1301 U St NW
Building · U Street ·

1301 U St NW

Building · U Street ·

Ethiopian eatery serving delicious spiced dishes & flavorful honey wine

ethiopian food
communal platter
delicious food
friendly staff
live music
great ambiance
tej (honey wine)
upscale atmosphere
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null
1301 U St NW by null

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1301 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

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1301 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

+1 202 200 4997
eatopiaeatery.com
@the_ellingtondc
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@ellingtonapts

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Jan 30, 2026

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The 20 Most Anticipated Fall Restaurant Openings Around D.C., Fall 2021 - Eater DC

"Restaurateur Asad Sheikh is reviving a restaurant he used to own in Alexandria with a new place on U Street NW that will serve South Asian dishes beloved by the British." - Gabe Hiatt

https://dc.eater.com/2021/9/20/22675739/anticipated-restaurant-openings-dc-fall-2021
1301 U St NW
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April D.

Yelp
Back at it !!! Ive visited Eatopia twice in the past 7 days lol. What can I say, IT'S EVERYTHING! never a disappointment!!!! I got the spinach Sambusa and they were great! My friend tried the lentil...so good! And of course I ordered both my usuals...fried whole fish and veggie platter with salmon tibs !! Amazing
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Gretchen D.

Yelp
Felt it was a bit overrated. The presentation was lovely. The food was good but I have had better Ethiopian food. More upscale than most Ethiopian restaurants.
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Michael B.

Yelp
Went for rare date night with the wifey. Great ambience, amazing good, service and staff were ok. I had the Awaze Tibs and the lamb was cooked perfectly, spices were just right. My wife had the Mushroom Tibs with cabbage and the Spinach and Lentil Sambussa's got us started off on the right foot
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Susan S.

Yelp
One of the best meals we've ever had. The spinach sambusa was just ok, but the meal itself was phenomenal.
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Elaine A.

Yelp
My husband and I visited Eatopia during Jazz Weekend in DC, and we were blown away. The food was absolutely delicious, generous portions, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. You can tell they care about what they serve. Our waiter was friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Great vibe, great service, and amazing food. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town. Highly recommend.
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Rob L.

Yelp
Good service and ambiance really nice decor and restaurant. Staff were friendly and described the platters and dishes. We shared a platter for 2 and added an appetizer which was plenty for 3. Great wine selection as well to pair with the meats and fish.
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Senait H.

Yelp
The ambiance, the service and the food were all top notch. It is classy and cozy at the same time. The food was delicious and our server was amazing. DJ, the manager and owner came by our table and was very welcoming. Thank you and will be back again.
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Mia L.

Yelp
This place is great. I went for dinner, and it had a really nice ambiance: dark, elevated, and relaxing. My friend and I split the special tibs which were real good. I've had better Ethiopian at hole-in-the-wall spots, but this was still super solid. Our waiter was also nice, and the food came out fast. The only issue was that they charged us $8 for a bottle of water! Upon arrival, we were asked if we wanted sparkling or still water--I just assumed still would be the complimentary tap. Womp. Overall, this is a great place to grab dinner.
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Jonathan X.

Yelp
The people are just lovely. Hip atmosphere, lovely music, and no alcohol. Food selection can be tough if you're one person as they don't have a combo for one. BUT you can make it work. Veggie platter combined with lamb or beef, absolutely delicious. A bit on the pricey side. Given my choice for Ethiopian I would likely go to a less expensive spot, but if it's a date or going to the theater, then this would be a choice. Huge plus, as in so RARE to see I must point it out: On the table is a phone number and QR code to text or call the manager. Now that is a nice touch. Only Hymans Seafood in Charleston SC has given me this level of customer service excellence vibes.
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Karen Y.

Yelp
Went with a group of friends and was absolutely delighted with the food! We have a lot of Ethiopian restaurants in the area I'm from and so very happy to say this place definitely meets expectations of having delicious and well seasoned food. In terms of portion, the digis ultimate communal platter and side of beef tibs is definitely enough for a group of 3 normal eaters, might want to add on more if you have large appetites. They'll also give you free extra injera as well or you can ask for it. Service was surprisingly more attentive than what I expected which is definitely welcomed. Overall great place on u-street for Ethiopian.
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Madison S.

