First time trying it on my birthday and it was amazing. I was very unsure but I left happy and full!!! Worth it!! Will go again soon!

I am not one to leave reviews often but this place not only had a cool ambiance but delicious, great price food. The people and food were absolutely authentic. We will be back for sure. The samosas were so good my kids ordered more! Literally everything we tried we liked which doesn't happen often! If you love Ethiopian food look no further or if you are looking to try something new give this place a go- you won't regret it. Support local with such a cool vibe! read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - Cool atmosphere - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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When I flew into Phoenix Sky Harbor recently for a three-day business trip, I decided to rent a car to avoid a constant diet of hotel buffet fare and venture out to find culinary adventures on my own that might help address my healthier way of eating. In that spirit, I drove to this compact Ethiopian spot on East McDowell Road, which not being too familiar with Phoenix, definitely felt like a sea of nightclubs, taquerias, and beauty parlors. After finding a parking space off an alleyway in the back (not my smartest move), I saw the brightly colored space with Ethiopia's national colors (photo: http://bit.ly/2I35PYC). I entered past the foreboding wrought-iron door (photo: http://bit.ly/2oL0htS) and found it was a tiny green spot with Nelson Mandela watching me, a bit cramped with four little tables inside and two outside in their mini-terrace on the sidewalk (photo: http://bit.ly/2FZXd4E). Their placemat menu centered around the combo sampler plates, so I selected the $11.99 Veggie Combo which consisted of four sides of my own choosing, a jalapeño pepper pickled and stuffed with chopped red onions and tomato, and of course, the spongey injera not only at the bottom of the plate but also rolled up in a separate basket (photo: http://bit.ly/2FWzItc). I tried to resist nibbling on it mindlessly. The challenge was that it was baked with authentic authority and tasted ideal with the food being served. For my sides, I selected the Gomen (Braised Collard Greens), the Tikl Gomen (Cabbage & Carrots), the Misr Wat (Red Lentil Stew), and Shiro Wat (Peas Sauce) (photo: http://bit.ly/2FvnJEW). I'm not sure how low-calorie any of it was, but it was all packed with savory flavor and a surprising freshness given how long they were warming in the pots in back. The friendly owner told me that he and his wife moved from Ethiopia pretty recently and dreamed of opening this business for a long time. I could tell by the quality of the food and positive attitude. Now back to that alleyway. FOOD - 5 stars...authentic Ethiopian flavors well executed with fresh, organic ingredients AMBIANCE - 3 stars...don't come with a crowd unless you plan to eat in your car in that alleyway SERVICE - 4.5 stars...very friendly and solicitous TOTAL - 5 stars...great flavors in an unlikely part of town read more

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Wow!!! This place was amazing, authentic and really delicious!! This is a must visit and seriously so worth it!! The food was so beautifully made, my favorite was all the Wot and especially the goman (Cabbages). The injera was fluffy, light and seriously the most delicious I have had in a while!!! Ohhhh and the drinks, especially the Pimms cup and Killa Bees is sooooooo good!! A must if you like authentic Ethiopian honey wine is the Killa Bee's, a gin and baklava honey sauce mixture, I wish I could take that cocktail home with me, it was smooth like a sweet lemonade, you didn't even feel the kick! read more

Delicious! However, not everything listed on the menu was available, so our 10 veggie sampler had several repeats. But perhaps this is a good thing in that they only serve fresh food! Would I go again? Yes! read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - Veggie sampler and a bowl of beef 'stew' - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This gem is located in an unassuming building but inside is beautiful with the options to sit in traditional seating or modern. You will not leave hungry. The prices are incredible and the food is excellent. Will be coming back. read more

The food is amazing. Everyone should eat here so they can make enough to hire more people. Like most family run restaurants, they are struggling to find staff and make ends meet so be prepared for longer wait times. Also, it's typically not easy to order to go. Which is a bummer because I'd eat here 3 time a week if it was easier to order. read more

