Non-pretentious Ethiopian Restaurant in a small outdoor mall that is easily missed. The owner seems amazed that some Americans love Ethiopian food and is willing to make sure you enjoy the experience. read more

This place is amazing. Great coffee and really good breakfast items. Always forget what's its called, but the doughy item that is spicy with meat and looks like a mountain is the best. So good. read more

We came for brunch and weren't sure what to expect since none of us had ever had Eritrean food before. We ordered fu'ul, eggs silsi, kitcha fitfit and enjera fitfit. Everyone really enjoyed what they ordered and I want to go back asap for more enjera fitfit. The flax drink was also delicious. The service was a little slow but it wasn't surprising since they were packed when we were there. We weren't in a rush and the waitresses were super nice. read more

Great experience. Authentic food, friendly service and great atmosphere. The tea selections were some of the best I have had in the DC area. read more

Love the food but the wait time is long! Friendly atmosphere and large TVs for soccer (football).

Love the atmosphere in this place. Food is simply fresh and tasty. But one waffle is $7.99 with no toppings. Way over priced. Ceasar salad is decent. I suggest ordering dressing on the side. They will drown your salad in it if not. Gratuity is included on your tab, read carefully. read more

The service was good, I had the egg silsi which was really good. I think the hot drinks are overpriced for what they are though. Would definitely go here again. read more

Starting with the charming of the place, following with the service and finishing with the delicious breakfast and coffee... A gem in Alexandriai read more

See all

The coffee here Is great and everyone it very friendly however I sadly can't handle spicy foods and almost everything on the menu is spicy so far I have only been able to find 2 food items on their menu that I liked read more

Came in for brunch on a Sunday a few weeks ago and was blown away! The place is small and always packed, but the staff quickly made room for us at the bar and made us feel welcome. We both got the breakfast combo, which ended up being a huge portion of delicious, stick-to-your-ribs goodness featuring some of their most popular dishes. Seriously for like $14 I had enough leftover for a sizeable snack later. The fu'ul (like refried beans) were light and fluffy, and both the enjera and kitcha based dishes were wonderfully spiced and were more different from each other than I was expecting. The waitress also offered us a free sample of their flaxseed drink and told us about their different kinds of special tea. Much like their menu, the decor is a charming hodgepodge of Eritrean, Italian bistro, and coffee shop. I will definitely be returning to try their dinner menu and probably many times after that! read more

When they actually prepare it correctly the food is very good, though very, very slow. However, on two occasions when a new waitperson has been in there I was apparently marked as a local and served horribly bland dishes. I loved the Qulwa beef tenderloin with spinach the first time I had it--wonderful layers of spices, but the second time I went I was served a bland plate of salty spinach and beef with some black pepper. When I complained the response was, "Oh, the cook must have forgotten some spices." Really? Last night the same thing happened with the lentil soup. The first time I had it it was truly flavorful and hearty lentil soup. Last night it was a bowl of salty water with lentils and macaroni in it. And when I complained? "Oh, the cook must have forgotten some spices." When the cook decides you are worthy of the spices as she did the first time I went the food is quite delicious, though very, very slow. If they decide to dumb down the dish based on your looks it is a waste of money. I will give it another try in a month or so to see if the cook remembers the spices and presents dishes as tasty as my first visit, but I'm in no rush. read more

Our server, Eden, was lovely and very attentive! The coffee was EXCELLENT and our breakfast was good. We will visit again in the future.

Wonderful little place! It is tiny, but the food is absolutely delicious and comes in huge portions. The only reason it doesn't get the full five stars from me is because the dessert I had was a little stale and underwhelming. But everything that was freshly cooked was super tasty, and the ladies that worked there are extremely kind, even to the first time Eritrean-food-eater. read more

Excellent restaurant. Went there on a mid-Saturday afternoon. Relatively few tables; one was empty. Ordered Fuul and Spring salad. Relatively fast service. Right amount of spice and right temperature. Also had whole wheat pita. Perfect temperature and texture. With tip, about $15.50. Highly recommended, unless have big party. read more

This place has amazing food! The ladies working were wonderfully sweet. Highly recommend for a coffee date or meal.

