Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant — Restaurant in Seattle

The food here has always been good. Usually when you come in there isn't too long of a wait. But I will say that with the popularity they haven't bulked the staff up yet. We find that the wait to get water or to take your food order can be quite long. And if the place only has a few customers inside...they want everyone to sit at the tables close together, as if they are saving the other tables for a party that never arrives. I always get the veggie platter and a side of shiro. Absolutely love it.

Edit as of 9.15.20. While I understand that Covid has changed the operation of many restaurants. This place hasn't communicated anything to the public. Their front door remains locked, with no sign saying they keep it closed. They dont take debit/credit cards....also there is no sign or message stating that they are not taking cards. And they only allow phone orders, but if you need a menu they can hand you one through the window. When asking about signage, the owner instead gets angry with you and tries to argue. While their food is amazing i wont deal with them anymore. Sad to lose a place for good food but I cant waste my time driving across town to now find a cash machine to come back and place an order. A huge inconvenience and not even an apology from the owner. What a...

My husband and I have been frequenting Meskel for almost 20 years, from when it started near Seattle U. While we have never tried the kitfo, we've tried just about everything else!

I'm wondering about some of the reviews - and am thinking that they are planted from one of the many other Ethiopian restaurants or their supporters: especially the one which [falsely stated that] Belaynesh was angry because the party of 15 didn't spend enough money. (Actually, this statement made ME angry and I'm thinking that individual should take down that defamatory comment post haste.) We have always been warmly welcomed and, in fact, know that Belaynesh treats customers almost like family members. Now, sometimes Belaynesh has waitresses, but all have been extremely sweet natured: so much so that I can NEVER imagine any of them saying such a thing to a customer!

We have eaten at many other Ethiopian or Eritrean restaurants around - and, so far, no other restaurant can compare. (Although we were really extra fond of Fana's Cuisine, now Chicken Express.) The food, service, and everything are...

June 2021 toward end of the COVID epidemic:

About the best Ethiopian food in Seattle. Not currently offering dine-in service, but take-out food is available through the large sliding WINDOW on the West side of the restaurant (up some steps). Everyone approaching the window wore a mask, even if they're vaccinated.

They have outdoor seating at smallish round tables that you can use while waiting for food or to dine at once you've received your order. Food prep is done to order, so expect to wait 20-30 minutes for your food if you have not called in an order ahead of time. Drinks, including alcohol, can be ordered with take-away.

We have ordered quite a lot of this menu over the years and it is all very nicely cooked. If you want a desired spice level to your order, be sure to ask for it as you may not be asked (we weren't, but we like the food really spicy, so no...