Last time I had Ethiopian food was in Denver,CO. When multiple people recommended the restaurant, it was a no brainer. Hands down, best dinner I had in a long time. And the tea...I had to stop by myself at 3 cups it was that good. I ordered the sample platter, which is enough to share. I would recommend the sample platter for anyone trying Ethiopian food for the first time. You get a little of everything. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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I feel like it's hard to photograph the food here to show how good it is. I asked the waiter - potentially the owner - what his favorite dish was, and he recommended the beef tips, extra spicy... I obliged happily. The dish was a majority of tender, yet chewy, beef in a savory and spicy sauce, along with lettuce with a vinegar tang. You eat it with a sponge/thin pancake bread that married everything well together. I think it was around $20. I really want to go back and try the combo platter, but I was by myself and it appeared to be a good amount of food. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Parking in the rear, away from the road. Ordered spiced tea, combination plate, veggie plate, two teas (one returned). $51.47. There are two tax lines on our receipt, that's odd. There is a city (1.5%) and state tax (5.5%). Not sure if we can add any single dishes if needed, but will likely will be full after our plates. The spiced tea is super sweet. I asked for the tea without any sweetener or sugar, it was way too sweet for me. They only have this sweet tea and that's it. The red lentil was the better of all of the dishes. The collard green, yellow lentil, green peas or beans, cabbage, salad were all okay. The lamb and beef were okay, a bit overcooked. The chicken drumstick was cooked well and was falling off the bone. Their injera is quite puffy and billowy here than most places we have been to. It's very filling with one roll. The Jalapeño and garlic is quite potent, it's good, but be prepared to smell like garlic after the small portion of it. The combination plate has small portions of all of the veggies. read more

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Great place to go with a group. I enjoyed introducing Ethiopian food to members of my group who had never tried it. The best part is half way through the meal when the flavors have started to blend in together, or is it the injera? All of the dishes were very flavorful and the portion size of the combination platter was easily enough for 3 to share. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Menu - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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Today was first time at Lalibela. And man what have I been waiting for? DELICIOUS! Right when you walk in abs smell all the aromas from spices you know you are in for a treat. They are friendly and welcoming. I got the combination platter. SO good and lots of it lol. Next time I will just go for a meat dish only as it was so much food. Can't wait ! read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Combination platter... yum yum - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Tasty food and nice waitress deserved a 5 Star review. But BOTH myself and my guest suffered from bad diarrhea hours after our dinner. Don't know what dish caused it, but we are both explorers of international foods. This has never happened after Ethiopian foods in other cities before. So we won't be back. read more

We came in on a Sunday afternoon and were immediately seated . The place was empty with only two other tables occupied . Our orders were taken right away and we got started with a nice refreshing cup of tea. The food also arrived promptly and looked like a substantial portion . Taste wise it was just alright - I believe most items lacked seasoning a little bit . The meat however was perfectly cooked and tasted good . Overall , I have mixed feelings but knowing that the city doesn't have a lot of Ethiopian restaurants to begin with , it might be worth a try . read more

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Wow! This place is amazing. The sampler was just enough for two adults. All of the flavors of the different dishes complement each other so very well. I am extremely pleased with my visit. Will be returning soon! read more

I have been here multiple times but two years after, it is super expensive. They even charge you for water and only allow one refill for coffee and tea. Unfortunately the quality does not match the bill. For lunch, it was 68 dollars. I will NOT come back to this place. They have missed the mark. read more

Have taken a lot of people here and most of them really enjoy it. Theirbis easy/plenty of parking and the food comes out really quickly. The combo plate is the way to go and is enough for 2 people- I wish they had more varities (ie combo a, b, c) Tea - a must try ; such a great flavor The "negatives" You have to pay for water They don't want to give injera refills ; its typically limited to 1 maybe 1.5 pieces per person. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Amazing Ethiopian food! I highly recommend ordering some of their Ethiopian spiced tea, which smells like Christmas and tastes like love. I could drink a whole gallon of this stuff. For 5 people, we ordered 2 combos, which was just a bit too much food. The combo platter is large with a great variety of veg and meat dishes, including lentils, chicken, beef, egg, and cabbage. Some of the curries are spicier than others (and the light green one is very spicy - similar to wasabi). The platter comes with a basket of injera on the side, and you can request more injera as well. I loved all of the flavors and the communal dining experience, and it's a great amount of food for the price. Love Lalibela! read more

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Love the food! I go with the Gored Gored while my girlfriend always gets the vegetarian plater. The husband and wife team always makes us feel welcome. MAKE SURE YOU TRY THE TEA!!! read more

