Whether you’re already a fan of tibs, injera and misir wat or you’re looking to try them for the first time, there are plenty of metro Atlanta restaurants for you to dig into the cuisine of Ethiopia. Want to try making your own? Try these vegetarian Ethiopian recipes from metro Atlanta chefs.
Bole Ethiopian. Located in a nondescript strip mall on Virginia Avenue in College Park, Bole Ethiopian offers a variety of Ethiopian staples. The Single Order Sampler is a good way to try a little bit of everything from beef tibs (marinated beef cubes sauteed with vegetables), awaze tibs (a version that brings the heat of a red pepper paste) and mini portions of numerous vegetable and lentil preparations atop injera bread. Also try the Bole Special Kitfo, a bowl of beef tartare seasoned with mitmita (a hot chili powder), ayib (a mild Ethiopian cheese) and collard greens.
1650 Virginia Ave., College Park. 404-549-9111, boleethiopianrestaurantco.com.
Desta Ethiopian Restaurant. Desta has been a mainstay at its Briarcliff Road location for more than a decade, and recently opened a second location at Emory Point. Owners Ash Nega and Titi Demissie offer a variety of Ethiopian staples including tibs -- cubed meat sauteed in a variety of spices -- kitfo and a variety of vegetarian options, all served with a side of injera, a spongy Ethiopian flatbread often used to sop up sauces and juices. Expect a wait, especially if you visit over the weekend.
3086 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, 404-929-0011 and 1520 Avenue Place, Atlanta, 404-835-2748. destaethiopiankitchen.com/
Feedel Bistro. Tamar Telahun and her brother Simon Gebru offer Ethiopian/Eritrean food at Feedel Bistro, their DeKalb County restaurant near the intersection of Briarcliff and Clairmont roads. The pair's food is a nod to their mother's cooking, with dishes including the Mom's Special Gomen Be'Siga, cubed lamb mixed with collard greens, and Tibsi Firfir, pieces of injera tossed in a red pepper sauce (berbere) with seasoned beef pieces.
3125 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. 404-963-2905, feedelbistro.com
Ghion Cultural Hall. Come prepared to eat with your hands at this rough around the edges spot that seats about 25 -- there are no plates, and everyone uses injera to scoop up their food. Check out the Ghion Cultural Platter, a bargain at $35 since it easily feeds four, that sees rounds of injera covered with helpings of multiple lentil dishes, various vegetable preparations, including gomen (Ethiopian collard greens), a lettuce salad and ground beef, awaze tibs and doro wot (chicken stew).
2080 Cheshire Bridge Road NE, Atlanta. 404-320-6747, atlantaghionculturalhall.com.
Ledet Restaurant. Open since 2007, Ledet is named after the original owner's daughter and serves up classic Ethiopian dishes as well as some modern takes including tibs and kitfo sandwiches and Ledet spaghetti made with Ethiopian-style pasta sauce. Thirsty? Make a reservation to try the ceremonial Ethiopian coffee service.
447 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. 404-297-1974, ledetethiopianrestaurantatlanta.com/
Read more stories like this by liking Atlanta Restaurant Scene on Facebook, following @ATLDiningNews on Twitter and @ajcdining on Instagram.
About the Author
