Aunt Yvette’s Kitchen

My girlfriend and I took her parents for dinner on a Saturday night. Making a reservation is necessary since it’s a small restaurant so I was glad we did. We were seated right away and the service was excellent. I appreciated the elevated experience with the rose water to cleanse my hands, and the attentive bar and wait staff. We shared the vegan combo for four and ordered a beef protein. I found the food to be incredibly flavorful. Each dish was completely different than the next and it was great to have a unique bite every time. I appreciate the chef’s ability to take traditional Ethiopian dishes/cooking and add her own uniqueness. I’m excited to try other menu items next time.

After stepping foot into Aunt Yvette’s enigmatic little restaurant—tucked away in a small plaza off busy Colorado Blvd—we were instantly whisked away to the warm, gentle highlands of Ethiopia and its rich, exotic culture. The dark wood furniture, colorful woven textiles, low seating, and earthy tones set the perfect mood for savoring the delectable flavors of Ethiopian cuisine—something we were excited to try for the first time! Everything blew me away, from the intricate decor to the warm, welcoming service that took us on a true culinary journey through Ethiopia. Our waitress, beyond friendly and full of warmth, greeted us with a beaming smile and seated us right away at our reserved table. (FYI: You need to make reservations beforehand!) Like a skilled tour guide, she seamlessly wove in the history and traditions of Ethiopia while explaining each dish, not only priming our taste buds for the rich variety of mouthwatering flavors we were about to experience but also genuinely intriguing us with the beautiful culture of this mysterious yet fascinating land in Northeast Africa. I also appreciated how willingly our server accommodated every request, such as bringing over extra utensils and checking in frequently to see if we needed anything. To put it simply, the food was a decadent masterpiece of flavor. The vegan combo was not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors but also an explosion of taste—each dip and salad electrified our palates. Using the soft, spongy injera to mop up the flavors made the experience even more mouthwatering! We also ordered the salmon and beef tibs and—oh gosh—let me tell you, I’ve never tasted such succulent meats in my life. The fish was cooked to absolute perfection, melting in my mouth with every bite! What made it even better was that everything we feasted on was fresh, healthy, and not overly saturated in oils or sugars—nourishing both body and soul. Whoever is behind this culinary masterpiece deserves a Michelin award. We were completely blown away by the flavors, the customs, and the hospitality at Aunt Yvette's. We cannot wait to come back and try more in the future!

While visiting family in LA, my husband and I were all too happy to enjoy dinner at Aunt Yvette’s Kitchen. You will need to make a reservation beforehand. Packed with delectable flavor and spice, we truly loved being able to enjoy our Ethiopian food as it is one of our favorite foods. Tearing apart the fresh, spongy injera bread to pick up our vegan combo, cornish hen, and dereq beef tibs was nothing shy of scrumptious with every bite. The banana split was mouthwatering satisfying the sweet tooth. The atmosphere is outstanding with warmth, beautiful decor, and welcoming hospitality. The service and staff were excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly. We will definitely return again to enjoy this beautiful gem and lovely people!

I stumbled upon a hidden gem—an intimate Ethiopian spot with just eight tables, the kind of place where securing a reservation is a wise move. I, however, lucked out and walked right in. Before diving into my meal, I took a moment to wash my hands—something we all should do before eating, but especially when the meal is meant to be savored with our hands. In traditional Ethiopian fashion, there’s a beautiful ceremonial handwashing ritual where a server gently pours rose water over your hands at the table, a fragrant and grounding way to begin the experience. Then came the injera—fresh, airy, spongy perfection. I ordered the vegan meal, a feast generous enough to comfortably serve two. Every bite felt personal, as if it had been cooked just for me (which, technically, it was). I ate until I was content, knowing I had enough to savor again tomorrow. This place? It’s a rare find, the kind of spot you stumble upon by chance and instantly know you'll return to. The warmth, the flavors, the ritual—it all felt like a gift. Next time, I’ll be bringing my family and friends to share in the magic.

Absolutely loved everything about our experience at Aunt Yvette’s!! Thank you so much for even accommodating a couple of extra friends who also wanted Ethiopian food tonight. The service was outstanding, all the wait staff were lovely and worked beautifully together. The food was insanely delicious. We appreciate not having to drive to LA for god Ethiopian. Thanks Aunt Yvette for the hospitality, amazing food and wonderful service. Reservation’s recommended, it’s an intimate setting.

Absolutely delicious!! There were three of us at lunch and we ordered the vegan platter, crispy whole trout, and the short rib special. The platter was great, but the proteins were *chef's kiss*. The service was wonderful, the restaurant is gorgeous, and the attention to detail throughout the experience was fantastic. We started off our meal with a rose water hand wash and ended it with a wet towel - these small details really made AYK stand out. It was our first time at this restaurant (I think she said they opened about a year ago), but not my first time having Ethiopian. I immediately told all my friends after we left and we're definitely going back. I highly recommend trying this spot, but maybe put in a reservation as the dining area is fairly small and it already seems to be popular.

What a beautiful intimate restaurant. Definitely recommend a reservation on Resy. My husband and I stumbled upon this place yesterday evening. The staff were so kind and welcoming. The food was delicious. Special thanks to Joaquin and Gregory for their hospitality. We will be back.

