Awaze Ethio Fusion & Vegan Restaurant

Very cool family owned Ethiopian restaurant, extremely clean, second floor lovely atmosphere with traditional seating and Messob. While eating the mayor came round to visit. The spicing is really phenomenal with great Vegan options too.

I had delicious vegetarian lunch here. Atmosphere is very nice and hostess was very friendly. This place has best honey wine. Parking is also not a problem.

It was Saturday afternoon, and it wasn't crowded. Since it was our first time trying Ethiopian food, we got the $55 platter. It was so good! I was reading about their "injera" made from teff, which is like our "dosa" made from rice back in India. The platter was awesome and delicious. Maybe the portion size could be a bit bigger because it's supposed to serve 3-4 people. It filled us up, and there were only two of us. I definitely recommend it as a restaurant in Artesia, and we'll go back.

Decided to give this place a second try and came around 7pm on a Sunday. The atmosphere is very nice and calm. It has tradition decor in a small intimate setting. The hostess was very kind and welcoming, she helped me pick the best items based on what i was craving and even modified my order for me. Getting to the location is a little interesting, you may want to take the stairs instead of the elevator for hygiene reasons. All in all, Awaze is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some good Ethiopian food in Long Beach. I definitely recommend and will be bringing more friends and family to try this place as well.

The food was delicious and I had reservations prior to walking in because the mall is a little dilapidated and the restaurant is on the 2nd floor. However, I was greeted by pleasant decor and an Ethiopian man who sat us down quickly. This appears to be a 2 person operation, and the front of the house is not a corporate trained customer service guy. That said, the food was delicious. I had the vegetarian combo. It came out quickly. We ate happily, and we will definitely be back.

The owners/wait staff are very warm, welcoming and attentive, and the food is INCREDIBLY delicious and freshly made every time my partner and I have eaten here. We always leave so full and satisfied! Whether you are trying Ethiopian for the first time, or have eaten at many Ethiopian restaurants before, I would recommend this one every time.

Very welcoming space. Was a delight to spend time there with friends and enjoy some Ethiopian comfort food. We ordered their vegan combo platter and enjoyed the flavors. The shiro was amazing.

We had the vegetarian platter and really enjoyed it. It was my first time trying Ethiopian food and I loved the Injera, it reminds me of South Indian dosa in terms of flavor, but soft and fluffier in texture! The setting is also beautiful with a lot of different bits and bobs from Ethiopian.

Food is well prepared and thoughtfully plated and seasoned. I got the fish plate which was deliciously cooked. Crispy and flavorful. Beef tibs also were also a hit. As someone who does not usually eat lentils and vegetarian options the yellow lentils were delicious, along with the potatoes and cabbage. The sampler is the way to go. It gives a lot of options and is a great way to taste everything with a group of people. The flavors are unique and The service is warm and friendly and the space is clean and quiet. They were even conscious of playing the meat and veggie dishes separately before we even told them we have a vegetarian in our midsts.

I was extremely disappointed trying out this Ethiopian restaurant for the first time. From the moment I walked up the stairs, I had a bad feeling--something just felt off. The complex seemed unclean, and the fact that the restrooms were located outside of the restaurant didn't help. That alone set the tone for an unpleasant experience. I waited a while before anyone came to seat me, and the hostess eventually emerged from the kitchen. I noticed several tables with guests still waiting on their food, which should've been a red flag. I ordered an appetizer, chicken tibs, and a drink. When my food finally arrived, I never received my appetizer or my drink. There was a beverage fridge in the dining area, but I wasn't informed that I needed to get my own drink--especially odd for a sit-down restaurant. As I was nearly finished with my meal, the appetizer finally arrived. It looked unappetizing, and I politely declined it multiple times. Despite this, the waiter continued trying to serve it to me. I also reminded him that I never received my drink. I did not leave a tip and believe that was warranted. The portion size was incredibly small--more like a snack than a full meal. I usually leave Ethiopian restaurants with leftovers, but this felt more like a kids' meal. The family next to me was also voicing frustration about missing items from their order. I truly enjoy Ethiopian food and have had some of the best meals in the Bay Area. I'd rather take a flight up north than return to this restaurant.

