Looking to satisfy your appetite for Ethiopian fare?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Ethiopian spots around Denver, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to achieve your dreams.
1. Queen of Sheba
Topping the list is Queen of Sheba. Located at 7225 E. Colfax Ave., it's the highest-rated Ethiopian restaurant in Denver, boasting 4.5 stars out of 345 reviews on Yelp.
On the menu, look for dishes like the Keye Tibs (steak shish kebabs cooked with jalapeños, onions, tomatoes and berbere), the Chicken Dish (skinned chicken drumsticks seasoned with a medium spicy sauce and served with a hard-boiled egg) and the Yebeg Wott (aromatic lamb stew in a hot herbal seasoned sauce).
Ryan K., who reviewed it on Sept. 26, wrote, "The owner was the only person working. She was hostess, waitress and incredible chef. The food was extremely personal and we felt like we were guests in her home."
2. Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
Next up is Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant, situated at 5707 E. Colfax Ave. With four stars out of 198 reviews on Yelp, the Ethiopian spot has proven to be a local favorite.
The menu features options like the Gomen (spinach sautéed with red onions, green peppers, garlic and other spices), the Azifa (imported whole lentils with garlic, onion, jalapeños, olive oil and fresh lemon juice) and the Quanta Ferfer (dried beef chunks simmered in a red pepper sauce and sautéed with injera).
Yelper Tan G. said, "Little hole in the wall, but what Ethiopian place isn't? They always have the best food. I ordered takeout here on a whim. They jam pack it with food! I had enough for two or three meals!"
3. Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant
Montclair's Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant, located at 1422 Poplar St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the bar and Ethiopian spot 4.5 stars out of 59 reviews.
The menu consists of dishes like the Doro Wot (spicy chicken served with a boiled egg), the Beef Tibs (cubed beef stew with jalapeños and tomatoes) and the Variety Platter (with tibs, doro, miser and gomen). (See the menu here.)
Robin N. wrote, "Best Ethiopian in Denver. So fresh and scrumptious. Incredible vegan options. Beef ribs to die for. Sweet, knowledgeable and fun staff. Support this family-run establishment and enjoy the home cooking!"
4. Ethiopian Restaurant
Ethiopian Restaurant, located near City Park, is another go-to, with four stars out of 176 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2816 E. Colfax Ave. to see for yourself.
When you visit, expect to see dishes like the Yebeg Alicha (lambed cooked with Ethiopian spiced butter, onions and garlic), the Yatkilt Sega (cubed beef, potatoes and carrots cooked with Ethiopian spiced butter and sautéed onions) and the Key Wot (cubed beef cooked in Ethiopian spiced butter and berbere sauce with an onion and chili powder base).
Ra Q. who reviewed it on Aug. 12, said, "So happy that we found such an excellent establishment with amazingly delicious Ethiopian food. The owner is very involved and nice, so you know that you are getting quality service and food. Very filling. We had the lamb dish and it was superb."
5. Africana Cafe
Then there's Africana Cafe, which has earned four stars out of 60 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Ethiopian spot at 5091 E. Colfax Ave.
On the menu, dishes include the Timatim Fitfit salad (Italian buffalo mozzarella, red field tomatoes and basil that's lightly dressed with an olive oil and herb dressing), the Gored Gored (chunks of raw beef seasoned with herbal butter and served with awaze sauce) and Shiro (finely ground split peas and chickpeas simmered in berbere and Ethiopian seasonings).
Yelper Elenie L., who reviewed it on Sept. 16, said, "Delicious Ethiopian food! Great, fast service. Everyone was super nice, friendly and helpful. Would definitely bring family here for a nice dinner. Prices are super reasonable."