Its just s vibe! The level detail this place has from aersthetic to how they make eating into an experience. The staff is so kind and knowledgeable. I will say the place us small to if your in a group of 4 or larger you might be waiting a bit longer. The food was delicious and so were the drinks. Highly recommend the hibuscus mojeto and honey wine. As for food it al was really delicious. Keep in mind you eat with your hands and they have no rice. Before you eat they do come atound with rose water to clean ur hand and when you finished each person get a weg towel. They also cut and serve cake for a small fee for each person attending. Overall this is an amazing experience and would highly recommend if you looking for a unique place, an intimate place, or just want some yummy Ethiopian food.

An excellent, elevated, and delicious Ethiopian restaurant! Small space, big flavor! Service was fantastic. Table side Rose water hand cleanse, constant refills of injeras, and owner checking in with guest. My "hack"? Had the vege platter, doubled, and shared with a friend. It's slightly cheaper than two individual orders of the vege platter, and tastes better shared. The black eyed peas was my favorite, but it l also the rotating item on the menu Two types of injera available to ask for. The lighter one comes automatically and is light and mild. For gluten free option, ask for the traditional injera with all teff grain.

The food here is fantastic--one of the best Ethiopian restaurants I've tried. I chose the vegan option, which included a sampler of all the vegetarian/vegan items, with the main protein being the tofu tidbits. Everything was flavorful and well-prepared. Five out of five--absolutely delicious! My only critique is that the owner, I believe her name is Yvette, can come off as a bit rude. I understand that running a business requires maintaining standards, but a little more warmth and flexibility would go a long way. The restaurant itself is quite small, and the bench seating and small tables can be uncomfortable. If you request a regular table, I hope Yvette is accommodating and doesn't make a big deal about it. That being said, the staff were wonderful and really enhanced the experience by providing cultural context, which I appreciated. One important note: Reservations are required. Nowhere on Yelp does it mention this, and I saw several walk-ins being turned away. It would be helpful if they updated that information to avoid confusion. Overall, great food and a place I'd definitely recommend!

Loved it. Ethiopian food as a concept is already great bang for buck because you have the unlimited injera/bread and sampling platters at the price of a regular entrée at any American chain restaurant. This place has that, and a vegetarian focus, hygiene, great service, plus free parking going for it. No online reservations, seems walk-in only. We went in on a Saturday afternoon, they were pretty busy but we found a table. We split one vegan platter and doro wot on the side. Everything tasted spectacular.

After stepping foot into Aunt Yvette's enigmatic little restaurant--tucked away in a small plaza off busy Colorado Blvd--we were instantly whisked away to the warm, gentle highlands of Ethiopia and its rich, exotic culture. The dark wood furniture, colorful woven textiles, low seating, and earthy tones set the perfect mood for savoring the delectable flavors of Ethiopian cuisine--something we were excited to try for the first time! Everything blew me away, from the intricate decor to the warm, welcoming service that took us on a true culinary journey through Ethiopia. Our waitress, beyond friendly and full of warmth, greeted us with a beaming smile and seated us right away at our reserved table. (FYI: You need to make reservations beforehand!) Like a skilled tour guide, she seamlessly wove in the history and traditions of Ethiopia while explaining each dish, not only priming our taste buds for the rich variety of mouthwatering flavors we were about to experience but also genuinely intriguing us with the beautiful culture of this mysterious yet fascinating land in Northeast Africa. I also appreciated how willingly our server accommodated every request, such as bringing over extra utensils and checking in frequently to see if we needed anything. To put it simply, the food was a decadent masterpiece of flavor. The vegan combo was not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors but also an explosion of taste--each dip and salad electrified our palates. Using the soft, spongy injera to mop up the flavors made the experience even more mouthwatering! We also ordered the salmon and beef tibs and--oh gosh--let me tell you, I've never tasted such succulent meats in my life. The fish was cooked to absolute perfection, melting in my mouth with every bite! What made it even better was that everything we feasted on was fresh, healthy, and not overly saturated in oils or sugars--nourishing both body and soul. Whoever is behind this culinary masterpiece deserves a Michelin award. We were completely blown away by the flavors, the customs, and the hospitality at Aunt Yvette's. We cannot wait to come back and try more in the future!

The food was delicious, and we especially enjoyed the vegan platter and lamb. The restaurant has a cozy, elegant ambiance, and the bathroom was spotless. The space is on the smaller side, so I'd recommend making a reservation. Do note that they seat parties only when everyone has arrived, and there is a time limit on tables, which made the experience feel a bit rushed at times. The tables are also a little compact for the variety of dishes served. This is a shared dining experience and while the portions left me wanting a little more, overall, it was a lovely dining experience!

I've been looking to try Ethiopian food in LA and once I saw that Aunt Yvette's was ranked the #2 best place to eat on Yelp, I knew I had to visit. We were able to make early reservations (highly recommend as the seating is very limited) and were pleasantly surprised by the ambiance of the restaurant. The dimmed lights and small space brought a cozy, warm atmosphere to the restaurant. The service was amazing - all the servers were extremely attentive and Aunt Yvette herself was such a genuine, kind and warm woman. I really appreciated the breakdown of the menu and the suggestions as well. Our party of 4 got the vegan combo platter, doro wat, and beef awaze. The vegan combo platter is so beautifully curated and the flavors are amazing. The beef awaze is an amazing protein dish that added rich flavors to the combo platter. The doro wat was my least favorite but still very delicious. The servers were very attentive and offered more injera as we quickly devoured our meal. Even though we were stuffed, there's always room for dessert. We got the banana split and basque cheesecake. The banana split was my favorite. The textures from the roasted pistachios, hazelnut, and sunflower seed elevated this dish. I was a huge fan of the bruleed banana. I thought this dish was very well thought out. The basque cheesecake was okay in my opinion- there was a spice in there that I wasn't a huge fan of but was still solid. I hope to give their affogato or coffees a try next time! Really looking forward to returning to this establishment. Congratulations to Aunt Yvette and the hard working team on the Yelp recognition. Very well deserved!

