Definitely give this Eritrean small business a try! Food is pretty like Ethiopian food. Came on a Saturday afternoon and there was only 1 other customer. Per the waitress recommendation, we got the Awaze tibs for $21 (dinner prices were correct bc there are two different prices for lunch and dinner where lunch is more expensive) which came with injera. It took about half an hour (very standard for Ethiopian food, I've learned). The injera was not as warm and sour as I would have liked. The tibs were delicious with good quality beef and decent portion, and a tad spicy (as we requested). The waitress came by with complimentary yogurt (to temper the heat from the spice) and hot tea. Atmosphere: Tad loud with two different music playing (one from speaker, other from TV). I'd recommend turning down the volume in the future. Booth seating primarily where the table was slightly too far from the seats. read more

See all

REAL REVIEW. (Name/location) In Gulfton and Bellaire intersection, hiding away from the main road (Atmosphere/decor) Simple basic tables and chairs around for you to enjoy (The menu/dishes) The food was terrible. The lamb was so chewy. The side salad looked like those of the cheap Walmart bags. The rice was the only thing flavorful out of all the food. The meat with the rice was dry. The strawberry smoothie and mango smoothie were $10 each for a syrup flavored icy drink. It tasted fake, and artificial because it was. There's no taste of the actual fruit inside of the drinks. Also, though the presentation was tried, the bottom of the bowl touched the wrap I was supposed to use for the cuisine. (The ingredients/the prices) This was an expensive experience for such terrible food and drinks. The ratings on this location is wildly inaccurate. 2 drinks and 2 plates after tips was $67. (The service/the waiters/the owner) The waitress was sweet and tried to take care of us. The owner is rude, inconsiderate, and doesn't take time to make things right. When I said the lamb was too chewy. He refused to take the item off the bill, and argued the lamb was fresh. I've had lamb before, and it wasn't like this. The beef and rice plate you see, was alright. Nothing to brag about. (Recommendation) DO NOT read more

If you are looking for exceptional service & food check out this restaurant. Superb service & hospitality at this family run restaurant. The owners / cooks are husbands and wife and are delightful. It is clear they take pride in their restaurant and it comes through not only in the flavors of the foods, also in they way they treat customers as honored guest. Tonight we enjoyed 2 meat dishes, 2 veggie combo dishes, the Dori Wat (chicken stew) and Sambusa. All the food was flavorful and cooked just right. We all left satisfied & full. They roast the coffee beans in house for their coffee and have a fun bar area too for the late night crowd. read more

See all

This was a fantastic meal at a newer spot in Houston. My friends and I split the veggie combo and the Doro wat, as well as the veggie sambusas. The injar was soft and tangy and the dishes were all well balanced with a slight spice. Food does take some time to prepare, but well worth the wait! read more

Adulis Bar & Restaurant - Vegetarian platter - Eritrean Near Me - Houston, Texas

I knew the food was gonna be bomb when it took 45 min after we ordered for it to come out (authentically Ethiopian)! Definitely go for the veggie platter thing. Awaze tibs were spicy and flavorful. Derek tibs not so much (good smoky flavor but not enough salt). Fresh injera bread is the best! read more

