Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant — Restaurant in Jacksonville

I wish I could write a positive review. First off, they are dishonest. They have been open, according to the worker, for about 5 months. This makes this review all that more disappointing.

We ordered two meals at $18.99 each. When it was time to pay, the register showed the total. Then suddenly they said that was the wrong price. Then the total increased it by $8+ dollars. We asked why, and they claimed "we haven't updated the menu yet". Mind you, he said this tensed up. How can they not inform customers of new menu prices, much less just print out a temporary menu?

Still very confused we walked out and looked at our receipt. We realized he lied. The menu didn't change, they wanted to get more money. The initial total we saw was indeed the correct total. I went in to take a photo of the menu and he claimed the increase was due to credit card fees. $8+ in credit card fees?! Come on!

Then on top of that, at the bottom of the receipt it said there is a price difference for cash and card.

No where in the restaurant or "old" menu are there signs for this.

This is so disappointing. For a new business, a minority owned one at that, they won't last if they steal and lack integrity.

Aside from this situation, the food is mediocre. The portions are small and the flavors are very mild. If this is the first time you will have Ethiopian food ,then you will think it is good. If you had good Ethiopian food before, you will know it's not...

I’ve been wanting to try Ethiopian food and I’m so glad we came here for date night! The ambience and service was amazing. The owner served us and helped us choose what to eat. He was absolutely delightful throughout the whole experience.

I only got a photo of my beer because once the food arrived, I was so excited by the smell I couldn’t even remember to take a photo first! We ordered the sambusa, gored gored, and vegan combo with the Ethiopian beer. My partner and I had more than enough food for the two of us and a nice helping for leftovers.

The sambusa was so crunchy and the lentils were seasoned and cooked perfectly. The gored gored’s beef was cooked perfectly and the jalapeños added a nice spice. The vegan combo was to die for, and has probably become one of our favorite dishes we’ve ever eaten at a restaurant before. The Ethiopian beer was also a solid choice if you like heavier beers! Plus, the injera was amazing - eating with your hands was such a delight.

Anytime a friend comes to visit, I’m bringing them here. If a friend, family member, or a coworker asks for a new restaurant to try, I’m going to tell them all about Lalibela. I can’t wait to come back to try more...

I wish i could leave a good review because i liked their food the first 2 times i came to this restaurant. It had been a while and about 2 years passed (it closed and reopened under a new name.. not sure if management is the same) when i walked in I was greeted by the Husband who was very friendly and while reading the menu to make a togo order the wife came out of the kitchen, looked me up and down and started yelling. I didn’t understand what she was saying at first and i said i’m sorry ma’am i don’t understand. She slowed down and told me i’m very disrespectful for approaching her husband. She also told me not to come into a restaurant dressed inappropriately and i have no respect for myself and God would not approve. I had on athletic leggings and a spaghetti strap shirt not to mention i was placing my order to go. There was nobody else in the restaurant nor was there a dress code posted. This is a small “hole in the wall” restaurant...