This place is a little drive from where I live. So we actually got here before it opened. We were expecting to wait outside but the owner saw us and said " Come on in " ( extra stars for that !) The place is so clean and cozy ! When I went to the restroom, the kitchen door was opened, so I peeked! It was spotless! Okay so let's talk about the actual service, it was amazing and loving !! This man is so kind. We ordered the big sample platter . I forgot what the menu called it but I'll add a picture. My friend had never been to Ethiopian food so we thought we'd go big.! She was able to take the leftovers and eat them for dinner and it was just as good as it was when it was served. Okay I hate beets , however , I decided to try one and it was delicious!! In fact , my friend doesn't like beets either and we both gobbled them up! We will definitely be going back and we can't wait.

Absolutely delectable. This is our go-to spot for Ethiopian in Orange County. The stewed meats were spiced to perfection; the doro wot is our favorite hands down (not that it was easy to choose). We appreciated the extra injera because boy did we need it! Impeccable service, and we enjoyed the Ethiopian decorations placed near our table. Thanks, Awaze!

The food was delicious! The restaurant has a great menu with lots of vegan choices. There was also great service!

Always fresh, healthy, and delicious. Beautiful spices that tingle and linger in your mouth even after your done with your meal. The kind of spices that have flavor and are tolerable allowing you to taste the food and not just burn your mouth. The injera is a fermented gluten free version of a tortilla. Does not give me that gut pain I get with rice or most breads. Love this place.

Awaze Ethiopian in Artesia has been my go-to spot for at least two years now, and it never disappoints! It's tucked away on the second floor at the corner of South and Pioneer, and truly feels like a hidden gem. The customer service is always warm and welcoming -- even if you're new to Ethiopian food, the staff are so passionate about sharing their culture and happy to answer questions. The injera is absolutely incredible -- soft, spongy, and slightly tangy from fermentation, made with teff flour. It's honestly the stuff dreams are made of! They offer plenty of vegetarian dishes as well as meat options, so there's something for everyone. On my latest visit, I tried the Ethiopian-style beef tartare, and it has instantly become my new favorite dish. If you're in the area, I highly recommend supporting this amazing local, minority-owned business. Delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and a true taste of Ethiopian culture right here in Artesia.

Frequenting this place, loving the food. Service is quick. Food tastes fresh and amazing. Personal favorite is the fish (dry), and raw beef and lentils.

Our family of 4 had the combo platter, and there was plenty of food. The many meat and vegetable dishes were richly flavorful and perfectly spiced. The variety offered on the combo platter was more than what I've had at other Ethiopian restaurants. Truly a welcomed addition to multi-cultural Cerritos-Artesia dining. Thank you.

Awaze is Amaze-ing! The food was delicious, the service was fantastic and the ambiance is clean and authentic. Prices were reasonable, too. Our first time here, but we will be back.

If you are craving Ethiopian food and near Cerritos, look no further! I hadn't had Ethiopian food since living in Oakland, and I was so happy my friend found this place on yelp. It was her first time getting this cuisine, so we got the sampler platter. The sampler platter was flavorful as expected and on par with my Oakland experience. I cannot recall price comparisons, but we did each have enough for lunch the next day. Staff was attentive and accommodating. The restaurant is located on the second level, and it reminds me of an LA double-level strip mall. Sufficient parking on Tues, but the lot seemend small. I would not come here alone at night because it felt a bit deserted. Inside, however, was bright, spacious, and comfortable. There was also an ice cream spot (?Persian) on the lower level, and a buffet on the upper. Would come back and recommend if craving Ethiopian food!

The food was very good and tasted fresh. We typically order the veggie spread/combo when eating Ethiopian food and this combo did not disappoint! My friend and I typically don't like beets, but they made the beet portion so well and flavorful, the beet taste didn't overpower the other flavors. The service was very good and the server was attentive. He recommended us some food, but he also added more injera to our order when he saw we were running out. It was very kind of him to do. The ambiance was lovely and they decorated the place with cultural items. There was even a rack of dresses that were just beautiful. I would definitely come to this place again. Sadly, I don't live nearby, but I would travel here if I'm ever craving more Ethiopian food. I'd like to try their other combinations.

