With all the raving reviews here, I was really expecting exceptional. I've decided that I just don't like Ethiopian food. At 8pm on Tuesday, the place was empty. We were the only customers until one man came to get a to-go order. Other than him, it stayed empty. The owner was in the back and took a while before coming out to greet us (probably because the place was empty). They don't give you utensils - it could be that they don't use it in Ethiopian culture, or that the server/owner forgot. We wanted to ask for them, but he went back inside and didn't come out though we tried calling out a few times. We saw some spoons on the counter, though, and ended up using them. We could have eaten the meat with the bread, but there was also salad and it just wasn't finger friendly. Meat sambusa A meat filled appetizer, kinda like a triangular empanada. This was a tasty appetizer, but I'm a little spoiled, and some cheese inside would've made a huge difference. It didn't feel so different that it was fine just as it was, and there was something reminiscent of an empanada that kept making me wish there was some cheese in it. Beef wot fit fit It's beef cuts tossed with the sour bread and green peppers, served with more sour bread (injera). The beef smelled funny. It was a different cut of meat from the other beef dish we had. Awaze tubs This was the marinated beef tossed with veggies and served with salad and injera. This was the yummiest of the bunch. It wasn't that spicy, but had nice flavors and the beef was tender. Beef key wot Minced beef infused with sauce. Reminded me of chili. With some ketchup. Something familiar but couldn't really place my finger on it. I'm always up to trying new foods and was really hoping to like it here. Though it wasn't my personal cup of tea, I may still grow to like Ethiopian fare and when I do, I may become a fan. I hope so! read more

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Great Ethiopian food and we love digging in with our hands. The veggie combo platter comes with a nice variety of mini dishes that's best shared with about 4 people. Adding a couple meat dishes rounds out the meal. Pretty good crowd on a Sunday evening, about 8 tables full of patrons. Good to see a well supported restaurant. Parking is easy in the lot. read more

Lalibela - Veggie Big Combo Family Style - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Great eating experience. Ordered the Meat Sambusa. Think of a wonton with warm spices. The dipping sauce really compliments them well. We also ordered the variety platter. Their website doesn't really give a name to it, just a #33. The platter is served with Ethiopian Injera, a moist spongy flat bread. Tear off a piece and use to scoop up your food and eat with your hands. All in all a great place to eat. We have neighbors that have been to Ethiopia several times and they say this is the real deal. read more

Lalibela - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Food was outstanding! I'm vegetarian and got the 3 dish plate. It was absolutely delicious. My friend got a beef tibs dish and was very happy also. The owner was so friendly and kind. Restaurant was very clean and nicely decorated. I highly recommend! read more

Lalibela - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

We looked up restaurants on Guys Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and discovered this place while we were in the area. The restaurant is fairly large and open. We ordered the Meat Sambusa to start with which was very flavorful. It comes with three but my husband was so excited to try it he grabbed one before I could take a photo. Both the appetizer and entree came out fairly fast. The waiter was quick with drink refills and explaining how to eat the entree. I forgot to take a photo of the before with the combination platter. We were so full. The platter was plentiful and so the flavors worked together. You eat with your hands. The injera is what you pick the food up with. It's spongy and is like an airy crepe. They set the bar incredibly high for Ethiopian food! read more

Lalibela - Meat Sambusa - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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I had seen the Diners, Drive ins and Dives episode and knew that I wanted to try this place. I had never had Ethiopian food before but I knew that if I ever got to Sioux Falls, I would try this place. I arrived in town visiting from AZ and after I checked into the hotel, made my way here. Not knowing the area or what to expect, I didn't see many cars in the parking lot! I nervously grabbed open the door and found a beautiful restaurant inside. I was greeted by the male owner Magalete (forgive my spelling as I'm remembering the conversation from days ago). I let him know that this would be my first time having Ethiopian food. I immediately searched for the combination section of the menu because I wanted to try as many different dishes as possible! He told me it would be a lot of food for one person. I took this statement as a challenge! I hadn't eaten since before my flight early that morning ! Oh my goodness, there were people coming and going, picking up takeout, so my excitement was building! When my food arrived, it was massive and the owner explained to me that you take the injera and eat with your hands! Que the saliva! My mouth was ready!!!! Everything was FIRE! 10/10. Oh how I can't believe I've not had this cuisine before until now! I told him how delicious everything was, simply by nodding my head with closed eyes, mouth full of food and finger tips covered with the delectable stains from the seasonings! I stuffed myself but I did have leftovers to take back to the hotel for another meal! The food: I had #33 which is doro wat (chicken), beef alicha (like a stew), minchet abish (saucy, minced/ground beef), atakilt wat (potato and carrot with turmeric), collard greens, salad, and homemade cheese served on top of injera, with additional injera! PLEASE TREAT YOURSELF TO THIS DELICIOUS AND FAMILY OWNED RESTAURANT! The owner told me that there is a Lalibela close to me here in AZ, so I must seek it out to take my kiddos! read more