Yelp
My first thought upon entering Eatopia Eatery was about how beautiful the space was. There was a lot of beautiful art to enjoy. I also appreciated that many of the dishes honored influential figures in history/the community. They have a a lot of options with and without meat/seafood on the menu, making it a good choice for groups. My meal was flavorful, and a generous portion. I look forward to retuning, especially for some of their Tej (honey wine!)
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Savannah M.

Yelp
Eatopia Eatery sits on U St NW between 13th and 14th St. However, as soon as you walk inside, you easily forget where you are. The vibe inside has an upscale feel with low warm lighting throughout and dark walls filled with artwork. They also play low music and occasionally light incense. The customer service was great. During our meal, the owner occasionally walked around and checked in on guests to ensure their experience was good. We started with spinach sambussas and tuna kitfo. The spinach sambussa didn't have a traditional look, the breading was softer, longer and cut diagonally; just an overall more upscale presentation. The tuna kitfo was surprisingly good. It's minced and raw but the flavor was so good and smokey; it comes with collard greens and injera. For our main dish, we decided to go with veggie communal platter as well as a deep fried whole fish. The whole fish was my absolute favorite. It's full of flavor and filled with onion and green peppers. Everything was very tasty. At some point, I made my way to the restroom and was thrilled it was spacious, clean and smelled nice. The water came out automatically and hot when I went to wash my hands. That was a nice surprise since I've gotten used to expecting cold water. Overall we had such a great experience. The owner suggested we return for brunch and we noticed they advertise live jazz on Mondays from 7-10p. I will absolutely return and highly, highly recommend!
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Donyiel C.

Yelp
I'm a huge fan of Ethiopian cuisine and the DMV has many options. I recently saw this restaurant on social media and had to come check it out. Absolutely worth a visit! They're fairly new - about 7 months. It's asthectically pleasing and the customer service is amazing! The artwork is a very nice touch. The vibe is very classy and modern. Our server was attentive. The manager came around to check on us. I got the awaze lamb tibs! It was delicious - spicy and flavorful. I needed extra injera and they were very generous. My friend got the vege platter and she was pleased with her meal. There's a full bar! They have the honey wine but I didn't get any this time. They offer specialty cocktails. Thank you for a great experience.
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Mellete T.

Yelp
I took my whole family for brunch on a Sunday and the space was pretty packed. I loved seeing the diverse clientele enjoying some Ethiopian dishes. The art and decor is warm and inviting. We started with sambusa stuffed perfectly with lentils and the wrap wasn't too flaky. We enjoyed the awaze dip that came with it. We also had a platter of meat dishes: tibs, stew, kitfo with some collard greens. The meat was tender and flavorful. We also tried the tej mimosa which I thought was creative and fun and of course traditional coffee. The food/drinks presentation was on point and looked very appetizing. I loved the upscale feel of the space and was happy to be back!
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Tamara S.

Yelp
This was my first time trying Ethiopian food, and it was incredible. We were a group of 3 and the communal platter for 2 was more than enough food, and they were happy to bring extra injera (we forgot to check the receipt if they charged for this though). They were very patient explaining what everything was and making recommendations. We also got the spinach sambussa in case the platter wasn't big enough (it was though), and it comes with 2, but they cut them in half so they were easily shareable. They were crispy and flaky and the filling and dip were yum. Highlights of the communal platter were the orange garbanzo bean dip, the steaks (all of them honestly), and the doro wot in the center. The ambiance was dark chic decorations with a very relaxed setting. The drinks looked fun but we didn't try any. I will definitely be coming back to try more!
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Akshay M.

Yelp
The review is solely for the quality of food and the service we received during Saturday lunch. The place is probably understaffed so it took a few summons and forever to get our orders in. The food arrived 45mins later with some of it cold! The chicken tibs was okay, the veggie platter and rest of the plant food was just fine. Pretty sure there was an issue in the kitchen that day because everyone was delayed! Issues are understandable but communication could be better. The owner (presumably) was apologetic and gave us a couple of appetizers on the house since those were also delayed and came after the main course. There was some electrical work going on very close to our table which was a little noisy and bothering and I just wonder if they could have scheduled that after hours (not a wild expectation considering this is an upscale place). The good - never been to an Ethiopian place with such beautiful interior! The support staff is kind and helpful. This place could be great if the issues are ironed out. We may be back in a few months to give it another try.
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Taylor B.

