Axum Ethiopian Restaurant — Restaurant in Lake View Township

Fantastic. I loved Ras Daschen and was sad when they closed, but Axum is solid and I'm sold. I've only had takeout from Axum (which I really don't like doing. I like dining in. But I was craving!) but the preparations and the flavors were on, so I'm sure the dining-in experience is even better.

They were busy when I arrived but I only waited for maybe 5 minutes. Not bad. The gent in the kitchen and the lady working in the dining room (she was working everywhere...badass) were both very nice, despite the fact that they were busy and it was only the two of them. I was in restaurants for 20+ years and I really appreciated their grace under fire.

I ordered the Kitfo (my favorite dish in any Ethiopian restaurant) and the vegetarian messob. The kitfo was cooked just to my liking - seared in the butter (niter kibbe...delicous), but blue in the middle. If you've never had kitfo, just think spicy, rich, Ethiopian beef tartar. Delicious. Axum's kitfo was well seasoned, had a nice kick from the mitmita chile (I assume they used mitmita), came with a vegetable side, and injera. The portion was substantial.

I also order the vegetarian messob. I won't list out the selection of dishes in the meal, but it was all delicious. I'm a huge fan of gomen (braised greens), pickled cabbage, and the carrot & beet salad). Also, I know packing 9 different types of stewed lentils/peas/etc in to a togo box can be precarious, but they got them all in a perfect grid. Love it.

I can't wait to come back, and I...

Adding this comment literally right after finishing my dinner because this place is such a gem! I’ve always loved Ethiopian food and have been to quite a few restaurants in different cities but haven’t tried ordering online. Saw that the restaurant does ubereats and decided to give it a try. I was a little concerned about ordering kitfo (raw beef) via delivery in this hot summer weather but it did not disappoint at all! The portion size is huge (among the most generous I’ve ever seen compared to dine in experiences), very fresh and beautifully seasoned. And, as an absolute meat lover, I must say that there was so much beef (in the best way)! In terms of the sides, they don’t skimp on the injera either (4 big pieces just for the regular size, no “extra”). Was very glad to see that they use the real injera made from teff, which gives it the characteristic fermented sourness and the chewy texture. (I felt that this is worth commenting on since I was served whiteish “injera” last year at another Ethiopian restaurant and was very disappointed.) The collard greens and misir wot (lentils) as sides were very flavorful too, the spices were bright and balanced. Overall this was a beyond expectation ordering experience and now I feel compelled to pay them a visit in the near future :) Thanks for the...

We recently had the pleasure of dining at Axum Restaurant in Chicago, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish.

For appetizers, We tried the Chicken Sambusa, which was perfectly crispy and flavorful. For the main course, We went for the Chef’s Combo, a delightful assortment of traditional Ethiopian dishes that showcased the rich and diverse flavors of the cuisine. To complement our meal, we enjoyed a bottle of Habesha beer, a famous Ethiopian brew that added an authentic touch to the experience.

The service at Axum was exceptional. Host Yared was incredibly welcoming and hospitable, making us feel right at home. Our server was attentive and friendly, ensuring that our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable.

The ambiance of the restaurant is equally impressive, with nice instrumental Ethiopian music and a cozy interior vibe that sets the perfect mood for a meal. The location is convenient with ample street parking space, making it easy to get to and from the restaurant.

I highly recommend Axum Restaurant to anyone looking to try Ethiopian food in Chicago. It's a culinary gem that should...