Bete-Lukas | Ethiopian Restaurant — Restaurant in Portland

A friend said this was her favorite Ethiopian restaurant, and having tried many, I decided to give this one a shot. The food was seasoned well enough and the service was good, but eating here made me miss the other restaurants I’ve visited. This was the first Ethiopian restaurant I’ve been to where not a single Ethiopian person was eating there while I was there. I was also only one of two patrons of color. Maybe it was an off night, but that said a lot to me.

As for the food, the vegetarian combo had a pretty standard selection. There was no extra injera like you usually get with the combo at other restaurants, just what the food rested on (though you could purchase extra). They also didn’t have the traditional coffee (my favorite thing to get because of how smooth it is). The samosas were flavorful, but the fillings were a little different than most samosas I’ve had. I think there was more cabbage in the veggie one than any I’ve ever had. Still, they were good enough. I honestly don’t have any complaints about the actual flavor of the food and thought it was good overall.

However, the atmosphere left a lot to be desired for my personal taste. The decor was extremely muted in comparison to everywhere else I’ve been, as well. There were no colorful paintings on the beige walls. I think I counted three pictures total on the walls, all muted tones. There were white tablecloths but no wet towels for cleansing your hands before you ate. I found myself feeling like it was the white washed version of a traditional Ethiopian restaurant. Perhaps the choice is due to the part of town the restaurant is located in or for the comfort of most of their clientele. But for me personally, it felt off.

If you want decent food and don’t care for Ethiopian coffee or traditional decor, this isn’t a bad place to try, but if you want a more authentic experience,...

One of the more bizarre and unpleasant dining experiences of my life.

Me and my girlfriend went in for dinner on a wednesday night, and the restaurant was mostly empty. Things got off to a strange start as we were being seated. I asked the fellow seating us, the owner, if we could have a particular table, and he responded by asking "why?" I quickly learned that every verbal interaction would be a strange contest of wits, with him rebutting every menu question with a question of his own, designed to try make me look stupid in front of my date. And the thing is - I am extroverted and genuinely enjoy engaging with waitstaff at restaurants. But this was like being heckled at a comedy club, or at best, the kind of ribbing done amongst old friends.

The food was middling at best. I wanted tea, but my query regarding whether it contained caffeine was met with a belittling response, so I passed on that. The samosas were fine, but came with a pea-sized pellet of sauce in a dish, sufficient for 2 bites. The injera and its ingredients were at best warm, and portions were minimal. Asking for silverware generated much opprobrium from the owner, and I didn't fight him when he said we should eat it in the traditional way. Fine, but some tools would really help as we're getting towards the end of the dish. And something to clean our hands with is usually furnished at Ethiopian restaurants...but not at Lete-Bukas. I felt filthy after eating the meal.

Our interactions were clearly unpleasant throughout the meal, and as I paid the bill I attempted to close the loop on a high note by inquiring what the name of the restaurant meant. Unable to help himself, he threw it back at me and said "why don't you try guessing", again engaging in his insecurity-driven...

After a few years away, returning to Bete-Lukas felt like coming home. This warm, inviting restaurant has been one of my most favorite dining spots in Portland for over a decade—and I’m thrilled to say that it’s every bit as exceptional.

The quality, authenticity, and soulfulness of the food remain top-notch. It’s rare for a restaurant to maintain such high standards over the years, but Bete-Lukas does it effortlessly. The flavors are deep, comforting, and incredibly satisfying—each bite felt like a celebration of tradition and home-cooked care.

The injera was pillowy, tangy with just the right bite—an ideal base for scooping up every delicious stew.

The sambusas were piping hot and bursting with flavor, a crisp and savory start that set the tone beautifully.

The vegetarian combo was a vibrant showcase of textures and spices, each dish complementing the others in a harmonious balance.

The Doro Wot was the crown jewel—rich, slow-cooked, deeply spiced, and utterly nostalgic. It’s the kind of dish that instantly transports you with its depth and complexity.

Bete-Lukas is more than just a restaurant—it’s a treasured institution. A place that consistently delivers heartwarming food, rooted in tradition and served with pride. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll be met with the same exceptional care and unforgettable flavors.

After all these years, it’s clear: Bete-Lukas is A MUST VISIT for anyone in Portland and a TRUE GEM that deserves all the...