Make sure you get a reservation on Resy! I came here in March of last year and we didn't have a reservation and were able to be seated for lunch with no problems, no mention of reservation. I've been raving about this restaurant to my friends so we decided to go back last night. I looked on Yelp just in case to make reservations but I didn't see a link. But when we arrived last night, the first thing we were told was "you have to have a reservation for our restaurant". They saw us scrambling to change dinner plans outside and said they could seat us but only for 1 hour and that was a hard deadline. And we were able to make it work!! The gentleman and lady who served us were both lovely and worked great with the timeline. There were 3 of us so we ordered 2 vegan combos and the Dereq tibs and chicken doro wat. We definitely did not need to order 2 of the vegan combos. When I came in March with 4 people we ordered 1 vegetable combo and 3 proteins and that was the perfect amount. But this time ordering 2 vegan combos left us with quite a few leftovers. But I'm not complaining because leftovers of great food isn't a bad thing in my book! We loved the doro wat. It has such a depth of flavor. You can tell a lot of love went into that dish. This flavor profile is honestly 10/10 Everything on the vegan combo was great as well. The orange and yellow lentils were so delicious. The restaurant is very small (which is why you need reservations) and very tastefully decorated. The lighting, the rose water ritual, everything made the experience great. We didn't have enough time for dessert last night, and I can't remember what dessert we had back in March. But both options look great. We are grateful they were able to squeeze us in, it was a great dinner!

It was our first time trying Ethiopian food, so our server was very informative and guided us through the items. We ended up ordering the veggie combo and whole crispy trout. Everything in the veggie combo was delicious, but the trout was the definitely the star. I couldn't tell you how it compares to other Ethiopian spots, as I haven't had a chance to try elsewhere, but I thought Aunt Yvette's was fantastic! The only downside to our visit was our seating. Considering we had a reservation for two, I would've assumed we would get seating at a regular table, however we were seated near the window and our table was a coffee table. It wasn't the best for our backs. Other than this, we had no other negative thoughts regarding our dining experience. We will definitely be coming back again!

This restaurant has a very beautiful and intimate setting and I was grateful that they were kind enough to allow my friend and I dine there for dinner on a busy Friday night without a reservation. Our server was sweet and I kept making him laugh, not on purpose, but because I was just very happy and truthfully probably being a bit silly. I was about to enjoy one of the best cuisines on our planet. The other gentleman who came by to help was also so lovely. The service was really fantastic but the food was even better. My friend is a vegan so to be respectful, I skipped out on the meat, but like I've always said, if I could make Ethiopian food, being a vegan would be so simple! Right? I love meat though however I didn't miss it during our meal. Everything was outstanding and rich in spices. My favorite veg was the greens! Great texture and such a flavor bomb.

One of the most memorable meals I had in a while. The service was excellent-our waitress was so helpful in explaining the menu and the traditions surrounding Ethiopian cuisine. We got the vegan combo with the Doro Wat. The Doro Wat was incredible-perfectly sweet and savory with the chicken cooked to perfection. The vegan combo had such a fun variety of things and everything was totally different and delicious. We got the chocolate mousse ice cream as well it was so rush and smooth. Will definitely be coming back to try everything else on the menu!

First & foremost, RESERVATION is required. Have been wanting to try this place for a while & finally had the opportunity today. As soon as we came in the owner asked us if we had any reservations which we were not aware of since we didn't see it listed anywhere. However, she was nice enough to offer us a seat but only for an hour. Service was quick & the food was all very delicious! We got the Vegan sampler with tofu as our protein. Our server explained each of the sampler & gave us a little bit of backstory about the food. The plate was generous enough with a good amount of each of everything. At one point, I wished I had my own plate instead of having to share lol. It was that delicious! The texture of each sampler had its own unique texture. Some soft/smooth & others chunky. Overall, it was all very delicious. The seats are probably my only critic since I have chronic back pain so I was kinda hunched the whole time on the bench. Nevertheless, the food was so amazing & would definitely come back again with a reservation & preferred seating on one of their tables. Definitely recommend trying this spot !

Definitely make a reservation before coming, especially on weekends! I was getting hungry at 5 PM on a Saturday, but upon arriving the place was packed, and I didn't have a reservation. I had to wait until 7 PM to get seated--but Aunt Yvette's Kitchen was absolutely worth the wait! Parking: There's free parking in the parking lot where this restaurant is located at :) Ambiance: This place feels like a cozy hole-in-the-wall with only a few tables, so it fills up fast. The inside was dim and relaxed, making the whole dinner experience feel super relaxed and enjoyable. Service: The service was amazing! Our server asked if we had any food allergies and gave us great recommendations to start. We even got hand towels and rose water to clean our hands before diving in, which was such a nice touch. They checked in often, making sure we were taken care of the whole time. Food: We ordered the veggie combo, and wow--there was so much variety! Most of the food on the plate is vegan, super flavorful, and some dishes had a nice spicy kick. It was my first time trying Ethiopian food, and it was an amazing experience with all the different flavors. If you're a meat lover, you have to try the lamb stew. I added it to my combo plate, and it was hands down the best thing I ate! The lamb was melt-in-your-mouth tender and paired perfectly with the rest of the dishes. We had leftovers even after sharing the veggie plate with lamb stew between two people Overall: I'll 100% be back for the unique experience and delicious food if I'm in the area.

My first time having Ethiopian food and mostly vegan!! I had the Veggie Combo and Doro Wat. The veggie combo comes with lentil, salads, tofu among other dishes. The Doro Wat is chicken and has some spice to it. Really good. Everything was served on a circular platter. You eat with your hands here and given some rose water to help cleanse your hands prior to eating. The place is very small and reservations are a must!! You will probably be turned away without reservations.

Can the owner adopt me? Seriously. I've never had such insanely good food. I don't know what to say. The teas we got were amazing, great service, great cozy vibe, what else can you ask for? Definitely get a reservation, there's like nine tables.

Veggie Combo. All day, every single day. I really could eat here daily, I think. At least one meal. There's nothing that satisfies quite like Ethiopian food, and Aunt Yvette's is doing everything right. I used to live on the edge of Little Ethiopia, and I hate to admit I took it for granted. Now, I'm in the burbs, and not one proper Ethiopian restaurant in Pasadena. It's shameful. But Aunt Yvette's is well worth the drive to Eagle Rock and then some. I love it here. I love the tables and chairs, and the art. I love the lighting and the small, chill, yet bustling space. I love how attentive and friendly the staff is. And most of all, hot damn do I love the food. I get a little giddy just thinking about it. The Veggie Combo is vegan, it's my go-to, but don't sleep on anything the menu has to offer. We had a tofu dish a few visits back that was incredible. What impresses me is that all the dishes of the combo taste completely different. I dive in and every bite throws my tastebuds through a loop. They have a house-made hot sauce that kicks it up a notch if that's your thing. This place has date night meal written all over it. It's located in a generic strip mall but once you step through the door, it's another world. They have takeout via their website, but I've yet to find them on the delivery services. It's just too good. Open a location in Pasadena, pretty please?

I read some of the reviews here before deciding to write mine out because I was curious what people had to say... I had a different experience so I wanted to keep it real. Vibe: it's warm , nice artwork, intimate, moody lighting if you're there after sundown. overall feels really nice inside although situated in a lil strip plaza. ( this is what the 2 stars are for) When we arrived we were sat (3 of us) and our server broke down some suggestions and said the veggie combo comes with (lists the items) and says "and we leave a space in the center for you to choose a protein " maybe I misinterpreted but the verbiage leads one to believe it's part of that combo option since it was listed as $30, more on that later... anyway we order that and ask the server to suggest some beef options for our protein, and we select one. Immediately they try and up-sale us with 2 combos instead of 1 for the three of us but we decided we'd try one first and then see how we felt after as one of us was just peckish ... we also felt pressured with the multiple "are you sure?'s" . Food: it was very underwhelming. I think the dressing on the salad on the veggie combo had the most flavor. Everything else was lacking. It didn't feel like it was made with love you know? Just bland overall. Nothing really stood out. Seems like they put more energy in the presentation of the restaurant and long wordy descriptions of the dishes than actually making the food and flavors the focal point. Idk..This just felt a bit pretentious for me. I really wanted to like it because it's close by but because the food was mid, I wont be back. We ended up all getting full off the one combo and even had left over. When the bill arrived we see two charges $30 for the combo And $25 for the protein. Which was never mentioned it was an additional charge so I brought it up to our server and he kind of looked at me condescendingly and asked "did you think it was free?" I said you mislead us when you said you leave a space in the center for us to select a protein for our combo and so he said he'd ask the owner? She came out and I explained, and she gave me this look and said "we don't give food away for free how else will we pay bills?" anyway she decided to give us 50% off the protein we ordered. (Which by the way was advertised as brisket but was mostly just fat and had the texture of tofu and was my least favorite thing) it's also a JOKE that those little bits in the center of our combo is $25 So our bill with like 22% tip came out to $63 For a veggie combo and a cups worth of beef. only positive thing on the food I'll give them is their injera is perfect. EDIT: replying to the response . The reason I asked for a glass is because I am neurodivergent and the texture of your tin slippery matte cup you serve water in does something to me. Not sure if our server noticed but my glass remained full the entire night because I was unable to drink from it. I didn't want to share all that info tho. So whatever I didn't want to make it an issue so I quietly went without being able to drink throughout my meal. Wasn't even going to mention all this in my review because fine you said no and that was that... I'm also currently not drinking alcoholic beverages as well as the rest of our table why we ordered water. And let's get one thing straight I never "begged" and the money wasn't the issue, as we still left a good tip we had no issue with the service. it's the sneaky way and hidden charges restaurants do that I don't like. We thought it was included in your combo because of the way it was presented to us. Also I am definitely not put off eating Ethiopian as I've been too several restaurants and why I say I felt this was bland. That's just my opinion. ** Also the menu wasn't wordy the servers speaking about them for 5 mins straight when we just sat down was a lot to process is what I meant. That's all.

