Lalibela Restaurant

If you know anything about the "DC food scene", you know there's no short in options for good Ethiopian food. In my opinion, the differentiators are service and freshness (of both food and flavor).The service and atmosphere were both just okay. The differentiator here for me was the fried croaker which was seasoned through and freshly cooked with a strong "fish taste" which is what I was expecting. Of the vegetable combo, the red lentils and greens stick out the most - the lentils for their spice and the greens for their freshness (they still had a slight crunch). I'd go back for the fish and lentils alone.

OVERALL: one of my favorite Ethiopian restaurants in DC!FOOD: We ordered the Doro Wot and for 4 people that was a lot. It was so good and had the right balance of vegetarian sides and meat sides. Would highly recommend pairing with an Ethiopian beer, which they sell there too. VENUE: pretty big venue with ample spaced out seating. There is also a bar. I love seeing locals and Ethiopian families there - that's how you know the food is good!

delicious food + really kind staff. I had a fantastic vegetarian platter to split with a friend and had a great time.this restaurant is clearly a community favorite - many people were hanging out here just watching TV or spending time with friends. I loved how casual and friendly the place felt.

The service over the phone is not good. The women were kind even though there was difficulty understanding our allergy needs. When the women got the manager, a guy, who was rude, short and difficult to talk to because of his demeanor. We explained that the online order did not clarify certain allergens over an order and he was controlling about what number the order was on his menu. We had to explain that the order number was different and that we just needed to make sure everything was edible for us.He confirmed that an item was not edible for us and we thanked him. He shortly said bye and hung up.Be aware of establishments that treat you rudely. We don't know if this place is good, but It does not matter. In general, we must stop patronizing people with disrespectful attitudes over your food. You should not eat where you feel disrespected.

Food: Portions were big and everything was fresh, authentic and served hot. Also, the presentation was quite colorful and everything looked so appetizing (and of course ended up being so tasty). I had the beef tibs which were excellent, although the stew sauce was probably more spicy than most average people can handle. (4.5/5)Ambiance: Nothing special or fancy about the ambiance, except it's got a "neighborhood hangout" vibe that replicates decent, reputable restaurants in smaller international towns. Was pretty bustling the two times I've been. (4/5)Service: I had wonderful service both times -- food arrived very quickly and staff was very attentive. (5/5)This is one of my favorite African restaurants not only in D.C., but in the entire U.S. (and I grew up in L.A. which has quite a few solid Nigerian & Ethiopian spots among others in the diaspora). When I was in D.C. craving African food, I had two different local friends recommend this spot and it did NOT disappoint. The storefront doesn't look too eye-catching from the outside, but the food and experience inside was first class.

I stumbled upon this place after checking out several vegan late night options within metro DC and this was one of the few places that was open. I had not had Ethiopian food in a while, so I was excited. I'm glad I went because I was not disappointed because the food was great and tasted fresh, Great size portions for the price and the Injera was amazing. I ordered the vegetarian combination with fried fish. The fish to me was fried just right, it was very well seasoned. I believe one of the veggie dishes was a smashed eggplant and it was definitely one of my favorite parts of the entire meal aside from the fish and the lentils. I ordered my food to go, but inside of the establishment it was clean and the restaurant gave off nice vibes, I would definitely come back for a date night, and or just for Ethiopian food with friends/family because the service was prompt as well. Definitely give them a try if you're in the area, I can't wait to go back and try the Doro Wat and Kitfo

**vegetarian review**OMG this was the best Ethiopian food I had in a while! The restaurant is unassuming and open till late. I visited close to closing time and ordered sambusa and vegetarian platter - number 11. The sambusa - close to India samosa - was delicious - it was filled with lentils and was super crispy. The vegetarian platter - oh boy - so reasonably priced at $12 contained one injera with 2 lentil dishes, 1 cabbage dish, 1 salad and 1 green collards. Everything was delicious and we finished the food in minutes. I highly recommend the place!

I've never had this kind of food before, so this was a nice experience. The flavors weren't very familiar but I kept an open mind. I had lamb tips and some of their sides wrapped in this uh...honestly I dunno what it was called. Either way, it was good.I got delivery, so I can't speak to the service.

Food was excellent. Got the shared combination dinner for two, an order of spicy Beef Tibs split between 3 people. Lots of food. Leftovers were awesome. Laid back vibe, but the waitresses got us out quickly when we asked for the check so we could catch our showtime. Definitely recommend.

The absolute smalllest portions of food I've ever received at a Ethiopian restaurant. Literally a spoon full of collards and 2 pieces of potatoes. And if you're not Ethiopian they don't care if you need anything or enjoying your meal. Literally came in there and was spoken to once and that's just to get my order