Habesha Restaurant

Words cannot express how much I love this place - the food is SO GOOD!!! It has become a neighbourhood favourite for me. I didn’t know what I was missing out on until I tried this place - it’s an Ottawa gem in my eyes.

Came here on a double date for my first Ethiopian food experience and came away very impressed (and pleasantly full!) First, I do have to say that the atmosphere left a lot to be desired. The mix of dark decor and sparse lighting was not great, and unfortunately we were sat by a cold and drafty window on a chilly night. However, once the food got there, all those concerns evaporated. We ordered the mixed veggie and meat platter, which had a variety of ground beef and lentils and cabbage, from what I could tell, plus a boiled egg and chicken drumstick (I think we were supposed to get two of each with our order, but there was enough food that it didn’t end up being an issue). For what it’s worth, the veggie dishes easily bested the meat ones. For the other dish, we ordered beef cubes in pepper sauce, which was incredibly flavourful and just the right rareness. Each bite was perfectly spicy (if not a bit chewy, because of the cut), and went well with the veggie dishes served on the huge piece of injera bread. Speaking of which - that stuff is addictive! It’s so perfectly spongy and substantial, but not filling in the same way western or even Middle-Eastern bread can be. It soaked up the sauces well, and was almost like a meal in itself. Bonus points for being a plate you could eat afterwards! The other thing I loved was the price. It was just 18 for each of the two dishes, and it more than sufficed for two people. Next time, we’ll order the veggie plate, since that’s where most of the flavour was, and we’ll be sure to ask for a warmer table, but otherwise this spot was a great introduction to delicious Ethiopian food!

Love love love!!!! My partner and I usually get the habesha and vegetarian platter to share and it is more than enough to go around! They have recently increased their prices , just something to keep in mind .. but still very delicious !

Do yourself a favour and give Ethiopian food a try. Delicious!!!! We shared the Habesha platter and an order of Kitfo. Everything was delicious. Love the platter because of the variety. Service was very great. He was mindful as well as helpful. Very authentic, as good as our experience in Seattle.

Try out the combination platter - delicious and in very large portions. I found it was best to have 2 people share 1 platter. Pre-order before arrival to avoid the 40 minute wait time. Paid parking is available.

I’ve been here three times and it’s fantastic. I wish I had left a review before now. Tonight I got dragged to another Ethiopian restaurant (in the Byward Market) and it was awful. But Habesha is fantastic! The food is fresh and delicious. The injura is hot and fluffy, just made when it arrives. On top of all this, it’s very affordable. No wonder it gets filled up with people every evening. Highly recommended!

A flavour-packed escape in Ottawa! Habesha Restaurant offers a warm and authentic Ethiopian dining experience that truly satisfies both the heart and palate. We tried the dulet with rice, the Habesha fish and chips, and the tilapia—each dish was a delightful explosion of flavour. The dulet was expertly seasoned, rich, and perfectly paired with rice. The Habesha fish and chips brought a unique Ethiopian twist to a classic, with crispy golden batter and tender fish inside. The tilapia was tender, juicy, and bursting with spice and soul. The ambiance was cozy, the service was welcoming, and the portions were generous. A must-visit if you're looking to explore traditional Ethiopian cuisine with a modern touch. Highly recommended!

I love the food here. I can't seem to get the cravings for it out of my head. I will have to admit I spend several hours afterwards smelling those spices on the tips of my fingers and enjoying them thoroughly! It's always a great experience and the location is perfect in comparison with the old one.