Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant

Tucked away in Old Colorado Springs, Uchenna one of Colorado Spring's best kept secret - delicious, authentic food cooked by the owner who immigrated from Ethiopia. We chose the family-style platter which included chicken, lamb and beef, plus an array of sauces and vegetables. While you can request a fork, eating using bread is an Ethiopian tradition you should try. Dinner for four cost us just about $20 per person which is insane value for the quality of food. You have to try Uchenna - you'll want to eat here again and again.

Be aware that the restaurant strictly enforces a policy of one entree per person and doesn't allow sharing of plates. You can see previous reviews also mentioning this. I am not Ethiopian but having eaten at other Ethiopian restaurants it's also extremely strange for an Ethiopian restaurant to forbid family style eating and not even allow you to share food with other people. My party asked if it would be ok to order two entrees to share amongst the four of us because we were not hungry enough to order four entire entrees. The restaurant refused and stated that every diner must order their own entree and would not allow us to order only two. They stated this is because they work long hours and they need diners to order one entree per person to make more money to account for this, This was extremely strange because there was only one other party in the entire restaurant. We were not taking up a table that would've gone to a party that might've ordered more food. They would rather make no money off of us than allow us to order two entrees to share. Entrees were about $20 each and they wanted to make $80 off of us but would rather make $0 than $40?? It makes no sense. They told us to either order four entrees or we could leave so we chose to leave and eat at another establishment instead.

Amazing food! I'd never had Ethiopian food before and am upset with myself for waiting 40 years. Did not have any idea what to expect and was amazed at how all the flavors came together so beautifully. Also, the owner is literally the kindest person you'll ever meet; she really makes the entire experience even better.

Absolutely delicious! I got the yebeng tibs combo plate along with an appetizer of the fitfit. The meat was wonderfully marinated and the sauce was just phenomenal, and the lentils that came with the combo were absolutely perfect. My coworker got the besega and the collard greens were perfectly cooked and tender. She also got the La Jardiniere salad which was really enjoyable and added a nice side of crunch to the rest of the meal. I only wish we came with a bigger group so that we could have got in the family platter since that's always the best way to eat Ethiopian food! The restaurant was also really lovely and so cozy and everyone was just so nice and friendly. I definitely suggest calling ahead if you're a bigger group because it's a cozy space so I could see it being hard to get tables and the last time I tried to eat there, it was all booked up. I'm so happy that I finally got the chance to visit, because it was 100% worth the wait and the drive all the way from Boulder!

Food is amazing. Great options for carnivores and vegetarians alike. I come here every time I come visit Colorado Springs and it never disappoints. The owner is an absolutely lovely person as well. Great place to go to try something new and support a local business owned by good people!

Very authentic and kind place with amazing food. They will ask you through what to order and it’s always the right amount. Not expensive for what you get, especially with a group!

I discovered this gem about a year and a half ago and cannot believe how wonderful this place actually is! The owner and chef is a stellar person whose care and attention to her craft clearly shows in her food. I grew up eating Ethiopian food in big cities across this country and will say her Gomen, Doro Wat and Yebeg are the best Ive had. I have worked through the whole menu with my family and really would recommend it all. I recommend calling ahead and seating early as they keep a small service. CO Springs is really lucky to have her & this tasty restaurant!

This restaurant is a true gem and an absolute must-visit in Colorado Springs. We dined there on a Tuesday evening at 6 PM after making a same-day reservation around 11:30 AM. Out of all the places we visited during our five-day trip to Denver and Colorado Springs, this was by far our favorite. The food was exceptional. We ordered the Doro Wat (chicken) and Yebeg Alecha (lamb) as our main dishes. Each entree came with injera (Ethiopian bread), Misser Alecha (red lentils), Misser Wat (yellow lentils), and Atakilt (mixed vegetables). The injera had a soft and slightly tangy flavor that was delicious even on its own. We were impressed by both the Misser Alecha and the Misser Wat — rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The chicken was tender, and the sauce was so good. I could finish the sauce with the injera alone. The lamb was well-seasoned and aromatic. Wrapping the meats and sides in injera brought all the flavors together beautifully — each bite was packed with spice, tang, and comfort. We also loved our drinks (Rose Water infused Lemonade and Orange Blossom Iced Tea), which had delicate floral notes. For dessert, the baklava was outstanding — crisp, flaky layers, a bold nutty flavor, and just the right touch of sweetness from the honey syrup. The atmosphere added even more to the experience. The restaurant was filled with traditional Ethiopian decorations and artwork (out of respect for the artists, we refrained from taking photos), and soft music played in the background. The vibe was warm, cozy, and calm — ideal for a family gathering or a quiet meal with friends. What truly made this place unforgettable, though, was the owner’s hospitality. From the way she interacted with guests, it was clear that many were returning customers. She took the time to share aspects of Ethiopian culture with us and even offered small samples to help us decide on spice levels. Since it was our first time, she also taught us how to eat the dishes properly — a gesture we really appreciated. In short, this restaurant offers an unbeatable combination of flavorful food, a welcoming atmosphere, and genuinely kind people. The prices are also very reasonable. For me, this place became one of the most memorable parts of our trip — it's the first time I’ve missed a place because of a restaurant. I already can't wait to return.

