Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar Boston — Restaurant in Watertown

I’m no expert in this cuisine so I came humbly with an open palate to try their food since their recent opening. I just wanted to support a newly opened minority business representing their roots in the area and excited to try something different from the usual repertoire.

First impression is how quiet and sleepy this whole restaurant was. Perhaps, I was just early and the closed curtains prevented anyone from outside to see the inside. Only reason I knew they were finally open was the little sign that showed “open” as from the outside, everything just looked dark.

Service is definitely very calm and familial. Everyone just helped out in their own way. Didn’t expect more since it was obvious a family had taken over this spot to share their culture and make a living out of it. Isn’t that one version of the American dream?

Food did take a while after the order was placed. But when it finally arrived, I’m glad it wasn’t just some reheat and they had actually made a stew partially cooked to order. Flavors were pleasant and not overwhelming. Portions decent and the prices reflecting portion and experience.

Definitely help welcome this family restaurant to the neighborhood! I hope they stay and succeed and spread their food, culture, and...

Went opening month. The menu is limited right now; there are veggie options, and beef/lamb options, but no chicken or seafood options. No printed drink menu, but they have sodas, a few alcoholic options (including tej, and a couple each of whites and reds), and tea. Cons: The waitress didn't tell us what kinds of wines/beers or tea they have, or if there is coffee, so that discouraged me from ordering a drink. There was quite a long wait for the food (more than an hour for the table next to us!), and the 3rd dish came out long after the first 2, and the 4th even longer after that (and the 4th dish came in 2 parts, with a wait between the parts). This meant we couldn't eat the dishes with each other like we would've wanted. Seperately, the men's bathroom ran out of paper towels. Pros: the food tasted great, the wait staff was friendly, there were very interesting Ethiopian music videos playing (we'd never seen Ethiopian dance or heard Ethiopian music before!), the restaurant seemed clean, and the decorations were cool. Perhaps I'll go back when they have a bigger menu, and I hear that service has sped up. Tip: default seems to be no napkins (or utensils or individual plates/bowls, as seems normal for Ethiopian restaurants), so ask if...

Please believe me when I warn you. Please don’t eat here. I really wanted this place to be good bc I love Ethiopian food, but let me tell you, this place is not worth your time or money.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is dead-silent. If I made conversation I felt as if I was disrupting the few other guests who also sat in silence. There is a very formal atmosphere that doesn’t lend toward relaxation if you are spending money to eat out.

The service was extremely lacking , slow and inattentive. It took a very long time to have our order taken and the food took a very long time to come. At times, it felt as if the wait staff forgot about us.

When the food finally came, it was such a small portion. The food was not hot, but a lukewarm. The flavor was not good, everything was sour. I know Ethiopian cuisine and this isn’t what I would recommend for anyones first time trying it, let alone ever.

Normally, all of this in theory could be negligible or overseen if the prices were not so high. I wouldn’t take the time to write this if i didn’t feel robbed by going here.

There are better spots further in Boston if you want to see what Ethiopian cuisine is capable of, for lesser...