So easy to miss but you definitely don't want to! What a wonderful little spot. You know you're in for a treat when the staff prepares you a plate without you having to order. And the plate of food that I got was all around amazing. So many complex flavors and a great mix of meat and veggies. I wish I had more injera cause it got real messy at the end. Worth it though!! read more

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Quite possibly the best Ethiopian food in the Nashville area. Remained hot and fresh on the drive back to Murfreesboro. Great quantity for the price. Service was fast for made to order. Nice little intimate setting for a casual lunch or dinner. The parking is challenging but you can make it work. Been here before and will certainly be back more. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Sample menu items - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

My boyfriend took me here for the first time and it was such a wholesome and delicious meal. We were greeted with a welcome and our order was taken quickly. The service was spectacular and you get the sense that they truly care about sharing Ethiopian culture with others. I loved the variety of the different options and the beef was spectacular. Do yourself a favor and come try a different cuisine done well and authentically. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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A win is a win! I came back to Nashville and picked up another veggie combo from Awash Ethiopian restaurant. Just as delicious as the first time. Warm, fresh, spicy! Richness of flavor. Generous serving size. The food tastes very authentic. I will look forward to picking this combo up every time I pass through Nashville. read more

First time I have had Ethiopian food in Nashville there was one spot back home that I enjoyed, didn't realize there was options in Nashville. After looking at all the options I decided upon this place. The sweet lady who helps you does everything... cleans the place, hosts, serves, cooks, and does the dishes. It's extremely impressive and she does all this while conversating and treating everyone with kindness. There is a "menu" but she will just ask if you want meat or veg and get cooking, may not be for everyone but if you know the cuisine and/or love trying new foods, it's a nice surprise because I usually go into places and get their special or ask what they recommend anyways. The meat plate comes with vegetables on the side and between the injera on the side plus the flat piece covering the plate you have ample for your meal. Tbh would not go alone, bring a friend, I came hungry and I could not come close to finishing my plate, meal was under $30 and that was with a generous tip. Highly recommend! read more

I go here often with my boyfriend and this place has some of the best vegan food I've ever had. The veggie special plate is always a good way to go if you're not experienced with eating Ethiopian food - it's really rich and creamy with a curry in the middle. The recipes are seasonal, so it's sometimes a bit different, but every time we've eaten here the food is always fresh and steaming with a bright flavor. The owner is very nice and kind, giving free bread when we run out as well. Can't say enough good things about her, but in short - she's amazing! Ambiance is also really neat, it's kinda a hole in the wall and very small, but the seating arrangement is really well done and makes use of the space I think (I've had groups of 6 or 7 come here and it worked great!). Best Ethiopian food in Nashville! Will be back again, and again... and again! read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie special - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

The best Ethiopian food in Nashville without a doubt. Authentic and fresh. A must try. read more

The food is 5 stars... some of the best Ethiopian food I've had in a while. The space has limited seating. This restaurant is next to a gas station that was shut down and the inside of the restaurant is a bit questionable and could use a decent scrubbing. My suggestion- take your meal to go ... and if you decide to eat there- either way the food is top notch!! The owner is also the chef and is very polite. read more

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first time eating ethiopian food, won't be my last! this was scrumptiousss. i got a meat plate with: beef tips, cottage cheese, greens, chickpea, cabbage, and boiled egg and my mom got: lentils, beets, greens, cabbage, chickpea food is a lil spicy and got cold kind of quickly, but the flavor is amazing i didn't mind. very small and limited seating but feels like you're in a home! read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

These were so amazing! I was on the hunt to find Sambusas since an employee brought them to work form a potluck but I wasn't able to try one since they were all eaten! The owner who served me was so sweet. It was probably about 45 mins before closing and she was cleaning up her shop. She greeted me with open arms and asked me what I would like to eat. I ordered 3 sambusas and she gave me an extra one just because. These veggie sambusas were so fresh and flavorful. The flavors were unreal. I'm definitely coming back to this place for a sit down meal. I believe it's all vegetarian, but it was damn good! The restaurant is tiny inside. This place could be a hole in a wall date spot if she changes the lighting to something dimmer. I would come here again. read more

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Excellent service and food! There were four of us, and there was still a lot of food left after we finished.