We need to continue To support local support local. This if you small licl restaurant at 17th Avenue and McDowell Family owned small place we need to support them make sure that our restaurants are succeeding through this time and they are amazing as people the food is amazing as well. SUPPORT! still open for us were many other restaurants closed. I found have unexpect such as the salad and an extra vegetarian on a dish that shows they so please reach out support your local restaurants small business people because this is what a community is we are Phoenix we support@ read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - Yim chicken mild cabbage cheese....they though in extra and veg dish - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Some of the best Ethiopian Food we've ever had. Food was authentic and flavorful. Ambience and vibe were great. Highly recommend and definitely coming back read more

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WOW. This place has amazing food. The chicken sambusa was perfectly seasoned and so good - I regretted only ordering one. My suspicious 7 year old daughter ate everything on her plate even though all of it was new to her. Portions are very generous so keep that in mind. We ordered the meat + veg combo and a veg combo to try a lot of different things and it was more than enough food for an adult and 2 kids for lunch, dinner and probably another meal :) If you like Indian food, give this a try. Ordering over the phone was straightforward once I found a menu online, pickup was efficient and felt safe as the cashier/host is behind plexiglass. We will absolutely be back. So happy to have found this place. read more

First time at this modest eatery and so happy to find it. Food is great service is warm and helpful with the eclectic menu. Wonderful flavors, reasonably priced and an escape from the norm. Try it you'll enjoy. read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - Variety of yummy! - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Do you like the picture of this meal? Not much to look it, is it? That's because this was the best meal we've had in a while and we ATE THE WHOLE THING IN MINUTES. It was that good. We ordered the 10 vegetarian items plus one meat dish. Our carnivorous diners weren't too enthused about the meat dish, but the veggie items were fantastic. Definitely going back here again during our visit to Phx. read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - All that was left after 10 minutes! - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Servers were very helpful and friendly. Food was tasty. Establishment was clean and nicely decorated. Price was very fair. Will be back !!

My family had a beautiful meal here on a late Friday afternoon and we can't wait to come back. Parking is around the back (don't try to pull in up front) - look for the decked out catering van. Once inside, as you can see from photos, these guys have pulled out all the stops in terms of decor. The wall coverings of wood and woven basket-like pieces really set a cool ambience. There is outdoor seating both in front and in back of the restaurant. I'd happily come back and sit in either area except for how cool the interior feels. The booths are comfortable and there are some neat communal tables running down the middle of the room that serve the shared eating experience you get with Ethiopian. The server was delightful - friendly and knowledgable about the menu. Our 4-top ordered the veggie 10 side sampler plus 4 sambusas and the chicken tibs. 3 of us got the fresh juices which showed up later in the meal just before the coffee (more to come on that surprise shortly). The vegetable dishes were really flavorsome - lots of fresh flavors with 1 or 2 of them being a bit on the spicy side. They graciously offered more injera as we tore our way through the first batch. The food all seemed to be cooked to order which is great (good to be mindful of in you're in a rush). As we approached the 4pm hour, it seemed like a lot of people were picking up to go orders which was another good sign. It seemed like a lot of regulars eat here which makes sense as the place has been around for almost 10 years though they remodeled pretty recently (the place is bigger now, we learned). There's a full bar and tons of natural light. But but but. The coffee! Get the traditional Ethiopian coffee for a whole presentation that I won't spoil here. It's a full sensory experience that put a delightful cap on a wonderful meal. Stoked to come back soon when I want to have a tasty and reasonably-healthy lunch or dinner. read more

I don't know why I have neglected to try this place for so long! I love vegan Ethiopian food and this restaurant's offerings are outstanding and very reasonably priced. We ordered a two item platter of string beans and the beet/potatoes and a three item of the red lentils, cabbage and chick pea sauce. Highlights: The injera was thick and fresh. The lentils had a solid kick of spice but not overwhelmingly so. The cabbage wasn't greasy like it can be sometimes, and had a nice light flavor. The chick peas were full of flavor and very creamy. The vegetables were prepared simply, with very little seasoning and very little salt. The restaurant seating area is tiny, but there is enough room to eat comfortably. The decor is clean and modern, with great artwork. We will definitely be back. The food was wonderful and it's always nice to pay a visit to Phoenix's historic Miracle Mile shopping district! read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - Cabbage, lentils and chick peas - all vegan. - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I've been here a few times now, and the food is always delicious. Although the service on my first visit was less than stellar, I've had zero complaints about my other visits. Totally worth the 15 mile drive. read more