I love this place it has amazing Ethiopian food! I go here all the time with my family for breakfast and the food never fails to be delicious. The service is alright could use some work but would recommend. read more

Went here for lunch with my son. Both of us are avid "Ethiopian" Cuisine lovers. However, this is Eritrean figured that out while sitting there and our server reiterated it. The food is similar, but as indicated by our server Eritreans cook their food more "wet." This was her description. I would say the meats are cooked more like a stew and the vegetables a little bit more tender. I love Ethiopian, but I think I could like Eritrean better. My son said he liked both equally. The food was delicious. We came early for lunch, but still had to wait for almost 30 minutes! It was not crowded at all. I ordered the vegetable special and my son had a lamb dish, which I cannot remember the name, but it was stewed with tomato, butter, and various spices. Not spicy, but just very good. He did not want the tomato, but got it anyway and still liked it. My dish was served with cabbage/carrot, yellow lentil and spinach. Everything was nicely seasoned and cooked tender. Ordered Baklava to go. Maybe I should have eaten it earlier, I brought it home and it was just okay. I have tasted better. Still I loved the food. Keep in mind it is not very big inside. But the server was very attentive and pleasant. Would go again. Also they seem to have a very extensive coffee and latte menu will try these next time. read more

The service in this place was ridiculously bad. While the staff was nice enough, it was soooo slow. We ordered a chicken sald, ravioli with nothing on it, and an ethiopian dish. After 35 minutes, the ravioli arrived covered in sauce (my lame kids will not eat noodles with anything on them), salad had no chicken, and my ethiopian dish. The whoel process had taken so long that we needed to cancel the ravioli, box up the salad, and the ethiopian dish and go to a stupid drive thorugh to feed our kids before a meeting. Both the salad and ethipian dish were very tasty, but we would NEVER return. read more

Bf and I went here on a Sunday morning looking for a close breakfast/brunch spot. It is very small inside but clean and cosy. We both had their coffee- bf had some caramel flavored one and I had just regular. Both were very good! They have some unique options for breakfast as well as standard options. I opted for the oatmeal (yes I'm boring) but it totally hit the spot! It was home made and simple, yet very tasty! Bf has some omelet which was also very good. At the end we were still wanting something else, and after seeing a neighboring table receive an outstanding looking waffle we ordered one as well. It came out perfectly crisp on the outside and tender, fluffy and moist on the inside- and hot with with cream on top! It was SOO SOO good! We plan to head back their again to try some of their other unique offerings- and another waffle!! Prices were great, service - albeit a little slow but it was a busy morning- was great and friendly. Definitely check this place out! read more

DELICIOUS! And the food has a quality homemade sort of taste. The ambiance like in someone's home. The staff very kind and respectful. Good service!! Dim lighting and like you're at your girl/boyfriend's home romantic :) P.S. I love the lentil soup. read more

Stopped in here while I was getting some service done on my car at Duke and Pickett Service Center. I really enjoyed grabbing a panino and soy latte while relaxing at this cafe! They even opened their doors a little early when they saw a few customers waiting outside. Now, I'm looking forward to taking my car for its next oil change so I can stop back in at Cafe Aurora! read more

We had no idea this was an ethnic restaurant. We went because we put in a search of belgium waffles, it was closest and had a good rating. The comment regarding the waffles was that they were soooooo good. I want to start by saying the ladies there were nice..but first, the place is small....SMALL.. every time I looked up someone was staring at me. Looks like the the hangout for the ethnic neighborhood which is all good except why was I so interesting to stare at. Felt like I had a waffle stuck to my forehead or something , it was terribly uncomfortable. I felt like an intruder. We ordered the 'BELGIAN WAFFLES w/ Ice cream which was what they came with according to the menu.. We got a waffle and oh so sorry they didn't have ice cream and nothing was said before we ordered and no substitution was offered. I asked if there was whipped cream she said yes and then never brought it. My husband asked for butter...they brought three of those stupid little pieces of butter wrapped in aluminum. I asked if the drip coffee..NOT a specialty coffee but the plain drip coffee was refillable and was told no. So it was almost three dollars for a cup... a regular coffee cup, and no refills. The waffle was good...not 8 dollars good (one regular waffle) The waitress did not come back, not even once to ask if we needed anything or to refill our water. I have never been so uncomfortable or ripped off. Don't go unless you want ethnic... and since they offer Italian food as well and they are an african/ ethiopian restaurant, I would assume stay away from that also. Really felt like I got fleeced. Wish I had the option of doing NO STARS. read more

Awesome find. Silsi was excellent - a little on the spicy side, but worth trying. The coffee was great. I don't know how I've missed it this place - I have driven by it a number of times. Will definitely go back! read more

Can't believe I missed this great Cafe hiding in the corner off of S. Pickett St in Alexandria, Va (literally around the corner from me). Coffee and EGG SILSI - Scrambled eggs in a tomato sauce made with onions and jalopeno peppers. French or pita bread was delicious!! Staff was helpful and attentive. read more

Really out of the way place (at least to a DC resident) but worth the drive. The kitcha fitfit was quite good, almost tasted like something Italian due to the pasta-like flat bread with red sauce. It was also very spicy, even with the cool yogurt(?) topping. The qulwa beef with spinach was very good, especially once it soaked into the injera. Finally the shiro was also good, lighter than the qulwa beef, almost like eating hummus. Friendly service who provided recommendations for our group. These were huge portions (ordered three dishes for four people and ended up taking food home, which was good for two additional meals). The dishes also came with extra injera and small salads. read more

I have been to Aurora for years. It is small, but intimate with lots of character . The food is amazing. They serve authentic Eritrean dishes full of flavor. My favorites are "kitcha firfir", "fool" and the "siga firfir". They also have various vegetarian dishes to choose from. They have great customer service. read more

Great coffee and wonderful eclectic menu. Service prompt and pleasant and kitchen turnaround is quick. Have only gone for breakfast/brunch and ordered from that menu so can't comment on dinner. My go-to is the eggs silsi but all of the Eritrean dishes we have sampled have been tasty and well seasoned. The ga'at is much like Indian kichhu and served with spicy oil - may not be to everyone's liking but we enjoyed. read more

This is my favorite restaurant find in a year and a half (my last was Delhi Dhaba in Arlington). I'd had Ethiopian twice at Dukem, a highly-rated place in the District, and it was pretty good. This is similar (the spongy sourdough flatbread with various saucy things) but Cafe Aurora's Eritrean version was immeasurably better. We had the Shiro (chickpea sauce) and the chicken with vegetables. It was delectable. I go back there whenever I have a good excuse. For two people, with tax and tip, it came out to about $30, with a nice bit of leftovers to carry out. Service wasn't super-fast, but the food made it worth the wait. read more

I like to come here to eat Eritrean traditional breakfast. Today, I decided to eat something different. Because the price of the food I ordered was high ($14.99), I expected to be at least good if not excellent. I ordered chicken kabob and it was the worse food I ever eaten in any restaurant. The rice was simply boiled and they put tomatoe sauce on top. Tasted like it came right out of the can. The chicken was as dry as a bone with no juice. Hard to chew. The broccoli was raw which they never asked me if I preferred that. No dressing to go with the broccoli. The salad was ok. Not impressive. If I could I would give it a negative star. The waitress was nice but I still had to pay $14.99 for the salad I ate and food the rice and chicken I barely touched. The waitress asked me if I like it to go. I simply told her how disappointed I was with the food and that it wasn't edible to be carried out. They didn't care to say if they could offered me another dish or give me half price for the food that went to their trash can. read more

I have been here several times for both brunch and dinner since moving to Alexandria, and have always been impressed with the delicious food at Cafe Aurora. I really like savory breakfasts, and the fuul and enjera fitfit hit that warm spot in my heart that makes you think of what your grandma would have made you for breakfast. The beef qulwa is also AMAZING - I should really try another dinner entree, but I always get this dish and have never been disappointed. The restaurant only ever seems to have one waitress, so service quality usually depends on how busy they are. read more

Food rocks! Eritrean food is GOOD!!! Will try the FitFit next time.

