Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in New Haven

My friends and I had the most wonderful dining experience ever at his beautiful, family owned and operated, authentic Ethiopian restaurant, located in a great neighborhood near Yale University, with ample on-street parking as well as nearby public parking.

First and foremost, the food is incredible. Everything is fresh, made to order, and built with layer upon layer of flavor. The menu features a wide variety of options, including many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items, and spice level can be customized to your preference. I wish I had taken the time to take photos, but your girl was hungry. :) However, the photos on their website are worth a look if you would like to see what each item on the menu looks like, and one of my friends posted photos in her Google review.

I started my meal with the vegetarian sambusas, crisp pastries filled with lentils and spices and served with a delicious red dipping sauce made from scratch by the chef/owner. My friends had beef sambusas, which they enjoyed as well. For my entree, I had the beyaynetu plate, a combination platter of five vegetarian dishes served over injera, a gluten-free flatbread with a mild flavor and a spongy texture similar to a thin pancake or crepe. My friends ordered meat entrees that came with their choice of two vegetable sides from the five that were on my combination plate, also served on injera. The injera doubles as your utensil to scoop up your meal bite by delectable bite, but utensils are also available upon request if you would rather not eat with your hands. There are also some pasta and rice dishes on the menu, and a beautiful dessert menu.

For beverages, we started out with spiced red tea, Ethiopian honey wine, and ended the meal with the spectacular Ethiopian coffee with ceremony. Do not skip the coffee! It was such a lovely way to end our meal.

In terms of service, this restaurant could not be more warm, inviting, accommodating, helpful, informative, kind, and attentive. They take such great pride in their food, and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Even if you are brand new to Ethiopian cuisine, they will make you feel right at home and so comfortable that you may never want to leave.

Overall, I cannot say enough about what a gem Habesha is. Please go out and support this local business. I promise, you will want to return again and again.

NOTE: Google is not saving my "stars" for food, service, and atmosphere for some reason. They...

My BF and I have come here a couple of times. The service is good and the owner is even better. He walks around the restaurant making sure that everybody is happy with what they have. He's happy to tell you that his wife is the chef and how wonderful she is! Which you can't disagree with because the food is delicious. We've had Ethiopian spiced tea before, both hot and cold, and it's delicious. But the way they make their iced spiced tea is a level above. With citrus and another flavor that I can't quite place (pomegranate syrup?), it's the best iced tea you've ever had! The ambiance is warm and inviting with Ethiopian music playing. Between the other patrons and the music there is some noise but it's not loud in a way that feels disruptive or too much. The music actually adds a nice bit to the ambience. If you're not sure what to have for lunch or dinner, check this place out and definitely order...

We were warmly and calmly greeted as soon as we walked in, and the wait staff was incredibly thoughtful and attentive to my lunch date’s aversion to even the slightest spice, which is no small feat with Ethiopian cuisine. They truly went above and beyond.

This is a true family-run restaurant, with everyone involved, from the front of the house to mom, the star of the show, in the kitchen. After our meal, the son came out to check on us, and his welcoming and kind spirit was unforgettable. Genuine hospitality like this is rare and so appreciated.

We ordered the vegetarian platter and every element was outstanding, from the soft, perfectly made injera to each uniquely spiced dish. My friend had never tried Ethiopian food before, and she absolutely loved it all.

If you are looking to try something new, this is the place, and you will not be...