Ethiopian food is gaining popularity all over the world, and for good reason – it's absolutely delicious. The restaurants listed below offer some of the best Ethiopian food in the city to make dinner plans at the best Ethiopian restaurants in London.
Secret London•
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious dining experience, look no further than the best Ethiopian restaurants in London. Ethiopian cuisine is perhaps one of the lesser-known types of food in London, from spiced stews to berber-seasoned meats and spongy injera bread, these restaurants will take your taste buds on a real foodie adventure. So why not make dinner plans and see what all the fuss is about? Who knows, you might just find yourself a new favourite cuisine. Get your foodie working and check out these top 10 restaurants in London so that you can plan your next night out.
1. Adam’s Ethiopian Restaurant
Ethiopian food is often described as a combination of African, Arab, and Indian cuisines, and you can definitely taste all three influences at Adam’s Ethiopian Restaurant. The menu features both vegetarian and meat dishes, all cooked to perfection. Be sure to try the doro wat, a chicken stew served with hard-boiled eggs.
Possibly the best shiro in London and it’s no wonder why – the ingredients are all top-quality , and it’s always a hit with their customers. Every bite is a heavenly experience. If you find yourself needing some extra bread during your meal, the extremely friendly staff will happily bring you more without charging extra, and that’s certainly a plus.
You’ll find Adam’s Ethiopian Restaurant at 86 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1QN. Nearest station is Brixton.
2. Zeret Kitchen
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy an authentic Ethiopian meal, Zeret Kitchen is the perfect destination. The food never fails – you’ll always leave completely stuffed and satisfied. Not only are their flavours consistently excellent but it’s also great value; very few restaurants can offer this quality while still keeping prices low enough, fitting most budgets.
It has kind staff members who are happy to share super interesting information about culture and food; this hidden gem should be on everyone’s list.
You’ll find Zeret Kitchen at 216-218 Camberwell Road, London, SE5 0ED. Nearest station is Denmark Hill.
3. Lalibela
Lalibela is the perfect place to start your adventure when it comes to Ethiopian restaurants in London. The food here will make you feel like a king. You can’t go wrong when ordering any dish on their extensive menu – their version of tibs is meaty and stewy as it should be, always confectioned with extremely fresh ingredients.
The highlight of the show is qategna beh aubergine, served with a smooth aubergine paste and ye shiro fitfit, served on top of crispy injera bread. There isn’t much silverware so be prepared to use your hands while enjoying these delicious flavours of Africa with friends or family alike.
You’ll find Lalibela at 137 Fortess Road, London, NW5 2HR. Nearest station is Tufnell Park.
4. Kokeb Ethiopian Restaurant
At Kokeb Ethiopian Restaurant the food is excellent, and you’ll be pleased with the server who’ll be making recommendations on what to order, she knows how best to serve her customers.There’s also great decor: Ethiopian trinkets adorn almost every inch of space while gorgeous paintings in bold colours give off a home-like feel when you’re dining here. It definitely deserves six stars out of five we say!
Try their fresh injera bread and chicken cooked in a mild tomato sauce skillfully combined with coriander and onions for an authentic Ethiopian experience, which you won’t want to miss out on.
If you’re a vegetarian, worry not, Ethiopian cuisin has a wide selection of dishes that will make you feel completely satisfied. Kokeb has an extensive list of meatless dishes. You should order their combined dish of veggie options, a super combination. And the best part? It’s big enough to share.
You’ll find Kokeb Ethiopian Restaurant at 45 Roman Way, London, N7 8XF. Nearest station is Caledonian Road.
5. Wolkite Ethiopian Restaurant
At Wolkite they only use authentic, Ethiopian ingredients to make their dishes. It’s a great spot for sharing food with friends as the quantities served are plentiful.
The rich, spicy meat selections here are extremely tasty. We highly recommend you try the ruz be siga (tender, marinated, curry-flavoured beef or lamb served with rice) and yetsom dulet (using spices from Ethiopia, minced soya is combined with finely chopped red pepper). They’re especially delicious when washed down with traditional Ethiopian beer. It’s truly one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in London.
