Merkato Ethiopian Food Store — Local services in Portland

I've had Ethiopian food at other places but this one really hit all the marks. In non-Covid times, the sizable interior offered a relaxed ambiance and tasteful Ethiopian decor. If one wasn't "used to" eating in that particular sitting position or with those items, no judgement from waitstaff. They are efficient and friendly.

The food is tasty and fresh w/o any pretension. The sides are balanced and everything is proportioned well. This could pass for a home-cooked meal. One bonus of eating here is that you could buy the actual exotic and rare ingredients used in the meals at the mini-grocer that also sells tourist knick-knacks.

Parking is tricky. There are spaces in the back but only a few reserved for the restaurant and b/c of the Covid, only...

The owner Yemaneh has been so accommodating. I buy stuff from here to take to my family in California and he has been so accommodating with this and I’m very appreciative. Thanks Yemaneh and team! FYI, this place can be super busy on days they have fresh beef, go as early as you can or you’d be waiting in line for quite a while. This place has decent collection of Ethiopian spices as well as injera that’s gluten free(as I’m told). However, if you have gluten sensitivity, make sure to mention this to them before purchasing as they might have both kinds and you don’t wanna walk out with the wrong one....

Thank you for the mouldy injera. $15 down the drain. 45 minutes total drive waste of time. Heart broken! I’m just a simple girl who was looking forward to an amazing injera lunch. Literally mould on each of the injeras. I was going through them frantically to find at least one with no mould, but still none. 😭 I really hate to leave a bad review, but what can I do? Please check them before selling next time. For me though, no next time. The customer...