Cafe Selam

Great food. We ended up getting the meat combo plate + the fish dish. There is only 1 fish dish on the menu and it's delish. I didn't realize that if you order just the meat combo it doesn't come with many veggies - then we ordered the veggie combo and chomped down the whole thing even though we were kinda full. I had guests visiting from Texas and they loved the food. Glad I got them here. Service was slow, although very friendly. They didn't have sambosa which might be a deal breaker as my family loves that as an appetizer.

We were here for a casual Sunday brunch and the wait is insane! We waited for 50 mins for our order (just 4 dishes) and we clearly asked for appetizers first and all the food came at once and it felt like we were just sitting and doing nothing. For the hype this place has, it's just not worth it. I have been to other Ethiopian restaurants in the area and they were really better even in terms of food. We waited thinking the food would make up for the long wait. We got the 2 lamb dishes, the Fir Fir and the chicken dish. Only the Fir Fir was good, the other 3 were not thay good at all. We had to ask for forks thrice and still didn't get it on time.If you like Ethiopian food or want to try, not this place please.

I enjoyed the veggie combo. The food was good for sure. Not great. I have had great Ethiopian food so have high standards, their is a big jump from good to great.

A really great neighborhood spot for delicious Ethiopian food. The space is a bit small, but service is efficient and there is a small, outdoor patio as a nice weather day option.

Ordered to-go on a Friday afternoon. We got the beef tibs spicy and veggie combo. I forgot to get a photo but there was so much food and everything was delicious! When I arrived to the restaurant to pickup I was about 5 mins early. The employees were so kind. They offered me tea and water while I waited. I felt very lucky cause parking can be tricky in the area. They gave us so much injera! I'm excited to eat left overs. The tibs was spicy and flavorful as well as the cabbage and potatoes coming as a second favorite. Will definitely have to order here again soon! If you're looking for really great injera you have to check this spot out.

Oh lord is this place good! The usual: beef tibs and a full plate of the spinach! Good portions with good prices but they can be slow so we always call ahead with ample time to pickup the order.

Food was fine, but I felt like the price did not match the experience. I paid $30 for a combo plate and drink in a restaurant with bars on the windows and tears in the seats.For me, the meat combo plate tasted fine. The portion size was enough for just one meal- I didn't bring home tomorrow's lunch too for the price. Personally, I think the raves may be coming from Seattle-area people who just really want Ethiopian food. I miss it too, but this was just fine IMO.I'd love to see them reinvest any profits into their business and the customer experience.

I strongly suggest you try the breakfast item: foul & fir fir It was surprisingly delicious and full of flavor (vegan) served with French bread.

Ethiopian food is my fiance's favorite. She had a regular go-to spot here in Portland, but the chef changed and it went downhill. We've been to almost all of the local spots and haven't found one that stands out. So it was a treat to find Cafe Selam and have an outstanding Ethiopian feast.We got the veggie combo and yasi tibs(Tilapia in a spicy sauce) to share. The plate of injera on the side was more than we could eat. All the flavors popped, with more subtle spice than any other Ethiopian I've ever had.The atmosphere was fun and casual, really full of happy twenty-somethings. If you're sensitive to noise, go on an off night, it was loud!

I have been coming here for over 10 years! I partially grew up in this restaurant it feels like.This is a family run restaurant that is a hidden gem in seattle, I've taken people here countless times, and EVERY SINGLE PERSON has become hooked, made it a regular spot for themselves, or asks me to take them back. I have friends from out of state who message me telling me they crave this place!I get the ful, qatenqa, and a mango juice. Usually I'll take it to go, but I've never regretted eating inside!As I said, this is a small business family-owned restaurant with REAL food. If you want food at artificial speeds, or artificial service, grow up, or go get fast food somewhere! Personally, I think the love and time they pour into this food is what makes it The Best!