Zobel

First time trying Ethiopian food and it was a great experience. The server/bartender was really helpful while we were unsure of what to order. The beef was super flavorful and the portions were generous. The sourness of the injera is not a texture and flavor that will need to grow more on me.

We stopped here after a fun scavenger hunt event nearby and wasn't disappointed. We ordered the veggie combo and although it was a bit of a wait even though we ordered online, it wasn't too bad.The veggie combo came with 5 different veggie dishes on injera and they gave us 2 more injera bread with it so it was a hefty portion. Each of the veggie dish was unique and flavorful and the injera bread was soft but strong enough to hold the veggies without disintegrating. Price was actually really good for what you get. The dish fed 2 people and it costs $14. Overall, a good place to come and try

Zobel is a tiny, unassuming Ethiopian restaurant in first hill. Ive been a couple times on weeknight and the restaurant has been pretty empty. I split the meat combo ($20) with my friend, and it was so so filling. Definitely gives off hole-in-the-wall vibes, but the portions are huge and food is yummy. Come check it out!

This place helped curve the Ethiopia sized craving my friend and I both had. We were greeted and left with a pretty intense incense smell. The place was really homey and simply decorated. We weren't exactly sure who our waiter was, but the service was super accommodating despite the long time my friend and I spent inside past our meal. I'd have to say some of the items on the vegetarian platter is incredible and I'd be thrilled to order a giant bowl of it. The lentils and collared greens are to die for, without a doubt. Other times sat averagely with me. The odd part was the salad, that was strong in a salty sour taste - it would have been preferable if the dress was milder. My friend's lamb dish was good, but in my opinion the meat was tough and the sauce was peppery. All in all, I love etheopian food and this restaurant still enforces that.

Zobel is in a house converted to a cafe, sitting on a street between homes that are still homes. Parking is on-street but we didn't have trouble finding a spot nearby. Upon entering it struck me as more tavern than Ethiopian restaurant, but it was both; it's just that it had more drinkers than diners when we arrived early evening. Only one other table had people sitting at it though the bar was moderately busy. The most memorable thing about the decor were the odd green chairs that seemed to be based on a child's design, and earned smiles all around when remarked upon. We sat in a booth instead at one of the tables with those chairs. After we ordered, it's a good thing we were into a lively conversation, as it took forever for anything but the beers to come to our table. Another group of diners came in as we were waiting. We'd ordered a variety of vegetarian items, which eventually arrived. They ranged from decent to very good, everyone enjoyed the meal a lot I think, even if we remembered better Ethiopian places around the city. One thing we missed was a dish with potatoes we get elsewhere. The basic method of eating at Ethiopian places -- with your fingers, picking up food with spongy injera flatbread -- quite simply adds to the enjoyment of a meal prepared so that no forks or spoons are required. Slightly fancier places will provide warm damp cloths so your hands are good and clean, but they skip that here, so make sure you arrive with clean hands! And if you happen to get your hands sloppy, wipe 'em on your pants when everyone's done.

I ordered takeout since dine-in is not an option at any restaurant right now. I almost drove by it, because it is tucked into the vibrant scenery of the block very well. Luckily I was somewhat familiar with the area and found parking easily. (Lots of meter maids driving around so be mindful of that.) I was greeted first by the amazing aroma of the restaurant spices cooking, but also by both staff, right away and rang out. The food didn't take too long to finish and she carried my bag out to me.I got a veggie combo and also purchased the kobel combo for my partner. Both were super affordable and worth the quantity of food they give you. they do NOT skimp on flavor and seasonings and have a choice of mild medium or spicy. I chose medium and will try the spicy next time. This one is perfect but I'm just curious how hot it will go :) and it is so tasty i know I will be back.

I ordered the beef stew with injera. The injera unlike many Ethiopian restaurants was made correctly and done the traditional way. You could tell it wasn't too thick and heavy; it was just right. The beef stew was nicely seasoned and everything was nice and hot.I was worried that when I moved south out of delivery range of another Ethiopian restaurant up north that I'd never find another restaurant that does Ethiopian food the authentic way. I'm glad I did and I plan on ordering here regularly.

We got their combination plate and all of the items included were delicious! We split this plate between 4 people and there was more than plenty to go around. I appreciate how they gave us extra injera bread. Just taking one star off for the ambiance. The place was a little run down and did not feel very welcoming. Overall good food and would come again

I have been to this Ethiopian spot so many times, and I am so blown away by the fact that this might be one of the best food deals in all of Seattle. For $20 for the combo plate, you get to try like 10 different dishes to share with a friend and then have another few meals for leftovers. Just on value alone, I cannot recommend this enough because if you compare to other Ethiopian places like Queen Sheba, one dish is probably going to be $20. The restaurant is unassuming and it feels like it's inside a banquet hall, but the servers are very friendly and kind. The vegetables are all very well cooked as well as the meats and my favorite part of eating Ethiopian food is the smell of berbere spice lingering on your fingers afterwards. It's a great spot!

Best Ethiopian food in town, and I've tried 10+ places. They don't speak the best English, so you have to know what you want, but the food is delicious and much more flavorful than other Ethiopian food in the area. I recommend the Zobel combo, which has a little bit of everything-- feeds 2!