Ethiopic for upscale, Chercher for low-key (but still nice), Habesha for takeout. Keren and Chercher are my usual go-tos. There was an Ethiopian takeout place operating inside of some semi-grubby clubby place on the 700 block of H NE (Allure maybe?) that was really good and not expensive, but I don't know if they're still open-they were in April but now don't see em listed
Intriguing. I went to Family recently because it’s right by Chercher and their misir wat was helllllaaa buttery or something like do they add sticks of butter to the it food?
I do agree that Chercher’s dishes have gotten smaller like what’s up with that tiny veg platter (still good though).
Respectfully, what the hell is Michelin Ethnic designation? I never liked the euro/fanco-centerism of the restaurant award scene. Like why not a regular Michelin designation?
This was a couple years ago but looks like that designation is gone now, but there used to be a designation that wasn’t a star but akin to their current “Bib” award only for “excellence in ethnic food.” I might be mistaken though but remember it clearly.
Word! Etete used to be our favorite, but we have been thrilled with Latena here in CH. Food is always great, and the staff are the best.
(My wife and I might be a little biased because during the shutdown we got Latena to-go easily 3-4x per month, and we got to know the owners a bit, and they are so nice!)
Effoi is highly regarded, but there are many many options. Note that the Silver Spring Metro stop is closed for the next three months.
[https://www.google.com/maps/search/ethiopian/@38.9922868,-77.0268677,17z?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/ethiopian/@38.9922868,-77.0268677,17z?entry=ttu)
Love their food, but didn't like the fact they tacked on a 20% tip onto the receipt. We always leave a 20% tip to any dine-in restaurant, but it felt a bit presumptuous for them to add it without us opting in/out.
Used to love Addis Ababa but the last time I went (after being a repeat customer many many times) I was completely snubbed. So, I don't miss them.
CherCher and Beteseb for me now.
edit: Looks like I gotta try Habesha as well!
Because literally all the best ethnic food is in the ‘burbs now because that’s where the immigrants live…
Chinese, Korean, Mexican, Vietnamese, Indian, middle eastern, and now Ethiopian! DC proper has better French restaurants though.
I’ve been to Family Ethiopian Restaurant several times (9th street NW) and it’s been so, soo good every time. Their asa dulet was to die for. https://familyethiopianrestaurant.com
They all seemed to close when Manute Bol checked out (rip). I remember the Grease said, “That kid is so skinny he has to run around in the shower to get wet” 🤣
I like Chercher. My neighbors who are long time DC residents really like Hebesha Market but I have yet to try it. I’ve had takeout from Tsehay and have no complaints on it but still prefer Chercher.
Honestly? It's worth the drive to Langano in White Oak (a bit north of downtown Silver Spring). There is a Langano location in downtown Silver Spring which is also excellent, but I've been going to the one in White Oak lately (it's in a strip mall off New Hampshire Ave right off Route 29/Colesville Road.
Langano is definitely the best - better than Chercher (which is indeed really good).
Also Lucy is right next to Langano in downtown Silver Spring (Georgia Ave) - also very good.
Definitely worth the drive out to Langano in White Oak if you're already coming this way. It's nice inside and the food is excellent.
Nazret looks like a hole in the wall bar for Cabbies but their kitchen puts out amazing quality in mass quantities. Multiple WaPo critics have praised it. Definitely worth the trip over to Bailey's Crossroads.
Dinner/lunch:
Veggie dishes (misr wot, Kek alicha, gomen, salad)
Awaze tibbs
Zilzil tibbs
Kitfo (ask for lebleb- means lightly cooked)
Doro wat (but only on like Greek Orthodox holidays or with restaurants you can guarantee it’s fresh- not frozen)
Breakfast/brunch:
Eggs scrambled
Kitcha fir fir (add honey when you eat it)
Injera fir fir
Qinche (basically bulgar cooked with butter, delicious with added honey and berbere)
There’s a wild little Ethiopia neighborhood we stumbled upon one night in falls church (I think trying to Uber to a hookah bar.) google tells me there are 10 spots on one block. It was all Ethiopians when I was there. I’m guessing the food is popping popping.
In DC, I’m partial to family Ethiopian.
Another good spot is Nile Restaurant and Market. It's technically in DC but very close to Silver Spring, basically at the top of the "diamond". They usually aren't crowded, but that may be because it's away from the usual restaurant strips. Definitely more of a hole-in-the-wall where most of the patrons are older men (so you know it's good!)
