Lalibela

"Forcing yourself to eat vegetables while in quarantine is kind of like doing, well, any other activity during quarantine: Pretty unpleasant. Unless, that is, you’re ordering from Lalibela in Little Ethiopia. We usually order the Veggie Utopia, a giant spread of 14 different plant-based dishes, such as spicy chickpea stew, collard greens, and split peas, all served upon on soft and spongy injera - which just so happens to be perfect for mopping up the occasional tear. Call (323) 965-1025 to order, or find them on delivery apps." - kat hong

"One of our favorite spots in Little Ethiopia, Lalibela serves fantastic vegan Ethiopian classics like shimbra asa wot (spicy chickpea dumpling stew), tofu tibs, and berbere-spiced kifto made with plant-based meat. But whether you go with a vegetable combo or their meatier dishes (all GF), you'll appreciate that they can be served on traditionally gluten-free injera, which is harder to find than you might think. (A handful of Little Ethiopia restaurants offer it, and all of them charge extra. Lalibela is the least expensive.) They also brew their own honey wine in-house, available by the glass or carafe, which happens to be gluten-free as well. " - jean trinh 1, garrett snyder

"What makes a perfect injera? Is it sour, funky, and tryptophobically porous? Firm - but not too firm? Or is it simply just served at Lalibela? Located on the mega-crowded Fairfax Ave., this is by far one of my favorite Ethiopian restaurants around. The sambusas are deep-fried a beautiful dark brown, and are filled with a fragrant mix of lentils, grilled onion, jalapeños, and herbs. And although calling a dish the Veggie Utopia might seem a bit hyperbolic, once you receive the massive combo platter - loaded with 14 different options, including shibera asa (spicy chickpeas), red lentils, collard greens, suf (sunflower seeds), and of course, a brick of the aforementioned injera flatbread - you’ll realize that this utopic bliss is 100% real. Unlike my daydreams of one day owning a fancy espresso machine, sadly. Available for takeout, call (323) 965-1025 to place an order. - KH" - the infatuation los angeles crew

"In Little Ethiopia, Los Angeles, Lalibela stands as a tranquil family affair, offering vibrant Ethiopian classics on oversized silver platters lined with injera." - Ty Gaskins

"Lalibela is our go-to date night spot in Little Ethiopia. The minimalist dining room is calm and quiet—a stark contrast to the busy, big group spots down the block. Our order is usually the "veggie utopia," a 14-dish sampler platter highlighting Lalibela’s best meatless options. Berbere spice blends turn chickpeas into a fiery, mouth-burning stew. Collard greens live next to sunflower seeds and spiced red lentils. These all sit on top of sour, spongy injera bread that sops up all the juices as you eat.  " - Brant Cox