The Best Restaurants in Addis Ababa

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Addis Ababa, I’ve got suggestions for you from my two visits (so far). I loveeee Addis Ababa and there is so much to explore. The dining scene is massive and this city is one of East Africa’s most exciting food capitals. From traditional Ethiopian food to sushi, and fine dining, there is something for everyone.

I haven’t been to all these restaurants (yet?!) but these are the ones that I’ve researched myself to visit or that have been directly recommended to me.

If you’re looking for something a little more casual, check out my cafe guide for breakfast, brunch, and lunch options.

Want the quick hits for a few days in Addis? For breakfast, check out Enitewawek or Blue Hen. Go to Addis Ababa Restaurant and Union Restaurant for dinner, or Marcus Addis for a more upscale option. For traditional dancing and music, visit Yod Abyssinia, or head to African Jazz Village for live jazz. If you’re craving something non-Ethiopian, try KAZ Sushi or 兰州牛肉面 for Chinese noodles.

Traditional Ethiopian Restaurants

Traditional Ethiopian food is built around injera, a sourdough flatbread that’s used to scoop up a variety of flavorful dishes. You’ll find staples like kitfo, a minced beef dish often served raw or lightly cooked, and tibs, sautéed meat packed with spices and flavor. Vegetarian options are just as popular, with beyaynetu offering a mix of different dishes on one platter (my fav) and shiro, a rich chickpea stew that’s popular all day. My favorite breakfast food here is firfir, so try that out too; it’s cut up injira with a spicy berbere sauce.

Addis Ababa Restaurant

If you just have time for one restaurant in town, Addis Ababa Restaurant should be it and is easily one of the best restaurants in Addis Ababa. The dining area has a traditional hut vibe and the food is amazing. I’ve already visited Addis Ababa Restaurant twice! Once when we were with friends and another time on a tour with Habesha Wonders. Get the beyaynetu and add on a meat if you want. Sample the tej, get a beer, and end the meal with coffee.

Union Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

Union Restaurant has great views over Meskal Square and food to match. We got the soy tibs and shiro-misr combo and wowww. It was so good! They also have contemporary dishes from all over like curry, grills, and salmon.

I loved how each section of the restaurant has a different vibe, but it was all cohesive.

Yedesdes

A local spot that’s a bit more under‑the‑radar but loved for home‑style Ethiopian cooking. Yedesdes is a great place to try a variety of traditional dishes in one sitting, if you’re staying in Kazanchis.

Mesti Restaurant

Mesti offers a broad menu of Ethiopian favorites with generous portions and a casual atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the aromatic stews and crispy injera, as well as friendly staff who are happy to guide first‑time diners through the menu. It was recommended to me by my guide!

Mesi Gebeta

Wilhelm randomly found Mesi Gebeta and we opted to have dinner here on the first night of our one week stay. The bar/music area was loud and totally filled with people having a good time so instead we sat in the dining area. We had an interesting spicy shiro that was so good and beyaynetu.

Fiker Shiromeda Bar

Fiker Shiromeda Bar doesn’t have a lot of reviews on Google Maps but don’t let that deter you. We randomly came here when exploring the Shiro Meda clothing market. The restaurant’s windows were blacked out to prevent the heat from entering but we kept seeing people come in and out… Once we entered (during lunch time on a weekend), we saw that the placed was packed! It took a few minutes to get us a table but the staff were really nice and seemed excited tourists were there. There is a menu but instead we let the manager help us decide on a shiro and fresh tibs. It was excellent.

This may also be a spot to get kifto as there was a fresh meat section the day we visited.

Totot Kitfo

Totot spot specializes in kitfo, the iconic Ethiopian minced beef dish, prepared with a balance of spice and rich butter. Reviews often mention the warm service and hearty portions.

Yohannes Kitfo

Known for its traditional kitfo and other classic Ethiopian dishes, Yohannes Kitfo is a no‑frills favorite among locals. Its focus on straightforward, well‑seasoned food makes it a great option if you’re craving authentic flavors without a touristy vibe.

Kategna Restaurant

This is a popular choice for traditional Ethiopian food, Kategna serves classic dishes like injera, spicy stews, and kitfo. I added the restaurant in because it was on quite a few different lists of the best restaurants in Addis Ababa but I didn’t feel that way when we dined. The restaurant is quite warm, our food arrived cold (though it was fast) and it was like ‘eh’ nothing special so I wouldn’t recommend it. To our server’s credit though, when I every single dish of the beyaynetu was cold, he brought a free hot shiro.

Darik Coffee

For a quick shiro and coffee in Kazanchis, check out Darik Coffee. It’s a popular spot during lunch time!

Fine Dining Options

Marcus Addis

Located atop Addis Ababa’s tallest building, Marcus Addis blends traditional Ethiopian ingredients with international techniques for a modern fine dining experience. It’s perfect for a special night out and one of the best restaurants in Addis Ababa as it’s on top of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia’s building. It’s the highest in the country! Wilhelm and I came here with friends for NYE night, where there was a set dining menu. We even met Marcus himself!! I was totally starstruck.