Coming to Uchenna is like going to your mom's house for the comfort meal of your childhood. I've come to Uchenna for years now, and even though I no longer live in state, it is still a regular go-to when I am back in town. I recently visited again to celebrate a dear friend's birthday and Maya was as sweet as always, ensuring we had all we needed, making us feel at home and happily fed! The food here is spectacular and worth stepping out of your comfort zone for if you've never had Ethiopian. We enjoyed the mixed platter and left completely satisfied - I just wish my stomach was larger! If you're wondering about Uchenna, I say absolutely go for the food, but stay for the family. PRO TIP: Always call to make a reservation!

My youngest son and I were on the first leg of our eight national park tour of the west. We drove from Chicago to Arvada Colorado; our initial base camp, then the following day we visited Great Sand Dunes National Park in Mosca. Heading home after hiking for five hours in 96 degree August Rocky Mtn. heat and sand, I asked Petar about looking for a place to stop on our way back to Denver. He located Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant in Colorado Springs. At first glance I wasn't so sure about the place. It's tucked into the corner of a strip mall with minimal signage to let you know, you've arrived. Once in the restaurant it's small but welcoming with a lot of ethnic Ethiopian artwork and traditional table cloths and napkins. The atmosphere Is more like coming home than being a guest in a restaurant. Maja came to our table to take our order and offer some direction about what meal would be best for two hungry men. Petar had the Yebere Wat (beef tenderloin), while I enjoyed the Yebeg Alecha (lamb). Petar asked for silverware, but instructed by Maya that you use the Injera (crepe like Ethiopian flat bread) instead. Not any different than you might. sopp up a stew or yummy rue. I chose to have mine spicy. I've read of others that thought their meals were really spicy. I like spicy... REALLY SPICY, although I felt the lamb was balanced and not all that spicy. That said, we both really enjoyed the meals which were filling and delicious. I've had great Ethiopian meals back home in Chicago, but this was unique and better than many others. I wish I had the foresight to take photo's before, although you can now see how tasty the meals were by how I cleaned the dish wear of my meal, LOL. What's the best part of Uchenna? The food definitely shines. However it's Maya with her charm and willingness to share conversation about stories of her homeland and family that make our visit more than simply a great meal. She is engaging to know your story as much as sharing hers. As I mentioned earlier, it's like coming home to spend time talking with your Mom and having a phenominal meal as much as a memorable visit. Now if there were a sofa available in a shady corner, after that meal to stretch out and enjoy being full and feeling good!

One of my favorite favorite food surprises was the first time I tried Ethiopian food. When I found out there was an exceptionally good Ethiopian restaurant in the area, I had to give it a try. Tonight, to celebrate the birthday of a dear friend, we decided we had to have Ethiopian. I chose the meat and vegetables combo with lamb. Everything was so good! The injera was light and spongy, with just a hint of tang. The lamb was tender and juicy. Just fantastic. The sides were also spot on. So delicious. The place itself is so warm and cozy and inviting. The lady who greeted us, seated us, and served us was so sweet and kind. She took time with each table of guests to answer their questions and make everyone feel welcome. We all enjoyed the complete experience immensely, and we will be back.

I felt like I was at my Grandma's house. Mya was fantastic, the food was spot on. Go spend time with this kind woman and the wonderful food.

Ethiopian food holds a very special place for my family so we make it a point to grab one when I travel. So we go to Uchenna. Ok, firstly, let's get one thing out of the way. This isn't a business. This is a home. Come here to feel, hear, and taste the amazing Ethiopian cuisine. Mama Maya is an angel. She truly is. The food is delicious, and the portions are just right. We were lucky to have gone at a time when there was no one else, so we had Mama Maya to ourselves. Her stories were enchanting, and together with the food, the experience was just spectacular. So, if you're in the area, experience this for yourself. Thank me later. Oh yes, call and make a reservation. If you don't, you may find the place closed. That's how it is here. I'm coming back again and again again.

