We had a wonderful experience! The service was kind, welcoming, and incredibly helpful. The authentic atmosphere and decor add so much character; and the aroma of the food and spices throughout the restaurant is amazing. The prices are extremely reasonable. The deluxe combo platter came with soup and a drink, and everything was delicious. The spiced tea was warm, comforting, and full of flavor. If you're looking for authentic food, a welcoming environment, and great value, Little Africa is absolutely worth a visit. We'll definitely be back, and next time we're bringing more people with us! read more

Little Africa - Spiced tea, spicy tomato soup, and crushed lentil soup - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

as we sat in our cozy booth, i felt a little sad that we hadn't eaten at little affrica sooner. my partner and i shared the group platter which is the best way to experience all of the stews. for those who have not tried ethiopian food, your meal is served on and with injera, a bread used to scoop up the stews. the injera was spongy, tangy, and the perfect utensil. research shows eating with your hands improves digestion and enhances satisfaction. it's such a mindful process and truly makes you feel good. mindfulness aside, the stews were delicious and flavorful. i also ordered the guava juice which was thick and very sweet. i'd love to try the mango next and i know my partner is interested in trying the coffee. at $12.50 per person, the group platter is affordable and filling. And yes they do accept cards (no longer cash only). the owner (i'm assuming) was sweet and attentive. we can't wait to head back to little africa soon. read more

Little Africa - group platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Updating my review to note that as of October 2024, you can use a credit card to pay at Little Africa! This is really convenient and I hope it gets them more business. I met with three friends for dinner recently and we got the group platter for 4. It comes with all of the different dishes, including lentils, soy curry, greens, salad, and even two seasonal dishes - one with beets and one with squash. We all agreed that the squash was one of our favorites! I also got the Ethiopian tea, which is a warm fruity spiced tea that is perfect for fall. The ambience is homey, and service can be a bit slow as it is usually just the owner working and maybe one other person. That said, it's a wonderful spot and I always love the food, which is all vegetarian and vegan friendly. I'm not vegan but I'm always satisfied and I love the variety. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Little Africa! (Sidenote, I would still recommend calling ahead to confirm they're open.) read more

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Cute little restaurant with about 10 tables. Cash only. Tea is sweet and delicious.. a fall drink for sure. The guy working was super nice, somehow handing the front and the back of the house at once. read more

Little Africa - Menu cover - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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I've been to all three Ethiopian spots in the GR, and Little Africa is by far my favorite. It's 100% vegan (which I'm not), but honestly the food is so flavorful and comforting I never feel like anything's missing. The prices are insanely affordable for how good and filling everything is (i'm talking $15 total for a whole platter of food that can feed 2 people). The injera is soft and tangy, though I'm pretty sure it's not 100% teff which is a little disappointing since traditionally it's made out of teff which makes it gluten-free. But everything else makes up for it: the portions, the spice, the kindness of the people who work there. It just feels like a place made with love. I always leave full and happy. It's a small and cosy space with the owners of the restaurant (husband and wife) cooking all the meals and serving them themselves. My favorite dish is the firfir which tastes like no firfir i've ever had but it is on the spicier side. All in all I love Little Africa and they deserve your business!! read more

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Grabbed a quick platter for 2 on the way to the airport. It was ready super quick and the food was fresh and delicious. Rich, well developed flavors. We were thrilled to find a new vegetarian and gluten friendly spot in Grand Rapids. read more

Best injera I've ever had. Not too wet, not too sour. The platter was very good. I'm sad we don't live closer because it would be a family staple for us. read more

Fantastic food, great value, service was friendly!! The ambiance is cute little hole in the wall. Food is unbelievable!! A++++

It's smaller inside, 8 tables, 7 of them are booths. Non-descript exterior. Odd to hear country station playing in the background. Very odd. The waiter came or our table with a tray with two glasses of water, he didn't put them on our table and waited for us to grab them ourselves. He asked if we wanted something to drink. I asked ro confirm the deluxe combo platter is the group platter with added soup and a drink. He replied yes. I asked the female staff member to make sure they accept credit cards, since we heard and saw several customers pay with cash. We ordered the deluxe combo platter with lentil soup and seasoned tea for me and a seasoned tea for my husband and a spicy tomato soup for him. We ended up ordering a one person combo with 4 items: Mesir, Shiro, Azifa and Soy Curry. It comes with more injera. The first deluxe platter was not enough food. The one person combo portion was almost double the portions of the deluxe combo platter. The seasoned tea is intensely sweet, not for me. Have a whole pot even. I will stick to water then. I asked if I could get an unsweetened seasoned tea. The unsweetened is leas sweet, but still not so good either. The spicy tomato has a nice kick to it, it's good. It's more flavorful than the lentil soup. The lentil soup is super green, has a couple of bay leaves in it. The taste is distinct, takes some getting used to, but it's okay. Miso bowls of warm water to wash your hands before the meal comes out. 5 pieces of a quarter of an injera. The entree portions are super small here, half of what we get back at home even and for two people too. Don't come here hungry and of course there is no refills at all. $18.50 per person for a platter of what looks like would be enough for one person, not two people. Seems crazy that each item costs $8 a piece. The injera is good, nice and spongey and slightly sour too. Some parts of it is a bit crusty, but still good. The Mesir, Shiro, Azifa and the soy curry were decent, a double portion would have made more sense for the two of us. The rest were so-so and not so notable. We are both finally full after a deluxe combo platter and one person combo platter. Food wasn't too bad, would stick to the 4 items for a repeat. Service was okay, the woman was much warmer and friendlier to us. Get the spicy tomato, it's flavored packed and worth the try. Skip the seasoned tea. I would probably give it 3.5 stars, not quite a 4 since the portions are super small and I wasn't a fan of the lentil soup, seasoned tea and only 4 of the dishes was notable. read more

