Ethiopian food isn’t just something you eat; it’s something you experience. The colourful food presentation, fragrant coffee ceremonies and culture of communal eating draws you in. Not only does Ethiopian cuisine provide a delicious and unique dining experience, it also fits a wide range of diets with many Ethiopian restaurants offering halal, vegan, low-fat, and gluten-free options.
Hungry yet? Here are Toronto's best Ethiopian restaurants.
This small and cozy restaurant on the Danforth is definitely one you won’t want to miss. Abyssinia features some of the most authentic Ethiopian cuisine, as owner and Chef Senedu is committed to keeping the dishes as rich and complex the ones she ate growing up in Ethiopia. Try the Vegetarian Platter for a mix of spicy lentils, yellow split peas, sautéed cabbage, and other Ethiopian vegetarian classics. If you’re a meat lover, be sure to order their amazing Cha Cha Tibs (a sizzling lamb short rib dish with jalapenos, onions, and red bell peppers). If you’re looking for a great family-friendly restaurant with generous portion sizes, authentic Ethiopian food and friendly staff, Abyssinia is the place to be.
Located in the trendy Queen West neighbourhood, Nunu’s fusion menu is perfect for a date night or dinner with friends. It's contemporary modern design and open kitchen give it an upscale, yet comfortable vibe. Their menu includes several delicious traditional Ethiopian vegetarian and meat options, as well as a few unexpected African favourites like a Kenyan Bistecca con Ugale (polenta-like dish with steak). For your first visit, the Misto Meat, a selection of traditional meat dishes, is highly recommended. Be sure to try it alongside their Tej cocktail (spiced rum, boiled honey with nutmeg, cinnamon, Gesho, lime juice and soda), an interesting and delicious take on Ethiopian honey wine.
Bu’na is dedicated solely to one of Ethiopia’s greatest discoveries: coffee. Here you can experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony or take a coffee sommelier class. For good eats, Bu’na offers interesting takes on Ethiopian cuisine like an injera wrap, a twist on traditional Ethiopian flatbread. The walls are lined with coffee packages sourced from co-ops across Ethiopia, giving off trendy, coffeehouse vibes. Grab a bag of fragrant Ethiopian spice mixes on your way out. You won’t regret it!
Pero is located near Bloor and Ossington and offers a great mix of live music performances and Ethiopian/Eritrean fusion dishes. The walls are decorated with art and photography that reflect Chef Pero’s Eritrean heritage. Their menu includes traditional Ethiopian fare and items not often served at Ethiopian restaurants like Shrimp Tibsi and Okra Tibsi. First-timers should order the Mushroom Tibs and their delicious Vegetarian Platter for a true taste of East African fare. If Injera isn’t your thing, or you want something on the lighter side, they also have a number of filling and healthy alternatives that are equally as delicious.
If you’re craving Ethiopian food but don’t want to travel outside of the downtown core, Ethiopiques should be on your radar. Located by Dundas and Church, Ethiopiques serves Ethiopian cuisine in a quiet and cozy environment. Noteworthy menu items include their special Ethiopian spiced tea made with cloves, cinnamon and cardamom, and the Miser Wot, a spicy Ethiopian red lentil dish served with Injera. If you're craving comfort food, Ethiopiques offer halal, vegan and gluten-free options.
Located near Greenwood and Danforth, Rendezvous features a lively atmosphere, tables shaped like traditional Ethiopian woven baskets (known as mesob), and groovy Ethiopian jazz. This crowd-favourite offers a wide variety menu items you won’t find elsewhere, including a Kitfo Sandwich (an Ethiopian take on steak tartar), flavoured with a traditional spiced butter and served with Ethiopian cottage cheese. Or get their Meat and Vegetarian Platter for the best of both worlds— you won’t be disappointed.
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