Mama Africa Cafe Restaurant and Bar

Mama Africa exceeded all expectations. From the moment we walked in, the service was exceptional—our waiter was not only prompt and attentive, but also had a calming presence that made the experience feel almost spa-like. The food came out surprisingly fast, and they were happy to accommodate a lamb substitution in the veggie/meat combo for two, which we really appreciated. Every dish was flavorful and beautifully prepared. The honey wine was served in a charming little potion-style flask—a fun touch—and the chai latte was both delicious and generously sized. The ambiance was relaxed and intimate, with table dividers that added a nice sense of privacy. This was easily a 5-star experience from start to finish. Can’t wait to come back.

Seriously some of the best service I’ve had in a long time, our server was very excited to show us his favourite dishes. He also spent the time to educate us the different dishes available. The food was pretty alright, I’d certainly try more dishes soon! Also the honey wine was exceptional.

First time trying this place and it didn't disappoint. My husband and I decided to give it a try. We had the chicken Doro wat and the veggie platter, it was absolutely delicious. Service was great, The guy serving us was super attentive and friendly. He checked on us several times. You must give this place a try If you're looking for delicious Ethiopia food. You will not be disappointed 😌 🙂

Really great authentic spot. We had super friendly staff - it possibly the owner or manager that helped us. We definitely recommend the veggie combo dish! We added a doro watt to it and we’re not disappointed. Most dishes were gluten free and dairy free.

We stopped for lunch while traveling through Denver. The people were so friendly and helpful and made us feel very welcome. The food was served quickly and was delicious. We ordered the vegetarian sampler with beef ribs added. We also had the lentil samosas. We will definitely visit again when we travel through Denver.

Hearty and flavorful with beautiful presentation. The server, Sol, was friendly and knowledgeable. Hope to eat here again!

Delicious food! Would recommend this place to anyone, especially if it’s their first Ethiopian meal experience. Staff was kind, welcoming and took the time to explain everything on the menu. Restaurant was clean and we were served quickly. I’ll definitely be coming back.

Had an incredible meal with 3 friends. I've had Ethiopian and Eritrean food several times before but this was amazing. Between the four of us we were able to try most things on the menu. I really couldn't fault a thing. Super nice people as well. Just go.

My family and I went here for my birthday and the food and people were all amazing! The food was absolutely delicious -- none of us could stop eating even though we were so full. They served everything with serrano peppers so you could make the dishes spicier if you wanted (take a bite of pepper with a bite of food) or just eat it as is. The food was amazing either way. The server/owners was very kind and accommodating and even played the Happy Birthday song on the speaker when they found out it was my birthday since we were the only people in the restaurant. The chef/owner in the back and server/owner both came out to wish me a happy birthday personally and even let us bring in our own cake. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great Ethiopian food and a welcoming environment! I'll definitely be coming back!

About $100 for two persons (with take home boxes), no alcohol, bevs or desserts. Good enough food, nice service, perhaps refresh prices . . .

The kindest people run this restaurant, the man who runs this restaurant with his family is always so warm and welcoming. We always get the veggie combo and it is so filling and packed with a medley of harmonious flavors! I recommend dining in because there is always the chance that you will get to try the most delicious, sizzling chickpea stew(sauce?) with your veggie combo. They also are always consistent with their take out portions. We recommend this spot to all of our friends and family and love seeing this business thrive!

What a great little restaurant to get some Ethiopian! The service was excellent, and the food was delicious and beautiful! I highly recommend going here!

Excellent food, good traditional Ethiopian music, friendly people. I've been here twice and look forward to going again asap. It's a small place with perhaps 6 tables plus a traditional small Ethiopian table. Decor and ambiance are intimate but basic. Screens between the tables. The food has all been great. I love their injera-based entrees, whether meat or vegetarian. We've gotten different sampler plates and everything has been good. The spicy doro wat chicken was a great add-on to a vegetarian plate on our last visit. The first time I was there I think my fave was the collard greens. Their level of spice is good. Some might find it very spicy but I loved it. I didn't think the tej (honey wine) was great but I'd order it again. It was good but just doesn't live up to my memory. The soft-spoken man who runs the place is very friendly, and it seems like a family kind of place. Good service, good value. Very recommended.

I don't usually write reviews for restaurants, but I had to make an exception for this place. I've lived in Colorado my whole life and traveled to many places, trying all kinds of food along the way--and hands down, this is the best Ethiopian food I've ever had. Honestly, it's one of the best restaurants in Colorado. The owner and staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, which made the experience even better. Highly recommended!

We had dinner at Mama Africa last night and thoroughly enjoyed the food, service and cozy ambiance. We've eaten Ethiopian foods at several other restaurants over the years and Mama Africa Cafe is one of the best we've enjoyed! We loved the Vegetable Combo for two and appreciated that it was vegan and gluten free. Every item was absolutely delicious! For our combo, we had 7 different foods and plenty of injera. The staff were very friendly, attentive, and appreciative. We will definitely return.