I've only had Ethiopian food once before, so I can't comment on how legit the experience was, but everything was very well done from an ambiance perspective and food was very flavorful! I got lucky walking in at opening time on a Sunday but highly recommend getting a Resy because the place was packed in matter of minutes. There isn't much seating so expect 30-40min wait if you don't get a table right away. The service was highly attentive. Staff checked in at an appropriate amount to ensure everything was good and I loved how they offered the rose water to wash your hands before the meal began. For food, we ordered the vegan platter which was shareable for the two of us since we weren't starving. My favorite was actually the coconut curry out of all the items, but everything was well seasoned. I'm not much of a spicy eater but the items here were generally tolerable. I paired it with the Ethiopian spiced ice tea, which is basically their version of Chai flavor and I liked that you could adjust your own sweetness level with the syrup on the side. Overall I loved the set-up, experience, and food, so I'm highly recommending this spot for Ethiopian. Another plus is they have free parking out front although the lot isn't very big though.

The business owner doxxed us by looking up our names on our credit card receipt and wrote it here in a response, a violation of Yelp's terms. I reported it and Yelp removed her previous comment (now deleted). Beware: She will post your private information online if you leave a bad review. Just a forewarning. Hopefully it doesn't happen to anyone else here but you can report it if it does. Screenshot below.

LA has long needed Ethiopian cuisine outside of Little Ethiopia, so I waited with great anticipation for this new spot to open in my old neighborhood. And then I waited some more because I kept missing my window when I'd dip back into town from Seattle. Glad an insider informed us that a reservation is a MUST or we might not have been prepared on our recent weeknight visit. The restaurant is in an unassuming strip mall, but don't let that deter you. Inside is an intimate (expect to be bumping elbows with your neighbors), chic, and moody Ethiopian oasis. Our group of three was very cozy at our small table, but this would make a great date spot. There was at least one larger table by the window that could accommodate a party of four more easily. I don't think the space is equipped for larger seatings, but maybe they work some magic to make that happen. No strangers to Ethiopian, our waiter provided a cursory overview of the menu and his recommendations for us. We went with the vegan combo with shiro ($35) and added the vegan/eggplant doro wat ($23) and tofu tibs ($22). Two proteins sounded like a lot, and we did end up taking some leftovers with us, but better too much than too little. We also started with a round of Tej ($7 for essentially a shot glass worth, but you can also order by the glass or carafe). We were offered rosewater for our hands before our meal which I thought was nice but my partner found gimmicky. The food was good, with the shiro being my personal favorite and the tofu tibs my least favorite (still ate it, just wouldn't order it again). Portions seemed on the smaller side from what I'm used to, and my friend who'd made the reservation for us remarked that they seemed smaller than when she was last there too, but no one went home hungry (again, see above re: leftovers). Service was aloof until we were leaving when Aunt Yvette herself escorted us out and wished us a lovely evening. Overall glad we came in. I think if I still lived in the neighborhood I'd return. As it is, we have so much amazing Ethiopian in Seattle that I have no problem scratching that itch closer to home and will focus on other LA favorites when in town.

WOWWWW this spot was SO good. Aunt Yvette's Kitchen is a must try, I can't wait to go back. We got a variety of veggie dishes and meat dishes and everything was excellent. They have gluten free injera which was fantastic too! It's a small location so I recommend making a reservation or going early. The service is friendly and efficient and the atmosphere is a nice cozy vibe.

Came on a Friday night and had a great time. Made reservations ahead of time, and it was a smooth process to check in. They offered us some rose water to cleanse our hands prior to eating and a napkin soaked in essential oil at the end to clean our hands. For our party of 3, we got the vegan combo and 2 proteins ( chicken tips and beef awaze tibs). Injera was soft and delicious. All the dishes were very well seasoned. The spicy dishes were not too spicy but had a slight kick. It's definitely a place we will return to try out some more dishes. It is located in a plaza with some parking. The restaurant is small and can fill up quickly. It is a very intimate place. There is a single bathroom for customers to use.

Amazing, all the experience, service, food and ambiance. The owner personally greet and give an overview of the restaurant and history, friendly service. In love with the Lamb special also Wat doro.

Friends treated me for my birthday. I tried the veggie combo with the day's eggplant/lentil special. Both are definitely repeats, especially the veggie combo. Everything was really flavorful and delicious. I walked away without feeling crazy full but instead only 100% satisfied. I loved the injera quality. We also tried the banana split, the cardamom creme was fire. I like the ambiance. It feels high-end but the price point for portions services is roughly mid tier (not cheap but also not excessive; fair for the experience). The staff were very friendly, helpful, and kind. The menu is very, very vegetarian/vegan friendly. Overall really satisfied with my experience and will be back for sure. Make sure to make reservations though because they're pretty busy and get booked up quickly -- even on weekdays.

Glad to see how high rated this place is. Just stopping by to give some good face with pics. The prices are worth the quality of the food here. To me, this is the epitome of attentive waitstaff and romantic vibes. I just wish that they had more seating (I remember when this used to be Blue Hen, which was fine but not like this gourmet food) because this is a hidden gem about to be bombarded with an embarrassment of riches re customers.

NEED MORE STARS!!!! No question one of the best meals I've had all year! Delicious, fresh and taste like homemade Ethiopian cuisine in an unassuming cozy, beautifully decorated little restaurant. I ordered the short ribs special, which was perfectly seasoned and just so so tender. It came with an Ethiopian salad, and I couldn't resist ordering the spicy red lentils. Everything was seasoned so deliciously and the portions are very large to take home leftovers. As Ethiopian food is a EAT WITH YOUR HANDS meal, the lovely servers bring rosewater to the table to wash your hands before you eat, and a beautifully scented towel to clean your hands at the end of the meal. Dinner for one with tax and tip was just over $50 with out cocktails or drinks. The gem of the evening was Aunt Yvette herself. Yvette is a gracious, kindhearted hostess, who makes everyone feel welcome as they walk into the door. If you have never tried Ethiopian food before this is the place to go! And if you're a lover of Ethiopian food like me, it's hard to find better.!!!