Used Yelp to find a restaurant my first night in Nashville for work. Wow! Awash did not disappoint. One lovely lady in this tiny restaurant cooking up delicious food! She said she's been here 12 years. I had the veggie platter and rolled out I was so full. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This is my second time coming to awash Ethiopian restaurant and I get the awash special which is delicious. The 2 stars does not come from the food, it's the customer service. Each time my boyfriend and I have gotten food there, something is missing. This time it was the greens and potatoes and when brought to the owners attention, she has a attitude. All together two meals were $41 and the sarcasm and lack of concern that the owner displays is enough for me to never return to this establishment even though the food is good. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Awash Special - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Fabulous Ethiopian - if I could only have one type of food for the rest of my life, this would be it!! I've eaten Ethiopian everywhere in the States and this was bomb! We got the meatless plate. It was lower sodium (for restaurant food) and very flavorful. I feel like restaurants just pile on the salt to make up for flavor. Not here! I loved it. I would definitely come back. It's definitely hole in the wall. But it just added to its charm. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Vegetarian plate - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Excellent flavors. It's like having a family member cook for you. Walk in, make a choice between meat or vegetarian, and how many people you plan to feed. We arrive close to 1 PM on a weekday, and only one other customer was waiting. We ordered the vegetarian for two and within about 10-15 minutes it was delivered to our table. The dining area is pretty basic, though I like the Ethiopian cultural art and tourism posters lining the walls. It was a bit smokey and a cool draft blew through the dining area since the read door was propped open for ventilation. That said, the smells just made me hungrier - it felt like I was in a family member's kitchen being entertained with her best cooking. And when the food came out, it was delicious! The flavors were rich yet refreshing and the injera was fresh and consistent. Free extra injera too, if you need it. We had more than enough. We especially loved mixing the vegetables with the thick sauce in the middle (see photo). As we got close to finishing, a fresh pot of Ethiopian coffee was brewed just for us and one other guest. Mixed with a little sugar, it was strong, flavorful, and sent the approaching food coma packing. I'll be back for more and I'm adding Awash to my post-airport takeout list too. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Vegetarian for two with generous injera covering some of the food. You will leave satisfied! - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Having spent a portion of my childhood in Kenya eating Ethiopian food, I am a lifelong devotee to their cuisine. It is rare to find true quality in the states, and Awash is more than just a hidden gem. Coming to Awash is like being invited into Zee's home. There is no menu and you are brought a platter with whatever she has prepared that day. The flavors are incredible and very authentic, and Zee is extremely generous with the portions. I could not have been happier, and even got a whole pot of coffee to myself. Don't let the unassuming exterior and modest decor fool you, Zee's hospitality and delicious food will provide you with an experience you won't soon forget. Can't wait to be back. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian coffee - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Very good vegan food, love the spices and the taste, but I would suggest using healthier oils, as I really felt it the next day. Also, please consider some good mood lighting, the fluorescent lights over head are not very atmospheric. read more

I love a good local ethnic eat and this place does not disappoint. Service was amazing the girl that was running the place was so sweet and so hard working and honestly she does an amazing job! The Tibs were amazing so succulent and tasty and the two boiled eggs just amplified it. I usually don't care for boiled eggs too much but these were just so savory and a great added texture to the dish. If you haven't tried Ethiopian food you're missing out! Each dish is such a comfort to eat and the flavors are so rich and different from other cuisines. If you've ever had southern Indian food they have very similar spice profiles. I highly recommend getting the awash plate so you get a little of everything. There's ample parking in the front and side of the building and the inside is so cute and intimate. It's a great place to eat with friends and have great conversations! I can't wait to come back and try more! read more

Absolutely fantastic Ethiopian food. I have tried tons of Ethiopian restaurants all over the country and this might be my favorite. While the outside doesn't look appealing, once you walk in and are greeted, you feel right at home. The owner is also the chef/waitress and she clearly takes pride in her food. Like others have mentioned, there is no menu. When I walked in, she asked if I wanted meat with my veggies or not and she went to work! It was a traditional platter of different dishes with ingera bread. Overall, this place was exactly what I wanted for lunch and I left extremely impressed. Give this place a shot! read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Amazing food!! Possibly the best Ethiopian I've had in the area. Reminds me of my mom's injera :) The lady who owns the place (I will get her name next time) is SO NICE!!! read more

