Awash Ethiopian Restaurant

Decided to try out some local Ethiopian fare because I was in the mood for some spice. This place had the best reviews, and I found out why. Ordered in advance and picked it up at the restaurant. Very unassuming exterior, it would be easy to overlook it when passing by. Inside, there were few tables in a narrow space, but the smells coming from the kitchen were amazing! The ladies sitting there were friendly and handed me my food. The bag was much heavier than expected. When I got home and opened the boxes, one a veg sampler and the other beef tibs, it looked like they had to press the food down to close the container. Massive portions, even by my American standards. Seriously, each box was easily 2-3 normal sized servings. The food was incredible. Each of the different veg types were great in their own regard and made for interesting combinations. The tibs were just out of this world. Great spice level, with hints of surprising other flavors. This place is definitely worth trying out if you like food that has a little extra heat. Not sure about dining in, but the food is A+.

The food was so good; we didn’t wait long, and she knew our order without us needing to say much. Highly recommend!

I was really wanting some Ethiopian food and this place was recommended to me. I'm glad I made the drive over there. It might not be a fancy place by any means, for some it may be off putting, for me it's part of the experience and the food is great! There are only 6 tables inside and the menu is pretty basic, you don't really choose what you want, she ask you if you want meat or veggies and she makes you a plate of what she made for the day the portion is well worth the money. My photo is one veggie plate closest to you and the meat one for the day. We will definitely be returning.

This is my favorite place to eat ethiopian dishes. Amazing food and service..

The food was excellent and the owner/chef was very kind and helpful for our group! We didn't even have to order off the menu she set us up with an amazing share plate that let us try a wide array of the dishes that she makes. Very delicious and the spices really add some kick to each bite which I love and have a hard time finding in most restaurant cooking these days.

If you want authentic Eithiopian fare, come here! This is an "owner does all" little strip mall restaurant. Nothing fancy. This sole woman in traditional dress, greeted is warmly, asked if we wanted a vegetarian or meat-based meal and cooked it up for us in a matter of minutes. It was like we were sitting at her kitchen table...We had one veggie combo and one meat combo. Both delicious with generous portions served on injera. The berbere spiced beef ( legga tibs) was very flavorful as was the yellow lentils ( kitalicha). Sides of red lentils, cabbage, potatoes, and collards all on both platters with addition of egg and homemade cheese on the meat platter! Credit cards are accepted via Square.

A unique menuless dining experience, if you are open to it! Simply answer whether you eat meat or not. Exquisite flavors. We love how quiet and easy it is to talk. Hearty, healthy, spiced but not too spicy ( the beef can have a little kick but it’s just right) and full of flavor. Parking can be a little tricky but there’s usually available spots on a weeknight. No frills gem, definitely try it!

This was our second visit to Awash Ethiopian Restaurant. This time we brought more with us. Everything was so delicious. The beef was just right, the sides (greens, cabbage, and mashed lentils) all tasted great with the beef. We also had four well spiced chicken legs on the platter. Even the little one (10-year old) enjoyed the food.

The food is 5 stars... some of the best Ethiopian food I've had in a while. The space has limited seating. This restaurant is next to a gas station that was shut down and the inside of the restaurant is a bit questionable and could use a decent scrubbing. My suggestion- take your meal to go ... and if you decide to eat there- either way the food is top notch!! The owner is also the chef and is very polite.

This is my second time coming to awash Ethiopian restaurant and I get the awash special which is delicious. The 2 stars does not come from the food, it's the customer service. Each time my boyfriend and I have gotten food there, something is missing. This time it was the greens and potatoes and when brought to the owners attention, she has a attitude. All together two meals were $41 and the sarcasm and lack of concern that the owner displays is enough for me to never return to this establishment even though the food is good.

Very good vegan food, love the spices and the taste, but I would suggest using healthier oils, as I really felt it the next day. Also, please consider some good mood lighting, the fluorescent lights over head are not very atmospheric.

Delicious, Authentic Ethiopian food. I frequently come here and get the Awash special.

I love a good local ethnic eat and this place does not disappoint. Service was amazing the girl that was running the place was so sweet and so hard working and honestly she does an amazing job! The Tibs were amazing so succulent and tasty and the two boiled eggs just amplified it. I usually don't care for boiled eggs too much but these were just so savory and a great added texture to the dish. If you haven't tried Ethiopian food you're missing out! Each dish is such a comfort to eat and the flavors are so rich and different from other cuisines. If you've ever had southern Indian food they have very similar spice profiles. I highly recommend getting the awash plate so you get a little of everything. There's ample parking in the front and side of the building and the inside is so cute and intimate. It's a great place to eat with friends and have great conversations! I can't wait to come back and try more!