Adulis Bar & Restaurant - Veggie platter - Eritrean Near Me - Houston, Texas

High on my list of countries I long to visit is the East African nation of Eritrea, located on the Red Sea north of Ethiopia. The capital of Asmara is a remarkable hodgepodge of styles, including art deco, modernist, and Italian colonial buildings stemming from its history under Italian rule. The cuisine features influences of the Horn of Africa, particularly Ethiopia, with a tantalizing amount of Italy, especially pasta, mixed in. Asmara is known as "Piccola Roma," and I've read that you haven't lived la bella vita until you've tried Eritrean-style lasagna. Until I make it to Eritrea in person, I'm thrilled to know that here in Houston, I can enjoy the nation's cuisine right in the bustling heart of Gulfton at Adulis Bar & Restaurant (5800 Bellaire). The delightful owner Burhana and her helper, a lovely lady from Guerrero, México who described the folds of fluffy injera bread as "tortillas africanas." The restaurant is softly lit and inviting, filled with the smells of berbere, cardamon, and other intoxicating spices. The menu features several Eritrean specialties as well as a small section of panini. Though the restaurant has a bar, I don't think they offer much more of a selection of beverages than basic non-alcohol items (but I'd be willing to bet they're BYOB). I recognized tibs on the menu from past experiences with Ethiopian food. Tibs is like a stir fry stew eaten with hand-held scoops of that fermented injera bread. I've had some off-putting experiences in the past with injera that was just too fermented in flavor, but the version here called Awaze Tibs is perfect--spongy in a way that lets it soak up the juices of the stew but with just the right hit of sourness that exudes the qualities of a quality sourdough bread. The beef tips are sauteed with onions and 3 different kinds of peppers and cooked in berbere. This was poured atop a large, flatter injera "pancake" and sided with sauteed collard greens and a fresh chopped salad. It's spicy but not sweat-inducing--a masterful platter. We ordered a stew called shuro, featuring chickpeas in a creamy blend of berbere, garlic, butter, and cumin. Burhana scooped this onto the main platter around the tibs, and as an added bonus, she came by later and added scoops of lentils mashed in spices. On the side was served a Greek-like yogurt that combined beautifully with the tips and the shuro. Though this was a huge amount of food (plenty of leftovers!), we added a panini made with an omelette of chives In a large telera-style roll with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pepper, potatoes and a green sauce called "Adulis sauce" that also came with a complimentary order of chips. The salsa reminded us both of a classic salsa verde from Mexico. Burhana insisted that we enjoy a cup of Eritrean-style coffee, redolent of cardamon, and though served in a cup not much larger than a thimble, it still packs a wallop. This little Eritrean espresso is a perfect exclamation point to a meal I won't soon forget--I look forward to many future visits to this gem of a place! read more

I recommend giving this a try. We enjoyed the Meat platter (Beef Tibs) and got a side of lentils. The injera is great, and the hospitality was also excellent. The food had so much flavor and was just the right amount of spicy (we asked for it to not be TOO spicy). Will absolutely return to this restaurant in the future. read more

Adulis Bar & Restaurant - Beef Tibs, lentils and vinaigrette salad with injera - Eritrean Near Me - Houston, Texas

I came during lunch hours and it was empty which was great because I was the only one being served. First time trying Eritrean food. I think I love it more than Ethiopian cuisine! Hats off to the chef and the family for creating Adulis. Great smells of herbs, spices, & incense as you enter, with dim lighting setting the mood, & enjoyable music. The veggie platter filled me up and highly suggest sharing with others because it is plentiful. You're served with lots of injera so it's hard to run out but they'll provide more if needed! So many different flavor profiles and combinations that left me feeling beyond satisfied. The presentation of the food is so intentional and colorful. I hope more and more people find out about this place because it is AMAZING! The owner was such a lovely woman and I am excited to return with my friends & family! read more

See all

My Mom and I had Eritrean food for the first time here tonight, and we both absolutely loved it. We got Adulis Tibs lamb and the vegetable platter- it was so delicious and lots of food. This is a cozy family place that is so friendly - Birhana the owner and cook was just as sweet and welcoming as could be, and was dancing around to a soul music soundtrack. We will be back. read more

Fire!!! Excellent. I see two moms in the kitchen..... Absolutely spot on. I was stuffed and I still couldn't stop stuffing my face read more

Adulis Bar & Restaurant - I just pointed and asked for "whatever you want to give me." - Eritrean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Yummy! We got awaze tibs and it came with salad and plenty of injeri. It was so flavorful! The Awaze tibs had peppers, onions in it too. The lady who served us also cooked, and she was super sweet! But it does required a little wait. We went lunch at 1230p and we were the only ones, our own personal restaurant! read more

A cut above other Ethiopian restaurants we've tried. The couple that cooks is from Eritrea and they treat their customers like family. Fantastic customer service. At one point I looked up and the wife chef was looking over enjoying us devour the food and we had a moment of acknowledgment. The spice level was perfect, the food cooked fresh, and there was more differentiation than I sometimes taste in Ethiopian food. We got two veggie platters, two meat, dorowat, and some sambusa. The sambusa were thinner than others we've had which resulted in a prefect crunch. If you like Ethiopian food, do yourself a favor and try Adulis. Food cooked with quality and care. We will definitely be coming back. read more