This is an excellent restaurant! Can't wait for the day when they move to a larger location so I can bring my full family in. Veggie platter is unique and kinda fun! The orange wine is my ladies favorite. Everything goes great together.

I love Ethiopian food and this restaurant did NOT disappoint. I tried the sampler and shared it with my husband. We usually share platters and leave full. The majority of the food was super authentic and delicious. There was this one dish entree that was extremely unique, unlike anything I've ever had at an ethiopian restaurant before. Service was... astounding. I was asked if I wanted injera multiple times. Was even offered a really nice rose oil prior to my meal. The ambiance was upscale, and a bit not what I'm used to. I'm used to ethiopian decor, music, and tidbits into their heritage. It wasn't quite like that here, it felt a bit toned down for the area its in. Overall, I highly recommend this place if you're wary about ethiopian food. Aunt Yvette offers a very welcoming transition into a different culture.

An absolutely stunning experience! From the start when we arrived for our reservation and were told to be brought in when the table was ready. Very cute and appeasing interior - almost ready to meditate. Yvette herself and her staff all charming, knowledgeable and a pleasure to chat with. Okay that in itself was wonderful, but the food including the starter tea and the dessert ice cream were simply virtuoso!!! So glad to have Auntie Y in our neighborhood, definitely asks for coming back ...

The food is absolutely amazing here. It's definitely on par or even better than the Ethiopian I have had on Fairfax. The service top notch. We always were looked after and helped throughout our meal. The space is a bit small, so I recommend booking a reservation in advance, which was very easy for me to do. Can't wait to be back.

Great vegetarian options! Cute experience, attentive service! Just amazing overall, would definitely recommend.

Wow. It's been awhile since I've left a place stunned. Everything about Aunt Yvette's Kitchen - from the food to the ambiance and decor to the thoughtful service was amazing. Having lived in DC for many years, I've eaten my fair share of Ethiopian and I can say for certain that this is by far the best I've ever had. For two people, we ordered the veggie platter and the special of the day, lamb stew. The injera had a lovely taste and texture from the fermentation and held up to the many items on the plate. Our servers brought out extra injera as we finished our first round. We loved the lamb stew - very tender and flavorful! Do not skip out on dessert. The banana split was perfect with the caramelized bananas, hazelnuts, banana ice cream and vanilla bean cream. There were so many thoughtful touches in the restaurant! Rose water to wash our hands, cleaning towels after the meal. Ambient music, fun zebra chairs, and the nicest bathroom ever.

It is rare in 2024 to have a dining experience that is perfect on every level - our was. The decor is beautifully appointed, the service was kind and generous and the food was outstanding. I enjoyed the fried trout and devoured every bit. I am so grateful for this experience and hope you are able to dine here and give yourself the gift of this experience. Beautiful!

Aunt Yvette's was my first experience eating Ethiopian food and certainly not my last because my dinner was amazing. Food: I had the veggie sampler and was not disappointed, there was so much variety and the portions were perfect for my party of three. The rotating vegan side was lentils when we went and it was by far my favorite of the plate 5/5. The salmon was delicious and seasoned perfectly 5/5. For dessert I had the rosemary and ginger ice cream that now lives in my subconscious because of how amazing it eas 5/5. Service: The service was amazing. Our waiter was helpful and recommended great dishes. Other staff would occasionally check in and make sure we had our orders taken etc. 5/5 I would recommend making reservation if you plan on going in for a weekend service. Parking can be difficult on the weekend, but on the weekdays we had no issue.

What a lovely first experience with Ethiopian cuisine. We felt whisked away, like on a splendid vacation for that hour or two. Such wonderful hosts. Such an intimate, beautifully decorated restaurant. And cuisine that was truly first-rate, with new flavors that delighted our palettes. Lol, I feel like I'm writing a vacation advertisement. But it was that special. If you don't live nearby, like us, make a reservation (Resy). Make the drive. Plan a day around it. You'll be glad you did. Thank you, Yvette and team.