What an experience!!! We had never had Ethiopian food before. Maya, a sweet Ethiopian woman greeted us when we came in. She explained the menu and asked if we had any restrictions. She told us that she would put together a platter for us. Everything on the platter was delicious! Interesting and very yummy flavors in every bite. We ate our food using injera, rather than utensils. The injera is tortilla like but, somewhat spongy. It absorbed the sauces and was delicious. The prices were very reasonable. We will definitely return

It was love at first bite. Maybe it was obsession at first bite? Idk, but the food packed a serious punch of flavor that left me wanting more. The injera was tangy in the best way. It offset the richness from the lentils. I got the vegetarian plate. Every option was as tasty as the next. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so it felt a bit more intimate. I also got a hibiscus tea. Everything as a whole left me feeling so warm and full on a cold November evening. I was so happy, I legitimately forgot to take pictures. Will update on my next trip.

What a wonderful place! The decor is beautiful, the service is sweet and friendly, and the food is wonderful. I had this it Uchenna many years ago and enjoyed it so I took my husband back today for lunch. The hostess (who was also the waitress and possibly the proprietor) greeted me and seated us immediately, then gave us a few minutes to look out for the menu. We started off with Injera Fitfit which was an appetizer of Injera bread with spices, onions, cilantro, tomatoes and more. It was delicious! She served it to us with small plates and forks, then later asked if we wanted to use the forks for our main meal. We both chose to keep our forks, despite knowing how to use the Injera bread as a utensil. We both ordered ice tea, not knowing that it was orange blossom infused and sweetened. I liked it but my husband drank water instead because he does not like sweetened drinks. For our entrées, we chose the Misser Alecha (Split red lentils with ginger, 12 spices, garlic, onions, and olive oil) and the Atakilt (Cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, ginger, and 3 spices) to share; we love to try different foods. Both dishes came with a large rolled up piece of Injera which was sliced into rolls (see pictures). Both choices were very tasty. My husband especially enjoyed the fact that it was not salted much at all. (I told myself to bring a little salt for myself next time :-)) I also wanted to try their hot sauce and it was brought with the admonition that it was extremely, extremely hot and to use sparingly. I tried just a drip on a piece of Injera before scooping up some of the entrées, and she were right! It was very spicy but also very tasty. The hostess/waitress/proprietor(?) was so sweet and caring. She came by multiple times to be sure we were enjoying our meal and was very happy that we cleaned our plates! Can't wait to come back and try some of the meat dishes next time.

My first time having Ethiopian... wow. Such unique flavors. We cleared the plate. Not a bad thing on the menu. The restaurant was very intimate and felt like you were in her home having dinner with them. Couldn't recommend more.

Echoing most other reviews: Uchenna is my FAVORITE restaurant!!! 1. I get my birthday dinner here 2. The owner is a wonderful woman who cooks love into every dish, along with the most amazing spices and fresh ingredients 3. I just love Ethiopian food anyway, and Uchenna is the best and only source in this area As noted, she's only open for take-out, and SHE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT NOW! If you are between a few options, please please please order dinner from Uchenna. The many fans (including me) really want to see this restaurant succeed through this tough time. You will be glad you tried it!

I just love this little place. Whether you are familiar with Ethiopian food or not, you gotta try it! As of this review, they are only open for takeout; but don't let that deter you! Portions are large, food is ready quickly and man, is it so delicious, and so healthy. When you call in to order, you give your credit card info up front, and when you go to pick up your order, you call again and the owner will bring your food out to you. They are being extra cautious; and probably have to operate this way to stay open currently. I don't know for sure, but I really think it's just this little older lady doing everything herself. Your dollar goes an extra long way to support this little local business. Their Injera is totally Gluten Free and they have MANY vegan options, making this place good for groups with varied dietary restrictions. I always order the vegetarian platter, spicy. I don't find it too spicy myself, just perfect. I bet she can make it extra spicy if you ask! My favorite is the red lentils. Next time you're debating on what to get for takeout, highly recommend giving this a try!

The food was incredible, and the service was even better. You can tell the team pours themselves into serving their customers, as every bite was flawless.

