Almaz Cafe

Great little place to get really good Ethiopian food in the city. We had the restaurant to ourselves and enjoyed everything we ordered. Only complaint is they put one of the chicken dishes on the player with the vegetarian sampler and my wife is vegetarian.

Almaz Cafe has been my favorite restaurant in Philly for a long time. Solomon and Almaz are always so sweet and welcoming, and I try my best to bring friends by when I can. Today I brought my 6 year old nephew in and after a while we had him munching down! After never seeing Ethiopian cuisine in person before. The coffees are also amazing and the ice cream is absolutely delicious. I need to get a smoothie here because I KNOW they’re great, I usually just am always eating the savory food and hardly have room for even ice cream. I hope it stays here forever! West Philly Ethiopian spots have nothing on Cafe Almaz!

I ate here in 2023 on vacay and had to come back to Philadelphia just to eat here a few months ago. Honestly, eating here is THE reason I flew back to Philly. Vegetable combo and the salad are the best. Will be back as often as I have time to fly back out. Thank you Almaz.

I am so glad we got to eat here a few weeks ago. It was my first time eating Ethiopian food. I wanted to try because I read that the cuisine uses spices that I like. We called early to make sure that the injera with teff flour would be available (gluten-free). I got the Keye Wot (beef) and another with me got the Doro Wot (chicken). I tried both and liked the beef better because the beef was cubed, so there was more sauce on the surface area of each bite. 😆 It was so good! I want to start making these recipes! The ladies working were so nice and hospitable. Thank you so much!

I’ve been wanting to try Ethiopian food in the area for a while and this place did not disappoint. It’s definitely a more casual spot and they offer smoothies and coffee as well, including Ethiopian coffee! I ordered the Doro wat which was so filling and I had plenty to take home as well. Will definitely be coming back and bringing friends to try some Ethiopian food!

The interior design here is lovely and the people working here are nice and friendly. This is an Ethiopian-run cafe that has a good atmosphere. I had hot chocolate which was very good!

Almaz Cafe is a much needed cozy, local spot in Center City! The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the staff is very welcoming and accommodating. The food was excellent! They have big portion sizes at reasonable prices. I'm a vegetarian and was very pleased with the vegetarian platter.

This was my first time having Ethiopian food. I had their doro wot with an iced coffee, everything tasted amazing and portion size was plentiful. The lady that served me was very sweet and attentive. I'm not local to the city but when I am in the area again will definitely be back.

Best Ethiopian food i've ever had! Sometimes Ethiopian restaurants have so much food that you might as well have shared, but this had the perfect proportion of food per person. Service was quick, and although the physical space is tiny its beautiful!

We ordered the veggie combo and doro wot. It was delicious. Staff was friendly and food came out quickly.

My husband and I came in for lunch on a weekday and it was not busy. Casual spot with a cafe vibe. We were quickly greeted and seated, and we ordered the vegetarian combination and the doro tibs to share. The food came out very quickly, which was surprising given our experiences of waiting forever at other Ethiopian spots in the city, but the food was just as fresh and very tasty. My husband loved the doro tibs. I liked the sauce but the chicken was a tiny bit dry. And the veggie combo was good, but some of the lentil dishes were better than others. My biggest issue was with the injera, which was more sour than I'm used to, and also thicker, which means each bite is more filling. I like my injera a bit thinner/milder. Otherwise, the food was good! And I enjoyed the mango smoothie I got there, too!

I wanted to like this restaurant because the lady running the shop was so kind, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. Granted, I generally don't like sour things, so I'm a bit biased. This is an Ethiopian food place, mainly serving stews that come with enjera (thin pancake like sour dough bread). I got Keyewot (tender beef stew) and my friend got the vegetarian combination (has every one of their veggie options). The beef was a bit hard and the stew was very sour... coupled with the enjera, the dish was just too sour for my taste. However, I recommend you still try this place for the unique cuisine! There are two floors, and the bathrooms are upstairs!

