Enat Ethiopian Restaurant

My favorite Ethiopian restaurant in Charlotte!Ambiance: Tucked away in a strip mall, Enat can be hard to miss but it's worth the hunt. This small, well decorated restaurant is fantastic. There is limited seating, but they are very accommodating. It can get busy on the weekends, so prepare for a wait. The service: Great. With the space being small, the servers are very attentive. They are kind and will take time to explain the menu if you're not familiar with the food. They also give excellent recommendations. The goods: Too yummy! I have never had a bad meal here. My go to is the veggie platter and the chicken or mushroom tibs in awaze sauce. They are spicy in the best way. They also have great options if you are not a fan of injera, you can sub your carb to your liking. Please take time to try this hidden gem!

We had such a great experience at Enat Ethiopian Restaurant in Charlotte, NC! The food was amazing, and our waitress was super kind and patient with us.We ordered the meat platter, which came with lamb, chicken, and beef, along with lentils, chickpea stew, and collard greens. Everything was flavorful and cooked perfectly. The injera was soft and tasty, and it was fun using it to scoop up all the delicious dishes.The service and atmosphere made the whole experience even better. We'll definitely be back for more!

My niece and I visited Optimist Hall for the first time today. We decided to try two places and share. This place was our first choice and it was amazing. We got the lamb platter with split chick pee and collards. The lamb was seasoned perfectly and very tender. It was so flavorful!!! I have to go back again soon. My niece would say 10 put of 10. I have no clue if they have other locations but I liked that Optimist Hall had so many options on one spot. So we could opt in or out of dessert and outside to have ice cream.

Absolutely fabulous food. We got the meat tray and it was enough for six people. The taste and preparation were absolutely incredible!. The staff were very kind and helpful. This is one of the favorite places I've eaten in a while. Vegetable voices were exceptional!!!

I completely forgot having gotten takeout here during the COVID era. Returning to eat in person yields the observation that hipsters are apparently the same in any culture; apparently nothing in the Tewahedo creed forbids the phrase "I was like, oh my god". Beyond their young staff, I did not observe a whole lot new. Which is to say, their veggie combo remains quite diverse as these things go, offering a colorful variety. I particularly enjoyed the split peas, but while there were some ups and downs the totality of the veggie combo is usually well worth it, and that was a ton of food for the money.Apparently they have a new food hall location, so hopefully a different sort of person will be introduced to the cuisine.

The food served is always warm and fresh! I got the vegan platter and they let you modify the things you add to it. Everything is spiced so well and flavorfulThe service is super fast too. They give you extra injera if you ask nicely.Ambiance isn't as lively as the Optimist Hall location but they have serve more food options in this location. It's very casual and rarely more than 2 other tables occupied from the times I've been here.There's a parking lot right in front of the restaurant that's free (no time limit unlike the one at Optimist Hall)Would come here for good Ethiopian food when I'm in a mood for quick, easy, and casual vibe.

The beef tibs platter was excellent and enough for two people to share. We got the red lentils and cabbage side to share. The red lentils was definitely the better side. The only disappointing thing was there was no seating left inside or even outside in the shade, and we had to eat this hot meal in 90° heat.

Food was so flavorful and fresh. Our server was sweet and provided great recommendations. Cozy ambiance as well.

Visiting Enat Ethiopian Restaurant inside Optimist Hall was an absolute delight! My friends and I were excited to try something new, and we were not disappointed.We opted for the chicken platter, and wow, what a treat it was! The platter allowed us to sample a variety of dishes, each bursting with unique flavors and spices that were a feast for the senses. From the tender chicken to the flavorful lentils and vegetables, every item on the platter was a hit.One of the highlights of our experience was the extensive menu. Enat Ethiopian Restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes, making it a perfect place for both newcomers and seasoned Ethiopian food enthusiasts alike. Whether you're in the mood for traditional injera with savory stews or exploring new flavors, there's something on the menu to satisfy every palate.The ambiance inside Optimist Hall added to the overall enjoyment of our meal. It's a vibrant and lively space that perfectly complements the rich and inviting atmosphere of Enat Ethiopian Restaurant.The service was friendly and attentive, adding to the welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and helped guide us through our culinary journey.Overall, our experience at Enat Ethiopian Restaurant was fantastic. If you're looking to try authentic Ethiopian cuisine in a fun and lively setting, look no further than Enat Ethiopian Restaurant inside Optimist Hall. We can't wait to come back and explore more of their delicious offerings!

Excellent Ethiopian food! Whenever I go to Optimist Hall, I arrive with the intention of trying something different from the variety of food stalls, but I end up coming back to Enat because I know how good it is. A plate with one protein and two sides is a good portion to share between two people. I've had both lamb and beef tibs, and the meat is flavorful with a touch of spice from the jalapeños. The yellow lentils are a nice texture, and the red lentils are a bit spicy. String beans are a great veg option as well. All of these are perfect paired with the spongey injera. I'll always recommend Enat to those taking a trip to Optimist Hall. See you next time!