Two years had passed since my visit, as I no longer live in Omaha. The aromas and flavors are as delicious as ever; a definite sign of recipes perfected over time. Thank you for the wonderful food and best wishes to you all. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Combination Plate - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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A nice little mom and pop establishment. the environment is nothing fancy but can tell you will be getting good authentic food. The menu has lots of options but is not overwhelming. We got two different platters and I enjoyed the sampling of avariety of foods. The dishes were flavorful and filling. The chai tea was also to die for. if you're looking for authentic Ethiopian food, this place definitely hits the spot. You will leave satisfied and very full. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat and veggie platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

This place never disappoints. The owners are very nice. Quick to seat us and get our order. They were out of coffee but shared their personal coffee and it was delicious! We ordered the combination plate and the lamb. This was my daughters first time here. She enjoyed it. She stated that she can't get others to go with that actually like seasoning on their food. We both ate til we were beyond full and still had enough for two to-go boxes. She brought them with for some good lunches. The restaurant seats about 30 people comfortably, dimmer lights and always some nice calming music playing. read more

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Eating at Lalibela Ethiopian restaurant is a wonderful experience. The food is delicious. and appeared to be authentic though I am no Ethiopian connoisseur. The menus is pretty short with a selection of meat and vestibule dishes. The staff is very friendly. Food is served with no utensils, so be ready to eat with your hands. If that bothers you utensils will be provided. read more

Great food and service. The vegetarian platter is enough for four people. You'll get your fill. Definitely coming back next time I'm in Omaha. read more

We have been to many Ethiopian restaurants in numerous states and hands down this has always been the best. We ordered the combo platter, Kitfo and Key Wot. Everything was absolutely fantastic. Their spiced tea is so delicious and unique. It is my favorite. We make a point to eat there every time we visit Omaha. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Combo (veg meat) platter, also Kitfo , Key Wat we added onto the combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Love love love Lalibela. I have been going here for years, and this restaurant never disappoints! Great food and tea. Plus, the owner is very kind. I typically go with 2-3 other people, and we share a combination platter. Each platter comes with a large piece of injera (spongy flatbread) with dollops of various stews and salads on top. This dish eaten by tearing small pieces of injera and using this to pick up the stews and salads. The injera under the stews and salads soaks up the flavors, and I usually end up asking for extra injera to pick these parts up to eat. This is a very filling and satisfying dish with rich flavors. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Combination platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

I've been here a few times now and it is great every time. We ordered the combination, such an awesome dish to experience multiple flavors. The food came out quickly, and I love the ambiance. Definitely worth a try if you've never been! read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Combination - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Review from 6/23/20 THIS PLACE IS AMAZING! I've never had anything like this food and absolutely loved it! It's totally authentic and family owned which makes it even better. The owner was sure to come over and asked how we enjoyed our lunch :) Can't go wrong with the Combination Platter- has a little bit of everything and is PLENTY of food for 2 people. Couldn't tell what was what on the platter but with everything as good as it was it didn't really matter haha! Looking forward to the next time I can go! read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Combination Platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

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Wonderful home cooked food! Really enjoyed the flavorful and generous portions. Recommend getting the tea as well!

Excellent food, better then restaurants in major cities. Very happy that it's still around and the owner seems very friendly and helpful. One of our favorites. read more

Do you like eating with your fingers? Do you like mango juice? Do you like restaurants that look like an old pizza hut on the outside? Then say no more, fam, because have I got the spot for you, Lalibela. Lalibela is a great little hole in the wall located on saddle creek and is one of a couple Ethiopian restaurants in town, but it is number one in my heart. The food is simply amazing, (when you walk through the door the smell slaps you in the face and tells you you're in for an awesome meal), and comes out on a large platter with a side of injera, which you tear off a bit of and use to pick up your next bite and pop it in your mouth. The menu is small with only about 8 extremely authentic dishes but they have mastered them to perfection, and no matter what you order it will come out quickly and be delicious, every time. Price is fair for the amount of food, and the service is pretty great too. I'll definitely keep coming back for more. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian restaurant nails the ambience and decor of Ethiopia. I should know. I have traveled to Ethiopia nine times over the last 10 years. The food smells and tastes relatively authentic. In fact, if you have never had the national cuisine you might just think this is exactly what it tastes like. If it's going to be your first experience, I recommend that you get the combination platter to try all of the different options that are available. However, in my mind... And in the hearts of many... The absolute best dish is the Ethiopian national dish: DORO WAT. Delicious. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Combination platter. Middle = Doro Wat (National Dish) - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

we shared the combination plate and oh my goodness all of the food was delicious! each dish was a contrast in flavor and texture to the next. it was like unwrapping gifts! read more

Great food, nice people. Really enjoyed the food here. We bought two vegetarian plates and shared.