Fabulous Ethiopian - if I could only have one type of food for the rest of my life, this would be it!! I've eaten Ethiopian everywhere in the States and this was bomb! We got the meatless plate. It was lower sodium (for restaurant food) and very flavorful. I feel like restaurants just pile on the salt to make up for flavor. Not here! I loved it. I would definitely come back. It's definitely hole in the wall. But it just added to its charm.

Very good food. A little more expensive than expected, but not crazy. Authentic. Probably only 5 or 6 tables. AC not keeping up with Nashville summer heat. Friendly lady working.

Regrettably, I advise against visiting this restaurant. The owner appears to compromise on ingredient quality and overcharges. Moreover, several of us experienced stomach issues post-meal. I would recommend exploring alternative Ethiopian dining options. Perhaps a visit from food inspection would be beneficial.

Very good hold in the wall restaurant We were passing through. Didn't look at a Menu - Was asked meat? Yea or no :)

My first time having Ethiopian food, and certainly not my last. Every bite was bursting with flavor and I love all the different textures you get with the different meats, veggies, and injera. Don't let the exterior fool you, you will be getting nothing but quality food. The space is quaint but the flavor is big! It looked like only one lady was cooking everything, however my friends and I didn't have to wait long. She was very kind and just such a talented cook. My friends who have had Ethiopian food before even said this place had the best injera they've ever tasted. I also tried a cup of Ethiopian coffee which was surely on the stronger side but didn't leave me with that weird coffee after taste. I wish I lived closer, so I can come every week! Thank you for making my first experience with Ethiopian food an epic one!

We love Ethiopian food, so when visiting Nashville, we were excited to find this little hole in the wall place. Don't get me wrong, this is definitely a small restaurant located in the neighborhood if you know what I mean, but that's where you gotta go if you want the real deal meal! If you're looking for aesthetics, I wouldn't recommend this place, but if you're looking for FLAVOR, come on over. There was only one woman working there and we were probably the first people to come in this day (so the grills weren't even fired up yet), but I swear it wouldn't have even mattered too much what we ordered cause she just went back there and whipped what we didn't know we needed right up. She was like "do you want meat?" We're like "yeah," and she was like "ok" and went straight back to the kitchen. We had to stop her to tell her we wanted the Ethiopian spaghetti, which we haven't see in other places. In all, the food was delicious, including the spaghetti! Again, we love Ethiopian food, so the seasoning and marinade of the beef was amazing and with the grit of the split peas and the juices seeping into the injera - omg. We had so much food leftover, and even eating it this morning, I was reminded I needed to write this review lol

It doesn't look like much/ run down when you look at it from the outside. But man, this is the most delicious authentic Ethiopian food ever! She made it right on the spot, there's no menu, you just tell her how many people and she makes it accordingly. I have never had it before but it blew my expectations out of the water! I love small local places like this. Go very hungry!! We got some traditional coffee at the end as well which was a great way to end the meal :)

Excellent flavors. It's like having a family member cook for you. Walk in, make a choice between meat or vegetarian, and how many people you plan to feed. We arrive close to 1 PM on a weekday, and only one other customer was waiting. We ordered the vegetarian for two and within about 10-15 minutes it was delivered to our table. The dining area is pretty basic, though I like the Ethiopian cultural art and tourism posters lining the walls. It was a bit smokey and a cool draft blew through the dining area since the read door was propped open for ventilation. That said, the smells just made me hungrier - it felt like I was in a family member's kitchen being entertained with her best cooking. And when the food came out, it was delicious! The flavors were rich yet refreshing and the injera was fresh and consistent. Free extra injera too, if you need it. We had more than enough. We especially loved mixing the vegetables with the thick sauce in the middle (see photo). As we got close to finishing, a fresh pot of Ethiopian coffee was brewed just for us and one other guest. Mixed with a little sugar, it was strong, flavorful, and sent the approaching food coma packing. I'll be back for more and I'm adding Awash to my post-airport takeout list too.

Amazing food!! Possibly the best Ethiopian I've had in the area. Reminds me of my mom's injera :) The lady who owns the place (I will get her name next time) is SO NICE!!!

Having spent a portion of my childhood in Kenya eating Ethiopian food, I am a lifelong devotee to their cuisine. It is rare to find true quality in the states, and Awash is more than just a hidden gem. Coming to Awash is like being invited into Zee's home. There is no menu and you are brought a platter with whatever she has prepared that day. The flavors are incredible and very authentic, and Zee is extremely generous with the portions. I could not have been happier, and even got a whole pot of coffee to myself. Don't let the unassuming exterior and modest decor fool you, Zee's hospitality and delicious food will provide you with an experience you won't soon forget. Can't wait to be back.