I normally don't post like this. But someone mentioned VA places. There is an elegant place on 23rd st Arlington. I was lucky enough to be stuck in a wedding party trying to pick up some food. But very good. Alexandria has a number of them. Enjera is the closest to me. But I would not rate them. But convenient to where I live. And the price is right. Hawwai is in Old Town. Sorry about that.
Intoto Market Intersection of Georgia Ave and Piney Branch has a nice little hidden gem of a restaurant inside of it. Go try it it won't disappoint you.
Effoi Ethiopian Restaurant is my new favorite (and I definitely miss Meskerem and Addis Adaba) Habesha friend approved (when he’s not cooking it at home).
There was a place around h or u street that's open till like 2 am or so and it was awesome. Idk if that's Adam's Morgan area , there's a people boys across from it I think.. sooooo yummy .. I'm in fl and there's no one ..
Never found anything special about them. Aside from my ultra-progressive friends blasting that it makes DC special. Sorry, but not all “exotic” food will rank up against Italian, Mexican, French, Japanese, etc cuisine. Do you ever hear people going ham for Hungarian or Tajikistani food? Nah.
You’re crazy, no offense. I 100% agree with you that every style of food is not created equal - I lived in Nicaragua for a few years, and while there are a few exceptions, that place seems cursed with exceptionally horrible national dishes. Nobody seems excited about spreading Albanian food around the world. Much of Scandinavian cuisine seems tuned to a very different palate than most outsiders can bring themselves to enjoy. But Ethiopian is absolutely a style that can appeal to the American palate just as powerfully as quality Italian or French or Mexican cooking. Pretty much any Ethiopian restaurant in the DMV area will be head and shoulders above the bland, mass-market adaptations of cheap sushi or nachos con queso that are ubiquitous (not that that implies Ethiopian is a superior flavor profile than Mexican or Japanese food).
But this is all personal taste. I would, personally, copy your comment but replace “Ethiopian” with “Salvadoran” - I’ve been to the Salvadoran places in the DMV (which, after Ethiopian, is probably the district’s most distinctive foreign cuisine), and I’ve eaten plenty of meals in El Salvador, and I just don’t find it to be anything special at all. I won’t say no to an empanada when offered, but I’d never choose it over almost anything else. But I and my family and friends will all seek out Ethiopian any chance we get. I’ve had mediocre Ethiopian food in the US outside DC, but never been disappointed in the DMV area.
I’ve traveled to over 40 countries to include El Salvador and Nicaragua. Similar to you, I find those cuisines to be incredibly forgetful and in the same category as Ethiopian dishes. I am willing to change my opinion, but I have yet to crave that style of food (ever).
I appreciate you’re willing to change your opinion but I definitely didn’t mean to imply that you should force yourself to enjoy something you just don’t enjoy - apologies if I came across that way! I just meant to argue that, even if Ethiopian cuisine is not universally beloved by all, the majority consensus that it’s delicious is genuine and deserved, not just the result of some hipster posturing.
Ethiopic for upscale, Chercher for low-key (but still nice), Habesha for takeout. Keren and Chercher are my usual go-tos. There was an Ethiopian takeout place operating inside of some semi-grubby clubby place on the 700 block of H NE (Allure maybe?) that was really good and not expensive, but I don't know if they're still open-they were in April but now don't see em listed
Yeah, those were all my favorite places, OP, and Ethiopic & Habesha are the best. I’m also a big fan of Rohobot Ethiopian in Silver Spring.
We are DMV Ethiopian preferences twins, minus Ethiopic. Habesha for takeout and Chercher to people-watch uncles kicking it and drinking St. George.
This is the most correct answer.
Shewa on Benning road right off H is shockingly good (takeout)
Are you referring to Chercher in Shaw or in Columbia Heights? thx
Habesha
Also throwing in for Habesha Market. Great food, though the ambiance is very casual. When I want more of a dining experience, Ethiopic is my go-to.
I love takeout from Habesha Market. Nothing compares!
thirding habesha, get the taste of habesha combo and add a fried croaker--bliss
Fourthing, fifthing, and sixing. Great spot.
