Columbia Heights

Tasty Ethiopian in NE Minneapolis. One of the few with a meat combo option. Benign neglect best describes the service, and the interior reminded us of a 1980s banquet hall. Unusual to say the least.

A no-nonsense Ethiopian restaurant in Columbia Heights, near Minneapolis border. Service was minimal the night we visited. I ordered the vegetarian combo and it was lovely to look at and super tasty. My companion ordered a meat dish- I did not get the name. She really enjoyed the seasoning but the meat was mixed with injera- almost too much, because it was also sitting on top of injera and has injera on side. If you are in this part of the Twin Cities, I would highly recommend this for getting your Ethiopian fix. As a Saint Paulite, however, we have so many outstanding Ethiopian restaurants I am not sure I would make the trip.

Food was flavorful but not as good as other Ethiopian restaurants in the area. Service was lacking a bit, ordered samosas but didn't come with chutney as shown and when asked they said they don't have it. I will try it one more time at different time of the day to see if things are different.

I got carry out as I live up the street and I am an enthusiast for Ethiopian food. The food was over cooked and honestly hands down some of the worst Ethiopian food I have ever had. The meat was so over cooked and chewy the potatoes were not cooked all the way through the lentils which are my favorite dish are mediocre at best. There are so many better options this business needs to stop cooking this is unacceptable.

I always go for Somali or Ethiopian when in the twin cities, since it's one of the best places to get it. I chose 12. Beyaynete because I've been trying to eat healthier, and I've been trying not to spend a fortune. This restaurant had ample, free parking in the large lot behind and the street parking in front. Service was friendly and pleasant. Food was beautiful and delicious, with very generous portions. I was excited that they sell injera for $8/bag, and bought a bag as well. I added one of the injeras to the leftovers, for lunch for the next day. Still tasted amazing.

We came in at a quiet night... most of the business was carry out, but we enjoyed our meal a great deal. The lamb tibs were perfect and the vegetable sampler was amazing. Service was fast and friendly; no trouble finding street parking. Can't wait to come back.

I'll admit- this is my first time knowingly eating Ethiopian food. And I liked it! My daughter and I originally Was in search for Indian food and being that it was Black Friday, not a lot was open in the area. After the king at some pictures for this place and seeing that one of the dishes looked like it was curry, we decided to be adventurous and try it. Here I thought I was going to be walking into a little tiny hole in the wall size place but was blown away with how much they have for seating! It's quite large inside with 3 different dinning room areas. We were the only patrons there but a lot of people kept coming in to buy things off of the table by the register- I noticed the big round breads were particularly popular. The waitress seemed a bit slow and not too thrilled about serving us. But was nice at the end when I let her know I'd like to add photos for Yelp and asked if she would explain share some of the things they have for sale there. It's predominately a restaurant but they also have spices, lentils, fresh made bread and even frankincense resin for sale. I ordered #26 Alecha Wot. And ate every last bit of it. It comes with rolled up spongy consistency like "bread". (I didn't catch what she said it was called). It was delicious. My 16 year old orders #22 Quanta firfir. It was noted as spicy- and it did have a decent amount of heat but was tolerable. (I'm a bit wimpy when it comes to hot spices). It was heavy on the Berber spice flavor. It was also served with some of that spongy rolled up flatbread as well as having some chopped up and added to the dish. She did not care for the dish that much but she had a cold so that may have played a part in her lack of enjoyment. The witness also let me know they serve coffee on Sundays from 5-6pm when I asked about the pottery and special seating at the front of the restaurant. She didn't elaborate beyond that but I'm guessing it's a special or traditional type of thing for their culture. It would be cool to experience it but from the looks and vibe I kept feeling from all the customers that came in and even the staff, I might end up feeling out of place or not so welcome to their community of it was a traditional Ethiopian affair. Regardless though, I really look forward to going back again for the food.

I am going to disregard the last time that I visited, because it was a lackluster visit, and yet singular in its horrid service in comparison to the numerous other times I have dined or received take out here. So I will quickly start with the negative. The "server" was some male, who I had not seen before, and I had come here regularly since I lived not 2 miles away and loved their food, who was more interested in looking at his phone than doing anything else other than placing the soles of his feet against the ground. It took 10 minutes to get water, 20 for putting in an order, and the last dish arrived about 40 minutes after my meager party of 4 had sat down. Now. I usually do not try to judge harshly, and yet, we were the only ones in the restaurant and there were few takeout orders. So this made me upset. Booo Hissss! Aside from that...sad, unpleasant experience.... (shake yourself like an etch a sketch, and read on for why you MUST come here if you like Ethiopian...) Adama is a gem and jewel of Ethiopian/Eritrean food west and north of Minneapolis. Yes, you have your other restaurants on University Ave in St. Paul, and the hard-to-find-parking spots in Minneapolis, and yet this place is a stone's throw away from downtown Minneapolis on Central Ave just 3-4 miles north. AND there is a private off-street lot behind the establishment. The sign may not be obvious, and the snow may conceal obvious entrance to the parking lot in the heart of winter, and yet I say, it is there! If you are craving a veggie combo, a good doro wot, tibs, key misor wot, and several platters with combos of everything. I have always ordered the doro wot, which comes with a boiled egg and chicken drummy, and an aromatic, spicy but not burn your palette off hot, complex, flavorful and unctuous stew-sauce of a wonderful beriberi and other spices. There is a variety of beef tibs of a myriad of cooking types from rare to medium. I will say that the male server that I mentioned earlier was knowledgable about the different types of beef dishes available, and the final dish was beyond satisfactory. The portions are generous, with plenty of injera. Veggie platter's beets, stewed yellow-eyed peas and...lentils and........oh, it was good. Always consistent and delicious, whether takeout or dine in. There is also a limited store of teas, spices, herbs, and bakery items. Many individuals came in to order injera from the bakery in takeout form. It was obvious that this was a staple for families that cooked and ate Ethiopian food in home. It makes me, as a hobby cook and fellow foodie, want to learn how to cook these types of dishes!!! And isn't that what food is for, to feed, yes, and also share the cultures of other communities! If you don't want to deal with the parking headache of Minneapolis downtown or St. Paul's university avenue, or that Columbia Heights is more convenient for you, check out Adama. If you are craving Ethiopian flavors of a good quality, stop by or order from Adama.

Best food good service. Helping the community. Great Ambiance. Perfect staff & my friend Erkhaiel came with me were tasty!

It probably won't look open but go in anyway! The service is friendly and helpful. The food is exquisite. The prices are very reasonable. I think the fact that many people come in for carry out is a testament to the quality and reputation. You can also get injera and ingredients to go as it is also a small bakery and store in the front. My one complaint is that the music is painfully loud. It almost gives you the impression that they don't want dine-in customers.

Can not say anything good whatsoever. Not clean. Understaffed. Did not enjoy food compared to many other Ethiopian meals at numerous other places. AVOID.

The food is amazing! I need to dine in one of these days. I always take it back home with me. The staff are amazing! The Aroma tells you how amazing it is already before even sitting down. Highly recommend for everyone!

We got the Adama Combo 2 and everything on the plate is fantastic. The place was quiet on Friday at lunch hour, but the ambience may be more lively on a weekend or at dinner time. In all, I'm impressed with the food after my first experience at Adama!

We love the lentil Sambas and often get the Combo Platter 1. Incredible flavor, delicious meat and veggie dishes alike. The women who work here are so kind. They make you feel like you are entering their home. We highly recommend it and love bring out of town guests here. Make sure you come hungry and be prepared to leave with leftovers!

I wanted to drop a 5 star for starters as these guys are making a great effort at creating a Ethiopian restaurant out of an old American-Chinese place that I never visited in Columbia Heights. Their food was great. The place was welcoming and in very great condition. I don't imagine that they got it in that condition. They've been open for only 2 weeks, so they admitted that they had some kinks to work out in the operation of their restaurant. I had a great conversation with them, and they were very open to suggestions. I informed them I'd be back, perhaps with my family, and will leave a complete review at that point after they've had some time to iron out the kinks. Stay tuned!

I am so excited to have an Ethiopian restaurant so close to my house. I have tried every single vegetarian thing on the menu and I love all of it! I have also been to the lunch buffet and it was also wonderful. My favorites are the shiro and the keye misir wat. They are wonderful. They have other wonderful items also, especially the collard greens. I don't think you could order something on this menu and not enjoy it! We always start with an order of sambusas and they are fantastic - lentils with a hint of spice and served with a wonderful green sauce. My only complaint is that lately they often have a news station on the TV and it is pretty disruptive. One time when we went, my friend became very upset about it. I would prefer silence or a soft music.

First trip and I gotta give it 5 stars! The place was clean and had exceptionally friendly staff who shared stories with us about how things are done in Ethiopia. I had the #14 (vegetarian platter), and it was perfectly filled with roasted beets, collard greens, various lentils and a delicious cabbage and carrot mixture. I will be coming back soon!

I went to the buffet. It was a small, but yummy selection. Mostly vegan only one meat dish. I wish they had music playing because it was pretty silent. Only me and another person were there pretty empty.

Large, tasty portions!! Very clean and pleasant service. All of our questions were answered (regarding vegan options). My wife and will be back!!

My son and I shared a meat sampler with lentils and the cabbage dish added. I can't even describe how tasty it was! We feasted, and the leftovers cold then next day were just as good. The cabbage y'all was insane. Five big stars for this place, I cannot wait to eat here again!