I LOVE THIS PLACE WITH MY ENTIRE HEART AND BODY. The owner is amazing. I had the best experience in my life as far as a meal goes in terms of experience. I was asked if I wanted meat (halal) or veggies and then the lady proceeded with making me a plate as the seemed fit. It was great and I didn't even have to order anything, she took care of that too. Weirdest and best restaurant experience in my life.

Absolutely fantastic Ethiopian food. I have tried tons of Ethiopian restaurants all over the country and this might be my favorite. While the outside doesn't look appealing, once you walk in and are greeted, you feel right at home. The owner is also the chef/waitress and she clearly takes pride in her food. Like others have mentioned, there is no menu. When I walked in, she asked if I wanted meat with my veggies or not and she went to work! It was a traditional platter of different dishes with ingera bread. Overall, this place was exactly what I wanted for lunch and I left extremely impressed. Give this place a shot!

Worst food ever and horrible customer service. If you want to throw your money in the trash go to this place.

A small restaurant that's serves you like family. Don't go for the ambiance but for authentic Ethiopian food. You get to pick from meat or veggie and in a few minutes you'll have a variety plate at your hands. The coffee is great when you have time too - but would leave plenty of time for this as it is tradition to drink a couple pots rebrewed with friends.

What a hidden gem! I've had Ethiopian food a handful of times and this was easily one of the best. Restaurant is small with a small parking lot so I do recommend carpooling if you're going with a group. The restaurant owner and chef is the sweetest woman. There are no menus and she will only ask if you want just veggies or meat. Everything is made fresh so it does take a bit longer, about 20-30 minutes but so worth it. My friends and I all got the meat plate which consisted of a stewed beef that was perfectly tender and several other simmered vegetables like lentils, cabbage, beets, and some that I couldn't really discern. But let it be know that everything was delicious. There was even one veggie that had a spice to it that surprised me. The bread that everything was served on made for the perfect utensil. Highly recommend coming here if you want a new flavor experience!

In the past I haven't had the best experience with Ethiopian cuisine, but my friend insisted that I give this place a try and I'm glad I did. Hidden in a shopping strip with a body shop and driving school, this place is easy to miss. Parking is sketchy because of the lot full of cars from the body shop. Yes, it's a small family operated "hole in the wall" type establishment...nothing "hip" about it. That being said, the food and the service were everything you could ask for at such an establishmen. We had the meat platter for two. I know that there are other items that they serve, but it's pretty much one lady cooking and serving so the norm is to either order the meat or the veggie platter. The sides (green beans, cabbage, squash, beats and eggs) were all prepared differently, and served in mounds surrounding the stewed delicious meat in the middle. The meat had a little kick to it (most Americans would call it "hot" but it was nowhere near Thai hot or Prince's Hot Chicken) and you eat it by rolling and sopping it up with the injera (Ethiopian flat bread) that is served around and under all of the meat and veggies. Absolutely delicious. I also saw her serving something she called "raw meat" and a nice looking soup. After I inquired about the contents of the "raw meat" bowl, she offered to cook me a sample before we left. It was basically ground beef that she seasons and "cooks" in clarified butter for a few seconds just to get it warmed. Very good. Kind of reminded me of the way that some Vietnamese restaurants serve raw beef seasoned with some oil and citrus. We also tried the Ethiopian coffee which was strong and delicious. Super friendly service, great prices, and delicious home cooked ethnic cuisine. Highly recommended for a unique casual lunch or dinner.

Amazing discovery and now one of my favorite places to eat in Nashville! I love Ethiopian food and this is some of the best I've tasted. I especially love that it is vegan friendly and I can eat enough to nearly pop. Only thing I'd change about this wonderful place is the lighting, make it a bit more vibey and it's perfect. Chef / owner is super cool and is a genius in the kitchen! Great place to come with a group of friends to break spongy bread! Thank you for being here!

This place deserves 6 stars... the flavors were on point. The quantity of food was perfect. The owner/chef had a casual, elegance that was wonderful to watch as she interacted with the customers. She was So excited and wanted to teach us about Ethiopian food as soon as we told her we were new to the cuisine. Great experience. The owner makes everything from scratch... she even roasts her own coffee beans. Well worth a drive from anywhere in the Nashville area.