Yelp
Went on a date with the woman I'm seeing, and it was such a nice romantic vibe. The servers were amazing and so friendly! The vibes were immaculate. We weren't sure about the honey wine, so they let us sample it. I loved that they truly cared about our experience. We got the ultimate communal platter. My favorite was the chicken in the middle. Phenomenal! The beef was a little tougher than I like, but it was still delicious. My date ordered a side of rice since she's not a fan of the injera. I can't wait to go back. Highly recommend trying!
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Imani I.

Yelp
The vegetable platter was delicious; however, the short ribs had zero flavor, so they were disappointing. Our server gracefully took them back and brought us the beef ribs, which were moist and flavorful. The wine options were spectacular; we tried a few, and they were all wonderful. The ambience is very nice, upscale; I loved the black and gold color combination and vibe.
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Ken A.

Yelp
Stopped in for dinner and drinks, mostly drinks, prior to a show at the Lincoln Theatre. Made reservations the day before and had no problem getting something a couple hours pre-show. The place is modern and clean and the servers are extremely friendly. We began with our drink order and was quietly told that they didn't have their liquor license, even though they have a full drink menu online. We were committed at this point, so we ordered Awaze tins with a veggie combo. The portion size was generous. The tibs were hit and miss with gristle, but the flavor and spice level was good. The veggies were plentiful, but the beets and cabbage were pretty lacking on the flavor. The price point is a bit higher than other Ethiopian eateries on U Street, so I expected the food to be a bit more refined as well. It wasn't. Not bad, but I won't ditch my favorites to come here.
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Daniel S.

Yelp
Amazing food and friendly service, nice decor. Hope to be back soon! We had a great time before going to a show.
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Joshua K.

Yelp
I recently went here with a friend for a weeknight dinner and we were seated at our reservation time. The service was solid throughout the dinner. The ambiance is upscale and generally pleasant, although the tables are extremely close to one another. I got the awaze (lamb) tibs, which were spicy and delicious. While the portion size was good, it felt like I was paying a bit of the premium for the ambiance. The food was good, but similar in presentation and quality to many other Ethiopian restaurants.
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Jacqueline C.

Yelp
We've been long-time fans, especially thanks to our best friend who's Ethiopian and always treats us to authentic home-cooked meals. So our standards are high, and this spot definitely delivers. The injera is fantastic--soft, tangy, and just the right texture. And the Tej (Ethiopian honey wine)? Probably the best we've had outside of a home kitchen. Parking is definitely tricky, but once you're inside, it's worth it. The ambience is warm, inviting, and slightly elevated, making it a great spot for both casual meals and date nights. The service is top-notch, which reflects the incredible hospitality that's such a big part of Ethiopian culture. We ordered our all-time favorites--sambusas (think Ethiopian-style empanadas) and doro wot (a must-have spicy chicken stew, which we got as part of a platter). Also got the short ribs and eatopia special tibs. It came with an absolutely yummy spice mimita. FYI, you can decide on spice level for most. For dessert, we had baklava paired with Ethiopian coffee--a perfect ending. Highly recommend. A true gem for authentic Ethiopian cuisine!
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Jason V.

Yelp
This was my 1st time in DC and my 1st time ever trying Ethiopian food, and it was FIRE! Service and atmosphere was top totch here, and all the servers were beautiful! Would definitely return if Im back in DC
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Shekita T.

Yelp
Keeping it short and simple, just go. Atmosphere, food, presentation, service, entertainment (Mondays) all great. 10/10, can't wait to return.
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Diana K.

Yelp
When they say "Love is in the food"...they mean it!! Ethiopian food is by far one of my favorite cuisines. I've been to a ton of different restaurants, some of which were in the U street area. This is by far my absolute favorite!! Not only is the food out of this world, the restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful. It's grown and sexy with lots of cultural touches. It's a great spot for a date, girls night out, or special occasions. For me the highlights were for sure the food, but also the service! We had an amazing waitress who helped with making our food selection. For the two of us we went with the meat Sambusa (comes with 2 cut in half), the veggie combo, kitfo, and the Eatopia Tibs (these were the most flavorful and tender tibs I've ever had). This was definitely a lot of food for the two of us, but it allowed us to try a bit of everything. I can't say enough great things about this place. I really hope more people discover this gem and make it their go-to Ethiopian spot. They have Jazz on Thursdays and a DJ on Fridays. When we left around 8pm on a Friday night it still wasn't very packed. I'm sure in time this won't be the case. I can't wait to get back. Welcome to DC, Eatopia!!
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Supreme C.