Quaint full-service restaurant with Ethiopian food. About half the food is Ethiopian, and the other half is (American) sandwiches and soup. I got the sega alecha (beef stew). Came with injera bread (a sour, spongy flat bread made from teff). Definitely different from the usual fare.

Decent Ethiopian food. We visited Almzaz Cafe late on a Friday afternoon, and it was completely empty. The dining area is small and spread over two floors. There was ostensibly Ethiopian iconography on the walls and a large TV visible from the upper floor. I ordered the Alicha Misir. My dish was not bad, but it was not the most flavorful Ethiopian dish that I have had. Overall, I had a decent experience at Almaz Cafe and would only recommend them if you are craving Ethiopian food.

The person who was our server was also the owner, and man was he awesome. We are very familiar with the customs of Ethiopian food, but he was ready to assist and recommend dishes if we needed help and was super friendly. The restaurant is small and cozy with a second story for additional space with an aesthetic that pays homage to their culture. The food was delicious along with their shakes, and the injera was fresh and flavorful. Their portion size was perfect, especially for two people; one of them (my partner) had a huge appetite. Our only issue is the location. It is difficult to find parking as the restaurant is located near the Philadelphia City Hall. There was no wait time during the middle of the week, the prices were fair, the restroom is only one toilet and Im sure you don't have to wait, and accessibility can be a little difficult as the space is small, but it is possible.

This place is spectacular. We've never had Ethiopian food and came to try it this afternoon. The staff was so friendly and welcoming, and the food was amazing. We got the doro tibs and veggie combo to try a few different things. My favorite was the doro tibs, misir, and beets. As someone with a gluten sensitivity, the gluten free injera option was incredible. I also got a soda. The total was less than $50 for two people. A wonderful place and I will definitely be back. Next time I'm looking to try their Ethiopian iced coffee!

This has been literally the only good Ethiopian restaurant I've tried in Philadelphia. All of the other places are below average for sure. I tried the veggie sampler. First of all the portion size is very large. They also have 100% teff injeera available if you ask them and it was some of the best injeera I've had!

Just spectacular. I tried the Ethiopian raw beef for the first time, along with vegi sides, it was excellent. No complaints about anything.

Just your basic comfortable neighborhood Ethiopian restaurant. Comfortably Westernized with low levels of heat, A ton of coffee drinks on the menu, A ton of Western desserts on the menu, and no mead, since no liquor license. * * * a) Coffee never killed anybody. b) Neither did chocolate milkshakes. c) The Ethiopian food is completely wonderful. d) And if you eat all your enjera along with your kitfo and side vegetables, You aren't going to have room for a molecule of espresso, Never mind an entire chocolate milkshake. * * * I wish this place were in MY neighborhood.

The food was scrumptious at Almaz! I went with a couple friends who never had Ethiopian and they loved the flavors. The portions were good and there was plenty of injera to dip the food in. The shop itself is quite small but it was very cozy. Despite sitting on the top floor away from the kitchen, the service was still wonderful. Would highly recommend coming here to eat.

I always want Ethiopian food. Always. But the Ethiopian restaurant near my house closed almost as soon as I moved in. So I have been left with seven years of cravings. Almaz surpassed every expectation. The food is so good, the spot is so cute and homey, and the folks who work there are friendly. The vegetarian sampler was outstanding, especially the kikalecha. Can't wait to be back!