My go to Ethiopian spot when travelling to Nashville! I always get the kitfo raw and make a point to go here as often as I can when in the area. Haven't tried anything else but veggie platter looks great also

A hole in the wall frequented by local Ethiopians, there isn't much of a menu to dine in, just a choice of vegetarian or not. I'm not vegetarian do we were served a nice combo of veggies, lentils, and beef stew. Amazingly delicious, flavorful and full of life. Wow! Only $30 for my husband and I. Gluten free Injera available.

Gojo always gets the highest rating... which I don't understand. I worked in Ethiopia for 4 years and Awash is far more authentic and superior. Highly recommend this place over the others for that REAL Ethiopian experience

A proverbial hole in the wall with less than a half dozen table. Appearances are deceiving as the food is excellent. Thee of us shared a meat combo plate. Price was reasonable. Wish there was a place like this near my home.

Great food and great staff! Best Ethiopian food I have ever had. Highly recommend the coffee afterwards

I lived in Ethiopia for 3 years and must say that Awash is one of the most authentic Ethiopian restaurants I've been to! And I've been to countless Ethiopian spots as I've traveled across the US - Washington DC, Chicago, Cinci, etc. It may not look like much of a place to our American eyes when you drive past or walk in, but that's part of the authenticity. If you're looking for the real deal, this is it! The food is excellent! Just tell her whether you want a meat dish or a veggie dish, and let her choose the rest of the plate - she won't disappoint. And be sure to get coffee afterwards. She's one of the very few that I've been too, that makes it the traditional Ethiopian way. I've already been back twice and this will be my go-to spot when I'm in Nashville!

This spot is such a hidden treasure! Veggie combo was delicious! Very healthy serving size. I'll be back to try one of the meat entrees.

A wonderful adventure in ethnic hole in the wall eating. I can imagine a little sidewalk cafe in Addis Ababs. No menus! No cutlery! Only one choice - meat or vegetarian? That's what the hostess-cook-owner-server asks you when you come in and seat yourself at the little table. We were two and meat. Without another word, she scurried into the kitchen from which wafted smells and tantalizing sounds. Minutes later, she laid a huge plate covered in injera bread and little piles of vegetables and cheese around a central mound of spiced meat. I have no idea what we ate, it was a red meat, but it was good! We tore off strips of injera from the extra platter of bread, and scooped it up to stuff into our drooling mouths. It was an adventure and one we will repeat! Two people for $30!!!

Classic hole in the wall serving delicious Ethiopian food. I met my friend for lunch at Awash today. I love Ethiopian food but had never been to Awash before, and she had never tried Ethiopian food before and was curious to try it. I love that Awash doesn't have a menu. You walk in and are asked how many and meat or no meat. We were a party of two and asked for meat. A few minutes later, we were brought a lunch for two! Everything was delicious - the beef, the lentils, the cabbage, the greens...! We ate up all our injera, and we were immediately brought more. I overate because everything was delicious, and I didn't want to waste anything. It was $14 for each of us, and a generous amount of food for that amount. We were also brought two coffees, which livened us up after overeating the delicious food. The restaurant itself isn't much to look at - five tables and a small kitchen (it got a teensy bit smokey when she was cooking), and we did have to park at the gas station next door because there's very little parking here. But the service was great, and the food was even better! If you love Ethiopian food, check Awash out when you're in the area.

This was my first experience with Ethiopian food, and I will say I enjoyed the food a lot. The lady working inside was so sweet and you can tell she puts love into her cooking. The environment was just a little off-putting for me personally, because it was so dark and the napkins on the tables were literally dirty with food fingerprints, but I would probably do take-out with this place next time.

My first time having Ethiopian, My experience was great, very friendly staff. I enjoyed the fact that there is no menu; they simply ask you a few questions and your meal is prepared. The food was tasty and flavorful. The portions are plentiful. The coffee is amazing (its hand roasted, ground and served). I enjoyed this place very much. CASH ONLY

We had a great experience! No menu, just a question of if you eat meat or not! Everything was delicious, there was a low heat spice to several dishes but nothing too hot! We loved our time here. Very clean and comfortable.

Best Ethiopian food ever!!! Love the owner. Such a friendly atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Excellent, totally authentic Ethiopian food served by kind and caring people in a clean, cheerful and comfortable setting. Well worth a visit--and many repeat visits! The meats, in particular at flavorful, and complex in their use of spice. Split yellow peas the best I've ever had (and I've traveled in Ethiopia for three weeks). Some of the other vegetables were not quite as good as I've had them elsewhere--but I'm picky. I'll definitely return when I'm in Nashville, nonetheless.

This is, hands down, the best meal I have ever had. My fiance and I come here a couple of times a month when we need quality food that has been prepared with love. Zewditu is always happy to see us and makes sure that we eat until we're bursting at the seams. It's a hidden gem - definitely not in the tourist-heavy part of town - which makes it all the better.

