Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant — Restaurant in New York

Title: A Charming Taste of Ethiopia at Lalibela

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nestled in Manhattan, Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant is a well-kept establishment, embodying an inviting and relaxed atmosphere. The interior is clean, neat, and elegantly presented, radiating a simple yet fitting charm with its tasteful Ethiopian decor. Accompanied by soothing, soft background music, it creates an ideal setting for a laid-back dining experience.

The service at Lalibela is commendable. The staff members are courteous, attentive, and show an impressive understanding of the menu. They guide patrons efficiently, helping them make satisfying choices based on individual preferences and inquiries.

The culinary journey started with the Tibs Sot beef meal, skillfully prepared by first searing the beef on a hot skillet, followed by slow-cooking in a savory berbere stew. The meal was served at an optimal temperature, preserving the freshness and flavor. The presentation was aesthetically pleasing, reflecting Lalibela's attention to detail.

Paired with the main dish were two side dishes: Miser Alicha, made with split lentils, and Shiro, prepared with split peas. While these dishes could have used a touch more flavor, they were still adequately prepared, and the overall portion sizes were quite generous.

The bread served was fresh and had the perfect consistency for an authentic Ethiopian hand-eating experience, enhancing the enjoyment of the meal.

An appetizing beef Sambusa was the chosen starter. This pastry delight, filled with minced beef seasoned with jalapenos, garlic, and coriander, was served hot and crispy. An accompanying spicy sauce added an extra flavorful kick.

Although I found the food to have a slightly Americanized touch, toning down the traditionally bold Ethiopian spices, it was still delightful. The subtlety of the spices might appeal more to those preferring a milder palette.

Lalibela also features an on-site bar, catering to those who enjoy a drink alongside their meal. While I did not partake, the inclusion of this amenity undoubtedly broadens the restaurant's appeal. My choice of beverage, a cold diet coke, was served well-chilled, complementing my dinner perfectly.

The prices at Lalibela are reasonable, providing good value given the quality and quantity of food served.

In conclusion, Lalibela is a must-visit for anyone seeking an Ethiopian dining experience in a calm setting. Even if the spices are not as robust as traditional Ethiopian cuisine, the overall experience — food, ambiance, service, and the added convenience of an on-site bar — justifies a five-star rating. Leaving Lalibela, I felt thoroughly satisfied and I am confident that future visitors will share the...

I've been a frequent diner of this restaurant for several years and the food has always been good but they've recently implemented this new policy that charges you $7 per person if you decide to share your food instead of ordering individual portions. Now, don't get me wrong, I totally understand that it's a business and they need to make their money. But here's the thing – it's an Ethiopian restaurant! Ethiopian cuisine is known for its communal style of eating, where a variety of flavorful dishes are placed on a large injera (a sourdough flatbread) and shared among friends and family. It creates a sense of togetherness and fosters a warm, inclusive atmosphere. So, to encounter a charge for sharing food at an Ethiopian restaurant seems contradictory to the very essence of the cuisine and cultural traditions associated with it.

Moreover, beyond the cultural significance, let's take a step back and think about the practicality of this policy. Asking patrons to order individual portions or face an additional charge is simply absurd. There are numerous valid reasons why someone might choose not to order a full meal. Perhaps they have dietary restrictions or allergies that limit their options. Maybe they have a smaller appetite or are simply not feeling particularly hungry that day. It could even be a financial consideration, where individuals or groups want to enjoy a variety of dishes without breaking the bank. A restaurant should aim to accommodate and cater to a wide range of guests, understanding that everyone has their own unique preferences and circumstances.

As a customer, I want to feel welcomed and respected when I choose to dine out. I want to be able to order what suits my needs and have the freedom to enjoy the experience my own way. Unfortunately this new policy now makes me reconsider this place when it was a regular go-to for me before.

Food is still...

ነይ ጉድሽን ስሚ! ቅሌት!!

As a white person, I’d give this a 5, but as an Ethiopian I give this a 0. The average of that is 2.5 and that’s what I’m giving.

First of all the food is not spiced at all. The misir tastes like tomato paste and lentils, the spice ratio is all types of wrong for the Tibs (literally the easiest Ethiopian dish to make!!) and a white person could have made better butter than the one used here for the kitfo.

On top of all this, you have to pay an EXTRA AMOUNT for more injera. It’s not even about the money I know nyc is expensive. But it is extremely disrespectful to penalize someone for not finishing their food in Ethiopian culture. It is rude if you’re hosting someone in Ethiopian cuisine if the bottom of the plate shows and you don’t have more injera to cover it. Most Ethio restaurants recognize this and don’t charge for extra servings of injera, let alone the King Arthur White Unbleached Flour injera they serve here (hint: injera is made from Teff and/or barley flour). Charge more for the dishes to cover the costs if you must.

Let’s not even get into the waitress not ever checking in on us.

All in all, if you want a mild taste of Ethiopian cuisine you’ve never had before, this is a good (🥴) start.

If you are habesha and craving habesha food, crave something else because you will not find it here nor anywhere in this city.

Butttt this in the gentrified part of Harlem tho so I guess keep finessing them...