Tried this place with a friend on a Friday evening, and we were the only ones in the establishment. It was a rather unassuming ambiance with basic furniture and a spattering of ethnic trinkets. Service was handled by one very pleasant woman. We started with the beef tibs, tender chunks of marinated beef sautéed with onions, peppers, and aromatic spices, were a delightful blend of robust flavors that left a lingering warmth on the palate. Accompanied by the vegetable platter combo served on a traditional injera, the vibrant assortment of lentils, collard greens, and split peas provided a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. The star of the show, the doro wat, a sumptuous chicken stew simmered with berbere, an Ethiopian spice blend, captivated the senses with its complex layers of heat and sweetness, showcasing the essence of Ethiopian culinary artistry. I wish it would have been a bit mnore stringer and spicier flavors but solid. Two interesting facts about Ethiopian food and culture: Ethiopian cuisine is characterized by its communal dining tradition where groups of people share from a common plate without the use of cutlery. This practice, known as gursha, emphasizes the importance of community and togetherness during meal times. Additionally, injera, a spongy flatbread made from teff flour, holds significant cultural value and is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. Beyond its role as a culinary component, injera serves as a utensil, used to scoop up various stews and dishes, highlighting the resourcefulness and practicality deeply ingrained in Ethiopian culinary customs. Lots of similar flavors and traditions as indian culture and food. If you've never tried ethiopian food, stop by.

Love love love this place! Took my pregnant wife here and even the baby was dancing to the food. A very nice family owns and runs this business bringing authentic Ethiopian food to the Denver area. This place is a must if you want African food!

Such a pleasant lunch at Mama Africa! We had the vegetarian combo for two people. The owner personally served us and made sure that our food was prepare safely for my daughter's tomato allergy. The injera was excellent, and is made with 100% teff--delicious and GF. Ambiance was cozy with some nice African art displayed. Back to the food--it was delicious!

So glad we found this place. I have had top notch Ethiopian food in Little Ethiopia in Los Angeles and this rivals the best of those places. Friendly service too. A must try!

Everything was delicious and fresh tasting. And the injera is made with all teff, so it's gluten free. Went for lunch and have been thinking about how good the meal was all day long.

This place is a gem!! Went on a Thursday night for dinner with friends. (Highly recommend going with multiple people so you can maximize how many dishes you try!) We asked our server (Sulaiman, I think?) for his recommendations, and the tibs beef , doro wat, and veggie combo that he chose for us were all superb. Great service too; it was our first time having Ethiopian cuisine and he kindly explained all of the various foods we'd ordered. Another plus is that the entire menu is gluten free (aside from the sambusas). The atmosphere is cozy and charming, with cultural decor and dividers between tables. Loved the experience -- we'll absolutely be back!

Excellent food! My 6 year old loved the sambusas and their veggie plate, tibbs, and kitfo was beyond exceptional. Highly recommend!

OUTSTANDING in every category. The injera is devine. The ambiance is home-like The SEVICE is personable I would make a beeline there any time I was in the mood for Ethiopian food

Awesome cuisine and lovely people plus clean, relaxed, unhurried ambience... My current favourite Ethiopian hands down, thumbs up!! Superb spices... just the right balance

I did a takeout order of the Veggie Combo, and it was delicious! Lentils, Cabbage, Green Beans, salad, all very flavorful and fresh. Glad to find a local Ethiopian place near Park Hill!

A new neighborhood favorite. Two of us dined there on Friday night, we enjoyed chatting with the owner who was incredibly welcoming. We shared a veggie/meat combo and found the food to be super fresh and tasty (less oily than some ethiopian meals we've had). Highlights - misir wat, gomen wat, and a marinated beet preparation that I've never had before. Lovely meal!

Food: very tasty. Misir wot was spicy and delicious; beef tibbs also very tasty. Other vegetable dishes were good, but could be more flavorful. Service: friendly and efficient. Ambiance: clean and pleasant. Tables are close together, but separated by screens.

Lovely small restaurant with authentic food. Fresh, homemade and delicious. Pleasant quiet atmosphere.

Really wonderful and tasty food in a cozy family restaurant atmosphere. Food was fresh and flavorful and service was attentive and very kind. New neighborhood favorite!

We found this delicious little place by accident driving down Leetsdale and decided to give it a try. I have been eating Ethiopian food in Denver for about 35 years now, and I would have to say that Mama Africa Cafe is the best. The food at Mama Africa has a very fresh, bright quality to it when compared to other places I have eaten. We enjoyed the Sambusas as a appetizer and then the Vegetable Platter accompanied by the Lamb Tibs. It was all delicious. Their lentils are amazing. The coffee after lunch was the perfect cap to a great meal. The couple that own Mama Africa have made a clean, comfortable, and very welcoming restaurant in a little strip mall on Leetsdale Drive. I would highly recommend Mama Africa to anyone who loves Ethiopian food or anyone who wants to try something different and delicious.

The service was amazing and the food was great. The kindness they offer when needing some changes or have question they were very helpful. Check this place out if you want healthy good food.