - it's a popular spot and the guys were running to keep up with the packed house. I'm a sucker for berbere and injera, and love Doro Wat and awaze tibs... and I can always count on getting a good fix here. Just call ahead for a table! read more

Amazing food, atmosphere and service! Highly recommend this place. The outdoor space is crazy creative and well worth a visit alone!

Authentic Ethiopian food, which was delightful. We ordered a couple of sampler platters so we could try a few dishes. Our favorites were probably the chicken ones, then the beef, and lastly the veggie ones. The injera bread, which we used to eat, is delicious. The staff was friendly and the service was good. They were able to accommodate our party of 10 in a room by ourselves. The decor and ambiance were welcoming. If you look on YouTube, they were featured in a show about Arizona that was interesting to view before going to the restaurant. read more

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Zemam's Ethiopian = my new comfort food Every bite was so rich, flavorful, and made with so much love. 10/10 recommend. read more

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Thought I would check out the remodel! It is a compound. Could not find the entrance. A little tricky! Parking is hard to find. However all worth the effort. Food is good. Although today the chicken was very very dry. Friendly service. Look forward to checking it out some more soon! read more

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Congrats to the Gebrrmariam family for their new concept, Z Street! Located on the corner of Broadway and Treat, the city block is made up of Zemam's (the restaurant) and Zerai's (the bar). Some friends and I met up at Zemam's for lunch today. As you walk up to the door, you'll immediately notice a delectable smell coming from inside. We all went with samplers and tried a variety of dishes. The food was all served on one big platter with a side of injera. The injera was light, spongy, and had a delicious slightly fermented flavor. My group sampled the following veggies: cauliflower, yesimir wat (brown lentils), yetakelt wat (veg and potato), gomen wat (collard greens), gomen alicha (cabbage, potato, carrot), spinach. Honestly, all of it was delicious. The standouts to me were the lentils, cabbage, and the cauliflower. For the meats, we tried the tilapia, the spicy chicken, and the yedoro alica (boneless chicken). I can't handle a lot of spice so I loved the yedoro alica. The others were very flavorful but I know my spice limits! Service was wonderful, food was delicious, and the ambiance was calm and relaxing. What a perfect midday lunch! read more

Zemam's - From top: yedoro alica, yetakelt wat, gomen wat, tilapia, spinach, spicy chicken, yesimir wat, and gomen alicha. Cauliflower in the middle. - Ethiopian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Very cute set up. The outside has chairs and cute grass. It was alittle hot but I can definitely see people eating there if they have umbrellas. Parking was a little counterintuitive but they have signs to lead you there which was nice. Quick and pleasant service. All meat sampler dishes come at 3 meats for 22 which is alittle more than the competitive but not astronomical. I ordered for takeout. 11. Spicy boneless chicken with spicy Berber's sauce. It was extremely delicious 13. Forgot the name. But it was good. 17. Gored gored tender beef was good but nothing stood out I will definitely be back read more

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What a wonderful experience, went to their "Passport"event held every month at their new bar called Zerai's and didn't disappoint. Everyone was cheerful, dancing and friendly. Their bar has great cocktails and a big selection of wines and draft beers. They also have a water station if you don't feel like drinking alcohol. Beautiful decoration and lighting all the way around. Clean bathrooms and wonderful costumer service. If you feel like dancing this is your spot just make sure to check their IG because as I mentioned before, "Passport" with Dj. Herm is only held once a month. And please wear your comfy shoes! read more

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Tried Zemam's for the first time last night and really enjoyed it! Easy to order for vegetarian or vegans and omnivores as well. Everything was tasty and we loved the decor and vibe. Next time I'd like to try the outdoor patio and enjoy the sunset. Highly recommend! read more

Service was excellent and the food was good with the perfect amount of spice. Will be back for sure. read more

Zemam's - Ethiopian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Definitely a different dining experience. I had never had Ethiopian before so this was a treat. Very filling of flavor and lots of different food options. Also nice and spicy just like I like it! read more

Zemam's - Ethiopian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I was here for dinner with a party of 10 a few days ago. We shared eight dishes plus drinks. The bill came to $178 plus tax and an 18% tip that they add for large parties. I took home leftovers, so the food was more than adequate for us. The dishes varied in quality, but I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of Ethiopian food in general. As for the service, it was good until it came time to split the bill, when our waitress got confused and then confused again trying to calculate how much each of us owed. read more

The Ethiopian food was really good and the service was good too. We ordered the vegetarian plate on injera bread.