We never tasted the food so want to be clear on that. We drove for an hour to come to this restaurant. The restaurant closed at 8 pm and we were here at 6.30 pm. The tables were all full and one table was done with their food and soon to get up. But the hostess told us they weren't taking any more customers. I have never seen such poor customer service turning away some customers 1.5 hours before closing time when tables were free. Please beware if you plan to go here.

Incredibly tasty food, great atmosphere, and very friendly. 1st time trying Ethiopian food so I didn't know what to expect but it was so flavorful and delicious I want to try other dishes.

food was amazing, atmosphere was welcoming, very authentic. Service was also excellent, #cleanplateclub

Amazing, flavorful, love infused food! Lovely decor. Thank you for welcoming us so fully into your private kitchen atmosphere.

I've frequented Uchenna a few times and became a regular spot for my coworkers and I. You need to make a reservation, and it's only open from 5-7, but that helps make the charm. The server welcomes you with open arms and is the sweetest lady. The Doro Wat is so flavorful and addicting. We have also split the big plates and everything was amazing. 10/10 would recommend.

We've been here before and food is great. We called yesterday to make a reservation for tonight. We got a 530 time and were told there were no other options. My husband and I rushed out of work so that we could be there in time and there was literally nobody in the restaurant and the doors were locked. Supposed to open at 5pm. No sign or anything. It was a Thursday night which is not one of the days that they are closed. Very frustrating

You must call ahead. And it is worth it! It's the only Ethiopian food I've ever had, and I can imagine I'd be let down anywhere else after this.

Absolutely amazing food. The place is small, so I recommend making a reservation. We decided to let them decide what to feed us, so I'm not sure what the dishes we ate were called, but everything was amazing. The cook, who I think is the mother of the family(?) was working alone that night, so the food took a bit longer but it was worth the wait. Three of us cleaned the 4 person family platter without a problem. She also came out to check on us at the end, and she was the sweetest lady.

I didn't even get as far as tasting the food! I called to ask about the menu and the lady who answered was abominably RUDE! I tried calling back to talk to the manager or chef or someone who would be more professional and no one picked up. I'm done! I'm truly hoping to actually get as far as TRYING THE FOOD and updating this to a better review one day!

Would have loved to find out if the food was any good, especially since ethei4 injera is gluten free, but their store hour/setup are absurd. If you want to dine-in you need to make a reservation to have them open the restaurant specifically for you, 24 hours in advance. We made reservations for 1:30, 24 hours in advance. After driving in 30 minutes we were unfortunately 10 minutes late, after trying to find parking, which is very very sparse. When we got there the doors were still locked, and one of the ladies walked past us, looked at us, and kept walking. After calling, the lady who answered knew nothing of our reservation, until she asked someone else, who then informed the person we were on the phone with the our reservation was for 1:30pm, and she wasn't staying open past 2pm for our reservation, so there was no time for us to eat and to come back some other day. So, even if we had been right on time, we'd have been kicked out after 30 minutes.... This has definitely been a first, especially after we tried coming in 2 days ago, driving 30 minutes in at that time as well,only to then find out about the odd hours and setup, that is not reflected on Yelp or Google for open times.

What an amazing experience I fell in love with the food and our server was the sweetest lady! Come early or make a reservation the restaurant fills up

They're currently offering food To-Go or with table service by reservation only, which turned out to be a good thing, because the noises I made when I took my first bite of the Lamb Yebeg Alecha made me glad I was eating in the privacy of my car. HEAVEN. Every bite was an EXPLOSION of delicious flavor! The lentils were tasty, the injera had the perfect texture, and the lamb made me want to fall to my knees and thank providence for giving me tastebuds. And it was all gluten-free! Bonus: it was still just as delicious hours later when I demolished the leftovers. The portions are very generous! I wish I lived in the area so I could eat here all the time.

It's like an episode from the food Nazi NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!!!!! overpriced!!! Microwaved - heavy vibe The food is fair You shouldn't have to be worried about whether or not the owner is going to be upset. Everybody's walking around on eggshells afraid to upset the owner:((((

This place is good because it is the only Ethopian around. It would not make it in Denver. Pros: - It's the only Ethopian restaurant in CO springs . - they don't always have all the menu items because she gets the food fresh everyday (this could be a con, but I appreciate the freshness) Cons: -The injera is just ok. - the gomen basega was dry - pricey for what you get. Combo plates are $17 here, same combo plate is $13 at any of the places on Colfax in Denver. - The way they do business is acquired taste - I ordered pick up 45 min before they closed for the afternoon. The owner told me I had to be there in 15 min to pick it up. I said I was 20 minutes away. Then she texted me 15 min later to say my food was ready (interesting, but OK). When I got there it was actually not ready and I waited another 5. Why text if it wasn't ready? - Another time I called just to order sides of Injera @ $3.50?! She told me it was for customers only...(yes, thats what I am trying to be?) Also odd that it's a menu item if you can't order it. So then I was going to order a dish and then sides of injera, but she hung up before I could. I'm not going to tell anyone how to run their business, but I have given this place a few tries and it's is not for me. I will get my Ethopian in Denver from now on.