Very tasty! As a vegetarian sharing with a meat eater I asked if the meat could be off to the side but they put it spread around in the middle with everything else on top around the edges so I only got a few bites off the top but what I tried was good. We usually go to another Ethiopian place in town but they happened to be closed. The lady running the place was very friendly. I do with the air worked however.

So good! Ate there this week for the second time this past week. I was worried they might have closed during the pandemic. This place is still going strong. The flavors are amazing.

Amazing customer service! When I showed up by 1145am, the restaurant wasn't open. The restaurant itself is in shady area of Nashville. So I tried calling, but call went unattended phone. I wasn't sure if restaurant is still in-business or moved... But the owner arrived just in time. She quickly asked if I eat meat or vegetarian. I also told her I have only some time left, especially due to waiting outside for searching the place.. On confirmation, she suggested meal will be ready in few minutes. I asked for menu, but she mentioned that she is preparing Chef's special. Turns out she quickly prepared traditional Ethiopian platter with multiple lentils, cabbage and potatoes. I had just few minutes, so I asked to pack and to-go. She also provided extra Anjera bread.

There is one Sudanese woman dressed in authentic garb in the kitchen, but she is a fantastic cook ‍! Don't be fooled by the building's run-down facade. There's no menu. You literally order spicy beef, mild beef or vegetables over injera bread. You will get a giant pile of rolled injera with your entrée. I will definitely come back!

This food is amazing. Fantastic vegetarian options, authentic feel, friendly atmosphere.

Nice and great food. When we were initially served the food , it was cold. The chef was however kind enough to replace that when asked. The taste was amazing. Will definitely go again

The food was flavorful and definitely authentic. We got carry out, 2 meat platters for $30 without drinks. Based on the other comments, it would've been $26 for 2 with coffee or a water bottle. I can't tell if the price just raised or it changes with the ingredients. The serving size is huge. I didn't even finish half of a platter before I felt full. (Yay leftovers!) Overall, the food is definitely well made.

Excellent. We walked in and told them it was our first time. The owner asked if we wanted meat or vegan, then motioned for us to have a seat. She brought us a platter of food with red lentils, yellow lentils, chickpeas, beets, potatoes/carrots, and green beans. All served with injera. A few items were a little spicy, but most were quite mild and very flavorful. A younger woman I suspect was a daughter or niece was excited to answer our questions and just chat a little. If you are willing to go with the flow and cede some control over your dining experience, this is a great place. If you are very picky or prefer a ton of control over your experience (no judgement) this may not be for you. For 2 people, the vegan platter + a bottle of water each was $28.00 before tip or tax and was well worth if for us.

Wow, I am so glad there are places like this. We need to support local restaurants! Not just chains! Anyhow, the flavors were amazing but oh my it was spicy. I was a little taken aback by how spicy it was, even my husband who enjoys spicy food thought it was also very spicy. I loved the simple menu! You just walk in and give your choice between meat and veggie and they serve it up. Overall: would try out again if I can get a lower spice level!

The only reason I'm rating this 1 star is that​ my friend and I couldn't try this restaurant when they were open! We tried to go ​here for an early evening dinner on Sunday, July 15th, 2018. We double checked Yelp to see that they were in fact, open during that time. We drove all the way over here only to find the restaurant closed. Even the store hours on the door said that it should have been open. My friend called to double check that maybe the employees were in the back and forgot, and no one answered. I left very disappointed because I think Ethiopian food is one of the most unique eating experiences and my friend was curious to try it.

I absolutely love this restaurant. The food is always delicious! The owner, Zee's beautiful smile and pleasant personality is quite welcoming.

Quintessential hole-in-the-wall serving solid Ethiopian food with familial coziness. The place is a total dive yet the effect is ironically cozy. We were joined by half a dozen fat houseflies lazily making a circuit from the front door to the kitchen, dazed perhaps by the pleasant aromas filling the tiny room. However, they were of polite relations - they seldom detoured to our table in any malicious way. The lone employee was very friendly and did us a favor by only asking if we were ok with "meat and veg." A simple yes and we were done ordering. About 10 minutes later we had a beautiful platter of 5 veggies surrounding a hearty portion of beef tibs. Everything was tasty. The food was too much for the two of us, light eaters as we are. Sans menus, we had no idea what this nice experience would cost, but we were shocked to pay only $26 inclusive of 2 bottles of water. Sadly, the food was want to reappear in gaseous form hours later, but this was likely due to overindulgence. The best Ethiopian food we've had since D.C.