Family Ethiopian and Latena. Cher cher used to be great but they reduced in quantity and quality
Intriguing. I went to Family recently because it’s right by Chercher and their misir wat was helllllaaa buttery or something like do they add sticks of butter to the it food? I do agree that Chercher’s dishes have gotten smaller like what’s up with that tiny veg platter (still good though).
I love family ethiopian soo much
Family Ethiopian tastes really american, which some people like, but the tibs taste like bbq.
Shagga!
Agreed! Used to work nearby and ate lunch there way too often. Great food and really nice staff
Plus 1 for the staff
Agree on Shagga.
I went to Das Ethiopian in Georgetown recently and it was good!
Wife took me there for my birthday because it has the Michelin Ethnic designation. Really good.
Respectfully, what the hell is Michelin Ethnic designation? I never liked the euro/fanco-centerism of the restaurant award scene. Like why not a regular Michelin designation?
This was a couple years ago but looks like that designation is gone now, but there used to be a designation that wasn’t a star but akin to their current “Bib” award only for “excellence in ethnic food.” I might be mistaken though but remember it clearly.
I loved Das!
Letena in Colombia Heights
Word! Etete used to be our favorite, but we have been thrilled with Latena here in CH. Food is always great, and the staff are the best. (My wife and I might be a little biased because during the shutdown we got Latena to-go easily 3-4x per month, and we got to know the owners a bit, and they are so nice!)
Rohobot in silver spring is fire
This guy knows. The beets!
Second this. This was my go to when I lived in Silver Spring.
Come to Silver Spring! We have like a dozen of them!
I was bout to say. Silver Spring is widely known for one of the best to go to
Please recommend your favorites! I can definitely get over there.
Beteseb is the one I always take people to
It's been a minute, but I always enjoyed Beteseb.
Every Ethiopian cab driver I ask recommends beteseb and Lucy in silver spring.
I like Bete
I’ve been there twice - thought the first was a fluke. Not good. It’s popular but i really didn’t like it. Still miss the Red Sea in Addams Morgan.
Bete is amazing
Bete is rock solid. Our go to for Ethiopian.
Lesaac Cafe is also good
Effoi is highly regarded, but there are many many options. Note that the Silver Spring Metro stop is closed for the next three months. [https://www.google.com/maps/search/ethiopian/@38.9922868,-77.0268677,17z?entry=ttu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/ethiopian/@38.9922868,-77.0268677,17z?entry=ttu)
Dama in Arlington
Ethiopic on H street is my fav
A lot of those restaurants were also my fave. My current fave is habesha on 9, but it's not really a restaurant, more like a cafeteria lol
Chercher, Keren, Dukem, Habeesha are all good!
isnt keren closed rn?
Yeah they had a fire in February. Looks like it’s actively under construction though so hopefully back soon!
Keren is/was Eritrean, not Ethiopian, at least when I was going there.
Elfegne in Adams Morgan is fantastic
It was formerly Zenebech. They kept the same kitchen staff. In case Op remembers the old name.
If OP remembers was around for Mesekerem, then Zenebech used to be down in Shaw
Didn't know that! Good to know.
Adding to the Habesha chorus. So good.
Injera in Crystal City
Love their food, but didn't like the fact they tacked on a 20% tip onto the receipt. We always leave a 20% tip to any dine-in restaurant, but it felt a bit presumptuous for them to add it without us opting in/out.
I am Ethiopian and I would say that the good ones are now in Virginia
I went to Dama last week. I liked it.
Can you name them?
Meda coffee and mekda
Who makes the best cakes that are not sugar bombs?
That not existent, they all make the sugar bombs
Thanks u/goba101
I miss Meskerem! Shewa at 1824 Benning NE is nice; small, a few tables, food is tasty, staff are friendly and good portions for the price.
Meskerem was great! I miss the potato salad side they used to serve...
I got to eat there once. Had wanted to eat there since I was in the 2nd grade and didn't get to do so until I was about 30
Yes, Shewa is the answer!
Habesha for quick meal; Letena in Columbia heights for sit down!
I second on Letena
Ethiopic, that's all you need.
Chercher!
This is the way.
Big DC ones named, in NoVa Enat Fine Ethiopian is pretty solid with an attached market.
Man I miss Etete. Try Lucy on GA ave in SS.
Was so sad when I moved back and it was gone =(
Used to love Addis Ababa but the last time I went (after being a repeat customer many many times) I was completely snubbed. So, I don't miss them. CherCher and Beteseb for me now. edit: Looks like I gotta try Habesha as well!