Outstanding customer service and spectacular food. We had veggie sampler and lamb awaze, loved the red tea as well! As you can see, we loved it lol read more

Adulis Bar & Restaurant - Eritrean Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

The food was so delicious! We had the lamb tips, and a vegetation platter! My son and I loved the atmosphere, and Bihala was so nice to explain how to eat each dish!! read more

This place was is such a hidden gem. This is a small family owned restaurant and the family took care of us. They were so sweet and amazing. The food was incredible! Check this place out if you want to try something new! read more

Adulis Bar & Restaurant - Fata, chicken and rice - Eritrean Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

It was very good, and I' e never tried Eritrean food, and it was very good. The staff were super nice and helpful, I ordered the veggie platter and it had a lot of tasty food. The food had a lot of flavor. It is a lot like Ethiopian food. The staff helped pack up the to go box. You can ask for them to help you pack it in a to go box if you need help packing it up. Overall I think it is a really good restaurant and I recommend it. read more

We went today, 5/5/25. We found a real gem. The reviews are spot on. This restaurant offers genuine Ethiopian cuisine. Ms. Birhana, is incredibly warm and welcoming. Thank you for creating a homey atmosphere. We will certainly return with our friends and loved ones. read more

Family owned restaurant with excellent food and service. It's very relaxed and inviting & everyone is friendly and hospitable read more

Adulis Bar & Restaurant - Ge'at - Eritrean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Soooo good! We love Ethiopian food, and this place makes my taste buds explode with flavor sensations! Very affordable too. Don't be turned off by the decor, they know how to cook and they do it in style! read more

I came here with a few friends and split two of their entrees among the four of us, and we were more than satisfied. They built a calm, inviting atmosphere with wall art and music. The food was outstanding and really felt like we were eating a homemade meal. The staff was so attentive and friendly, and we were warmed learning that the owner started this restaurant with his mother with a goal to encourage young people to try a taste of Eritrean culture. It's safe to say that we WILL be coming back. read more

Just came here for the first time and on top of the amazing staff, that made me feel very welcomed and made sure all needs were met, I loved the music and theme of this restaurant. The food was beyond great with perfect portions. 10/10 Must Try. read more

The food was incredible, and the owner and his mom truly made us feel so welcome! We will be visiting again soon:)

Amazing service!! We had the best experience, the customer service was so great and the food was just as good. The owner was so kind and friendly and so was his mother. Truly delicious and a wonderful restaurant!! read more

Adulis is a small mom/pop shop. The food and the service were amazing! The staff are so friendly, very attentive/recommending us good dishes to try. I highly recommend Awaze Tibs and Chicken/Rice. The dishes are full of favors. read more

Adulis Bar & Restaurant - a plate of food - Eritrean Near Me - Houston, Texas

The food was delicious, and the lady who served us was very nice! The bread was loved by multiple people at the table, and overall it had a very good vibe and was an amazing restaurant to go to. read more

Fantastic food and service! Awaze tibs were delicious and definitely will get again. Very friendly and makes really great Eritrean bread. read more

Adulis Bar & Restaurant - Eritrean Near Me - Houston, Texas

Just came here for the first time had a great experience and by far the best Ethiopian food of my life. The service was amazing and super welcoming I definitely will be coming here again! read more

Adulis Bar & Restaurant - Eritrean Near Me - Houston, Texas

This place is outstanding. Eritrean food very authentic! Service is good, food is hot and fresh, family owned business BEAUTIFUL

The food and service here were incredible. The staff were extremely kind and friendly. They brought us some extra sides to compliment the delicious meal. I will definitely be coming back regularly. read more

Amazing food and service. You must try the chicken! Definitely worth the trip over!!!

Our server Berhana was incredible and attentive. The customer service was great. It is so refreshing to have great East African food without breathing in hookah or cigarette smoke every second! 10/10 experience! read more

Amazing food (just make sure you know the spice levels). Family owned place with awesome service. Fresh bread and meat dishes. You get both quality and quantity, highly recommend. read more