Yo, if you've never tried Ethiopian food, you need to ASAP, and you need to go to Lalibela. After my first time trying the cuisine, it became one of my favorites. It's SO flavorful, and SO good for you!!! Zodi, the owner and chef, is the most amazing human, but more importantly, one helluva cook. I'm not a vegetarian, but the vegetarian platter beats out any meat dish, IMHO. Don't get me wrong, the meat dishes are phenomenal, but the veggie platter?!?! Pshh...so good, so FN good. If you haven't yet, give Lalibela a shot. After eating there since 2010, I have yet to have a disappointing experience or displeasure with a meal. It's good. Trust. read more

Love this place! Get the hot tea! Great spot to take the vegan/vegetarian person in your life for something authentic.

Whenever I'm in Omaha, I make it a point to eat cuisine I don't have in Des Moines. Lalibela is always a treat. First time I went was with my mom, who had never had Ethiopian before, and she absolutely loved it, as did I. This more recent time, I went with a colleague and once again, this place didn't disappoint. You eat with your hands !! There's nothing better than that! The decoration and space are simple yet cozy, and I really enjoyed the music. We ordered the combination plate and a spicy goat dish whose name escapes me. So good ! Plenty of injera bread, and everything tasted super fresh. The flavorful chicken stew in the middle was excellent, as was the spicy goat dish and the beef tibbs. The goat was a little gamey, but in a good way. The vegetarian sides (lentils and collard greens) were also tasty, and there was a small portion of green spicy sauce which enhanced everything it touched. But beware, the bright green sauce is spicy for sure ! The service was prompt and friendly, even though the restaurant is a little short staffed. Prices are good and you'll likely have tons of injera to bring back home. If you've never had Ethiopian food, just be aware that this food is eaten with your hands and the help of the injera bread; large platters are usually shared in a communal manner. Maybe avoid wearing a white shirt! I'll drive the 2 hours to eat here any time. A must in Omaha. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Combination plate - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

I try to find an Ethiopian restaurant whenever I travel to a new city...been doing this for about 9 years now. I wish I knew about this place when I lived in Omaha all those years ago. The food was fantastic! Great price for a large vegan combo meal! One of the best Misir Wot dishes I've had!!! Great flavor and spice! If I'm ever back in Omaha, I'll definitely be back! read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Vegan combination plate - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

This place is one of my favorite African restaurants. I'm always excited to go eat there. The food is full of flavor that always bring excitement. The service is excellent and they bring out the food fast. read more

Service is always quick and polite. I believe it is family owned which is nice. I wouldn't call myself a regular just yet, but I have gone there a few times to catch up with friends. Food is wonderful! Prices $13-17 for a plate, but honestly you could split it with two people it's so much hahah. I always get the vegetarian because I don't eat meat and it's so nice ! Worth the price and time environment wonderful. Thanks to the owners again! Work a place checking out ! *i forgot to take photos so these are shots from a video* read more

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The food is amazing! I moved from the DC area where there is a large Ethiopian population and was so happy to hear Omaha has Ethiopian food. We ordered the combo and one of the meat dishes. More than enough food for two people! The server asks if you want it medium or spicy, in hindsight I should have said spicy but it was still delicious. If you're looking to try something new definitely give it a go! read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Combo plate with additional meat - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Absolutely delicious. My mom and I are the vegetarian plates and we should have shared one there was so much food. It was so tasty and easy to get to off of saddle creek. Limited menu options but the plates let you try many types of food if you don't know what kind of Ethiopian food you like. I enjoyed everything on the plate. Lots of diverse spices and a little bit of heat in the food. I will be coming back here again soon. read more

Wow. Omaha has some good food. We found an authentic Ethiopian experience at Lalibela. The plates / portions are HUGE. we shared four plates for 8 women and had left overs. I had the vegetation plate and the middle item was a tad spicy but good. Overall incredible. Great service. Great food. Great experience. read more

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant - Vegetarian plate - Ethiopian Near Me - Omaha, Nebraska