Delicious food, fun and cozy ambiance, and wonderful service. I am still very full and we had dinner hours ago. Will definitely return!! read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - Veggie combo 10 sides + meat sampler - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This is the overall best Ethiopian restaurant I have ever been to. Not a single bad thing I could say about it. I've been to probably about 15 Ethiopian places (mostly in California, some on the east coast) and this place wipes the floor with all of them except one that's in the Tenderloin and the ones that are in SD... but even still this place is overall better. The food is the second best Ethiopian food I have ever had but is half the price of the best I've had and has a much more authentic ambiance. The spice level was perfect, the injera was super sour and delicious, I mean the reviews kind of just speak for themselves. I went here in February of 2022 but I'm just now getting around to reviewing a bunch of memorable (albeit good or bad memorable) restaurants and this place was extremely memorable for all the best reasons. Trust the specific details of the more recent reviews; since it's been so long since I went here it's hard for me to give specifics of what made this place so great. I just wanted to throw a 5 star and reiterate how mind-blowing this place was. Everything here was done perfectly. read more

Best Ethiopian food in Phoenix! I've been to several other spots, none of them compares to this Ethiopian spot! Excellent food and service.

The food was too Bland, the "spicy" wasn't spicy, and service took too way too long. Even the drinks sucked. I will not be retuning.

This restaurant is 30 mins from me in Tempe but I absolutely make the drive when I want to treat myself or when I need delicious and healthy food to support my soul on particularly long work-from-home days. I get the vegetarian combo to go and eat it for multiple meals for the day. This place is an important community spot and I'm very thankful they're around in PHX! read more

Great food and service. The sampler platter is my go to selection. Good portions and always an interesting tastes. Also a great place to bring your vegetarian friends. read more

Food was fantastic. We got the veggie platter of 10 dishes and it was so much food. We had just gotten in late from Sky Harbor and the staff was so nice to seat us. We were there after close but we were not rushed at all. The price was a steal, the hospitality was real, and the meal was the real deal. I can't wait to go back when we are back in town. read more

The food here is great, The shero is spicy like how I like it. The key sir has a surprisingly subtle sweet taste to them. The salad is amazing that they pair with the meal which is surprising. You can customize your plate for what you are in the mood for. The attitude here is good, and they are busy. The big and probably only problem I have with this place is the when you call in advance, and get a estimate you still have to wait 10-20 (max) once you get there to pick up the food. This has been a big inconvenience for me on 2 occasions. If you say 20 mins fine but if it takes you on average 30-40 mins to make the meal that's cool but just give me a heads up read more

A must visit: the ambience is amazing, the food tastes too good, the music is lively, and the staff is courteous. The service is a little slow, but definitely worth the wait for some delicious Ethiopian cuisine. read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - Decor - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Yes. It's very good, try it. We tried a variety of vegetarian dishes, plus some chicken ones. All were thoroughly enjoyed. Good service with solid recommendations from our waiter. Loved the decor as well. Parking is on the side or in the back, west of the restaurant on McDowell. read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - Good stuff! That's what's in this photo. - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We ordered the sampler plate. There was a lot of food. The meat dishes were tasty but the meat was tough, and vegetables where mostly delicious. They also only serve bottled water, which I will not partake! read more

Total immersion guaranteed! The restaurant is really well decorated and the guys are super cool. But, wait! Just wait when get those huge delicious plates. WOW Eating with your hands adds more charm to the experience. For coffee lovers, let yourself tempted by the Ethiopian coffee experience. OMG delicious Definitely one of my favorite discoveries in Phoenix read more

Delicious! Wait staff is friendly and willing to help describe the dishes. Best carrot cake I have ever had in my life. Can't wait to return. read more

We ordered double vegetarian combo which included 8 sides for four of ladies. We were full. Everything was delicious, fresh and fast. The place and it was almost full at 6pm on a Friday night. Parking is in the rear very reasonable pricing. Will definitely go back repeatedly. Yum! read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - Two orders of vegetarian combo in one big dish. 8 sides total. Very yummy. Four of us ate and were full. - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I tried some new vegan options which I just liked. I like how the restaurant is decorated. Lots of Ethiopian items. The server was great. They make a delicious carrot cake with teff flour. I'm going back again for meat items. The coffee is great! read more

Fantastic- our first time with Ethiopian food! The customers streamed in and all left with huge smile! read more

Authentic EthioAfrican - Deco - Ethiopian Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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So good. Came in while in town visiting. Well made food and excellent service. We will definitely be back!