Amazing- kudos to the precious family A full body experience - Speechless but Yelp has a minimum number of words required

This Ethiopian restaurant is phenomenal and the owner is a gem. Make sure you come with an appetite. We ordered the Lamb, Chicken Doro Wat, Orange Spice Tea and Baklava. Everything was delicious, we can't say enough good things! Prepare yourself to leave with a full tummy and full heart!

Amazing as i remember. The food is like nothing else in the springs and maya is a gift. Just close the app and go. And get the rose lemonade. We used to go a lot when we were here 2012-2016. Came back and it's as amazing as i remember - i taunted my kids away at college because we were in town for a quick visit. Maya never disappoints!!!

The BEST restaurant experience my family and I has ever had, truly a once in a lifetime experience. Maya was the sweetest, most friendly person and really made us feel like we were at home with family while also getting a private dining-like experience. The food was absolutely amazing and so flavorful. As a vegan myself, I give this place a 10/10 as there are endless options. If you're in Colorado Springs, this place is a MUST!!!

Can't leave 1 star because the food does look good but after driving to the restaurant and waiting in the parking lot for them to open we were turned away and told that they only accept reservations made a day before. On the website it only says that reservations are recommended (not required) for parties of 3 or more. There were only two of us. Make sure to make reservations beforehand.

This is a very small restaurant. I would make sure to make reservations. The food was great. We got a family platter and the 4 of us shared. Basically 90% of the menu was gluten free! It does take awhile to get the food. They also closed at 7:30pm so don't plan to linger after dinner.

I recommend this shop get carryout containers use for soup. The one we got for our vegetarian meal was the kind used for a sandwich but our meal was like a stew. It was VERY delicious but needed to be in spillproof containers

Caveat: The restaurant took awhile to serve us the dinners we ordered. However, I've never been in a fast Ethiopian restaurant. It's my impression that there's a lot of stews and things that take time to cook. So I recommend going with friends or family, enjoy your conversation, and don't be in a rush. Uchenna is a very small, family run restaurant that is a little hard to find. Our dinner was lovely. We had two lamb dishes (Lamb Yebeg Tibs and Lamb Yebeg Alecha) and Shiro Wat (a vegan dish). They were all wonderful. -- Have I had better Ethiopian food? Yes, I admit I have, but most of those restaurants are in the Washington DC area and none of them are closer than Denver. Next time I'm in the area, I'll be back. I really enjoyed the food and service!

My family and I were visiting Colorado Springs for a wedding and arranged for lunch at Uchenna. Most of us were from out of town and had never eaten here before, nor had we experienced Ethiopian food previously. The owner of the restaurant, Maya, greeted us with open arms as if welcoming her into her home. Her daughter, Nyla, took the time to explain the various items on the menu and helped us order the most delicious food in the perfect quantities! They served us the veggie combo as well as "family style" portions of the beef, lamb, and chicken. For dessert they served the most delicious baklava I've ever had!! In short, I'm considering moving to Colorado Springs just for this restaurant!

OMG!!! This place is amazing We had lunch there for the first time today and we loved it. Great vegetarian & vegan options. Their spices are Dynamite!!!!

Found this little gem while traveling through Colorado Springs. It was everything a meat eater and a vegan could ask for. Perfectly spiced, the right proportion and loving vibes. It felt like eating dinner with family. You can always taste when food is seasoned with love.

Excellent all around! Cute and convenient location, PHENOMENAL food (I had the lamb gyro and la jardiniere salad), and warm, lovely service! I'll be moving here in September and can't wait to become a regular!!

I know my Ethiopian food. I come from a city with a huge Ethiopian population. Not only was the food OVERPRICED (combo for 2 totals over 41 dollars), it was small portions, tasteless, injera was hard and thick. The owner was rude, made us move to set up a group table w/ no politeness or apologies. She kept mentioning in a loud but bland dissatisfaction they closed at 2pm. We we ordered our food about 1:30pm. Waitresses hovered while I gave minimal tip. Never again

Go for dinner early and just skip the lunch, to many microwave sounds coming from the back at lunch time as observed by my sister. We like it fresh not reheated!