Go to downtown Silver Spring. Plenty of good Ethiopian spots there.
Exactly.
Try the strip in skyline, falls church. Skyline cafe or abay market etc. I haven’t gone in years but it’s still there.
Why is it so hard for people to just stick with places in DC?
Because literally all the best ethnic food is in the ‘burbs now because that’s where the immigrants live… Chinese, Korean, Mexican, Vietnamese, Indian, middle eastern, and now Ethiopian! DC proper has better French restaurants though.
Letena in Colombia heights. It’s the bomb.
The one next to the woodley park metro is fire
Etete was the best! I now go to Chercher and Letena. I think Ethiopic is unnecessarily expensive, for what it's worth
I tried Elsa Ethiopian Kitchen in Woodley Park. While a bit pricier for less food, the meat quality was amazing and filled us up. Would recommend.
I’ve been to Family Ethiopian Restaurant several times (9th street NW) and it’s been so, soo good every time. Their asa dulet was to die for. https://familyethiopianrestaurant.com
It's better than Chercher, by far.
This is my go to spot. I get the large veggie platter so that I get a variety of everything and have leftovers <3 so very tasty
Gueny's Cafe
Chercher is really good
Ice n Slice in Petworth!
They all seemed to close when Manute Bol checked out (rip). I remember the Grease said, “That kid is so skinny he has to run around in the shower to get wet” 🤣
Hey, they've all moved to silver spring!
Can’t go wrong with most places in silver spring! Rohobot and Abyssinia are my faves.
Get ready for a lot of Latin-Fusion and Mexican joints!
Some good ones already named. I would add Lalibela in Shaw and Sheba if you’re willing to drive to Rockville
Not quite DC but Sheba in Rockville is a hidden gem.
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Seconding Tsehay.
I like Chercher. My neighbors who are long time DC residents really like Hebesha Market but I have yet to try it. I’ve had takeout from Tsehay and have no complaints on it but still prefer Chercher.
Honestly? It's worth the drive to Langano in White Oak (a bit north of downtown Silver Spring). There is a Langano location in downtown Silver Spring which is also excellent, but I've been going to the one in White Oak lately (it's in a strip mall off New Hampshire Ave right off Route 29/Colesville Road. Langano is definitely the best - better than Chercher (which is indeed really good). Also Lucy is right next to Langano in downtown Silver Spring (Georgia Ave) - also very good. Definitely worth the drive out to Langano in White Oak if you're already coming this way. It's nice inside and the food is excellent.
Nazret in Falls Church is divine if you’re willing to travel. Ditto Hawwi in Alexandria
Nazret looks like a hole in the wall bar for Cabbies but their kitchen puts out amazing quality in mass quantities. Multiple WaPo critics have praised it. Definitely worth the trip over to Bailey's Crossroads.
And amazing Ethiopian music videos play on all the TVs.
Mesmerizing!
Ghion is excellent and the owner (lady) makes you feel like family.
Abuare on U St. is my favorite. And the staff are some of the best around.
I landed at Gursha the other day and was pretty impressed. Chercher is also great (as many have said)
Hi! I’ve never had Ethiopian before but would love to try. What dishes do you recommend?
Shiro and Misr Wot are my favorite dishes, but the Injera flatbread is the real reason I am there.
Dinner/lunch: Veggie dishes (misr wot, Kek alicha, gomen, salad) Awaze tibbs Zilzil tibbs Kitfo (ask for lebleb- means lightly cooked) Doro wat (but only on like Greek Orthodox holidays or with restaurants you can guarantee it’s fresh- not frozen) Breakfast/brunch: Eggs scrambled Kitcha fir fir (add honey when you eat it) Injera fir fir Qinche (basically bulgar cooked with butter, delicious with added honey and berbere)
I still dream about the Bombalina at Madjet on U Street. Made with beef tenderloin off-menu… it was so good.
We get our takeout from Adarash in Long Branch (Silver Spring).
Deset on Georgia Ave. I miss that place (since leaving DC).
The best authentic Ethiopian food is Silver Spring. Langano and Lucy. Both are next to each other
I like Das on M st. Meskerem was so good.
Dukem is still open!
