Colin R.
Yelp
Goddamn good!
I know of three great Ethiopian restaurants in Portland that have come and gone over the last 25 years. For more than five years, we haven't known of a decent local option, only eating Ethiopian when visiting Seattle. Last night, we looked on Yelp, and saw this place, located in a weird location. All of the reviews were good, so we went.
1. The address listed on Yelp is incorrect. Killingsworth doesn't go out as far as 76th, it is actually on Lombard, just east of where Killingsworth merges into Lombard.
2. The building is a former office space located on the west side of Sunbelt Rentals. Don't let that fool you. You are at the right place.
3. They have a genuine parking lot. Many Portland restaurants don't, which is why those restaurants don't get our business.
4. It is very small inside, and spare. Don't let that dissuade you.
5. There is one eager-to-please server, and one cook, as near as I can tell. Don't expect fast service. Just be patient.
6. The one server is also the bartender. His cocktail repertoire is limited, but he is learning. We ordered a lemon drop, for which he had to use the recipe book. That said, it was a very good drink. They have a decent assortment of beer on tap, but they have no African beer brands, for now.
7. The food is fantastic. The assa gulash was flavorful, but doesn't taste "fishy". The lentil sambusas were very tasty and hot. We got their stuffed jalepeños, which are essentially a type of salad. I got a dish made with jerked meat (forget the name) that was delicious. And their injera bread was very good, and they didn't complain when we ordered one more. The next time we go, I will be getting the kitfo.
8. The restaurant was empty when we arrived. By the time we left, the bar was full and several tables were full. There were a number of people of Ethiopian heritage eating, which tells me that they are authentic.