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to have found an Ethiopian restaurant closer to home (my parents' home at least). It really was a struggle having to trek all the way to Little Ethiopia in LA whenever these particular cravings hit. For those who have never tried Ethiopian food, the ethnic cuisine shares many of the same spices as Indian food, but differs in how it's cooked. The foundation of most Ethiopian meals is their signature injera bread, a giant pancake-like bread with a spongy texture and a somewhat sour taste. An array of multicolored curries and stews are usually served atop the injera, and everything is typically eaten with your hands. Because of that, Ethiopian food is the perfect choice for healthy group meals and communal eating. My friends and I came for lunch on a Saturday. We ordered the Sampler Combo, which came with an array of lentils, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, green beans, and tender meat stews. Every dish was wonderfully cooked and full of flavor. So while the restaurant interior was simple and unadorned, the food was top-notch and more that eclipsed the modest surroundings. Truly, chef's kiss to all the dishes, especially the vegetarian stews. ****************** My Ratings: 1 Star: Terrible; just thinking about it makes me angry. 2 Stars: Wasn't a fan so Not likely to return. 3 Stars: Meh. Average. Might return if others drag me. 4 Stars: Yum! Likely to return. 5 Stars: Amazing! Would plan my day around it.

Was in the mood for Ethiopian food & found this hidden gem in Artesia. We shared a beef veggie combo which is a perfect dish to share between two people & was absolutely delicious. We will definitely be back to try other dishes.

Everything from the service to the food was a 10/10! My partner and I were able to share this plate for lunch and will be back for more. We ordered a vegetarian plate

It was Saturday afternoon, and it wasn't crowded. Since it was our first time trying Ethiopian food, we got the $55 platter. It was so good! I was reading about their "injera" made from teff, which is like our "dosa" made from rice back in India. The platter was awesome and delicious. Maybe the portion size could be a bit bigger because it's supposed to serve 3-4 people. It filled us up, and there were only two of us. I definitely recommend it as a restaurant in Artesia, and we'll go back

My husband and I were in town and decided to stop by Awaze for Ethiopian food. Parking is easy, lots of open parking in the private parking lot. You'll gave to go upstairs to the restaurant. My husband ordered the Veggie Combo (Shro, Red Spicy lentils, Yellow Split Peas, Collard Greens, String Beans & Carrots, Beets, Tomato Fitfit, and Sineag) and I ordered the Fish: Asa Gulash (Tilapia cubes sauteed then stewed in a rich berbere sauce (Onions, Garlic, Ginger Root, Cayenne Pepper, and over 10 more spices). We were quickly seated, staff were friendly and the tables were filled. We loved the Ethiopian music playing as well. The food took time to come out but we understand it was made fresh for us to enjoy. We quickly devoured the food. I really enjoyed my fish as it was the best fish dish I have enjoyed at an Ethiopian establishment. I really cannot wait to come back! Thank you!

Delicious food and great service. We ordered the vegetarian plate and the beef on the side. The restaurant is very clean and the food was amazing. We will definitely be back.

My wife and I have been going here for the past few years before my daughter was born, shortly after they opened. Being here in East Long Beach, we had always wished and hoped that an Ethiopian restaurant would open up nearby, and we stumbled on this, tucked away in the Shahnawaz plaza on the 2nd story - hard to see when you pull in. This is owned by Abai and their family, really kind good people. Their food never disappoints. I get Awaze tibbs every time and I put it up there with the likes of Merkato and other good Ethiopian food. My wife gets Vegetarian special combo. Also really delicious. Their injera is made with 100% gluten free products and they don't add wheat and other bases to the fermentation process. I always feel full and nourished after eating here. Place is great and might be the best kept secret!

