Nazret Ethiopian Restaurant — Restaurant in Bailey's Crossroads

This spot is a hidden gem buried in the unofficial "Little Ethiopia" strip mall by skyline. While it may not look like much from the outside, or have a big fancy dining room, you won't find better Ethiopian food prepared with more care anywhere else in the area! My visit was fairly late on a Monday night and they only other guests were seated at the counter/bar, but I was warmly welcomed and offered my choice of seating. I wasn't too hungry and just wanted some comfort food so I ordered my favorite go-to dish 'shiro wat' (a delicious chickpea based sauce flavored with aromatics & Ethiopian spices). It was served in its own bowl with a spoon for me to scoop onto the injera with an Ethiopian style salad. The injera must have been made in-house as if was different from any of the many brands available in the area. It was delicious; far better than the bland, cheaper Americanized stuff served as most restaurants. It was also thinner & more delicate than what is available from the local bakeries. Everyone was extremely friendly, one of the new guests that arrived just after my meal was served greeted me kindly (this is typical of Ethiopian culture, and not surprising since it isn't especially common to see an American guy eating Ethiopian comfort food alone in a hard to find little spot late at night). The manager & the chef also greeted me to ensure I was pleased. My server offered me more injera, but I knew that by the time I finished the injera used as the base for my meal I would be satisfied. The final touch and delightful surprise was that when the lady who served me packed up the remaining sauce in my bowl, she placed it on a fresh piece of injera for me so that I would have something appropriate to eat it with! That so thoughtful and kind! As I was leaving the chef even offered me to eat from the platter of food which he was eating with the manager- which is a common (and sincere) gesture of hospitality in Ethiopian culture. Although this custom is not usually practiced outside of Ethiopia, not extended to non-Ethiopians (mainly because it is not understood or received well); but I was honored & appreciated it deeply although I declined because I my meal was expanding in my stomach from the water I drank at the end of my meal!

I can't wait to return to this place & bring some friends with me to sample more of the menu!

I highly recommend Nazret Ethiopian Restaurant to anyone who wants to have a unique experience of an authentic & delicious Ethiopian meal with the quintessential, warm Ethiopian-style...

I recently had the absolute pleasure of dining at Nazret Ethiopian Restaurant, and I have to say this was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and cared for. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a comfortable setting that immediately makes you feel like you’re in a place where people truly care about food, culture, and hospitality.

The food here is nothing short of incredible. I ordered the vegetarian combo along with some tibs dishes, and it was beyond satisfying. The vegetarian combo in particular deserves a special mention—every single item on the platter was packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly fresh. From the lentils to the greens to the chickpeas, each bite offered a different layer of taste that came together beautifully with the injera. You can tell that a lot of love and attention goes into preparing these dishes, and it’s refreshing to have such vibrant flavors that balance spices without ever being overwhelming.

And then there were the ribs. Wow! I tried the short ribs, and they were amazing. Tender, juicy, and bursting with that unique Ethiopian spice profile that keeps you coming back for more. The meat was cooked to perfection—not too chewy, not too soft, just the right balance. Paired with the injera, it created a perfect bite every single time. Honestly, I could have eaten another entire plate by myself.

Beyond the food, what really made the experience special was the service. The servers were not only attentive but genuinely friendly and welcoming. They made sure we had everything we needed, checked in at the right times without being intrusive, and answered questions with a smile. There was a real sense of warmth and hospitality that added so much to the meal. It didn’t feel transactional; it felt like we were being hosted by friends who truly wanted us to enjoy every moment.

Overall, Nazret Ethiopian Restaurant has left me with such a wonderful impression. It’s rare to find a place that delivers equally on food quality, flavor, and service, but Nazret does it all effortlessly. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone—whether you’re new to Ethiopian cuisine or already a fan, you will not be disappointed. The vegetarian combo is a must-try, the tibs (especially the short tibs) are absolutely amazing, and the staff will make your experience unforgettable.

I’ll definitely be coming back, and next time I’m bringing more friends and family so they can experience just how great...

This was honestly one of the most upsetting restaurant experiences we’ve ever had — and it happened at Nazaret Restaurant in Virginia.

We came in as a family, excited to enjoy some Ethiopian food and spend quality time together. Our kids were hungry and looking forward to the experience. But from the moment we were seated, we were completely ignored. No one greeted us, no menus were given, and not a single staff member checked on us. We sat there patiently, assuming someone would eventually come — but they never did.

To make things worse, guests who arrived after us were greeted, served drinks, and had their orders taken, while we sat there like we didn’t exist. The restaurant wasn’t even busy — only a few other tables were occupied — so there was absolutely no excuse for this kind of treatment.

After waiting far too long, we politely approached a waitress and asked why we were being ignored. Her response? She casually said she “thought we had already been served.” That explanation didn’t make any sense — we hadn’t even received water, let alone menus or food. When we asked if the manager or owner was around to speak with, we were told they weren’t there.

Eventually, we left — completely unserved, disrespected, and deeply disappointed. Our kids were confused and hurt, asking us why we were ignored and why we had to leave without eating. It was heartbreaking trying to explain that to them.

What made the situation even more upsetting was what we heard after we left. Several other people shared that they had similar experiences at Nazaret. It seems they choose who they want to serve based on whether they think you’ll leave a big tip, how you look, or even whether you have children with you. The way we were treated made it feel like they simply didn’t want to serve us — and that kind of attitude almost always starts from the top. If the manager or owner truly cared, this kind of behavior wouldn’t be happening — or would at least be addressed.

If you’re planning to visit Nazareth Restaurant with your family, please think twice. Our children may now carry a lasting negative impression of Ethiopian restaurants because of this experience. I strongly suggest supporting another Ethiopian restaurant in Virginia — one that treats every guest with dignity, regardless of who they are or what they look like.

We will not...