Abyssinia Restaurant and Cafe Ethiopian Cuisine — Restaurant in Phoenix

I've never had authentic Ethiopian food before until now. I always try to find new and unique places to go to eat when I'm traveling. Everyone else I know does the usual pizza and hamburgers...boring!! Anyways, I found Abyssinia on Google and it had good ratings so I took the Uber to eat dinner here. It's a small quaint little place with a hole in the wall atmosphere. I asked the waitress what she recommended since I was a newbie. After her referral, I ordered the combination platter. The platter came out and would have been enough to suffice two hungry adults but I put a good dent in it. Let me point out that I was super intimidated when she brought out the food on a metal tray and there was no silverware (or chopsticks). However, after I Googled what injera was (thank goodness for the Internet). I realized that the injera would be the mode of transport for the food to my mouth. It's an interesting looking flatbread with a spongy consistency but it has a lot of sourdough flavor. It was served cold and according to the Internet (because I believe everything I read on the Internet ;-)...) that the East African people eat with their right hands dipping up the food with the bread. The injera under the food is eaten as well. However, I didn't eat that part because I was stuffed. The flavors were interesting and the meat was a little spicey. I liked the combination because I was able to try a variety of meats and veggies on the menu. So, if you're still reading this...try Abyssinia. I'm sure that you will be...

Excellent Ethiopean Cuisine! By far, the best we’ve found in the Valley! If you’ve never had the extreme pleasure of enjoying a traditional Ethiopean meal, then this by far is the restaurant to begin your journey into the cuisine… it is astounding. I would venture to say, that the Zegeye Family’s offerings should be the level at which Valley of the Sun Ethiopean restaurants should be measured by. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we had. We started with Asmara Beer and fabulous Ethiopean Honey Wine. As appetizer, we enjoyed a wonderful rendition of the Sambussa, a green lentil, green peppers stuffed pastry. I started with their tasty Green Lentil Soup of green lentils, onions, carrots and spices. To best avail ourselves of multiple tastes, we dined with the Abyssinia Signature Platter sampler with Doro Wat, lamb tibs, spicy beef, white peas, lentils, tickle gomen, chickpeas and fosolia (green beans). I cannot but express how tastefully done and the tenderness of each of the incredible servings offered on this platter. This is a must eatery for Ethiopean food lovers, or if you’ve never had Ethiopean, the place to try it out for the first time! By far our place to return to. Congratulations to the Zegeye Family for both sharing their heritage and their kitchen to those of us...

I just moved to the area and I've had my eye on this place for a week. I popped in for a menu my first day in the neighborhood. Second day, I looked around and scoped the area for cleanliness. Each time, I was greeted by the same friendly worker. I'm not sure if it's the owner, host, or cook but the service was professional every time. Today my son and I had some free time and decided to have lunch there. The atmosphere was calm, relaxing and inviting. It's a comfy place that makes you feel welcome. We had stuffed grape leaves and the chicken plate. I think the grape leaves are more of an acquired taste but still a great experience. The chicken plate was perfection and mouthwatering. We will be going back. I love being able to experience other cultures through food! Love and culture in a...