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So I was in the Sioux Falls, SD area and I knew Guy Fiery had a few eateries from Sioux Falls on his show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dive. Lalibela was one of those. This restaurant is an Ethiopian dining fare, which I've never eaten but I'm a convert. During this visit I got the Beef Tibs, that were tender pieces of marinated beef cooked with jalapeno pepper, onions, garlic, tomato, a touch of rosemary and other spices. Served with salad on ethiopian injera. What a tasty, light and healthy dish. Along with the Beef Tibs I got the Chicken Sambusa's. They were light, not oily, filling and the dipping sauce, man so good, I could take a bath in that sauce! The owner was very friendly, and insightful and would very much like to dine there again. Guy Fiery was correct in visiting this place! read more

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We stopped on our way through on our way to the Badlands - and I saw the favorable Google reviews, so I thought I would stop by. The ambiance was so lovely - there is plentiful Ethiopian art, garb, and cooking ware on the walls, and the music wasn't too loud. When we got there, we were the only people inside, but within the next 10 minutes after our order was promptly taken, it filled up with 10 more people! We ordered beef sambusas and a combination plate for two. Sambusas were hot, fresh, and savory. Perfectly fried and golden with a runny sauce that tasted like a mayo/ketchup situation. What's not to like? Combination plate was excellent - plenty of injera and will also be our dinner. Everything was well seasoned and distinctly flavored. Sometimes when I've had Ethiopian food in the past, it's easy for everything to kind of taste similarly, but this was not the case. The highlights included the beef stir fried with tomato/green beans at the edge, the potatoes, and the doro wat. What a pleasant surprise to find such delicious, authentic, Ethiopian food in Sioux Falls! read more

Lalibela - combination plate - SO good! - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

I was interested in trying some Ethiopian food while I was in Sioux Falls for work. This was a family owned restaurant and at the time did not have anyone else seated, however there were a few people who stopped by for pickup. I suspect the person who served me was both the owner and cook, but he was great to answer some general questions. The food came quickly and tasted great! I would definitely recommend it for anyone who wants to try some Ethiopian cuisine! The restaurant was clean and had some great theme and clothing items for sale. read more

Lalibela - Ybeg Wot with injera - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Delicious food and fantastic service! I come to this restaurant every time I'm in the area. read more

Lalibela - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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When I walked into this restaurant it was quiet and the man working let us sit our selves. I got 26 which is chicken and it was really good. It wasn't overly spicy but it had very good flavor and a little kick. read more

Lalibela's is always amazing. They have a large variety of options. Some are very spicy to no heat, but always excellent flavor.

We just had lunch here with friends and had an amazing meal. I recommend this place. The service was amazing and the food was great. The restaurant was quite around this time of the day! read more

Wow! That's all I can really say. Unfortunately this place wasn't that busy. I am sure between covid and not many into cultural foods. We were kindly welcomed and seated. The menus were simple. Very well organized. I had a few questions and our server answered them. We ordered the Veggie appetizer which was fried and had a nice crisp. The lentil and spices in the middle were nice. The sauce that went with it was a nice spicy vinegar something. Tasty and not hot. We ordered the Lamb entre which was put on the same plate as the combination. Between those two entrees and two people we had enough leftovers. All the flavors were there. I will definitely be going back. read more

Lalibela - Veggie - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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We love coming here! The ambiance is lovely. They have ethiopian music and decor. Lots of parking. We are vegetarian and love the options here. The lentil sambusas are so good and love their vegetarian platter. The owner is so nice and always helpful. They have chilled wine. I always get a glass of chardonnay. I feel very satisfied and full when I leave. read more

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Excellent Ethiopian food. Great service as well. Very friendly proprietor who was willing to answer all our questions.

The vegetable sambusas were solid. The vegetarian platter looked amazing. It was just too salty, at least for us. I will assume it was just an off night as a friend recommended it and said it was delicious. So I would recommend trying it and supporting the owners. read more

Some friends and I visited Sioux City from LA and saw this restaurant on Culture Trip and had to check it out. We got the collard greens gomen and the chicken tips and hot dog were they both outstanding. We had to share plates because we each thought the others' dish was so good we had to eat it all. Service was 10/10. Would definitely come back - especially because it looked there was an area for live music! read more

Lalibela - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Great food better friends. Went with friends from Eritrea and we were very impressed with the quality of the food.

Really good Ethiopian food and very authentic. I love to come here when I come to Sioux Falls the food is hot and super fresh. I am even surprised that they have Ethiopian wine and St George beer here. I have had just about every dish here and I do not have any complaints. This is about as good as it gets with out having to travel to Addis. read more

Lalibela - Shiro, goman and messer key wot. - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Must go place! Authentic veggie dishes and tender succulent lamb dish were outstanding! If staying or diving through, a must stop!