The atmosphere is very cozy and intimate, we came on a hot day and thankfully it was very cool inside so right off the bat I was thankful! The servers were very welcoming and accommodated a party of 8 of us without any reservations in the middle of the day so extra points for that too! The inside space overall is quite small, so I would probably just bring a friend or two if I wanted to feel comfortable in the space. The server was very attentive and we got our food rather quickly, and the server answered my friends questions and suggested popular dishes as well. I ordered the ethiopian iced coffee which was delicious and gave me a good jolt of caffeine, but I didn't feel overly caffeinated. I ordered the Beef Tibs and it came with a side of lentil stew, some cooked potatoes and of course tons of Injera. The meat was good quality, but nothing exceptional. It felt like a good home cooked meal which nonetheless made me happy. There was a good mix of spices and overall the bulk of the meal was good. The Injera was soft and plentiful, but it was a bit too sour compared to the other ethiopian restaurants I've had before. I would probably come back, but maybe just to share something with a friend, or for the iced coffee.

I had lunch at Almaz Cafe last weekend with my mom and husband. My mom is vegan so we mostly enjoyed the veggies! We shared the veggie combo, the foule, and the doro wot (chicken). The veggies and foule were good, but the doro wot wasn't quite as flavorful as I've come to expect (it's one of my favorite dishes). The service was great. And the restaurant is understated, casual, and comfortable. A good casual spot for lunch.

Apparently the Good Karma Cafés are all closed, despite the sign at the defunct one at Walnut and 24th Street that says to visit! So being a little hot and thirsty and not happy with the single college kids hogging tables at Alchemy, I "discovered" Almaz Cafe. Actually, Almaz has been around 15 years. Loved the No. 3 Sparkling Strawberry-Lime Smoothie, with added banana, for a sweet smooth taste cut by the lime and banana. Careful! I got a brain freeze on my first heavy sip! For a light bite, the owner suggested their homemade chicken soup chunks with rice and croutons in a crock. Really delish and a much needed pick-me-up between meals! Hung out a while to regroup and read while listening to some moody Ethiopian jazz organ music. Very chill on this hot Phillie day. Highly recommended place to get your mojo back. Note: I noticed someone cleaning backs and sides of chairs and walls and vertical surfaces--it's comforting to see a café cleanliness ritual in these times. We should all be so cleanly in our own lives!

Just happened to park next to this place and noticed it. Ethiopian food has been a recent discovery of mine. I had to try it. Simply put it was excellent. The doro (chicken) tibs were tender with a great flavor without being overpowering. Everything else from the injera bread to the sides were of good quality as well. I'm a big fan of Ethiopian coffee now and the iced coffee here is very worthy of its reputation. I've been to a few Ethiopian restaurants in the city now. This is probably my second favorite. But it's a very high second. Maybe 1.5. I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to try this food. And the people running it were very nice. Support the small businesses in Rittenhouse. It's more fun for me to get a meal at a place like this than it is to go to the trendy spots.

I had Ethiopian in DC a few months agao & it was so special & unique that I went searching for an Ethiopian restaurant here in Philly to try. I was very pleased to see that Almaz Cafe was one that we could venture out to! The restaurant is small & cute. The staff was very friendly & sweet. I really enjoyed the food. It's unlike any other I've tried before & it was absolutely delcious. I am excited to come back! The portions are good, we had leftovers for the next day!

After years of keeping my loyalties to West Philly Ethio food, I found myself a stone's throw from Rittenhouse with a hole in my stomach the likes of which only a few layers of sour injera, savory gurshas of veggies, and raw beef could satisfy. Each meat dish comes with two veggie side dishes of your choice, as is the custom for almost all Ethiopian restaurants in the city, and looking online, I decided on the Lamb tibs, the kitfo, and gomen, cabbage/potatos, and two types of lentils. The reviews online complained of portion sizes so I went a little extra with it to share (with my tomorrow self, of course. I'm welcome!) Came into the shop for pickup, paid with card, and the case had a good collection of pastries, baklava and other cake-like things. Looks like it would be a nice space to sit and enjoy a coffee as well, with a second floor space overlooking the shop. I made my way home, the two boxes wrapped on my lap keeping warm in their insulation of styrofoam and teff blankets. My first bite was the injera. Always the injera, to test the sourness, the firmness and density. This stuff is my favorite type. A little funkiness that adds a tang to every bite. The lamb was tender, the kitfo was well flavored and not too spicy, and gomen and lentils were tender and the cabbage was mostly there too, just a few undercooked bites. But honestly, for the same price as what I'd pay for my other favorite places around the city, I got just about the same amount of food in a style that I recognize and love. Will be back for takeout once I'm back around the square! Thanks so much.