Hands down THE BEST Eritrean food place in the greater DMV area. If you want some authentic Eritrean breakfast, lunch or dinner foods cafe aurora is the spot to go. I been going to this place for about five years now and it seems like the food quality gets better each time. I usually get kicha fit fit with spinach and beef, as always it was delicious. Their Ful (smashed beans mixed with onions, tomatoes and jalapeños) is second to none, they have egg fritata with French bread. But those are some of tasty this place offers. If you are a vegetarian, not to worry because aurora offers variety of vegetarian dishes. These dishes are not your old boring veggie dishes, the different Eritrean spices add savory taste and mouth watering aroma. If you are around DC area and I recommend (almost order :) ) you to check out this place, you won't regret it. read more

I recently stopped over at this spot for the first time and loved their Egg Silsi, an African twist to an egg dish that was really delicious. The place is little small and their tables are tightly together but the customer service and food more than made up for the little inconvenience. read more

Wife and I saw this restaurant recommended on TV show and checked it out on yelp and it had great reviews so we said we should try it. The place is small but looks very nice on the inside and the waitress was very nice We wanted to try something special from North East Africa origin, so we tried Item #4 Enjera Fitfit and #7 Egg Silsi. Before I tell my opinion I and my wife have a variety taste pallets, we have been in Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, France, Indonesia and Thailand and love the food we tried. We have never eaten any Africa food before so we cannot say what is a good tasting from any other. But the plates we tried tasted the same just the different textures. We could not eat the food we took about 4 bites of the food. If it wasn't for the bread that was very dried out we would not have been able to take those 4 bites. I was amazed that it was given so high review by the Public Broadcast TV show. This was the first time I was not able to eat the food at a restaurant. Also it even gave rave of praise about the coffee, our coffee came lukewarm. We spent little over $23.00 for breakfast. And we looked at the prices for dinner very expensive, if what we had was a sample of the taste you get for the dinner. I would not go there again and I say if you go don't order #4 or #7 on the menu. read more

Tried Eritrean at Cafe Aurora for the first time this morning. Had the Tuna Silsi, which was served in a delicious spicy tomato sauce. Wasn't sure about tomato sauce and tuna, but it turned out great and gave me a nice slow burn from the jalapenos. Will go back again. read more

food is great. i mistook it for ethiopian at first, though it's eritrean (which is slightly more bland, but still delicious). it's small, run and staffed by just a few, and has out of this woooorld coffee. seriously, fantastic coffee. service can be slow if it's busy (small place...small staff), which is the only reason it's not 5 stars for me. i really really like this place, and i'm not the type to gush. :) read more

Cafe Aurora truly is a special place! It's located in a small shopping center in Alexandria, but it radiates exotic without being alienating. I took my BF there after seeing it featured on WETA's "Breakfeast in Washington" special, and have been there twice now for dinner. It's Eritrean cuisine incorporates many of the flavors that I associate with Indian and Middle Eastern food with the historically influenced fusion of Italian and French cuisine. The result is food that is delicious, comforting, and very good quality. I highly recommend the Adei lentil soup (so yummy on a cold night) and the qulwa beef or lamb (both are excellent) served over a fresh buckwheat crepe. Their spiced iced tea (think chai flavor) is freshly brewed and deliciously refreshing. I've always been too stuffed from dinner to try their beautiful looking deserts and fancy coffees, but I certainly will soon! If you're not too adventurous, there's lots of Italian dishes offered on the menu like ravioli and spagetti bolognese that should please anybody. read more

Mango smootie was horrid no mango mostly ice even putting in sugar it wasn't palatable. Food on menu had no vegetarian options unless you call frozen broccoli a vegetarian option. napkins were given out as if they were gold and silverware needed to be asked for. Hot chocolate came from a mix place was dead and BBC on huge monitors with tiny tables. Very depressing politics on each monitor. No music or atmosphere, no excitement for food, basically it was ok I will serve you but I am going to charge you even if the food is horrendous. I think the few good comments are from people who know the owners as this place is dead. No joy just a place where if your have the time to waste waiting for a cheap salad a tomato slice and a quarter cup of soupy stew is thrown onto some endear on a plastic plate and called an entrée. really sad unless you need to help the owner don't waste your money or time. Go somewhere where they care!! Horrid read more