Shalla Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in Silver Spring

My Unforgettable Ethiopian Escape in the DMV Area**

Navigating the vast culinary landscape of the DMV area, I stumbled upon a gem that is Shalla Restaurant. From the very first bite, it was clear that this wasn’t just another meal; it was a beautiful intertwining of culture, flavor, and extraordinary hospitality.

Every dish spoke of tradition and authenticity, transporting me straight to the heart of Ethiopia with its rich flavors and meticulous presentation. But the food, as spectacular as it is, only forms part of the story.

Every visit to Shalla is like being embraced by family. The staff, with their radiant smiles and insightful recommendations, add a personal touch that makes every meal special.

But what truly took my breath away, aside from their unbeatable prices, were the weekly performances. The soul-stirring traditional music, combined with the mesmerizing rhythms of the jazz bands, create evenings that are both vibrant and unforgettable. These performances add a layer of magic, making each dining experience at Shalla not just a meal, but a memorable event.

In all honesty, if you're looking for a taste of Ethiopia in the DMV, accompanied by soulful tunes and a heartwarming ambiance, Shalla is the place to be. And believe me, once you go, you'll be planning your next visit before...

Delightful & delicious!

I arrived less than 15 minutes before closing on Sunday night after being turned away by every other Ethiopian restaurant (still "open"). And although I saw no signs of anyone having eaten, the kitchen graciously (and rapidly) prepared wonderful ሽሮ ወጥ (Shiro wat) for me! I rate it very HIGHLY because of the spice/flavor profile and because it is just a bit spicier than other places.

Two Ethiopian musicians were performing live music to a fairly full house of adults (probably nearly all at least 25 y/o) which many of whom were dancing to and clearly enjoying the music. It was a nice fusion of Ethiopian & Western elements.

The restaurant's namesake, ሻላ (Shalla), is an amazing, beautiful & mysterious lake in the caldera of the dormant O'a volcano near the center of Ethiopia's main rift valley. I lived less than 6 miles from it as a child and it is my favorite lake in the country. Sadly, this lake has been the subject of little research leaving many basic questions unanswered. I didn't notice if there were any pictures or paintings of the lake in the restaurant; I certainly do hope so!

The staff were all very friendly & helpful, and the manager/owner welcomed me & thanked me for coming which was very nice, especially considering my late arrival!

I will absolutely...

I visited this restaurant with a friend. The atmosphere was really chill and towards the end of our dinner the live music had started. There was a gentlemen who might have been the manager or owner came over and had asked our we were enjoying our time. That was really sweet. This was probably my second or third time having Ethiopian food and it was delicious! I had the zelzel and asked for the meat to be well done.

It was loads of food and was able to take half of it to go and eat for lunch the next day. The food was really yummy with lots of flavors and a bit spicy but I have a very low tolerance for spicy food but it was just right with the jalapeños. The meat was not spicy.

My friend had asked the waiter lots of questions as we were not familiar with the cuisine or what was in each dish. The waiter was very knowledgeable and very friendly. Without asking, she even gave us two different bills which was cool. My friend said that her meat was a bit harder than she has had at other Ethiopian restaurants but overall a good experience.

I would come back here to experience the live music more in the...