You’ll find Wolkite at 82 Hornsey Road, London, N7 7NN. Nearest stations are Holloway Road and Arsenal.
6. Adulis
When going to Adulis, you can be sure to find quality and flavour. The menu at Adulis has something that will satisfy any appetite – from classic dishes like Ethiopian and Eritrean stews to more adventurous choices like tibsi (onions, rosemary, and green chillies are sautéed with lamb cubes in ghee. accompanied by a side salad).
Something that makes Adulis different from all other venues around town, is the chance to sip on Adulis Mies, a traditional drink made from fermented honey. The service is wonderful and the atmosphere is cosy and inviting. You’ll definitely want to come back.
You’ll find Adulis at 44-46 Brixton Road, SW9 6BT. Nearest station is Oval.
7. Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
Abyssinia’s traditional cuisine will have you recommend it to all your friends and family. It is indeed one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in London. Don’t feel like eating out but still craving Ethiopian food? Abyssinia is known for being the place to go for take-away. Abyssinia’s menu features a huge variety of vegetarian options like their crispy bread bite-sized fenugreek leaves in tomato-based soup.
There are many Ethiopian restaurants in North London, but it’s hard to beat Abyssinia’s top-notch food. And if that wasn’t enough, they’re well-known for the coffee they serve. Arabica coffee at it’s best that will make you come back for more.
You’ll find Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant at 9 Cricklewood Broadway, NW2 3JX. Nearest station is Kilburn.
8. Addis Ethiopian Restaurant
When you walk into this restaurant, the first things that hit your senses are spices and coffee in all their glory. It smells like home; a cosy place where people come to relax after work or enjoy a meal together over a conversation. What makes every moment at Addis Ethiopian Restaurant quite the experience is the fact that you won’t be using any cutlery. Just dig in using your hands instead of forks.
In most Ethiopian restaurants, tradition dictates that no starters are served. But at Addis they’re changing the rules of the game. Their menu features authentic Ethiopian delicacies with a more westernised kind of feel.
The Ethiopian coffee is some of the best you’ll ever have, and it’s worth trying even if you are not that into it. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is also a must-try while you’re here. It’s a chance to relax, chat with friends, and savour the moment. The coffee is rich and flavourful, and the experience is one you won’t soon forget.
You’ll find Addis Ethiopian Restaurant at 40-42 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross, N1 9DT. Nearest station is King’s Cross.
9. Merkato
This restaurant is a great place to go for Ethiopian food in London. The menu is extensive and has something for everyone, including vegetarians. The food is cooked fresh and is very flavourful. The service at Merkato is good and the staff is friendly.
This hidden gem is a must-have for any foodie. The delicious dishes are served on beautiful plates with authentic ornaments. You’ll enjoy both indoor seating areas as well outdoor ones, so no matter what time of year it may be, there will always seem an ideal spot nearby to sit down, relax and have some tea while noshing on one of their delectable meals.
You’ll find Merkato at 196 Caledonian Road, Kings Cross, London, N1 0SQ. Nearest station is Kings Cross St. Pancras.
10. Queen of Sheba
The food at Queen of Sheba is authentic and delicious. From appetisers, to main courses and desserts, there’s something delicious on offer every time you go back for more. You’ll rarely get the chance to have Ethiopian food that is this good. The spices are on point, the injera is perfectly pan-fried and every single dish on the menu is worth trying.
Whether you’re after more succulent meatier options or a more original way to eat your pulses, from lamb zilbo to spicy red lentils, your Ethiopian dining experience at Queen of Sheba will be one to reminisce. We’re sure Queen of Sheba will become one of your favourite Ethiopian restaurants in London.
You’ll find Queen of Sheba at 12 Fortess Road, London, NW5 2EU. Nearest station is Kentish Town.
Dinner, date night, or just a night out is always better with Ethiopian food. Thanks for reading our list of the best Ethiopian restaurants in London – we hope you enjoy your next meal!
Read more: 12 of the best African restaurants in London to try some mouth-watering cuisine.
Tags:african food, red meat, steak, vegetarian
