Katar River Restaurant and Bakery

Great Value Ethiopian take away joint. Stopped by here after work to pick up some dinner and tried to use the website to order. Unfortunately I couldn't find an appetizer section for Sambusas it's in the "non taxed" section so I called in. The guy was friendly and took my order and said to pick up after 30min. When we arrived I noticed that they changed the layout. The groceries are in the back now, and they added more seating up front. Got a huge aluminum container and went home to eat. Sambusas - not pictured Vegetarian with lentils. Has a nice thick skin and was crunchy when I bit into it. Very hearty and filling. The lentils were Al dente, personally I like them a bit softer. Was a nice item to snack on, but the filling doesn't hold together, so probably not good for a driver. Katar small combo for 2 You get a lot of food. I think it's probably enough for 3! There was an assortment of lentils, chickpeas, beef, chicken, beets, green beans, collards, and cabbage. The flavors are robust, and typical of Ethiopian cuisine. The variety of textures and items is my favorite part of ordering Ethiopian. You can go for some beans, and then mix it up with some crunchy veggies. The meat texture is tougher than what you'd expect if you're used to American cuisine. But the when you pair it with some veggies, it's a good comparison. Parking and getting in and out can get dicey since it's a corner lot, but it's easy to spot from the road.

Like other reviewers, I have to say this is probably the tastiest Ethiopian food I've had in the Twin Cities - and I've had most of them! We ordered the Katar Combo for 2 - could've easily fed 4 people. Plus the platter just looked gorgeous - just like the menu photo, lol! They let us pick our meats and it came with a large variety of the veg dishes (almost all of them). The tea is really unique and delicious- ask for honey to make it extra special. Great service. Nice big patio.

I hadn't been back to Katar River in over a decade, but it's still around, it's still good and, if anything, has improved by offering more vegan options.This restaurant is also an Ethiopian grocery store and, oddly, connected to a shipping warehouse. It's easy to miss and not in a place you'd expect, but it has lots of great outdoor seating.I ordered a bunch of their vegan dishes. The key sir ($11) consists of beets and potatoes and tasted great. The kik alicha ($11) is split peas in a turmeric sauce and was mild in taste, but I loved the texture and integrity of the split peas. The misir wot ($11) was excellent with spicy and cinnamon-dusted red lentils. The fosolia ($11) consists of green beans and carrots and was good.I also got lentil sambusas ($1.50 each). These had a thick and layered shell which I found interesting, but the interior lentil filling was dry. It was decent on a whole, though, considering the price.Katar River is a hole-in-the-wall and a super authentic experience for Ethiopian food. If you're looking for slightly better food, I recommend Red Sea in Cedar-Riverside or Agelgil in St. Paul. Dilla (Minneapolis) and Fasika (St. Paul) are also respectable.

This place is for real authentic. Huge meal sizes, the combo for 4 feeds a family of six. For two days. People are friendly.

This unsuspecting restaurant tucked into what looks like an industrial warehouse is an excellent place to experience the cuisine and culture of Minnesota's East African community. The decor inside was a welcome change to sludgy and gray Minneapolis, with colorful woven art on the walls and abundant potted plants. Spicy and sweet tea was served to us in a beautiful pot, and the waiter kindly explained how to enjoy it with our meal. We had the combination platter for two (which could've easily fed four) and the minchet abish, of which every dish was delicious. The injera that accompanied the mains was deliciously spongey and sour. I will definitely return for the hospitality and good food, as well to try my own hand at East African cuisine with ingredients from the well-stocked grocery that occupies half of the restaurant.

First time trying Ethiopian food and this did not disappoint. It was a new experience eating a full meal with our hands. Our group of 4 decided on the sampler meat platter for 3 and it filled each of us up with leftovers. We also got two fresh sambusa. An experience to remember. Owners and operators of the business are kind and happy with what they do. Thank you guys for serving up the community with delicious food.

First time trying Ethiopian food! It did not disappoint. It was such a great experience. Our group of 4 ordered the meat & veggie platter to share (we got the 3 person platter) and we shared a few of the lentil sambusas. So much food, and even had some leftovers. Everything was tasty and flavorful. Definitely a must-try! Lots of local and Ethiopians here dining, so you know it's authentic!

Nice Ethiopian restaurant that doubles as an Ethiopian grocery store (stock up on Injera, Teff flour, Berbere spice mix etc)Food is always wonderful with *huge* portions. Service can be a little slow but wonderful staff working. Easy 5-10 minute walk from the Lake St. Light rail station. Come hungry.

I've enjoyed the dishes with Ground hamburger and with Chicken cubes. And the Doro Wat was very good.I really liked the spaghetti, but it was a too spicy for my kids.And like many Ethiopian places, they provide enough ingera bread to make a blanket with (I bet it would be warm too).

WOW!!! What a great place the food is amazing the service at takeout kind and pleasant and always leftovers. Could not recommend enough. The kids loved eating with their hands. Utensils available.