Zagwe's Restaurant, LLC — Restaurant in Eugene

Arriving at opening on a quiet Thursday, my group of three found a close parking spot on the street and were seated in a aide room with rustic-looking but surprisingly comfortable wooden benches and tables. Eden (pronounced Eddin), owner and wife of the head chef, took our orders and answered our questions about the menu: vegetarian/vegan family-style platter and kitfo meat dish. They were out of the shiro (chickpea stew), so they doubled our portion of the tasty and popular tumtumo/misir wot (red lentil stew). Before the food arrived, server Marin asked if we’d like it all on one platter, or have the kitfo separate. We chose all together, and the vegetarian in our group simply avoided that section of the wide, injera-covered tray. With Ethiopian cuisine, you can clean your plate by eating it: the crepe-like injera, made of teff and thus gluten-free, serves as the base upon which all the dishes are places, with more rolls of injera separating them. Unroll a bit, tear it off, and use it to scoop up a pinch of the entree. When you’ve consumed the rolled pieces, you can tear off bits of the base, now steeped in the flavors of your meal, until you are full or you’ve cleared the tray. Marin kept our water glasses filled, something I appreciated a great deal because I am a wimp when it comes to spicy food. None of the dishes I sampled were too spicy for me, and all were uniquely flavorful. If I had to choose only one, I’d opt for the gomen (collard greens and spinach). The meat eaters enjoyed the kitfo and also got the dorho wot (chicken stew) to try. The staff are happy to explain the ingredients and spices, if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. The family-style platters are a great way to sample all the offerings, and they easily feed three or four people — so bring friends or family! After we ate, we had a chance to chat with Eden about her plans for an injera-making class she will offer in coming months. Because the sourdough bread is fermented, she said it might be a two-part class. We also hope she will consider...

The owner is a sweetheart, who gets to know her community. Not to mention sharing her culture with a homogenous town like Eugene Oregon.

The food is delicious and consistent, spicy, and nostalgic. I got the lamb tips that were a bit spicy, savory, and satisfying. I also tried a nonalcoholic mocktail which had a deep interesting flavor, I didn't miss the booze!

The ambiance is warm, aesthetically pleasing, and minimalist. Personal favorites. Then of course you have access to the amazing patio and are next door to the Eugene classic equiano's coffee. All and all highly recommend eating here and supporting this amazing family...

My tongue is still singing from the amazing meal I just ate here. I had the Shiro and it was divine-- expertly seasoned and spiced, it is the best Ethiopian food I've ever eaten, and probably the best food I've had in Eugene. My husband had the Dorhu Wot and said it was fantastic. There are as many veg dishes as there are meat dishes. We sat on their cute patio and had a great time. Everyone working there was very attentive and kind. They've only been open two days, but don't delay! Get you some delicious food today and support a new business...