Best Ethiopian restaurant food that I have had. Excellent flavor with the beef tibs and inner with lentils and vegetables (meat-veggie combo). The owner was so generous. She gave me free beef tibs for my dinner for my hotel.

Meh. I have been wanting to go here for months, but couldn't find anyone who would go with me. A friend and I had dinner here sharing a meat plate combo and a veggie plate combo. We ordered it spicy, which was good, but the flavors were not different between any of the dishes we tried. I was pretty bummed because I'd last had Ethiopian food in Boston years ago and it was brilliant and flavorful. Uchenna doesn't compare with my previous experience. I was very unimpressed with our server. He was argumentative from the moment we walked in. When we asked if we could sit anywhere, he said, "you can sit anywhere as long as it only has two seats...in case we get busy." He spent the rest of the meal harassing us for our order, giving us grief for using a fork to cut the meat rather than using our hands to eat the whole meal. His behavior was pretty cheeky. Really don't think I'll pop in again...which makes me crazy sad because I was stoked to have an Ethiopian restaurant in town.

This place is fantastic. I ordered the Yebeg Alecha, and my wife had the Seafood Platter. The flavors of both were delectable. Our 8 year old son had pizza, and also a bit of both of ours. He really liked the injera bread, as did I! The Yebeg Alecha was slightly sour, and the lamb was incredibly tender. Meanwhile, the seafood platter was spiced perfectly. The lady serving us was very sweet and made sure we had everything we needed. The only way this place could be better is if it were closer to home.

I really miss this place! The food was was excellent and the lady who took my phone order was extremely helpful! Aside from her native tongue She even spoke Spanish. If I'm ever back in the Springs area again, this will be my first stop! I just hope I can dine in this time! Gracias por todo.

Small family owned restaurant where everything is an act of love. I have been coming here for 6 yrs, they are amazing people with hearts of gold. The Doro Wat is my all-time favorite! Whether dining in or taking to-go, food and service are always top notch! Cannot recommend this place enough!

We just keep coming back for more! Just one of my favorite restaurants in the Springs. Maya and Nails are just super welcoming hosts. They always greet us with a smile and remember us and make us feel at home. The food is always on point and we just let Naila choose for us. We just mention what kind of protein we'd like and she just fixes us the perfect platter to share amongst friends. This place is so convivial it reminds me of Italian Restaurants back home (Italy) where it's all about gathering around some food with good company and not so much about hurrying to get a meal down and leave. Just try their Rose water lemonade and Orange Blossom Tea if they haven't already run out...they are THAT good and THAT popular!

OMG!!! Food was fantastic, people are friendly, spices are true Ethiopian. If I lived in the area this would definitely be my home away from home. Get some before it's too late. Ok look, the waitress is so awesome she even went around the other local stores looking for a newspaper to give a single eating customer. Right!?!?!?

Uchenna is inside the Old Town Plaza, in the corner. So you don't have to find street parking. You can park in their private lot. Uchenna is an Ethiopian restaurant. It seems to be run by a few people. The restaurant is intimate and quiet. We didn't make a reservation, but maybe it's better to do so. One negative thing about Uchenna is the wait time. You have to wait about 40+ minutes to get your food. I think the cook makes it from scratch every time. So only come here if you're patient and not in a rush. They don't seem to have silverware. So you got to eat the food true Ethiopian style, with your hands. I suggest you wash your hands as you wait for the food. I tried their Gomen Besaega, which is beef tenderloin, various spices, and collard greens. The dish came with injera. Tear a piece from the injera, wrap the meat in it, and eat. They only allow mild or hot flavors for the spice level. I suggest getting the "hot" level, if you can handle it. More flavors the better! The dish was delicious and flavorful. I could taste all the spices. The beef was tender, and I liked my dish. The injera was made well. It was nice and spongy. If you're patient and have time to kill to wait for a great Ethiopian meal, try Uchenna.

The aroma of spices draw you to this restaurant. Rose-water lemonade, chicken with basmati rice & lamb alecha with injera are out of the world. Maya was an awesome host. Her gesture of getting us a box of dessert for the road showed that she cared for her customers. Loved this place and will go back here when I'm in Colorado Springs again.