I have been wanting to try this place for over a year now and it did not disappoint. The restaurant façade is very non-assuming on the outside but once you step inside, oh, boy... it quickly transforms into a room full of warmth, beauty, character, charm and delicious smells. It is quite a transformation from outside to inside. When we commented on how beautiful the wooden tables were, we were told that Aunt Yvette procures all of the interior restaurant items herself. From the tables, seats, art, lighting, candles and tableware and glassware. OMGosh. I would like to go back just to really see the detail of all of that again and ask her questions. Aunt Yvette sauntered about the entire time, making sure everyone had some of her attention and answered questions and at the same time, I saw her helping the staff. Speaking of the staff - they were all top notch - super helpful and boy, they work hard. Now, onto the food. The way it works is they serve you a huge platter of various vegetarian options which change based on what she thinks is fresh. It is spectacular both visually and flavor wise. Visually, it's like watching a professional fireworks show because of the presentation and how beautiful everything is displayed. It's fun because you get to eat with your hands and the food is served family style... So, make sure you go with people who you don't mind touching/sharing your food with. They do serve the food with something that is rolled up that you unfold, break apart and use to scoop up the food (which you also eat, it's like a thin bread). We had creamed black eyed peas (for good luck), stewed red lentils, Ethiopian salad that I thought was to die for, stewed kale & collards with onion and garlic, tomatoes with jalapeno, cabbage (those are all the sides that I can remember right now) that all comes on one big platter that you share and then you order the proteins you would like served with the veggie platter. We had chicken tibs (small pieces of chicken), Dereq tibs (pan fried crispy beef with serrano, rosemary and onion), Dor Wat which is Ehiopia's national dish which is complex and so many flavor profiles including berbere (a spice that is used in a lot of the dishes) braised organic chicken with a hard boiled egg, onions. It was SOOO good! But I want to come back for the lamb stew. There was someone sitting at the bar, and I never hesitate to ask people what they are eating and she said it was the lamb stew and it is her favorite. They were out by the time we sat down - so I have a reason to come back. Dessert - wow. Well, I ordered a banana split which most everyone loved. I didn't but that's ok. What I thought was even better were the small and delicate cookies that come with the Coffee Ceremony which was just how it is named. It was definitely a ceremony; super fun, really unusual and good. I highly recommend everything we sampled. Make SURE you get a reservation. There's a reason it is rated the number one (or two, depending on what you are reading) spot in LA for Ethiopian food.

Get the whole crispy trout. A friend recommended and I have to say, great pick. In addition to the crispy trout, we ordered the vege combo and banana split. As you can expect from how I started this review, the crispy trout is a must order. The fish was crispy, tender, very well-seasoned, and full of flavor. It was so good that we decided to order another during the course of our meal. The vege combo was excellent as well, with so many flavors and textures, it should satisfy any tastebud. The size of the vege combo was generous and was able to satisfy all four of us. We concluded with the banana split. When we first saw it, we thought it was a bit on the smaller end in terms of portion but with the immense flavor (and sweetness), it was just perfect. Service was prompt and responsive, as well. Parking can be a challenge since the parking spaces fill up quickly; however, street parking is available.

I love North African and Ethiopian food and have often wished a great restaurant like this would open nearer to me. For years we have made the journey to Fairfax and were happy with the many fine establishments there, even if they were farther away than would be convenient. So, when I heard that Aunt Yvette's Kitchen had opened up in Eagle Rock, much closer to my home, I was elated. Then I saw the 5-star reviews and that made this a must-try place. I wasn't disappointed. You might miss it, so well embedded into an ordinary strip mall in ER. On the way across Colorado, one sees a number of vegetarian and vegan options, heartening for someone like me who has been eating this way for decades. Add to it the spices and nutritious items that Ethiopian restaurants offer and you have the formula for a repeated favorite. It is quite pretty inside (see my photos). Every surface and furnishing has been well thought out and is elevated, from the wall treatments to the painted gleaming concrete floors to the treed tables. Beautiful artwork, elegant lighting fixtures, interesting brass appointments. Cloth napkins, china, all evidence of a sophisticated esthetic that, taken together with the menu, gives the impression of being in Ethiopia itself. Aunt Yvette was a continuous presence, stopping at each table to be sure people were happy and taking a few minutes to welcome and chat with them. We had a nice conversation and I learned that the inspiration was her grandmother. I am sure that lovely lady would be proud of the result. The food was out of this world. Better than any previous Ethiopian meal I can remember. It was varied, unique (still some familiar standbys), and so exquisitely flavorful that I ate twice as much as usual. Satisfying, but not too filling. Seasoned, but not so much as to be overwhelming. Perfect. The service is beyond gracious. We were greeted and shown to a table the minute we stepped through the door. Then Olivier brought rose water for us to wash our hands, and our server, Samer, came by with tall glasses of water in beautiful sturdy brass columns. We ordered two vegetarian platters and an extra portion of crispy Tofu Tibs. The injera keeps coming and is beautifully rolled to show off its naturally intricate pattern from its fermentation. Stretchy and delicious as it should be, it is almost a meal in itself. Ethiopia is famous for its rich, dark coffee, so we had macchiatos. Then, we just had to try one of the amazing desserts, in this instance, the Basque Cheesecake with caramel sauce, all of it home made. There are other desserts including intriguing home made ice creams made with cardamom and other exotic North East African spices. Between the ambience, the amount and quality of the food, the friendly and attentive service, and the reasonable prices, we had an exceptionally great time. Make sure you visit soon, and try an off hour, as they usually have a line waiting out the door. If you only try one Ethiopian dining experience in your life, make it here.

What a wonderful experience! Everything was top-notch, from the service to the food to the atmosphere. We made the mistake of not having a reservation. Still, Yvette kindly accommodated us (we hit a lucky time patch between reservations - I won't depend on such good fortune in the future, though!) She was lovely, as was her staff, and the food was wonderful. Often, we go down to Fairfax for Ethiopian food, but we definitely found a new spot with Yvette's.

Friendly staff - waited 25 to 30 minutes and worth it. The ambiance inside was great, low lighting and cozy atmosphere. No outside seating available. The dining experience was special. Water and sparking water available for table. Before getting served, we were offered rose water to refresh our hands. We ordered 4 dishes for four people - one fish, one beef, two veggies and we were full before getting into the soup. Every dish was flavorful, fresh and beautifully presented. Even though we were full, we went for the cardamon ice cream and expresso to share and we were not disappointed. Knowing we were sharing, they even split the coffee in two cups before bringing it to table - that was sweet. Highly recommend this place!

