Where And What To Eat In Ethiopia

As part of my extensive Ethiopia Guide, which holds four stories about my trip to capital city Addis Ababa, a visit to the famous rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a bumpy road trip to the pretty medieval castles of Gondar and a relaxed stopover at Lake Tana, you can read some more about where I have dined during my stay. 

Juventus Sportsclub - Addis Ababa

Slightly hidden behind Addis Ababa’s Meskel Square lies this sports complex for the city’s uptown kids. The old Italian canteen offers some great pizzas. In the same complex, it’s also possible to do some sports - as you would expect from a real sports club. Outside, next to the entrance, there is a small fenced soccer field.

Café Choché & To.Mo.Ca. - Addis Ababa - facebook.com/CafeChoche & tomocacoffee.com

Nestled in Legahar, Addis’ former Ethio-Djibouti Railway station, Café Choché you will find a wonderful café, which is our top pick to buy Ethiopian coffee. You can also get your beans at To.Mo.Ca Coffee, supposedly the oldest coffee company of the capital. Ethiopia is very famous for its coffee, it is even said that it was in Ethiopia that the effects of coffee were first discovered. 

Addis Ababa Restaurant - Addis Ababa (duh)

If you eat injera, "a sourdough-risen flatbread with a slightly spongy texture", once during your stay, have it here. Despite the shrieking TV noise, the atmosphere in this tukul-style building is unparalleled. Located in the bustling and walking-friendly Piazza neighborhood. Do check out the cool leather shops in the area, after having eaten your typically Ethiopian injera here.

The Ben Abeba Restaurant in Lalibela offers some magnicficent panoramas over the surrounding region

Ben Abeba Restaurant - Lalibela - benabeba.com/lalibela/Home.html

Just outside Lalibela, this quirky architectural wonder boasts not only a wonderful panoramic view, but also a nice Shepherd’s Pie - the owner is Scottish. 

Master Chef - Gondar

This small restaurant is perfect for a fishy lunch - Lake Tana’s tilapia is served in a variety of fried, cooked and baked versions.

Getting to your restaurant of choice? Take a tuk-tuk!

Dashen Brewery - Gondar

A brewery located next to a university can’t go without a beer garden. Here, you drink the unfiltered beer straight from the barrel, called Dashen Cellar. Bar snacks are also available.

Hani Juice - Bahir Dar

Arguably one of the best juice bars in Amhara, Hani juices’ drinks are served so thick, you have to “eat” them with a spoon! Bahir Dar.

Want to read more about Ethiopia? Read my 4 travel stories in my Ethiopia Guide! Part one is about Addis Ababa, part two takes you to Lalibela, part 3 focuses on Gondar and part 4 is all about Bahir Dar and Lake Tana!