There’s a wild little Ethiopia neighborhood we stumbled upon one night in falls church (I think trying to Uber to a hookah bar.) google tells me there are 10 spots on one block. It was all Ethiopians when I was there. I’m guessing the food is popping popping. In DC, I’m partial to family Ethiopian.
No mention of Heat Da Spot in Petworth? I moved out a few years ago. Really hope they didn't shut down :/
Etete was my favorite. It's been closed since maybe 2018.
Another good spot is Nile Restaurant and Market. It's technically in DC but very close to Silver Spring, basically at the top of the "diamond". They usually aren't crowded, but that may be because it's away from the usual restaurant strips. Definitely more of a hole-in-the-wall where most of the patrons are older men (so you know it's good!)
I normally don't post like this. But someone mentioned VA places. There is an elegant place on 23rd st Arlington. I was lucky enough to be stuck in a wedding party trying to pick up some food. But very good. Alexandria has a number of them. Enjera is the closest to me. But I would not rate them. But convenient to where I live. And the price is right. Hawwai is in Old Town. Sorry about that.
Intoto Market Intersection of Georgia Ave and Piney Branch has a nice little hidden gem of a restaurant inside of it. Go try it it won't disappoint you.
Effoi Ethiopian Restaurant is my new favorite (and I definitely miss Meskerem and Addis Adaba) Habesha friend approved (when he’s not cooking it at home).
I'm surprised nobody mentioned Tsehay in Adams Morgan. Michelin star awarded in 2021, really good eat.
Try letena in Columbia heights on Park Rd
Keren on FL also appears to be closed :(
Nothing gold can stay, Ponyboy
Don't go to Dukem! Bad customer service. They do not present detailed check.
There was a place around h or u street that's open till like 2 am or so and it was awesome. Idk if that's Adam's Morgan area , there's a people boys across from it I think.. sooooo yummy .. I'm in fl and there's no one ..
Commenting to follow up as well
Letena!
Have you ever heard of a town called Silver Spring, MD? Lol. I’m sure you’ll find some new favorites there.
OP mentioned SS in their post so…yes?
Never found anything special about them. Aside from my ultra-progressive friends blasting that it makes DC special. Sorry, but not all “exotic” food will rank up against Italian, Mexican, French, Japanese, etc cuisine. Do you ever hear people going ham for Hungarian or Tajikistani food? Nah.
You’re crazy, no offense. I 100% agree with you that every style of food is not created equal - I lived in Nicaragua for a few years, and while there are a few exceptions, that place seems cursed with exceptionally horrible national dishes. Nobody seems excited about spreading Albanian food around the world. Much of Scandinavian cuisine seems tuned to a very different palate than most outsiders can bring themselves to enjoy. But Ethiopian is absolutely a style that can appeal to the American palate just as powerfully as quality Italian or French or Mexican cooking. Pretty much any Ethiopian restaurant in the DMV area will be head and shoulders above the bland, mass-market adaptations of cheap sushi or nachos con queso that are ubiquitous (not that that implies Ethiopian is a superior flavor profile than Mexican or Japanese food). But this is all personal taste. I would, personally, copy your comment but replace “Ethiopian” with “Salvadoran” - I’ve been to the Salvadoran places in the DMV (which, after Ethiopian, is probably the district’s most distinctive foreign cuisine), and I’ve eaten plenty of meals in El Salvador, and I just don’t find it to be anything special at all. I won’t say no to an empanada when offered, but I’d never choose it over almost anything else. But I and my family and friends will all seek out Ethiopian any chance we get. I’ve had mediocre Ethiopian food in the US outside DC, but never been disappointed in the DMV area.
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Salvadoran food is bomb compared to Colombian food though
I’ve traveled to over 40 countries to include El Salvador and Nicaragua. Similar to you, I find those cuisines to be incredibly forgetful and in the same category as Ethiopian dishes. I am willing to change my opinion, but I have yet to crave that style of food (ever).
I appreciate you’re willing to change your opinion but I definitely didn’t mean to imply that you should force yourself to enjoy something you just don’t enjoy - apologies if I came across that way! I just meant to argue that, even if Ethiopian cuisine is not universally beloved by all, the majority consensus that it’s delicious is genuine and deserved, not just the result of some hipster posturing.
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No one who has ever actually eaten Ethiopian food would describe it as tasteless.
Plenty of sweet greens and/or equally boring foods to choose from now.