By far one of the best spots I have discovered lodged in the heart of the Danforth. I never new such a gem existed off of O'Connor until now. I went with my girlfriend on Saturday and just from stepping into the place I felt a really great sense of connection to it. We were seated in a very nice and colorful booth and had the waitress offer us cinnamon tea which was amazing! She then offered us fish soup in which that also did not disappoint with its very flavorful broth and yummy items inside. We decided to go with the lamb tibs and the meat platter for 1 for our meal and truly I was more than impressed. The food portion was excellent as the both of us could not even attempted to finish our order. The chicken stew tasted very familiar to West African stews which I loved and the lean beef stews were also great to try. The spinach was also a great dip to enjoy with the injera and last but not least the lamb tibs were out of this world! Cooked to literally perfection and spiced well I couldn't stop having one after even throwing in the towel to pack it up. The price was more than fair and definitely it could of easily been a 4 person meal and that cost would of been enough for everyone to share. I'm really glad that my desire to try this had finally been meet with this gem. Parking was also great (I pay 2 dollars for the hour and 3 dollars for a 6 hour window) as I got to park right outside the place. I ask that the owners please consider having a location in North York sometime soon- but I'd still travel...
Read moreIf you would like the single worst Ethiopian dining experience of your life, I strongly recommend Lalibela. This is not an exaggeration, the food was truly horrendous.
The injera was crusty and stale, the food all had freezer burn, and the cuisine was badly spiced. I know Ethiopian places make food in big batches and freeze it. I'm pretty sure Lalibela re-freezes and re-heats its dishes repeatedly, and the taste reflects this.
If you bring kids, caution them that the kids' foods are sad attempts at western non-perishables. We ordered mac and cheese (the picture on the menu looked flavourful) and chicken soup noodle [sp]. The mac & cheese was KD (no joke) but the "cheese" was a bowl of orange coloured water. $6.00 that landed in the trash.
Chicken soup noodle is a bowl of ramen noodles (no joke) with a packet of chicken-flavoured powder added. You know the kind that you buy for 0.25? Yep. And they charge $5.50 for it.
Foods arrived at ridiculous times. My tomato salad arrived after the mains were all done. And after that salad...the spring rolls with plum sauce. Water took 20 minutes to arrive after requesting it, the table had no napkins, and there is no wind shield for when people walk in and a huge wind gust freezes everyone.
As I said, the single worst Ethiopian dining experience. I went here based on the strength of the reviews of others', and I'm cautioning you that these are seriously wrong. Find...
Read moreLalibella swept me off my feet with its incredible Ethiopian cuisine! From the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for a treat. The atmosphere was inviting, exuding an authentic Ethiopian vibe that instantly transported me to another world. The traditional decor and cozy ambiance set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The food, oh the food! Each dish was a masterpiece of flavors and textures. The injera was soft and perfect for scooping up the array of stews and dishes that adorned my plate. The Doro Wat was a spicy explosion of taste, and the Misir Wot's rich lentil goodness had me hooked. The variety of options ensured there was something for everyone, and the attention to detail was evident in every bite. What truly stood out, aside from the delectable food, was the impeccable service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and eager to make my experience exceptional. They patiently answered my questions, offered recommendations, and made me feel like a valued guest. If you're looking for an authentic and memorable dining adventure, Lalibella is the place to be. I left with a satisfied palate and a heart full of appreciation for the culinary journey I had just experienced. Don't miss out on this hidden Ethiopian gem – it's a true delight...
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