This place is SO cute!! I didn't even realize there was authentic Ethiopian food locally, and I can't wait to bring my mom and my brother back here. Great mix of veg and non veg options.

Pretty difficult to give this place anything but 5 stars. Cool atmosphere, friendly wait staff, not too expensive by any means, delicious food, fun experience, has it all Party of 6, we got to try a lot of dishes. Waiter recommended two Veggie Combos and then 4 protein dishes. We got the whole cripsy trout, Doro Wat, and I believe the Beef Awaze, and Dereq Tibs Everything was good. Not every item in the veggie combo was a smash success for me personally, like the collard greens and the salad were just ok, the various beans were good, the thing that looked like a cylindrical tofu log in slices was amazing. The proteins, the crispy fish especially was just terrific and flavorful. Chicken was tasty, all the sauces were delicious and of course the injera bread was the best, I'd order some of that to go if I could. We had dessert at the end, a banana split, had banana ice cream, it was very good too Overall, just a great experience, I can't wait to go back especially for that crispy fish, grabbing chunks of it with the ethiopian bread and putting some of the sauces and spices on it was something I'll definitely remember

The Ethiopian food was SO SO SO GOOD! Super fresh and healthy ingredients, bold flavors and just delicious! The server was super attentive and really explained the menu. Yes, it's in a shopping mall, but right when you walk inside the intimate and small, dim lit vibe with a well designed interior really makes it fun. They also just started serving beer and wine and have unique options that feel authentic to the cuisine. I would recommend this spot for a date night or 1-1 hang with a friend. So good!

Delicious vegan food. Intimate setting. Upscale presentation. Excellent service. Pricey, but worth it. The vegan platter with additional Shiro Wat and vegan eggplant special (all in the picture) was $75 with tip for 2 people (no drinks). It was exactly the right amount of food. The eggplant special was unreal - and the portion of that was 3x the size of the other portions. I love my Ethiopian spots on Fairfax, but this place is so much closer to me and provides a special dining experience. I'll definitely be going back.

Words can't express the grace I felt eating my lunch here. The food was stellar, vibe was intimate and date-worthy, and the service was top notch. Yvette was the perfect host. Can't wait to be back to support such an LA jewel especially during this hard time with the fires and all.

I've come to Aunt Yvette's Kitchen three times this week, because it's THAT GOOD. Let me explain my addiction... The food is made with the perfect amount of seasoning and spice to give it a nice kick. The freshly made salad compliments each bite as you sink your teeth into the injera bread. All the flavors just go together so well, there's nothing that can stop me from not choosing Aunt Yvette's because it's made with love and in all honesty, it's the best Ethiopian food I have had. I usually drive wayyyy far out to Little Ethiopia or deep into LA to get my fix for Ethiopian food but this spot... is only 15-20 minutes from Pasadena so I'm only coming here from now on! Best of the best, I highly recommend.

Thrilled that we finally made it to Aunt Yvette's Kitchen, housed in the mini mall Green Dragon/UPS section of Eagle Rock. Wow, this restaurant did not disappoint and I almost can't believe we have access to this place.. it gives Meals by Genet and all of the other famous Ethiopian joints over on Fairfax a run for their money. It belongs alongside the best, the food was incredible. We tried the veggie plate with chicken tibs and left satisfied/excited for the next time we could return. The food was delicious and priced well. I really liked the coffee I ordered too. We can't wait to come back here with our kids, there are so many savory menu items to try, yum! Service was wonderful, our waitress had just started working there and she was very sweet and helpful about ordering suggestions. She explained what the different items were, which was helpful since we hadn't had Ethiopian food in awhile. Ever since that cute Ethiopian place at the gas station disappeared in Pasadena we hadn't had any! So happy to have African food in our neighborhood. The decor is beautiful and I love all the small, thoughtful details, for example there are little stools and poofs to set bags or hats on next to every table. Lovely and relaxing! We ran into a table of mom friends from our local elementary school meeting for lunch and a few other people came in after we sat down. Not packed but a very cozy feel. I can't wait to return, this place is a neighborhood treasure.

I came here hungry and left with a new outlook on life. The Coffee Ceremony was a religious experience and has to be tried. The beef tibs were fantastic, the kale was seasoned, and the house salad was remarkably delicious. Dessert was light,smooth, tea and coffee ice cream. Chris the waiter explained every aspect of the meal and its significance. The owner was generous and kind. This is the kind of place you will return to. It is intimate, especially at night. Only come with people who mean something to you.

Ethiopian Food in Eagle Rock!? And GREAT Ethiopian food somewhere other than Fairfax!?? Wow! You found it! Just delicious food, and honestly, it might be the best we've ever had! We got a vegetarian plate and then a Doro Wat and a Beef Awaze Tibs. Everything was perfect and so tasty! Finished with a Banana Split and a Coffee Ceremony, and both of those delivered! Service was excellent, but the only problem is how tiny the place is. Basically, it's 16 seats, with 8 two-tops that they can squeeze some extra seats at, but it makes it tight. A party of 4 really lingered, so another party of 4 gave up and left after waiting 1.5 hrs. SO, it's a great spot for couples, and I wouldn't recommend for more than 4. You're then at the mercy of how courteous people are about helping turn tables. Hopefully, they can maybe expand the space in the future. We will go back often, and I recommend highly!

This is an absolute gem of a place, might be my favorite thing about Los Angeles EVER! Eat anything- it's all But make room for the best banana split in the world!