One of the most unprofessional restaurants I've ever been to. My friend and I went to have dinner. We sat down in a fairly empty restaurant. Got a menu, waited for 15 minutes. Nobody came with water or to take our order. Very disappointed. I don't even think they noticed that we left. It makes me sad to see places like this.

My husband and I went last week, and really liked the place! I got the veggie platter (#15) and really enjoyed everything! My husband ordered zilzil tibs (#22) as it was possible to make it dairy-free and he thought it was ok but not great as the meat was a big tough. He liked all of mine, especially the yellow lentils and yellow split peas, which I agreed were the best. I'd happily go back, the service was excellent and we will likely stick with the veggie options.

I stopped in for the lunch buffet today. There were about 12 or 14 items on the steam table, including two meat options and lots of veggie dishes. There was also fresh Ethopian bread (injera). Everything was great! Everything was fresh, although these were the kind of dishes that will hold up well on a steam table for a while, like Indian dishes. The place was very clean, and the staff pleasant. There's free parking in front, and in the city lot around back. I'll be going back!

I have so many good things to say, I don't know where to start! I ordered a vegetarian sample platter, and everything on my plate was delicious. Lentils, cabbage, collard greens, beets--and also the bite I tried of my friend's chicken entree--every dish was prepared perfectly. You know how sometimes at a restaurant, all the foods will taste really similar? Not here. There were so many different, subtle flavors. And the portions are huge, so I have plenty of leftovers for lunch tomorrow. In addition to amazing food, I had a fantastic dining experience. There was plenty of seating, so the wait staff was cheerful and welcoming when my friend and I lingered long after dinner. And the restaurant is in a great location right on Central, with a huge municipal parking lot behind the building. If you like Ethiopian food, or if you're excited to try something new in Columbia Heights, you won't be disappointed!

My favorite Oromo restaurant. Everything is made with love. Great service, very friendly people. Gooo & try it.

First time tried the Doro Wat (spicy chicken curry with Injer). It was delicious. Definitely going to come back sometime for more

Amazing! First time trying Ethiopian food. The samosas were to die for, and the #10 and #11 (sorry forgot the names) were excellent as well! The service was wonderful too - we felt very welcomed and invited into the space. Can't wait to come back for the coffee ceremony :) A true gem in Columbia heights!

We received a gracious welcome upon entering and that graciousness and fine customer service continued during our meal. We were offered assistance in choosing our meal, but since we were familiar with the cuisine, we did not need help. Excellent food; excellent service. The owner arrived on site during our stay and came over and introduced himself and gave credit to his wife for the fine food. Our server invited us to stop by (we are in the neighborhood) anytime just for a cup of tea to visit.

I happened upon this little gem of a restaurant after waiting at the DMV next door. I am so glad I stopped in. I love Ethopian food. I ordered the Doro Wat which was absolutely amazingly delicious. I also bought some little crunchy sweet morsels of goodness that I do not know the name of. The guy behind the counter told me they are like little cookies. They were do good I ate the entire bag in one sitting. This place is down the street from my work, and I have been there several times. The restaurant is tidy and clean, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the food is so delicious. This is my new favorite Ethopian restaurant.

Food was outstanding, service was great, staff was very friendly. We're in the neighborhood, so we'll be back often...

I can't wait to go back to this restaurant. This was my first experience with Ethiopian food and it was delicious! I tried four dishes and each was so flavorful and different. The spices were very subtle. The injera bread was slightly sour as expected--a perfect complement to the food/sauces you scoop up with it. I was just looking at nutrition facts for injera online and see it is very high in protein, iron and fiber--but no carbs! Could this be the perfect food?! The slightly sour taste leaves you wanting more. Yum. I ordered the Keye Misir Wot (lentil-based and cooked with a variety of traditional spices) and my daughter had the Doro Wot (a chicken stew in a rich, deeply flavorful red sauce including a hard boiled egg). We also split a deep fried pastry appetizer that was filled with a spiced lentil paste. Everything so delicious. We both had leftovers to take home and I just reheated the lentil dish and ate all the rest of the injera with it--it too was still delicious even after spending the night in the fridge. The person who served us was very friendly, too. Can't wait to go back when I'm in the area again!

Adama restaurant is great, food is delicious, very clean, excellent customer service and they are welcoming. I will continue to visit and recommend to others. Thank you Adama for making our visit memorable.

A friend and I went there for lunch. The vegetarian platter, including greens, lentils and beets, was delicious and the service was efficient and friendly. Prices were reasonable. I hope people will support this fine restaurant on Central in Columbia Heights.

We visited this restaurant last night and were very happy with our visit. The wait staff was was very helpful in making our selection among the different foods. We found the portions generous and the prices very reasonable. We had a vegetarian plate, combo #1 and one other dish for 5 people and had far more food than we could eat. All was delicious. They also brought us some samosas which were also great. I hope they generate enough business to stay around because I want to go back again!