Injera was authentic, savory/"sour", addicting. Vegetable platter (5/5) - Amazing flavors. Kitfo (4/5) - Asked for raw but got medium rare. Meat slightly "tendinous" / chewy but overall still very good. Great authentic flavorz

Our second trip. It's an easy 1/2 mi stroll from the Franklin. Amazing food and terrific service. The vegetarian platter was huge, and our server brought extra injera without us having to ask. It's a small place (the bathroom is submarine sized ), but has a funky vibe that makes it all work. Highly recommended!

I'm not a huge fan of Ethiopian food but this is as authentic as it comes. I asked for recommendations and they were so helpful. We brought a few native dishes to a children's hospital in the area where An Ethiopian girl was recovering from major surgery and she was over the moon.

The owner was a super nice gentleman. I had Ethiopian many times before and this place wasn't as flavorful but it was still good and I enjoyed it. The vegetable combo was a great way to try a variety of dishes. The Ethiopian spiced tea is a MUST! It's flavored with cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. It's so soothing and delicious.

Enjoyed eating Ethiopian here with some friends! We tried the kitfo, the vegetarian combo, and the kik alchia. Very flavorful and generous portions! My favorites were probably the kitfo and the collard greens in the vegetarian combo. The service was stellar! We will definitely be back!

I used to always zoom out to west philly for Ethiopian, but right in center city is the best restaurant and it's been here for 16 years! Tiny, intimate, rustic yet mod, it feels like a friendly cafe in Addis Ababa. The owner is a sweetheart and the food most excellent. We had two teens with us who raved about the stews and the milkshakes. Our new favorite.

If you like Ethiopian food- especially vegetarian... do not miss this tiny cafe in the middle of 20th st. I had a vegetarian combo and it was soooo satisfying and tasty . I usually like spicy vegetarian but this is better without too much spice and so much flavor.

Very generous portions, but I was sad to say the food was just okay. I had the Doro Wat and an order of Kik Alicha. The chicken was good enough, but the injera tasted really off to me. Also, the Kik Alicha had a somewhat rotten taste to it that I couldn't put my finger on. I've had Ethiopian food from numerous places and was really craving it. I've made Kik Alicha at home before and it's turned out even better than what I was given. I'll try the Beef Stew next time and update my order if it's better, but from what I ordered, I will not be going back.

Very friendly staff good portions good food. Really good casual option if you're in center city.

Doro Tibs were absolutely phenomenal, the price was great for a casual dinner in Center City on a Friday, and the service was great.

I'll come back again. The vegetarian combination plate, a traditional vegan classic, is beautifully done here. It's on the mild side so if you like spice maybe you'll want to request added pepper slices on the side, as I'll likely do next time. This time, I just sat in the sun and enjoyed a delightful lunch break, feeling very well looked after by the kind couple that runs Almaz.

Small restaurant, so make a reservation. Really good food, I'm not educated about Ethiopian food so the server helped me with my dinner selection.

First time trying this location, I thought the food was served bit cold compared to other Ethiopian restaurants also it tasted bland. Service was good. Spot is very small.

This is the best Ethiopian food in Philadelphia, hands down. Not to mention the fantastic service and beautiful ambiance. The flavors were complex and delicious in every dish. Fresh and lovely food, a must try for all in Center City.

Solid 2.5 stars! Never a good sign when you walk into a restaurant and there's no one dining there. Pros: Clean restaurant, 2 story so lots of seatings available, fast service. Cons: injera was too sour, to a point where it's inedible. Chicken stew was decent but chicken was dry and over cooked. Vegetarian platter wasn't good, bland. The food came out too quick, not a good sign. Overall, I expected so much from this place. I love Ethiopian cuisine and dine in one in my hometown but this was far from perfection.

Probably the fourth time comeback here, amazing food as always. My friend and I always order the combo with a meat and their coffees. You can't go wrong with it!!

Very cute place near rittenhouse square! The food was very tasty and authentic, would definitely recommend doro wat!

Food was amazing and servers are so so nice. Veg sampler was the best! Never tried this type of food before and we were unsure how to eat it (with our hands? Wrapped? Etc) and they kindly explained. This location was my first date and we had a great time!

First time trying Ethiopian food. Zilzile Tibs (beef) were 10/10 amazing. Place was cute.

So good! We came here for our third anniversary and the food was delicious. It's also BYOB. I got the vegetarian combo and my partner got the beef tips. Perfect comfort food for a cold day.

A nice, cozy Ethiopian option that's not in West Philly. The restaurant is BYOB, so come prepared. The food was great with a lot of options on the menu, although a little on the pricier side for Ethiopian food. We were served by the owner who was very warm, friendly, and helpful. Will definitely return the next time I'm in Center City and in the mood for Ethiopian.

I am a slow convert to Ethiopian food, starting with a spontaneous visit to a spot in D.C. and basically came back home and craved Injera. Almaz Cafe is accessible, and honestly has a great deal of food for the price. I've had their Firfir as well as the vegetarian combo and I have no complaints. I think both are very newbie friendly than some of the other options, and I feel like are the most popular here. The service is really quick, and if you're just looking to order for takeout it's a pretty simple process. The only real issue is the size of the establishment as there's really only seating on the loft and the very side of the first floor, which happens to be right next to the door. There are other tables but they hold them off for potential reservations, so I would suggest maybe making a reservation if you really want to come here, which I really do recommend. The staff is very nice and I would probably spend all of my money here!

Absolutely delicious Ethiopian food! BYO! Lovely owners and service! I'm obsessed with this place

Packed with flavor, dense and delicious, sour injera, very generous portions. Stuffed but still wanted more that's how good it was. Recommend the doro wot, zilzile tibs, yebege alecha, veggie combo.

4.3/5 Pretty good! Not as "traditional" of an interior as other Ethiopian places I've been to, but the food is tasty. We got a vegetarian combo and the Doro Wat (chicken stew), and shared between us -- I definitely recommend doing that if you're eating with multiple people, so that you get to try as many things as possible! I was partial to the veggie sampler myself, and especially enjoyed the lentil-based options. They also provide a lot of injera, and the lady who was there when we went was really nice!

Quaint little cafe that my friends and I almost walked past, but I'm glad we didn't! I didn't ask for much but man oh man, I got plenty!! I ordered a coffee milkshake... from first sip, I'm head over heels for it! The milkshake doesn't come dressed up with fancy whip cream but it's worth the $5 off taste alone.

One of my favorite cafés in Philly, amazing ambience. The food is absolutely amazing. The owners are extremely friendly and give great service. The coffee is some of the best in Philly.

I was running and passed this cafe and noticed the sandwich board advertised Ethiopian coffee. I finished the run and walked back to this little place. Coming from West Philly I live in heart of delicious Ethiopian restaurants and never realized that this little place existed. The place itself is lovely. Sweet little spot...clean, brightly colored and a big lovely window. I was picking my kid up from theater class so I ordered two smoothies to go. They were delicious. The service was spectacular and I was served with a smile. Their menu looks great. A mix of American breakfast, sandwiches and a full Ethiopian menu as well. I'm looking forward to trying more. I'll be back.

Family owned and operated for years. Keye Wot was delicious on a rainy day. Will be back for the coffee.

My belly is so happy. We had a lamb, beef and chicken dish and every side option for the vegetables. Everything was amazing. I don't live here but my two friends who were with me do and they said they will definitely be back.