Abugida Ethiopian Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Charlotte

This was our first experience with Ethiopian food. Most Americans are not familiar with communal dining. We were a party of 8, and it was my husband’s birthday. From beginning to end, we loved every minute of our dining experience.

The food was outstanding. We tried the Yesega Sambusa (ground beef filling) for appetizers, it was crisp and crunchy and delicious. My Dad, Mom and nephew shared a Vegetarian Sampler and a Meat Lovers Combination together. My nephew also got an Aybe, fresh Ethiopian cheese. Our friend ordered Kitfo, which was one of the most amazing, melt-in-your-mouth dishes I’ve ever tasted. My brother and sister in law ordered Lamb Tibs and Yedoro (chicken) Tibs.

My husband and I got Doro Wet, one of the most famous African dishes known from Ethiopia. We also got Doro Alecha, Beef Tibs, and a Vegetarian sampler as well. It came with Kik Alecha (lentils or yellow split pea curry), potatoes with carrots, Tekil Gomen - a cabbage dish with carrots and jalapeños, Yemisir Kik Wat (red lentils cooked with berbere), collard greens Gomen, and beans. Each of these dishes had their own unique flavors and it was really awesome food! All of these came laid out on beds of injera bread, which soaked up the flavors of the different dishes and was absolutely delicious! Plenty of extra fluffy injera was also served in baskets.

We finished with Ethiopian coffee and Ethiopian tea. The tea was lightly spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, orange and cloves, it was delicious! The coffee was among one of the best coffees I’ve tasted, they brewed it and poured it from beautiful black coffee pots. When they brewed it, we could smell the coffee and also frankincense in the room, which was lovely. They didn’t have dessert, but since it was my husband’s birthday, they allowed us to bring in a small cake that was delicious with the coffee.

We want to specially thank Yolita and Dawite and their friend who hosted us and introduced us to all this wonderful food!! The service was awesome, the food was incredible, and it was such a delightful...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at an authentic Ethiopian restaurant, and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with warm smiles and friendly service that immediately made me feel at home.

The atmosphere of the restaurant was charming, with vibrant colors and traditional decor that gave the feel you were stepping into a restaurant in Ethiopia. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and went out of their way to assist me with the menu. As a first-timer to Ethiopian cuisine, I appreciated Yodita’s patience and enthusiasm in explaining the various dishes and the unique flavors I could expect. She asked questions to see if I liked spicy or preferred beef or lamb or if I was a vegetarian.

I decided to try the "Doro Wat" - a rich and spicy chicken stew - along with the "Injera," a traditional sourdough flatbread. Every bite was bursting with flavor, and the combination was simply divine. The portion sizes were generous, and I was delighted to see an array of vegetarian options as well, showcasing the diversity of Ethiopian cuisine.

Throughout the meal, the staff checked in regularly to ensure everything was to my liking, offering helpful recommendations for beverage pairings that perfectly complemented the spices of the dishes. Their dedication to excellent customer service truly elevated the dining experience. Yodita explained each dish thoroughly and even introduced us to her mother. These wonderful women take pride in their cooking and restaurant. They treated us like family. They kept the basket full of injera every time they walked by.

Overall, I can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough! Whether you're a seasoned fan of Ethiopian food or trying it for the first time, the combination of authentic cuisine and outstanding service makes this place a must-visit. I look forward to returning and exploring more of the menu. Thank you for a wonderful...

If the place is crowded, run! Don't order even for take out. I ordered a take out and asked how long it takes; they told me 20 min. I took my insulin based on the time of waiting. When I went back there, the food wasn't ready (they hadn't even started preparing it). I told them that I can't wait for too long because my blood sugar is going down, and they didn't care. One of them told me, "You can drink soda," 🙄 and they gave me a row meet, but my order was a cooked Kitifo.

Edit: Since it seems like I can't reply for the business review, here is my comment on your reply.

First of all, I did not place my order over the phone (you don't have the right information to come here and defend yourself instead of apologizing); I placed it in person. Secondly, the server said 20 min (they didn't give range), and third, you don't drink a soda (which is what you offered) to units of insulin you take, estimating the carb you are going to consume (all types of diabetics are not the same and everybody's body doesn't respond the same even if they have the same type of diabetics). Someone taking insulin and not consuming the estimated carb can be a matter of "life and death or it can have serious damage" in case "you do not know." Your attitude on the comment is what I experienced in person and what made me come and give a...