East African Cusine Eritrean And Ethiopian

I wouldn’t normally write a review of a place that I have not eaten at but…
I was under the impression that this was a place that you could sit down and eat. That is not the case. The sign covers another establishment that appears to be a sketchy lounge. Maybe this was a bigger restaurant at some point?
I was looking at the take out only place that was maybe 200 square feet. I was overwhelmed by the stench of urine on the sidewalk. Then, during daylight hours, I had a large and unpleasant individual staring me down and circling me.
I went elsewhere. And I won’t be giving this place a try. Maybe the food is good. But the urine stench appetizer and super shitty part of town will keep me away.

I developed a love of Ethiopian food during a high school trip to DC years ago. Move forward to present day, I have been to every Ethiopian/​Eritrean restaurant in the Charlotte area (seriously, no joke). This place is hands down the best in the area. Terry, the owner is very pleasant and helpful to those who are unfamiliar with the cuisine. Her recommendations are always on point — follow her suggestions and you won’t be disappointed. When Terry is not there, things do seem less organized. She mostly runs the restaurant by herself and I assume she hasn’t trained other staff members properly for front-​of-​house duties. If you go, you absolutely must end the meal with the traditional roasted green bean coffee. The coffee service/​brewing process is almost as good as the coffee itself. Watching her make it over a flame in the traditional ceramic jars is mesmerizing. If interested, read more about the coffee ceremony and the time of sharing, friendship, and community it is meant to foster (
). Having spoken to many Ethiopian and Eritrean Charlotte residents, they all say this restaurant is their favorite. I could sit at the bar all day sipping coffee, eating sambusas, and watching the regulars play some form of pool in a separate room or talking with them and hearing their fascinating stories. I actually recommend sitting at the bar, which makes it easier to interact with Terry, the employees, and other patrons, plus it’s the best location for people watching. She also sells the green coffee beans and injera. Don’t let the décor, which is a bit dated and disorganized, and awkward location deter you from trying this gem of a restaurant. When I lived in Charlotte, I dined here at least once a week (sometimes daily) and was never disappointed.

Hidden gem! My husband and I love ethnic food but never have eaten Ethiopian. The owner gave us her full attention and helped us make some great choices. She continued in the explain the culture and food. We will definitely be back!!!

This place from the outside looks unassuming, but do not be fooled. When you come in their are lots of traditional Ethiopian decorations. The smell of Berbere spices hits your nose and you’re instantly hungry. Terry (the owner and chef) came out to greet us and explain what everything was (though we already knew what we wanted) the wait time was not long at all. Everything is prepared fresh daily. Also at night (after 8pm) they have traditional music and hookah. I would say this would be an excellent place to bring large groups or families.

Kebsa rice with chicken so so good. Came with curried rice and side sauces that brought even more flavor to the dish. My first east african dish but will not be my last! Plus the owner is a really nice woman.

Funky little place. Interesting delicious food. Owner, chef, hostess all the same person comes out and talks. She will explain food figure out how spicy you want, etc. Don’t be in a hurry.

I’m Hatian decent and my wife is Eritrean which is an interesting mix of cultures, we went to East African Cuisine on Monroe rd the service and the food was excellent this restaurant is definitely a keeper.

Exceeded my expectations. Terri the owner was very sweet and took the time to show us how to properly eat traditional East African cuisine. The food was very good and wasn’t too spicy. I definitely recommend going here if you’d like to be exposed to something different!

Visited location four times. First two times were great. Second two times strange and terrible. Third trip … sign said they were open, but the doors were locked; left hungry and went to get delicious Korean food. Last time, doors open, place empty, one lady in there couldn’t understand what I was asking. When the main lady finally came in, she took my order and came back 10 minutes later and said she couldn’t serve me; said she wasn’t feeling well, apologized and walked away. I really liked this place, but I’ll NEVER go back.

I love this place. It is a small independently owned restaurant where the owner really cares about her food. Both times I have visited, the owner comes out of the kitchen frequently to explain dishes and ask how we like them. The food is fantastic and the prices are great. In all honesty, the restaurant has a run down bar feel, but that is part of its charm. You will definitely feel welcome when you walk inside and it would be impossible to not enjoy the fare.

This is the first Ethiopian restaurant in Charlotte that I have been to.
I love Ethiopian food, and I have become fan of this place. The food is delicious and is in-​line with my expectations. The staff is friendly. The server explained me few things about tomato sauce that comes with Tibzi, and provided me suggestions on the tibzi. The shrimp tibiz sounded interested. I had their vegetarian combo tibzi, instead. Got two extra rolls on the side. The meal size is more than enough for one person.
The place is decent and very relaxed. Probably, I was their first customer on that Saturday evening. The staff is relaxed, and not in a hurry. I had a very peaceful and delicious meal.
I liked the lentils and tomato sauce, the most. The cabbage, potato stuff was good as well. I liked the food so much that I must have overate it. That’s what happens when we find good food. I visited Ethiopian place after long time. I am glad I found something this nice.
I highly recommend this place for the Ethiopian cuisine. Apparently, they have some Italian dishes on the menu as well. Isn’t that funny? :-)

Delicious and unique! Don’t let the style keep you away the food is fantastic. They can customize any dish to your taste. I have already recommended this to friends.
I would give it 5 stars if the outside and inside were more palatable.
They have vegetarian options as well!

Really great! This is a small, mom and pop-​type restaurant. I tried the traditional Ehtiopian/​Eritrean dishes, and the food was delicious! And it is a really good value. Portion sizes are pretty large and prices are low. The décor is not the best, but don’t let that turn you off from the restaurant. They do have some American food, too, but I did not try that. I highly recommend!