Addis Ababa Ethiopian Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Louisville

Every city has its secrets, and in Louisville, one of them is a hidden gem that feels more like a passageway than a restaurant. Addis Ababa Ethiopian Bar and Restaurant isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to remember.

I didn’t expect much. I never do. But when I searched for ethnic food, I found more than I had hoped—a cluster of Ethiopian spots in a city I wouldn’t have guessed had them. Three options. But I wanted the one that felt the most authentic, the one where the scent of berbere in the air made you stop in your tracks. Addis Ababa was that place.

The moment I stepped inside, I wasn’t in Louisville anymore. The music, the faces, the atmosphere—it was Addis. And the food? A feast, a celebration of tradition, plated in the form of an enormous communal spread meant to be eaten the way it always has been—with your hands, tearing off pieces of injera to scoop up fragrant, slow-cooked perfection.

Service wasn’t fast, but this isn’t fast food. And if you’re looking for fancy cocktails, you won’t find them. Here, it’s whiskey shots and nothing more. In the back, African music hums beneath the chatter, mixing with the clack of dominoes and the bubbling smoke of the hookah lounge.

When I walked in, the room paused for just a second—an acknowledgment that white faces don’t pass through here often. But that only makes me want to return. Because food is about connection, about stepping outside of the expected and into something real.

Five stars for the meal, five more for the experience. Some places deserve to be known. This is...

This was my first but certainly not last time at this restaurant and trying Ethiopian food. Our table shared the vegetarian platter and meat platter. Everything was absolutely delicious!

In my opinion, this is a place where you will order food for the entire table and share food. You use the bread to grab from the piles of food. We are SO much food but never felt heavy or gross afterwards because the bread is gluten free and it’s mostly veggies and yummy spices.

The owner was so gracious and generous explained what everything was and then explained the coffee service after our meal. The coffee was AMAZING! Not only the presentation but the flavor is great. I could hang out there all day and just drink coffee with friends. I truly think the owner would love if people did this too as the front area has seating areas arranged to allow something just like this.

Do yourself a favor and try this restaurant! Bonus too that it’s...

My husband and I stopped in one day and got some sambusas to go. They were so delicious we decided to have his birthday dinner here and the full meals did not disappoint. When I made the reservation for 10 people they asked if we knew what we wanted so they could get it going as we were arriving which is amazing! However because none of us had been I wanted to give everyone the chance to look over the menu at the restaurant. Next time we will see if they still offer to take our order ahead! Anyway every one loved it. The chicken was juicy the lamb was tender and everything had wonderful flavors. The kitfo was delicious and so was the veggie combo platter. The owner even gave me a to go cup of their berbere seasoning as I have had trouble finding it in stores lately! Can’t wait to go...