What a hidden gem! I've had Ethiopian food a handful of times and this was easily one of the best. Restaurant is small with a small parking lot so I do recommend carpooling if you're going with a group. The restaurant owner and chef is the sweetest woman. There are no menus and she will only ask if you want just veggies or meat. Everything is made fresh so it does take a bit longer, about 20-30 minutes but so worth it. My friends and I all got the meat plate which consisted of a stewed beef that was perfectly tender and several other simmered vegetables like lentils, cabbage, beets, and some that I couldn't really discern. But let it be know that everything was delicious. There was even one veggie that had a spice to it that surprised me. The bread that everything was served on made for the perfect utensil. Highly recommend coming here if you want a new flavor experience! read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Platter with meat - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

In the past I haven't had the best experience with Ethiopian cuisine, but my friend insisted that I give this place a try and I'm glad I did. Hidden in a shopping strip with a body shop and driving school, this place is easy to miss. Parking is sketchy because of the lot full of cars from the body shop. Yes, it's a small family operated "hole in the wall" type establishment...nothing "hip" about it. That being said, the food and the service were everything you could ask for at such an establishmen. We had the meat platter for two. I know that there are other items that they serve, but it's pretty much one lady cooking and serving so the norm is to either order the meat or the veggie platter. The sides (green beans, cabbage, squash, beats and eggs) were all prepared differently, and served in mounds surrounding the stewed delicious meat in the middle. The meat had a little kick to it (most Americans would call it "hot" but it was nowhere near Thai hot or Prince's Hot Chicken) and you eat it by rolling and sopping it up with the injera (Ethiopian flat bread) that is served around and under all of the meat and veggies. Absolutely delicious. I also saw her serving something she called "raw meat" and a nice looking soup. After I inquired about the contents of the "raw meat" bowl, she offered to cook me a sample before we left. It was basically ground beef that she seasons and "cooks" in clarified butter for a few seconds just to get it warmed. Very good. Kind of reminded me of the way that some Vietnamese restaurants serve raw beef seasoned with some oil and citrus. We also tried the Ethiopian coffee which was strong and delicious. Super friendly service, great prices, and delicious home cooked ethnic cuisine. Highly recommended for a unique casual lunch or dinner. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I LOVE THIS PLACE WITH MY ENTIRE HEART AND BODY. The owner is amazing. I had the best experience in my life as far as a meal goes in terms of experience. I was asked if I wanted meat (halal) or veggies and then the lady proceeded with making me a plate as the seemed fit. It was great and I didn't even have to order anything, she took care of that too. Weirdest and best restaurant experience in my life. read more

Very good food. A little more expensive than expected, but not crazy. Authentic. Probably only 5 or 6 tables. AC not keeping up with Nashville summer heat. Friendly lady working. read more

Love love love please go try. Little hole in the wall with the best Ethiopian food. I'm coming from Los Angeles where Ethiopian food is everywhere and to find this gem in Nashville I'm so happy. I moved to Huntsville and I drive up 1.5 hours just to eat here read more

It doesn't look like much/ run down when you look at it from the outside. But man, this is the most delicious authentic Ethiopian food ever! She made it right on the spot, there's no menu, you just tell her how many people and she makes it accordingly. I have never had it before but it blew my expectations out of the water! I love small local places like this. Go very hungry!! We got some traditional coffee at the end as well which was a great way to end the meal :) read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Daily special - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

My first time having Ethiopian food, and certainly not my last. Every bite was bursting with flavor and I love all the different textures you get with the different meats, veggies, and injera. Don't let the exterior fool you, you will be getting nothing but quality food. The space is quaint but the flavor is big! It looked like only one lady was cooking everything, however my friends and I didn't have to wait long. She was very kind and just such a talented cook. My friends who have had Ethiopian food before even said this place had the best injera they've ever tasted. I also tried a cup of Ethiopian coffee which was surely on the stronger side but didn't leave me with that weird coffee after taste. I wish I lived closer, so I can come every week! Thank you for making my first experience with Ethiopian food an epic one! read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Very good hold in the wall restaurant We were passing through. Didn't look at a Menu - Was asked meat? Yea or no :) read more