Yelp
Voted one of the best Ethiopian Restaurants in the DC area and with good reason. It's a must stop once in DC!!! It's the food, the atmosphere and your love for Ethiopian culture that will spring you into existence. With an abundance of variety and options, your table will be filled with joy. Service is amazing and attentive. Make sure to try their TEJ wine and their coffee to end the feast.
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Nancy M.

Yelp
Im soooo glad I discovered @eatopiaeatery on U Street yesterday. Meeting the owner and enjoying their delicious homemade honey wine made the experience even more special. The ambiance is warm, open, and truly family-driven, with the husband managing the front, the wife running the kitchen, and the mother-in-law contributing to its charm. The spicy red lentils were the best I've ever had, and the dohuat sauce was exquisite. The location is convenient, and the space is spotless--including the squeaky-clean bathroom, which I always consider a sign of a well-run establishment. I'll definitely be back. #FOODIES #FoodiesDC #ethiopianfood

Matt H.

Yelp
Everything was so good. Service was nice and absurdly fast. 10/10 recommend, will be going back.
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Janrose S.

Yelp
Great date spot! Dim, but not too dim, and was pleasantly surprised by the live jazz (I didn't realize they had that)! I have a quieter voice and didn't struggle too much to hear nor be heard. Food was delicious - we got the awaze tibs and the veggie combo platter and it was great for 2 people + leftovers. Service was good, though I wish they were more proactive about refilling water. Definitely would be back!

Louis M.

Yelp
I ordered the Veggie Combo for the 26th time today through Grub Hub and another 5 times through Door Dash previously. I'm Vegan for the most part. I've been eating Ethiopian food locally for at least 38 years and Eatopia's Veggie Combo is excellent. It's always flavorful, fresh and hot. Additionally, the portions are generous and the service is always excellent. The people who I verify my order with are always polite and extremely accommodating. Edis, who usually attends to my order most of the time , deserves a raise . She along with the other staff is super patient, polite and friendly. I highly recommend Eatopia for its excellent food and service. 10 out of 10 ! Louis Myrie

Chintal S.

Yelp
Great vibes inside, lots of options. Everyone was so nice and they had live music which was a wonderful touch. Cool place!
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Sydney G.

Yelp
Came here to eat after a show at the Lincoln Theatre with a friend. We ended up getting the Digis Ultimate Communal Platter because it was a mix of a little bit of everything. It came out and was so big it basically took over the entire table which was great considering the price. All the food was delicious and I would definitely order it again. I like that it's a little more upscale which is something different.
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Melba G.

Yelp
I initially submitted a 5-star review for the 05/16/25 dining experience at Etopia Eatery, which was a birthday treat from two good friends. Today after looking over my account, I was shocked to see a hefty charge of $99.00 on my credit card for a take-out meal (Doro Wot and Gomen...) that I ordered. I believe I was overcharged almost by $50.00 (excluding taxes). Also, I cannot recall if the server gave me back my credit card or if it was left on the table (my friends and I left the eatery at 1pmish and no other customers were present). Thankfully, later after I noticed the card was missing I immediately canceled it. This is very disappointing and now I changed my mind about dining at Etopia again.

Jessi S.

Yelp
YES. So good. Toasted injera is a revelation. Cheeses: don't miss them. Mushroom tibs w cabbage side... mmmmmm. Server is lovely. Jazz is lovely. 10/10.

Asma A.

Yelp
Service and food were great and the restaurant was beautiful. Need to come back soon!
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Mayada Z.

Yelp
The place itself is an art exhibition.. you are gonna feel different when you take a look around you.. the seeves was excellent from the host with a big welcome.. through the owner stopped by to check on us.. until we hot the food.. during your experience, you gonna get info about Ethiopian history, which I love! If you wanna spend a good day, please give this place a try.. highly recommended thanks, guys, for everything!

Linda R.

Yelp
This was an unexpected find. We were in the area for an event and decided to grab a bite afterwards. I remember eating wonderful Ethiopian food in the neighborhood, but the places I remembered were all closed. We walked in to Eatopia Eatery without a reservation. It was all booked starting in an hour but they graciously offered us a table until then. It was perfect for us. The staff were so nice and made us feel welcome. The food was terrific. The noise level allowed for easy conversation. And we found parking right in front--bonus. We had the vegetable combo and the lamb--delicious! Will definitely come again.
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MacKenzie G.