Stopped in to pick up some injera on our way back up to Flagstaff to go with dinner our Ethiopian friend is preparing. Very small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant but the sweetest worker! The space was very clean and authentic. Injera is some of the best I have tasted and we will definitely be regulars any time we drop down to Phoenix. read more

Amazing food! Service was on point as well. Ambiance was very quaint and embracing.

Loved this place...Killa Bee and Lamb Veg shared plate was so awesome and yuge! The place is very cute inside.

I love Ethiopian cuisine, and I especially love that they have so many vegan dishes. That being said, it pains me to have to rate this establishment as sub-par. It may have just been an off day. I arrived around 11:30am. We were the only ones there. I ordered a vegan plate. I was advised I could choose 4 sides, so I chose Misir Wat, Tikel Gomen, Gomen, & Shiro (sp?). My lunch companion is a meat eater; she requested Doro Wat, but was advised they didn't have that today. So, make that 2 vegan plates. No problem. 40 min later our food comes out. I'm very patient, so I wasn't too bothered or upset by this. Then I tried to pay. "No cash?" she asked, as I stand with my credit card in hand. I simply replied, "No." She said that she didn't have the password. I didn't even ask why a password was needed to swipe my card. She called somebody, then informed me that he was on his way. Who? The password?? So we sit... A man arrived @ 15-20 min later, apologizing profusely. As he processed the charge ($20; $10 per plate), he chatted me up. He asked if it was our first time, and inquired how we heard about them. I answered accordingly. He then requested I rate them highly. Enter my side eye. I was ok with the hour it took to get and subsequently pay for our meal. But when you attempt to solicit unwarranted praise for subpar service, you've now picked my pickle, mister. You didn't even offer me a discount for the inconvenience. The food: misir wat & gomen were good, but I've had much better misir wat. Tikel gomen was undercooked. My cabbage was almost crunchy Shiro (sp?) was ok. The portions of veggies were very small. And I eat small portions. There was a ton of injera bread though. Pity, because it went to waste. Again, maybe it was an off day, but I don't plan on returning to find out. read more

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Great experience and evening. We asked the server to select a combination of vegetable and meat options. They brought a ton of food and each dish was interesting in its own way with bright flavors thoughtfully prepared. With a couple of craft cocktails and beers the total was $90 which felt like great value for such an interesting and enjoyable meal for 4. I look forward to stopping back and trying a few select dishes. read more

Being Ethiopian myself, I've had the luxury of having my family make me our food whenever I'd go home. But on those days where I want just want some in an instant, Authentic Ethio African is my go to. While the place might be easy to miss, once you dine at this restaurant, you are destined to become a regular. And for the days I feel antisocial, I can always order 15 minutes ahead and grab an order for carryout. The service is fantastic. The owner is friendly and great for a conversation or two. And you can't go wrong with any items you pick off the menu. Ethiopian food offers several choices for whatever your diet consists of. Whether you are a carnivore to your core, or prefer vegetarian/vegan options, Ethiopian cuisine has the variety you're missing out on. Although, for those strictly vegan, I suggest asking the owner if the ingredients are 100% vegan-friendly. First thing I would recommend if you're never tried Ethiopian food are their combo platters. They have a meat or veggie options and both are fantastic! The combo platters offer a variety of different dishes/stews that are common Ethiopian meals. The food is flavorful and just quite an experience. I've lived with the motto "diversify your taste buds!" so Authentic Ethio African is definitely a spot to start. And for the full Ethiopian experience, make sure to eat with your hands! Whether you're never eaten Ethiopian food, or are a regular to it, Authentic Ethio African never disappoints! read more

Go to AEA for authentic food, great service, and awesome atmosphere. Ethiopian food has spices and textures that I've never had before. I've actually been to this restaurant three times now and I will continue to return they make it simple, dun, and delicious. Big portions and reasonable prices. read more