Habesha Ethiopian restaurant and bar — Restaurant in Austin

My partner and I had a wonderful experience dining here the other night. We ordered the 12 veggie platter for two and the Habesha beef combo for two. We would definitely have been full ordering just one of these but we were starving, wanted a variety of beef and veggie dishes, and were generally feeling ambitious. It was definitely the right decision as we devoured the absolutely stunning concentric display of hand-dunkable delights placed in front of us. I loved the woven basket presentation. The dishes were all so special and delicious. All the beef dishes were interesting in their own way - the siga wot being wonderfully earthy and rich, the alicha wot a bit tangier and bright with the addition of tumeric. We loved both the veggie and beef gomen with the beautifully braised collard greens. The stir fried ribs were also super tasty and different in that they were cubes and not a curry/gravy consistency. We were also huge fans of the veggie dishes, especially the shiro wot which had such a unique flavor. It was one of the first to completely disappear on our platter. Also the salad usually doesn’t get much love but we really loved how it was appropriately dressed and not drenched in dressing. Super fresh and the perfect crunch between spongey, gravy-soaked bites of injera. The slight sourness of the injera was divine - like a good slice of sourdough bread. The spongey texture was perfect for sopping up all the delicious flavors. Everything tastes like it was made with care and attention, truly like a home-cooked meal.

For drinks we ordered the Cabernet Sauvignon and an Ethiopian beer recommended by our waiter. It was really nice to have a totally drinkable red wine with the meal and my partner really enjoyed his beer - light and refreshing.

Service was impeccable. We felt really welcome and we could feel pride about the food emanating from our server. It was a really special and delicious experience.

Covid sanitation measures: appropriately spaced tables in a large dining room. Staff wearing masks. Bottles of sanitizers at each table. Felt like every possible measure was being taken to ensure a safe and hygienic...

A Journey to the Cradle of Civilization - 5/5 Stars

While my friends opted for the familiar comfort of Chili's, I chose something extraordinary at Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant - and what a difference that choice made. The Vegetarian/Vegan Combo was a masterpiece of flavors and cultural heritage served on traditional injera.

Each component told a story of Ethiopia's ancient culinary wisdom: the golden Kik Alicha (yellow split peas in aromatic spices), the rich and fiery Misir Wot (red lentils in berbere sauce), and the comforting Shiro Wot (ground legumes with ginger and garlic). The Tegabino Shiro, served bubbling in a traditional clay pot, was pure theater and flavor. The Gomen (slow-cooked collard greens) and Tekil Gomen (cabbage and carrots with turmeric) showcased how simple vegetables become transcendent through generations of perfected spicing. The fresh azifa lentil salad, beets, and hummus fitfit added bright, cooling contrasts to the warm, complex stews.

This isn't just food; it's a direct connection to one of the world's oldest civilizations - the ancient Kingdom of Aksum, the birthplace of coffee, and a culture that has preserved its culinary traditions for millennia. At $18.95, this generous spread was incredible value, easily outshining any chain restaurant offering.

But what elevated the experience was the genuine warmth of the staff. Sitting at the bar, I found myself in rich conversation about Ethiopian culture and traditions. There's something beautiful about how food becomes a bridge to understanding a heritage that gave us Lucy, the rock churches of Lalibela, and maintains one of Africa's most unique identities.

Sometimes the road less traveled leads to the most meaningful experiences. While chains offer predictability, Habesha offers authenticity,...

Don't waste you're time or money here. Asters (just down 35) or Taste of Ethiopia(on south congress or pflugerville) are much better in both quality of food, and quality of staff. Here is why: Service: I've been to this restaurant a couple of time, and each time service has been awful. From wait staff forgetting our table to rude managment. This past time was the last straw after the manager of the establishment was rude and condescending toward a genuine concern. Food: While the food is good, great even, it's hard to fully enjoy a meal with family and friends after bad service. Though my fav is Asters, theirs isn't bad just not the best, and I can get better tasting at a (slightly) lower cost. (Though I'm bias all Ethiopian food is good and amazing too me!) They do have trouble with getting you your food in a timely mannor, and as previously mentioned this last time was bad. We received our food cold, meaning they had it ready for awhile.

This is the first time I've ever had such a negative interaction with a restaurant. I encourage people to try other places that treat everyone with equal respect, because no one should be talked down to or made to feel invalid anywhere, let alone at a resturant with fam and friends.

To the restaurant owners if you're reading this, please remeber to treat others with respect regardless of age or ethnicity. Hope that's not asking too much, and though you've lost my patronage, I wish...