Very good food. Family oriented place. The owner is very nice. The food is always fresh.

We visited this restaurant when we were in Sioux Falls and loved it so much we got food to take on our drive back to Denver. The owner is such a kind man and I have nothing but positive things to say about the whole experience. I will be back next time I'm in Sioux Falls!!! read more

Decided to try this on a trip to Sioux Falls based on the positive reviews . Having never tried Ethiopian food before, I got the 4 dish vegetarian sampler. It was very good and filling; more than enough for one person. I would definitely eat there again. read more

I don't get to eat Ethiopian cuisine nearly as much as I would like to. So glad I came across this gem! Their injera and collards may be the best I've ever had! read more

CLEAN!!! loved how everything was over the top clean, floors sparkled. The owner was our server as we stopped post lunch rush, he was so helpful and fun to visit with. The food was so over the top full of flavor! We had the beef tips, loved it and loved the Ethiopian bread that comes with the dish. This is a must visit. Loved everything. read more

Great place to eat! Had dinner here tonight and it was great. I've had Ethiopian many times before and this was some of the best. Divers, Drive-Ins, and Dives was here last year as well! The food and service was fantastic. Mulugeta, one of the owners, couldn't have have been nicer! read more

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The owner is very friendly and the food is delicious. I have been all over Ethiopia and love being able to come in and get real Ethiopian food- not Americanized. The injera is perfect and not too sour and not made with wheat like many in America do. The coffee is perfect as well. read more

Lalibela - Front of the menu- love how it explains how to eat injera. - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

My sister send me a clip of this restaurant from when it was on Diners, Drive In's & Dives since I now go to Sioux Falls once a month. The food was fantastic and didn't disappoint. I've been craving Ethiopian food for a while. It was everything that I was expecting and more. I had the meat and veggie combo. It was so much food and the injera was perfectly fluffy and spongy. The service was a little slow, but I didn't mind. Just be aware when you go. read more

Driving through on I90 looking for vegan options. Great service! Delivered in a timely manner to the table. Clean dining area and restrooms. My first time trying Ethiopian food and I was not disappointed! Not sure I'd drink the Ethiopian beer by itself, but it paired great with both my and my wife's food! read more

The best ethiopian food I've ever had! I'm vegan and I got the veggie sambusa, miser key wot, and atkilt. I loved it all but the sambusas were my favorite! read more

We stumbled upon this place while dropping off our daughter to college this fall snd it will definitely be a highlight every-time we come to visit. The dishes we ordered were perfect and the server was so responsive snd helpful. The only downside was that it seems like more people don't know about it!! read more

Lalibela - a plate of ethiopian food - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Lalibela's is definitely the best Ethiopian restaurant around. The owner is delightful. read more

Lalibela - Shiro, Ater Wot, and 2 orders of Awaze Tibs. - Ethiopian Near Me - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Another spot we found binge watching DDD. We thought it was hilarious that coming from The Bay we are having Ethiopian food for the first time in South Dakota The food and the people were worth the wait! I usually order the vegetarian options. The lentils are to die for! I can't stop eating them! My husband has had both beef and chicken and has also enjoyed his choices. So glad we found this spot! read more

Sooooo delicious. I've only had Ethiopian food once and that was 5 years ago in LA and I strongly disliked it. But this place really made me fall in love with the food. Great vegan/vegetarian options and very welcoming customer service. read more

Everything here is fantastic so far in our experience. Try something ew here, you will not be disappointed! They were featured on Diners, Drive ins and Dives with that spikey haired bowling TSHIRT wearing chef Guy. Anywho! Give this place a go! 10/10 would go here over and over! read more

Wonderful experience as we haven't had Ethiopian food before. Our server was great at explaining what each dish was. The "bread" was so good. Definitely would love to visit again. Make sure to order different dishes to share. read more

I am able to eat without the use of disposable plastic! Straws are optional. Conversation is easy here, and it helps that we can talk about the delicious and interesting flavors we are experiencing. Portions are generous, all five of us had leftovers. Next time I plan on sharing. Bathrooms are pristine. The small stage was thoroughly enjoyed by my friend's toddler:) read more

Excellent food - I love this place so much. It's one of my favorite restaurants in Sioux Falls, and it's pretty easy to eat vegan here! I highly recommend trying this place if you want some really beautiful, flavorful food. read more

The visit was very pleasant all around. The waiter was nice and helped me and my partner since it was our first time eating Ethiopian food. The food itself was delicious and very flavorful, eating with Injura is a great experience (and a bit messy). I'd highly recommend eating here! read more