A few days ago I tried Awaze Ethio Fushion; this was my first experience with Ethiopian food. I decided to try this restaurant because they have vegan options and the great reviews. I tried the veggie sampler and overall I enjoyed it. My spice tolerance is low, so the collard greens and spicy lentils were a bit too spicy for me. I did eat all the collard greens, but could not finish the lentils because of the heat level. The injera was interesting, and tasted like vinegar, which was unexpected. Because I am vegan, I am more open to trying different foods that I might not have tried if I was a carnivore. I enjoyed the experience of trying something new and everything was good and flavorful. However, at this time I didn't like it enough to make a return visit, hence I could not give a perfect rating. If anyone is on the fence about trying a new cuisine, give it a chance, you might really enjoy it.

Tasty!! I recommend ordering ahead of time because it can be a 20+ min wait if you're not dining in. Ordered the lamb tibs and a veggie combo. For the price... I wish they had more options to add together instead of alacart. Total came to $50+ BUT it's enough for two ppl to split and have seconds The seasonings are spot on & the Injera is nice and fluffy and not too salty The location is located in the 2nd floor corner of a shopping center which may be hard to find at first Def reccommend!

Beautiful and clean second level restaurant in shopping center. Do not let the outside appearance fool you - it's is gorgeously decorated and clean inside. Food was delicious and came out hot, which is usually hit or miss with other Ethiopian places i have tried. Had a quick lunch break so called ahead & they were able to have my food ready when i arrived, which was awesome!

I'm an omnivore but I split the vegan combo with a my girlfriend and it was fantastic! I didn't miss meat at all. The variety of tastes and textures was totally satisfying and much healthier, I'm sure. I'm from Long Beach and appreciate the plentiful parking because we usually only get Ethiopian food in Los Angeles where the parking sucks. It might be worth it for some in L.A. folks to commute here for the fine food and easy parking. It's also in the Little India part of town with lots of shops and interesting food markets.

There's a selfishness in me that doesn't want more people to know about this place so that I won't have to deal with the long wait that this place deserves to have. But the quality and taste of Awaze is something that should be known and celebrated by more people. We had the fish and the beef, along with the veggie sampler platter. The proteins were cooked perfectly; tender and spiced in a way that I have not had in other places but also touched notes that were pleasantly familiar. The platter was similarly well done. The cook on each portion from the lentils to the cabbage to the potatoes felt like there was abundant care attributed to their preparation. Awaze is an unassuming family restaurant on the second story of an unassuming strip mall that houses some of the best food I've had in Los Angeles. You will not think much of the location or the aesthetic, but the charm of this city is that is where some of the best food comes from here.

Unfortunately my review of this place won't be that great. I knew from the first bite that something wasn't right. The injera didn't taste right.... I ordered the awaze veggie combo special. The price was decent and the food tasted okay. However about half hour after eating I developed a major upset stomach. It's been seven hours since I left the restaurant and my stomach still hurts. The location of the restaurant is in a run down shopping center that needs a major face lift. The restaurant is located upstairs and the stairs to get to the restaurant are a complete mess! The restroom is located outside the restaurant down the hall. On the bright side the staff was friendly and the service was swift.

If it's your first time trying Ethiopian food I highly recommend this place! They explained all the dishes and the staff were all really nice. The place is hidden on the top floor so you have to look for it. I would Come back!

Whenever I want to eat healthier and have more veggies in my diet, Ethiopian food always comes to mind! I used to drive to Anaheim for Ethiopian food, but I'm glad there's now a restaurant here in Artesia! I love ordering to-go from here. It's pretty simple to call ahead and place an order. Last time I ordered ahead, the order took twenty minutes, which is good timing for two separate dishes to make. I usually order the Veggie Special/Combo and the Awaze Tibs (stewed beef with onions). Both are so delicious. Both dishes come with 2 large pieces of injera. The veggie combo comes with an array of stewed lentils, cabbage, carrots, green beans, and beets. I love all the different flavors and textures in that combo! The Awaze tibs really surprised me too. I think their Awaze tibs is better than any of the restaurants in Anaheim. The flavor was the best I've tasted in this general area, and the meat was tender! As for the ambiance, I'd say it's a bit of a hit or miss. The restaurant is located in a shopping plaza in Little India, closer to South Street. You have to either take this sketchy elevator up or the stairs in that plaza. Since this place is such a hidden gem, there's not too much foot traffic and sometimes the store only has a few customers, so I prefer to eat at home, since I can also wash my hands right away right before I eat. The public restrooms are located outside the store, which can make it a little tricky if you're eating with your hands. Overall, amazing place. 5/5 stars. Definitely worth checking out!