Lalibela is best enjoyed with friends. And if you're having trouble finding friends to go here, let me know, as I'm always up for a visit. My recommendation is to order several items and do a round robin sort of roulette dinner, rotating periodically until everyone is able to sample everything on the table. But first thing's first... no utensils. That job is readily tackled by Injera, a sourdough-risen flatbread with a spongy texture. Traditionally made out of teff flour, it is a national dish in Ethiopia. And if just that description sounds off-putting then maybe this isn't the restaurant for you? But I always advocate trying something at least once before discounting it. And if you have any friends trying to avoid gluten, let them know they're safe here, as I understand teff to be one of the gluten-free grains. (Which is a good thing, because there's plenty of injera to be had here)! You can also bring your vegetarian friends, as their Vegetarian Platter is to die for. For some reason I feel like serving me a heaping pile of bread is a personal challenge (one I'm happy to accept). The meals are plated on top of injera, and baskets of the stuff are also served on the side, typically one per dish. I don't think I've tried everything on the menu yet, but the Vegetarian Plate is always a good choice, with several varieties of lentils, greens, and cabbage. Combination plate with doro wot and cheese is another good way to get a thorough sampling of the flavors and to ease yourself into. The process goes down pretty much like this... You just grab some injera, tear off a piece, and use it to pick up some food, then stuff the food in your mouth. There's not a lot of grace to it, but I suppose it does take some practice. For those of you unconvinced, check out this video primer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uf46zpm79CQ Most of the meats are small enough to pick up easily in a single handful, and those that aren't can easily be dismantled with fingers. As for the food, mixing is allowed. And there is no particular order to the meal. Eat whatever, whenever and have a good time. We don't tend to enforce the feeding each-other rule shown in the video, though that could make for some fun dining too. Here's my rundown of the menu items we've had the pleasure of trying (which is pretty much everything, since it's a small menu). Combination Plate: A variety of meat and vegetarian dishes including tibs, doro wot, salad, cabbage, cheese and lentils. Great place to start if this is your first foray into Ethiopian. Vegetarian Platter: A combination of salad, cabbage, lentils and cheese. Kuanta Fir Fir: Beef sauteed in spices, butter and onion, mixed with pieces of injera. Key Wot: A spicy beef stew prepared with a clarified butter sauce, cheese on the side. Gored Gored: Lean beef mixed with spicy butter sauce and a paste of hot peppers with garlic, ginger and spices. Zil Zil: Stir fried beef strips, onions and peppers. Ethiopian Coffee: Pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Strong and delicious. Ethiopian Spiced Tea: I think this used to be complimentary, but now they charge for it. You can probably blame me for this since I like to drink 2-3 cups... or, in other words, as many as they'll bring me. It's spiced, it's sweet, it's so good I'll even order tea in the summer. Injera: The star of the show in more ways than one. Injera serves as plate, utensil and meal all in one. They'll always bring a basket per entree, so don't feel compelled to sacrifice your platter bread at first. Then, after you've eaten your fill you can roll up all the leftovers for later. And that, my friends, is how you over-eat. Sharing an entrée is probably your best bet to leave in a comfortable state of affairs. Lalibelia does not have a liquor license, so if you're feeling like a brew you'll have to go elsewhere. What they do have is bottled water, Ethopian coffee, and some wonderfully sweet spiced tea (see above). Service is very friendly, but don't expect a detailed menu primer or rundown on what all the items are. You need to tap your sense of adventure here a bit. The restaurant is warm and inviting, decorations made it feel cozy, and the food is fantastic. Bring on the injera! read more

this was incredible and very unique food that you will not find anywhere else. besides the person that owns the place is a really good guy and was very helpful and kind. read more

I love Ethiopian food, there no restaurants around like this where I live, I was very happy to come across it in Omaha and this place nails the dishes and for a very low price. Portions are full of flavor and large, I got the sampler that can feed 2-3 people. Great food and service as well, host was very nice and lunch was out very fast. Great choice if you are new to this type of cuisine, this would be a good choice for a first timer. And side note, you do eat with your hands :) But they have forks available if you need them. read more

I have tried other Ethiopian restaurants in town but this was my first time trying Lalibela. I must say, I was not disappointed. We had a large party of about 15 people sitting at our table and ordered 4 platters to go around. We did eat it all, but it was a decent amount of food. Like Khoa T. says, it was enough to feel slightly full but not overstuffed. At ~$12 a platter, thats pretty reasonable pricing. In the future I'd like to give one of the meat platters a try because it sounds very exciting and enticing. The injera bread they serve their platters with reminds me of sourdough, but in a spongy, pancake manner. It's really some excellent eating if I do say so myself. There are no utensils, it's back to medieval times using your hands to eat--i totally love this. Tear off a piece of injera and use it a scooper to eat the veggies/meat piled in little neat stacks on top. Really fun! The lentils were my favorite thing on the veggie platter. While I'm not a huge fan of incense (personal preference) the smell in there somehow makes me feel like the experience was more authentic. The smell was quite strong for me! It wouldnt keep me from going there again but I do want a shower when I leave. :) Oh and one more thing-easy parking and whether you want a tea, coffee, or water you'll be paying a few bucks extra--there is no water on tap here. read more

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