On our second trip, we came for the a-la-carte menu which was great too. Book online in advance to ensure you have a table.

Henom

Henom offers refined, contemporary cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, often presented in beautifully plated dishes. It’s ideal for foodies looking for a mix of Ethiopian influence and global culinary trends.

Meskott Culinary Experience

A more intimate and upscale dining experience, Meskott has garnered praise for its creative menu and elegant presentation. This is a great option for a tasting‑style dinner.

Touristy (But Worth the Hype)

These are the best restaurants in Addis Ababa that serve up all the classics with traditional music and dancing in the background.

2000 Habesha Cultural Restaurant

A highly recommended cultural experience, 2000 Habesha serves traditional Ethiopian food in a tukul (round hut)‑style setup with occasional dance and music performances. It’s touristy, but the immersive vibe and lively setting make it a memorable meal.

Yod Abyssinia

One of the city’s long‑standing favorites for traditional Ethiopian food and entertainment, Yod combines a full menu of classics with energetic live cultural performances. It’s a great place to enjoy food and dance in one lively evening. There are two locations in town. The OG is the one in Bole. I came here in 2014 and it’s still poppin.

Drinks & Jazz in Addis Ababa

Tobiya Tej

A classic spot to sample tej (Ethiopian honey wine) in a casual bar atmosphere. Tobiya Tej seems perfect for an evening drink rooted in tradition. I haven’t been yet but really want to go!

Selo Tella Bet

If you want to try tella (traditional Ethiopian beer), Selo Tella Bet is one of the best restaurants in Addis Ababa for the local scene. There is a local food menu as well as a hummus menu.

Sit outside (if you’re lucky, these spots fills up) or in one of the dining areas inside.

Don’t miss the second floor with the traditional liquor, Areki. It tastes like arak/raki and is made a a few different flavors. The staff here is soooo nice and you may even end up having a little tasting of each flavor before picking your shot.

African Jazz Village

Founded with roots in the Ethio‑jazz scene, African Jazz Village is a must‑visit if you love live music. Expect soulful performances that showcase Ethiopia’s rich musical heritage. I was told the food here is overpriced for what you get so I suggest eating dinner before and then showing up around 7:30 pm for the music and drinks.

Eliliy Hotel Rooftop

For a chill rooftop vibe with an actual sunset view over Addis, Eliliy is one of the best places in the city to see the sunset. It’s no frills, just simple drinks and a great view.

Black Rose

A popular spot with expats, Black Rose has a moody atmosphere with really nice service. We went twice during our week in Addis Ababa, the staff recognized us, and welcomed us back! I love little touches like this when I’m in a new city. Get a beer!

Fendika

More of a cultural hub than a restaurant, Fendika hosts live music, dance, and performances. It’s a perfect spot if you want something beyond a typical night out.

Atmosphere

A local spot with dancing, karaoke, and the occasional jazz night. Check Atmosphere’s Instagram for what’s going on each evening.

All-day Dining

With a mix of traditional food and international favorites, check out these spots for brunch or lunch.

Enitewawek

Enitewawek is a one of the cutest little cafes. With a good range of all-day dining options, you could get teff waffles, special foul (with eggs), or a fatira (chapati with cheese and egg). I came here twice for breakfast during my one week stay.

The Blue Hen

With amazing cakes and an all-day dining menu, I’d be coming to Blue Hen all the time if I lived in Addis Ababa. It’s the right mix of eclectic and traditional vibes for me. I got a carrot cake my first visit and then came back a second day fora tofu Bahn Mi.

ETT by DarCo

ETT by DarCo is a little touristy but has everything you want for a traditional coffee ceremony. I also loved the breakfast fatira and the hummus.

International Cuisine

KAZ Sushi & Japanese Fusion Restaurant

A standout for sushi lovers in Addis, KAZ offers a full Japanese menu with fusion twists that locals and expats enjoy and is one of the best restaurants in Addis Ababa for non-Ethiopian cuisine. We got a couple of sushi rolls and a noodle dish. Everything was really good. The most interesting fusion sushi we got was the beetroot sushi. And it honestly turned out pretty good with the cream cheese. The classic sushi dishes were reliable and I also tried a Moscow meal that was great. The vibe is sleek and contemporary with both locals and expats.

Bait Al Mandi

For something completely different, Bait Al Mandi serves rich, aromatic Yemeni and Middle Eastern dishes. The mandi (slow‑cooked rice and meat) is a highlight and perfect for a hearty meal. I haven’t been yet, but it’s on my list!

The Alchemist Dine & Wine Restaurant

The Alchemist Dine & Wine Restaurant looks like a nice night out as well. The menu has a fusion of French, Spanish, and local flavors.

Chinese Noodles 兰州牛肉面

Check out 兰州牛肉面 in Chinatown for a super authentic experience. I saw noodles being hand-pulled in the kitchen! After a week in Addis, we were craving something a little different and Wilhelm came across this restaurant on Google Maps. We ordered the beef + pepper rice bowl, veg + beef dumplings, cucumber salad, and tomato + egg noodles. WOW. Everything was amazing. We were offered pickled cabbage and a soup to start as well.