This place deserves 6 stars... the flavors were on point. The quantity of food was perfect. The owner/chef had a casual, elegance that was wonderful to watch as she interacted with the customers. She was So excited and wanted to teach us about Ethiopian food as soon as we told her we were new to the cuisine. Great experience. The owner makes everything from scratch... she even roasts her own coffee beans. Well worth a drive from anywhere in the Nashville area. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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My go to Ethiopian spot when travelling to Nashville! I always get the kitfo raw and make a point to go here as often as I can when in the area. Haven't tried anything else but veggie platter looks great also read more

A small restaurant that's serves you like family. Don't go for the ambiance but for authentic Ethiopian food. You get to pick from meat or veggie and in a few minutes you'll have a variety plate at your hands. The coffee is great when you have time too - but would leave plenty of time for this as it is tradition to drink a couple pots rebrewed with friends. read more

Awash has the best food for fasting! There are multiple veggie and legume options! The tea is great too!

A wonderful adventure in ethnic hole in the wall eating. I can imagine a little sidewalk cafe in Addis Ababs. No menus! No cutlery! Only one choice - meat or vegetarian? That's what the hostess-cook-owner-server asks you when you come in and seat yourself at the little table. We were two and meat. Without another word, she scurried into the kitchen from which wafted smells and tantalizing sounds. Minutes later, she laid a huge plate covered in injera bread and little piles of vegetables and cheese around a central mound of spiced meat. I have no idea what we ate, it was a red meat, but it was good! We tore off strips of injera from the extra platter of bread, and scooped it up to stuff into our drooling mouths. It was an adventure and one we will repeat! Two people for $30!!! read more

Classic hole in the wall serving delicious Ethiopian food. I met my friend for lunch at Awash today. I love Ethiopian food but had never been to Awash before, and she had never tried Ethiopian food before and was curious to try it. I love that Awash doesn't have a menu. You walk in and are asked how many and meat or no meat. We were a party of two and asked for meat. A few minutes later, we were brought a lunch for two! Everything was delicious - the beef, the lentils, the cabbage, the greens...! We ate up all our injera, and we were immediately brought more. I overate because everything was delicious, and I didn't want to waste anything. It was $14 for each of us, and a generous amount of food for that amount. We were also brought two coffees, which livened us up after overeating the delicious food. The restaurant itself isn't much to look at - five tables and a small kitchen (it got a teensy bit smokey when she was cooking), and we did have to park at the gas station next door because there's very little parking here. But the service was great, and the food was even better! If you love Ethiopian food, check Awash out when you're in the area. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Lunch for 2 (meat) - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Delicious, Authentic Ethiopian food. I frequently come here and get the Awash special.

This spot is such a hidden treasure! Veggie combo was delicious! Very healthy serving size. I'll be back to try one of the meat entrees. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie Combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

My first time having Ethiopian, My experience was great, very friendly staff. I enjoyed the fact that there is no menu; they simply ask you a few questions and your meal is prepared. The food was tasty and flavorful. The portions are plentiful. The coffee is amazing (its hand roasted, ground and served). I enjoyed this place very much. CASH ONLY read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Very tasty meal prepared fresh! - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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We had a great experience! No menu, just a question of if you eat meat or not! Everything was delicious, there was a low heat spice to several dishes but nothing too hot! We loved our time here. Very clean and comfortable. read more

Awash Ethiopian Restaurant - Food for 3! - Ethiopian Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Excellent, totally authentic Ethiopian food served by kind and caring people in a clean, cheerful and comfortable setting. Well worth a visit--and many repeat visits! The meats, in particular at flavorful, and complex in their use of spice. Split yellow peas the best I've ever had (and I've traveled in Ethiopia for three weeks). Some of the other vegetables were not quite as good as I've had them elsewhere--but I'm picky. I'll definitely return when I'm in Nashville, nonetheless. read more

This is, hands down, the best meal I have ever had. My fiance and I come here a couple of times a month when we need quality food that has been prepared with love. Zewditu is always happy to see us and makes sure that we eat until we're bursting at the seams. It's a hidden gem - definitely not in the tourist-heavy part of town - which makes it all the better. read more