Top 11 Best Ethiopian Restaurants in Toronto [2023]

  • Last updated: August 3, 2023
“No Ethiopian lunch is complete without three glasses of Ethiopian coffee!”

If you’re craving an extraordinary culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the enchanting lands of East Africa, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll be your compass, leading you to the Top 11 Best Ethiopian Restaurants that Toronto has to offer.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the exquisite aromas, bold spices, and rich cultural heritage that each restaurant encapsulates. From savoring their iconic injera to indulging in a colorful array of authentic stews and savory meat dishes, get ready to embark on a remarkable journey through the diverse and soulful world of Ethiopian cuisine. And if you like this article, be sure to check out our other flavor-filled adventures on:

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Join us as we explore the hidden gems, share expert recommendations, and celebrate the spirit of togetherness that Ethiopian dining embodies.

Summary

What are the Best Items to Order at an Ethiopian Restaurant?

When dining at an Ethiopian Restaurant, the menu can often be extensive and confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the cuisine. But menu items that leave a majority of customers satisfied are as follows::

  • Injera: Iconic sourdough flatbread, perfect for scooping up stews.
  • Doro Wat: Spicy chicken stew with rich flavors and tender meat.
  • Tibs: Sautéed meat with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
  • Shiro: Creamy chickpea stew, a favorite among vegetarians.
  • Kitfo: Delicate minced raw beef with spiced butter and chili.
  • Vegetarian Combo: Assortment of flavorful vegetable and legume dishes.
  • Awaze Tibs: Tibs with a kick from spicy awaze sauce.
  • Lentil Sambusas: Savory pastries filled with spiced lentils.
  • Gomen: Sautéed collard greens for freshness and color.
  • Ful: Fava beans cooked in a flavorful sauce, a traditional breakfast dish.

Enjoy the communal experience and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Ethiopian cuisine!

The Best Ethiopian Restaurants in Toronto

Now that you know what to order, let’s dive into the best Ethiopian restaurants in Toronto!

1) Shalom Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant

The Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant of Shalom is a cozy eatery nestled near the busy streets of Parliament and Wellesley. This restaurant has a warm ambiance, complemented by comfortable dining spaces decorated with Habesha culture touch-ups and tables. This is the place to be if you’re looking for the best Habesha food in Toronto, with offerings like traditional Kitfo and Cha Cha plates. They also offer vegetarian dishes, like their Fosolia, which are string beans sautéed with onions and Ethiopian spices.

Address: 587 Parliament St, Toronto, ON M4X 1P9 
Phone: +14169647271
Instagram: Shalom Restaurant

2) African Delight Cafe and Restaurant

African Delight is an Ethiopian restaurant providing an authentic, flavorful meal only steps away from Dufferin station. If you’re looking for a spicy lunch to enjoy with your friends, visit African Delight and enjoy their at-home feel. This eatery serves large platters like their Doro Wot’ and offers vegetarian and gluten-free options like their  Shero Wot and Mesir to satisfy every taste bud.

Address: 1180 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N1 
Phone: +14165374063 

3) Enat Buna Ethiopian Fusion Café

Enat Buna Ethiopian Fusion Café, located in downtown Toronto, offers various Ethiopian food and traditional Ethiopian coffee options for a reasonable price. The restaurant is nice and quiet, with beautiful Ethiopian paintings covering the walls. We recommend their delicious Kita Firfir for breakfast, which only runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. We also recommend their lunch special Beg Tibs which is lamb cooked with onions, tomato, and Ethiopian spices. Everything is perfectly complemented by their handmade coffee, made from Ethiopian coffee beans and served in a traditional Jebena.

Address: 175 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1S2 
Phone: +14169012928 
Instagram: Enat Buna – Ethio Fusion Café

4) King Solomon and Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant

King Solomon and Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant is the place to be if you want to enjoy a complete Ethiopian coffee ceremony. The Ethiopian restaurant takes their coffee time extremely seriously, serving it in traditional Ethiopian Jebena and Ethiopian coffee cups (cini) with a snack (Fendisha) and some Ethiopian incense. You can also order traditional Ethiopian dishes that are perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike– we recommend their Zil Zil Tibs. Don’t forget to try their “Cornis,” which is a combination of many Ethiopian meals served in a small portion that could feed more than three people.

Address: 360 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1T1 
Phone: +14163689002 
Photo Credit: Vanessa Ling Yu’s

5) African Palace

African Palace, located right by Ossington station, serves Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine suitable for vegan and non-vegan diners, with gluten-free options, and a traditional coffee ceremony. This restaurant serves a variety of meals that are delicious, affordable, and flavourful with generous servings. We recommend their veggie Gomen Wot and their Cha Cha Tibs. Even though most Ethiopian foods are meant to be shared in groups, African Palace refreshingly allows you to portion down your meals by selecting meat and veggie combos suited for just a single person.