Yelp
O.M.G. This place is absolutely insane. We stumbled across this place after yard fest at Howard. Ethiopian food is always good but when I tell you, this was some of the best I've ever had! We were quiet the entire time we ate. The manager, DJ was very kind and made sure that we were satisfied the entire time. The food was literally out of this world and the ambience overall is so cute.
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Megha B.

Yelp
Great food. Lovely live music. Sambusa was soo good. Veggie combo was delicious with so many options. Have eaten Ethiopian food many times but this one hit different. Service was excellent and fast. Their house made honey wise was yum.
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Rema M.

Yelp
This place is an absolute gem. You walk in and are surrounded by beautiful art pieces from Ethiopian artists. The service is phenomenal. Everyone is extremely friendly and will answer any and all of your questions about the menu (and the hanging art if you are interested). On to the food - hands down the best Ethiopian restaurant I've ever been to. We ordered the veggie combo and beef tibs. It was insanely good (to the point my mouth is watering as I am writing this). Every single dish we sampled on the veggie combo was outstanding. I don't think I could go back and order just one of the dishes because I want to eat a little bit of everything every time I go. Will be recommending this place to all of our friends who visit DC and will be back soon!
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LH C.

Yelp
Food was excellent within an atmosphere that is cozy yet sophisticated. Service was warm and inviting. Highly recommend the Tej (honey wine) and Ethiopian coffee. Sambusas were also a standout. Would definitely go back as the whole family enjoyed the meal!
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Faraz A.

Yelp
Fantastic experience! Beautiful restaurant and I wasn't expecting that warmth and hospitality that makes you feel like a guest and not a customer, WOW. Great suggestions and flavorful food. Distinct taste of injera bread and goes great with beef tips and lentils and chicken national dish. Ethiopian coffee and presentation is Highly recommended!

Jessie S.

Yelp
Our first time eating Ethiopian food! We ordered the veggie communal platter and the special tibs which were so good. These two dishes were the perfect amount for the three of us. The injera is light and tangy which pairs perfectly with the sauces and veggies on the platter. The meat was cooked to perfection! We came on a Thursday night and there was live music which was a special treat. Ambience was very nice and our server gave us great recommendations. Definitely recommend trying Eatopia!!
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Amanda K.

Yelp
Stopped in for dinner before a show at the Lincoln, and I find it to truly be one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in an area with some amazing Ethiopian restaurants- We got the combo platter and dishes ranged from rich and buttery to sharp and refreshing - each bite was better than the next- The service was warm and welcoming and the restaurant itself is modern and nicely appointed - I hope they are in the neighborhood for many years to come!
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Dan S.

Yelp
Prior to attending a show at the Lincoln Theatre, we decided to dine beforehand. Knowing there are multiple Ethiopian restaurants in the area, we wanted to try one that we hadn't been to before. Eatopia is relatively new and I'm so glad we gave it a try! The restaurant is spacious and the setting has a nice vibe to it with windows facing U Street. There were two of us, so we opted for the Digis Ultimate Communal Platter, which the menu states is good for two people. WOW.. when our server brought the platter, we were amazed at the variety of food that was included. It could have fed three or four people, the portions were so generous. Everything on the platter was so flavorful and delicious! Our server, who was wonderful, even offered more if we wanted, but we certainly had all we could eat and only requested more injera to enjoy with our platter. I can't wait to go back and I highly recommend Eatopia to any fan of Ethiopian food, or anyone wanting to expand their palate and give it a try. I've had Ethiopian cuisine on several occasions and this was the best thus far!
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Fatboy 8.

Yelp
Music and general ambiance were great, friendly staff. We ordered three rainbow platters and it was amazing, but a bit too much of the cultural bread. Overall I would say those are for three, and not for two as advertised. The highlight of the meal was the music which started at 7PM, beautiful voice but even more beautiful lady

Jasmine P.

Yelp
Food was delicious but I paid for chicken to be added with the vegetarian meal. This place will cheat you out of your hard earned money, check your bag they say.
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Shelby D.

Yelp
Delicious food and friendly staff. Some prices and items on the menu don't line up with what we ordered/received, but with time I'm sure this will be fine. We visited during their soft opening, so we were the only folks in the restaurant. If sharing, the prices seem reasonable for portions. I loved the shiro and the njeera is very good. My friends liked their tibs, and said they'd return as they conveniently live upstairs.
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Twanfran J.

Yelp
This food was amazing and very tasty. Ambiance was quaint and the staff was very friendly.