Delicious and healthy! I was looking for healthy vegan food around the area and I'm glad I found Awaze. We got the special veggie sampler platter and it was enough for me and my mom. We will be back

Betam konjo Habesha megeb. The best Ethiopian food in California. This is a must try.

I came here with my friend and it was both of our first times trying Ethiopian food. The owner is so kind and was so attentive to us. He helped us pick out some items out of the menu. The food was delicious!! They have several options that allow you to pick multiple items. Huge portions as well! I am very very glad that we decided to eat here. The reviews were all great and they are very reflective of the restaurant. Also very clean and nicely decorated! We will definitely be coming back and taking more people.

Amazing experience -- the food was bomb, the people who worked there were so helpful with ordering + professional, everything was super clean, no notes! 10/10, will be coming back next time I'm in the area

The food is amazing and the owner is wonderful. Love the food, sampler platter. Water was great too. A fun time and very authentic food. 2nd time here and both was great!

The food is so delicious & fresh. I'm vegan so I love that they offer plant based options. I normally order the veggie combo with only red lentils, split peas, and greens. The Injera is always fresh and gluten-free. Which is also very important to me. I always go for gluten-free options. The portions are very nice so I always have some leftovers. The Injera is so good that it's still soft the second day. The staff is very friendly and kind plus knowledgeable. Their food is so good. It's a definite must try. The only critique that I would give is maybe if they add some tofu tibs or maybe some of the tofu vegan wings that they serve at Thai restaurants. Maybe some other plant base meat options. I usually make some tofu to go with my order. Super yummy! Yum

Friendly and informative folks!! Learned a bit about lentils and fermented foods. Also, good parking and chill vibe. Came in a Saturday afternoon

Super friendly and delicious food! We got the sampler that had both meat and vegetarian options and everything was very well done. Not too salty, very flavorful, not overly oily. The lentils are cooked well, too!

Met here with workmates for our holiday luncheon. It's located on the second floor so stairs on both ends of the building to get to it. Elevator is located right near the market, thank goodness-bad knees. Lots of parking on a Wednesday afternoon. The place itself has two seating areas: one with traditional carved seats and small woven basket type tables. We had excellent food from the kitchen and attention from our gentleman server. You must try the coffee experience! I had three servings of such delicious fresh roasted beans! The combination platter was plenty for 4 people: had kitfo (this version was cooked through) , doro wat, collard greens or gommen and several lentil dishes, potatoes and cabbage, heaps of injera bread already pre-portioned. Bathroom is outside the balcony and towards the back, by the stairs; clean and well stocked with soap and toiletries.

This was my second time to returning to the restaurant. Very nice atmosphere and a business owner was very kindhearted. Vegan dishes and spices were excellent. I will return to this restaurant again soon for Ethiopian coffee because i didn't have one this time.

Located at the top far left of the Indian plaza, Amaze is a hidden gem of Ethiopian cuisine. My friends and I shared the sampler combo and a lamb plate. The sampler combo easily fed 4 people with leftovers to go. Everything was exceptionally flavored and delicious to eat. The injera here wasn't as tangy which to me isn't a make or break, but I know several people where that is a turn off so if you want to give Ethiopian food a try, this may be a great option. The service was above and beyond. What I am guessing is the owner was so nice and helpful. She answered all of our questions, gave us some extra injera, provided some history of ingredients, and was so down to earth. Everything about this place was top notch. I'm so happy to not have to drive to LA to get Ethiopian food now.

This place is delicious. I went with my family the other night and we got some honey wine and a sampler plate. The service was super friendly, and the food was great.