Address: 977 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1L8 
Phone: +14165390259 
Instagram: African Palace Toronto

6) Blue Nile Restaurant

The Blue Nile restaurant, named after Ethiopia’s most famous river, is located just a few feet away from Greenwood station. This restaurant serves authentic Ethiopian cuisine in a comfortable, warmly lit setting, and even serves alcoholic beverages at their bar. They also offer large seating arrangements that are perfect for individuals to dine in groups of up to 10 people at one table. So, if you’re arranging a gathering with your friend group or family, this is the place to be! Don’t miss out on their Goden Tibs which are BBQ short ribs grilled with traditional Ethiopian spices and served with a salad and spicy Ethiopian dipping sauce, ‘Awaze’.

Address: 1260 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M6
Phone: +14164656565 
Instagram: Blue Nile Restauran

7) Nunu Ethiopian Fusion

Nunu Ethiopian Fusion takes traditional Ethiopian dining and cuisines to new heights. The restaurant pairs a traditional Ethiopian dining experience with a modern twist without detracting from the overall authentic Ethiopian experience. They offer a contemporary and cozy ambiance that is ideal for gatherings to enjoy the fantastic and delectable Ethiopian cuisine. They also provide a coffee ceremony where you pour the coffee yourself from the traditional Jebena to Ethiopian coffee Cini (cups). You can order veggie platters like their Mesir Wot, or you can taste their delectable meat options like their Kitfo be Ayib, which is prepared with high-quality Ethiopian butter and spices.

Address:1178 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J2 
Phone: +16473516868 
Instagram: Nunu’s Ethiopian Fusion

8) Lalibela Cuisine

Lalibela cuisine, named after the UNESCO-listed Ethiopian ancient church, is another Ethiopian restaurant serving authentic Ethiopian dishes, located steps away from Greenwood station. This family-owned restaurant has a warm and inviting ambiance, with walls lined with Ethiopian artwork and traditional Ethiopian ’Mesob’ tables. You can order wines and other alcoholic beverages from the bar, enjoy wonderful meals served on traditional plates and drinks from Ethiopian goblets. Don’t forget to check out their outdoor patios, where you can enjoy the summer weather while sipping some delicious Ethiopian coffee.

Address: 1214 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M6 
Phone: +14166450486 
Instagram: Lalibela Cuisine

9) Wazema Ethiopian Restaurant

Wazema Restaurant, located just a few feet from Greenwood station, features a summer terrace and stunning interiors that you can’t miss! With dim lighting, delectable meals, and alcoholic beverages, your experience will truly be one to remember. We recommend trying their famous Quanta Cornis that locals can’t stop raving about. This restaurant and bar also hosts several live entertainment events, giving Ethiopian musicians of Toronto a platform to showcase their talents.

Address: 1360 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M9 
Phone: +14164665713 
Instagram: Wazema Ethiopian Restaurant

10) Rendez-Vous Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant

Rendez-Vous Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant is another Ethiopian gem nestled on Danforth Avenue. They serve delectable Ethiopian meals that are vibrant, flavourful, and unparalleled. This spot also offers an Ethiopian coffee ceremony accompanied by Ethiopian incense to truly immerse visitors. We recommend trying their Timatim Fit Fit, and if you are a vegetarian, we recommend their Ye’Meser Wot. Rendez-Vous puts their customers first, and always goes the extra mile to ensure that, no matter your dietary restriction, you can enjoy an authentic Ethiopian dining experience right here in Toronto!

Address:1408 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M9
Phone:+14164692513
Instagram: instagram.com/rendezvous.to

11) Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant

Lucy’s Ethiopian Restaurant prides itself on providing a warm and inviting ambiance that immerses guests in the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia. The restaurant’s dedication to preserving traditional flavors is evident in every dish they serve. From their perfectly prepared injera, which serves as the foundation for their mouthwatering stews, to the tantalizing aroma of spices that waft through the air, a visit to Lucy’s promises a sensory experience like no other.

Address: 254 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2C2
Phone: (416) 406-0534
Instagram: Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant

FAQs About Ethiopian Restaurants

Absolutely! Ethiopian restaurants are known for their warm hospitality and family-oriented dining experiences. Families with children will find a welcoming environment in these establishments.
While some restaurants may accept walk-ins, making reservations in advance is recommended, especially during peak hours and weekends. Reservations ensure you have a guaranteed spot and a smoother dining experience.
Absolutely! Ethiopian cuisine offers an array of delicious vegetarian and vegan options, with lentils, vegetables, and chickpeas forming the foundation of many dishes. You’ll find an abundance of meat-free delights to satisfy your cravings.
Yes, many Ethiopian restaurants provide gluten-free injera to accommodate dietary restrictions. Be sure to inquire with the restaurant staff to ensure a delightful gluten-free dining experience.

Final Thoughts

Each of these establishments takes diners on a memorable adventure, offering authentic dishes that celebrate the heart and soul of Ethiopian cuisine. From the delectable injera to the mouthwatering array of stews and spices, these restaurants have carved a niche in Toronto’s diverse food scene, bringing the warmth and spirit of Ethiopia to the heart of the city.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Ethiopian cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore its delights, these restaurants promise a feast for the senses and an opportunity to experience the culinary artistry of Ethiopia.

Malaak Hamadeh

Malaak Hamadeh

Meet Malaak Hamadeh, a Middle Eastern resident of Toronto with a passion for writing! Learn More About Malaak Hamadeh

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