Cafe Selam

"Café Selam succeeds in a neighborhood already full of Ethiopian restaurants because it's the most reliable and comforting of the bunch. The dining room is usually packed with regulars, and the food holds up. Most of their vegetable dishes are made to order, and their tibs always nail the perfect ratio of spice to onion to garlic. Their takeout operation is also a well-oiled machine—if the restaurant’s full, just bring the stuff home." - aimee rizzo, lidiya belete, kayla sager riley

"Even in a Central District scene crowded with Ethiopian spots, this humble classic continues to stand out. The tiny dining room with lemon- and tangerine-colored walls feels like a casual apartment party. The meat combination is a necessary order with its tender chunks of lamb and beef, but the vegetable version satisfies, too. Tearing and sharing injera on the patio here is something every Seattleite should do at least once." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente

"Even in a Central District scene crowded with Ethiopian spots, this low-key staple stands out thanks to its punchy flavors and welcoming atmosphere. An order of the meat combination is a must, with tender chunks of lamb and beef. But the vegetable combo is just as satisfying, including a tasty mound of shiro wat worth jostling over. Duels aside, Cafe Selam makes for a peaceful Sunday of tearing and sharing injera." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley, gabe guarente

"Even in a Central District scene crowded with Ethiopian spots, this humble classic continues to stand out thanks to its punchy flavors and welcoming atmosphere. The tiny dining room with lemon and tangerine-colored walls feels like a casual apartment party where everyone’s invited and the snacks are great. The meat combination is a necessary order with its tender chunks of lamb and beef. But the vegetable version satisfies, too, with its mounds of stewy wats alongside delicate folds of injera. Tearing and sharing that tangy bread here on a leisurely afternoon is something every Seattleite should do at least once, particularly when it's warm enough to sit on the patio. photo credit: Nate Watters Food Rundown Qateqna Even if you can handle a lot of spice, this injera with a buttery spread of berbere may still knock your socks off. It’s got crispy edges and tears easily, but can get soggy in the middle. Foul Cafe Selam’s rich fava bean stew with hardboiled eggs, feta, and tomatoes is a soothing breakfast dish, particularly on a chilly day. It also comes with flaky french bread made for scooping, but it’s just as fantastic on its own. Meat Combo Pretty much a required order. Chunks of nicely salted lamb and beef on a bed of injera perform in perfect harmony, like Hall & Oates. Vegetable Combo A healthy dollop of shiro wat dominates the middle of this platter, and it’s complemented by soft lentils, a well-sauteed pile of spinach, and vinegar-y cabbage mixed with carrots." - Gabe Guarente

"Café Selam in the Central District succeeds in a neighborhood already full of Ethiopian restaurants because it's the most reliable and comforting of the bunch. The dining room is almost always packed with regulars, which is a good sign to begin with, and the food holds up. Most of their vegetable dishes are made to order, and their tibs always nail the perfect ratio of spice to onion to garlic. Their takeout operation is also a well-oiled machine, so if the restaurant’s full, just bring the stuff home to enjoy on your couch." - lidiya belete, aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley