Mama Africa Cafe Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in Denver

Ethiopian food is one of my favourite cuisines so when I was hanging out with a friend who had never had it before, we decided to try this place out.

Service was friendly at first but turned awkward in the end.

When asked what we'd like to drink, I said "just plain water, thank you" and she proceeded to bring us Aquafina bottles and I told her tap water would be fine and she brought over a prefilled glass bottle of tap water, so I thought it was odd that she tried to give us bottled water.

I always order the same dish - beef tibs (3rd item on the menu. I was very clear about this) - and had suggested this dish to my friend as well.

When it came out, I was surprised to see that it was a dry dish but we didn't say anything as I thought maybe this restaurant had a different recipe. My friend was disappointed as I had told her it would be very juicy and moist. She ended up taking only 2-3 bites.

When we got the bill, I noticed that we were both charged for a different dish (Derek tibs, 2nd last item on the menu) that has a very distinct name, which we definitely did not order. We brought it up to the gentleman behind the counter and honestly, it wasn't that big of a deal and we would've paid if they acknowledged but he became confrontational and said "so what do you want me to do about it?" and that "beef tibs is juicy and Derek tibs is dry".

I had a hard time believing it was a genuine mistake given their attempt to charge us for water earlier as well as the fact that we never said "Derek tibs". That's quite different from beef tibs, which is all I ever order.

To be fair, the injera was very moist and fluffy. The beef and salad was very fresh. The food was plated very cleanly. I'm sure the beef tibs would have been amazing too. However, the portions were a bit smaller in addition to the higher prices compared to nearby Ethiopian restaurants.

Though the surprise additional upcharge dollar amount wasn't much (less than $10 for both dishes), I truly did not appreciate that they tried to trick us into paying more two separate times in one visit. As an Ethiopian food lover, I won't be coming back or recommending it to my friends and family.

It's a shame that they lost a potential regular customer to get an extra...

I recently had the delightful privilege of celebrating my birthday at this café--as a long-time aficionada of Ethiopian cuisine (and having wanted to try this restaurant for a few years, ever since my brother and I spotted the sign from the street while driving down Leetsdale). The ambiance was lovely, quiet, beautifully and understatedly, tastefully decorated, with a couple slightly movable screens of sorts that rendered our table at the back of the restaurant somewhat sequestered/sectioned off and more private, which was nice.

Similarly elegant and obliging was the demeanor of the proprietor/waiter (there was only one gentleman working there during our meal), who responded to our requests promptly, professionally and gracefully--and whose service was very kindly, amiably attentive yet pleasantly, graciously unobtrusive. He seemed very affable and possessed of a remarkable, almost prescient sense of timing, appearing only at exactly the right moments when we wanted/needed something.

We appreciated the fairly concise yet robust menu, which offers a decently-sized variety of staple and other dishes without being overwhelmingly extensive. The injera at this place is positively stellar in both taste and texture--it's on the tangy, tart side, perfectly spongy and delectable. The two orders of fried veggie sambusas we had were excellent, and my mom even wanted to order another round of them (alas, by that point they were out)! The veggie combos we ordered--served in the traditional one-plate fashion--were absolutely delicious, light yet filling and scrumptious. My girlfriend mentioned that the chicken in the chicken tibs dish was very well-seasoned and some of the best she's ever had in such a culinary context (savory stews, etc).

I cannot recommend this place enough, between the beautiful décor and cozily serene atmosphere, the quality of the food, very decent value/portion sizes, and impeccable service. It will henceforth be the go-to Ethiopian restaurant for myself and...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at an Ethiopian restaurant, and let me just say, it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The decor was vibrant, with traditional Ethiopian art and textiles that made the space feel both cozy and culturally rich.

The staff were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, which made it easy to navigate the wide variety of delicious options. I appreciated how they took the time to explain the dishes and recommend a few popular choices, making it feel like more than just a meal — it felt like an immersive cultural experience.

Now, let's talk about the food. Every dish was bursting with flavor. The injera, that soft and tangy flatbread, was the perfect base for the various stews and dishes I tried. The Doro Wat was absolutely incredible — tender chicken cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce with just the right amount of spice. The kitfo was another standout, seasoned perfectly and served with a side of spiced butter that complemented the dish beautifully.

One of my favorite things about the meal was the communal experience of sharing everything with the table. It brought a sense of togetherness and made the meal feel much more special. Each bite was a celebration of bold, unique flavors that I hadn't experienced before, and I loved how the combination of spices, textures, and flavors was so well-balanced.

The atmosphere was lively but not overwhelming, and the whole experience left me feeling like I'd just taken a little trip to Ethiopia without leaving the city. The service was excellent throughout the meal, and I could tell that the staff genuinely cared about ensuring we had a memorable experience.

All in all, it was a fantastic meal, and I’ll definitely be returning. If you're looking for an authentic Ethiopian dining experience, this place is an...