Delicious and tasty injera, veggies, chicken and ground meat platter. Best Ethiopian food in Tucson, hands down . Service excellent and nice atmosphere. A gem . read more

Good service. Nice ambience. Large, flavorful, and filling portions! Very unique tastes read more

Zemam's - 2 meat 1 side sampler and #12 - Ethiopian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Love the family friendly vibe and tasty food. We got bottles of wine and let the kids run around. Love this place!

Food is delicious!!!!!!!! Friendly staff and very cultural interior. Would HIGHLY recommend to try. We loved the food but please make entering and exiting more straightforward; trying to get in felt unnecessarily confusing. read more

Sooo good. They make you feel like family while providing amazing service and flavorful food. I love it! It such a beautiful and cozy place. Great outside patio that is HUGE. read more

Delicious food! The staff was so friendly, and the restaurant is nestled in z street with a neighboring bar and coffee shop so it has a strong community feel with a lovely outdoor area. Would love to go back and try other dishes! read more

Zemam's - Zemam's Combination Sampler with chicken, beef and vegetables and the Ethiopian tea - Ethiopian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Came back after 5 years, and they've gotten even better! Updated seating area, with space outside for kids to play. Food is very fresh and quite delicate, not too heavy. I love that they've expanded into "Z street" with an adjoining bar and coffee shop. A highlight of our trip. read more

We are always looking for good vegan options when traveling and I remember really enjoying the Ethiopian food in Tucson from over 20 years ago before we moved away from town. A flavor so great that honestly no other restaurants have lived up to it! What a complete joy to realize that the same restaurant is here - and that the food is as good as it has always been. Great staff. Lovely creative decor. Easy comfortable seating and wonderful food. read more

Great food served by a great staff. Not sure both locations are still open . But i highly recommend you visit and enjoy.

This food was not good! How do you have bland Ethiopian food?! I ordered a chicken dish and two veggies. The chicken was bland and overcooked creating a tough texture. The collard greens were bitter and spicy, more bitter than spicy and flavor. And the cauliflower was burnt! The only reason I did not ask for my money back was because this is supposed to be a black owned business. I will never come back here again! Any person with a palette that can taste flavors beyond sweet and sour should not come here! This is for folks that are accustomed to bland food, and know no better. read more

I always have the best time here! Everyone is so wonderful and nice. The food is AMAZING! They host a seasonal event Black House Market and monthly dance night events... Always fun and always good company! Lots and lots of community here:) read more

Best food in Tucson! The service at Zemams is fast and friendly, you truly feel like family when you're there. Both the bar and restaurant have traditional decor which adds to the amazing dishes like the Mincheta Bish, the Kay Watt Zigni, and Yemisir Kay Wat. If you are a soccer fan I highly recommend heading to their bar (Zerai's) located next door for some great drinks to enjoy with their incredible food. 10/10 every time I go read more

Went with a group and ordered several sample platters. The food was beyond delicious and service was spot on and friendly. The home like setting was perfect for the family style platter style. Everyone left full and we'll definitely be back! read more

Zemam's - Sample platter, wine and beer - Ethiopian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Fun finger food. An experience. Tasty. Lots of carbs, very filling. Bring friends who are interested in something deliciously different.

This place was the best food I've had in Tucson so far. Fast, friendly service and delicious food. The brown lentils with green peppers was a delicious comfort food. We had the boneless chicken and beef as well both were great but the beef was better in our opinion. The collard greens were a bit too spicy for me but still good. They have a great patio area too with games. read more

We love the expanded restaurant and the Z Street complex. The food is fabulous and I appreciate that I can get teff-only injera to accommodate my gluten restriction while the rest of the family enjoys the regular. read more

I came here for the first time with my family; it was absolutely incredible. The service was great, and the food was delicious. We also enjoyed the ambience; it was very clean, positive vibes, and lots of space if you were looking for a new spot to try, highly recommend this one! I can't wait to come back. read more

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We were recently at Z-Street for an event and the food was catered from Zemam's. Food was delicious and they had gf/veg options. Great time and excellent service. The owners are super nice! read more

I recommend the red lentils and the spicy beef. The people are helpful and very knowledgeable as well. Good experience overall.

Simply put, the food here is fantastic. Everything we have tried has been wonderful. We ordered a wide range of the food and tried the lamb for the first time. It was probably the best lamb dish I have ever had. The newly renovated restaurant is great, lots of outdoor seating and parking. read more

Came across this gem! Best Ethiopian I've ever had. The restaurant owners also have a bar next door, great atmosphere, great people all around great time. I don't live in Tucson but every time I'm visiting moving forward, I'll be paying this place a visit. read more

Zemam's - Zerai's International Bar - Ethiopian Near Me - Tucson, Arizona