Made the trip here from Irvine and was not disappointed Loved the food and they were so kind and generous with portions! Will definitely be going back :)

I wanted to try something different and couldn't believe this Ethiopian restaurant was right next to my house! No need to drive all the way to LA/Inglewood because it's located right here in India town, Cerritos! [LOCATION]: I'm still am in disbelief that this place was always here, but they are hidden in the backside of this plaza. No big signs or anything, so definitely a hidden gem! [PARKING]: The plaza is shared with multiple other restaurants with plenty of parking. [STAFF]: Waiter was friendly and greeted us the minute we went in. There was no wait at all and I don't think this place ever gets too busy really because it's so hidden. There were several other Asian parties there so they probably had the same idea as us. [FOOD]: He offered us their honey wine and Ethiopian beer for drinks and recommended the Awaze sampler combo. The honey wine was surprisingly very strong, sour, and pungy! I liked it, it gave me a good head change. The sampler was perfect for our first time. We got to try a little bit of everything. You get your different meats and veggies and the carbs from the injera. The Kitfo was my absolute favorite, which was raw beef seasoned with butter and spices. It's their version of beef tartar. Something about eating with your hands makes this such a RAW experience. The sampler was meant to be shared between 3-4 people, but the size didn't scare me and my friend at all. We had plenty of leftovers the next day. [OVERALL]; If you're looking for good, authentic ethiopian food- I would definitely give this place a try! Only downfall is that their service is a little slow. I had to keep asking for water.

Food was amazing, very clean restaurant and our server was also very kind and attentive!

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Solid option for Ethiopian close to Long Beach. Since the hubby and I started on our Ethiopian kick we've been looking for more conveniet alternatives to the restos on Fairfax Ave in LA. Turns out there's one right in Little India, which is more convenient to us, and had good ratings. We stopped in with a friend on a cold drizzly weeknight and I must say that the shopping center that it's in was on the pretty dismal side. A dated concrete edifice with many empty storefronts, but once we were in the restaurant, all was well. The decor and ambiance was homey and welcoming, as was the hostess/server. Since it was still pretty early we had no problems getting a table right away. The three of us shared a veggie combo platter, which we enjoyed very much! Ethiopian food, by the virtue of its communal nature, seems to make for more enjoyable group meals. All the dishes were wonderfully cooked. The potatoes could've been a bit more tender but that would be my only complaint about the food. My only non food-related complaint would be about the bathroom situation, which isn't really their fault. it's one of those shared building bathroom things which was kind of a distance away from the restaurant and was not maintained very well, and felt more like a storage closet that happened to have a toilet in it. Not the most pleasant, but not surprising, considering the rest of the building. These deficiencies certainly won't keep me from returning to this delightful restaurant.

This was our first time eating Ethiopian food and let me tell you!!....It was absolutely delicious!! I'm so upset we didn't come here a long time ago. My husband and I really enjoyed this restaurant, the service was great, they were so helpful in helping us pick out the perfect choices as well as really nice. The customers were even very friendly. Love the family vibe!! We will be back sooner than later and will bring our daughter with us next time.

Sampler plate was our order. Overall I rate the Awaze Ethio Fusion and Vegan Restaurant a solid five stars. Our sampler combo gave us an opportunity to try a portion of everything they offer. It was full of flavor, very well portioned and plenty for three people. The wife and my brother also agreed on my rating. Restaurant is located in a great area, prices are reasonable and customer service was on point. We will be back.

My friend had Ethiopian food 6 times prior, and he said this was the best he's ever had! The injera bread is gluten free, and so fresh and delicious. All the clumps were delicious. Sampler combo ($55 served 3-4) had meat and vegan items (half half), and I highly recommend. They bring extra injera if you run out! You can also make reservations via email. They're very responsive! Will be back for my Ethiopian food fix!

One word. Wow. The conversation between me and my wife was exchanging "wow"'s between bits. Fresh, clean, friendly service and authentic! You won't be disappointed

Amazing! Best Ethiopian food I've had in the area and I've sampled around. ............................

The food is great! The veggie combo is always good, but my favorite is the kitfo. The portions are big and I'm always full when I leave. The service is always good and the owners are very sweet. I used to live near Little Ethiopia in LA before moving to Cerritos so it was really nice to discover a local Ethiopian restaurant.