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I am so happy we came here! This experience has been nothing short of incredible! I feel honored to have shared not only in this cuisine but that this person is sharing their culture! I am so grateful! As for the food... they have a gluten free option for the bread!! I am so over the moon about this!! I had every intention of putting up and shutting up so I could just enjoy experience so when I opened the menu and saw gluten free I was so excited!! We ordered the dish for two with a portion of all entrees. The food was flavorful and rich! The spices were on point for each but didn't overshadow the star of each. The dominant flavor was always the main ingredient and the spices complemented each one. Some were cooling and some warm and spicy. Come with your senses prepared because you're going to want to enjoy this full experience! Including eating with your hands! The bread is your utensil my friends just enjoy it! Food freshness and quality gains 5 stars! Ambiance gains 5 stars since I'm pretty sure I walked into a little Ethiopian street cafe straight off the streets of Grand Rapids, Michigan! It was warm, cozy, and intentional. Service gains 5 stars! There is no wait to be seated sign so I took the cue and took a seat. I made eye contact with the only person in the kitchen and gave her a smile and a nod. She came out with water and menus within a few minutes. After this we placed our order and enjoyed some thick rich black coffee reminiscent of a cafe in Paris. She then went to preparing our food. She was so sweet and kind. Cleanliness gains 3 stars. The tables are clean but there is some definite room for improvement in the dining area. It felt a bit dark and dusty. This brings the overall rating to 4.6 which means 5 stars!! I'm leaving full and blessed!! I can't wait to share this experience with friends!! read more

Little Africa - Platter for 2 with gluten free bread. - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

My favorite restaurant in GR. Hands down. Everything on the menu is vegetarian and dairy free, super affordable, and packed with delicious flavor you can't find anywhere else. I've taken my whole family here on multiple occasions, and ask friends to meet me here whenever I'm in town. Even the carnivores are excited to come back! The folks who work here are lovely, and the cozy ambiance matches the food perfectly. I'd give 10 stars if I could! P.S. Don't skip the tea! It's sweet and soothing. read more

Little Africa - I'm always too excited when the food arrives and I forget to take a picture until its all in my tummy - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Authentic cuisine, not Americanized! Friendly proprietor who serves great food at a price that is reasonably priced. Small, no frills restaurant that has a warm ambiance. It's worth a visit for a new culinary experience! You won't just visit once !! read more

Yaaaaaaaas. I'm so glad Little Africa exists in GR and serves up excellent Ethiopian food. I happily shared a platter with friends and would happily share one again. It's the best way to try all the things! Also, the tea is *incredible* and cannot be passed up. I was so impressed that I ended up buying a bag of loose tea (Iwas informed it was a different blend, but it was still worth $15). read more

Delicious, freshly prepared combo platter is a bargain. It's a vegetarian place, where you won't miss the meat

I'm always nervous about trying a new restaurant in GR because I feel like the price point doesn't match the quality in this town. HOWEVER Little Africa blew me away. I went last weekend and loved it so much I came 7 days later. It's delicious, authentic, healthy AND reasonably priced. It so refreshing to go out to eat and leave satisfied and nourished, not over stuffed and lethargic. I'm hoping I can ask them to cater my Thanksgiving meal this year. read more

A great find. I'm in Grand Rapids for the day and so glad that I found this place. I'm a fan of vegan Ethiopian and Little Africa is perfect. It is a small restaurant with only a handful of tables. It was empty when I arrived but filled up quickly. The owner was the only one there but was able to handle the tables well. I had the 4 item combo with the Goman, Shiro, Mesir and Soy Curry. I also added Duba for a small upcharge. All the food had great flavor and tasted homemade. My two favorites were the soy curry that had a great spice and the Duba was sweet and tasty. read more

Little Africa - Shrio Soy Curry Ethiopian Seasoned Tea Duba Gomen Mesir - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

I took a break from Ubering, and I always wanted to try this place. The restaurant could very easily be missed. It's a small, unobtrusive storefront in an older section of town. It is very informal. As soon as you walk in you are able to smell all of the Ethiopian spices. There is steam coming from the kitchen so much that it steamed up the windows. You walk up to the counter and get your menu. You can either order at the counter or sit and order. Strict carnivores beware. There is absolutely NO meat on the menu, but once I started eating I didn't miss it. I had the Ethiopian lentil soup, a beet dish called Key Sir, and the spongy bread known as injera. The lentil soup was comforting but not hardly spiced. This was probably to balance out the spicy mess of the key sir, which was spicy enough that I had to take water breaks. The injera had a light, fluffy, slightly sour taste. The meal is designed to eat with your fingers by tearing off some of the injera and using it to pinch some food from the plate to place in your mouth. A bowl of warm water and a handful of napkins is also brought out to the table so your fingers can be cleansed. In all, it felt like I was at an Ethiopian home partaking in family dinner. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to go on a "foodcation" and not live in Grand Rapids. This restaurant is cash only. read more

Little Africa - Ethiopian lentil soup - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Incredible restaurant owned by the sweetest people! I was worried I would be leaving behind great Ethiopian food in DC (known for Ethiopian), but I found my spot here in Grand Rapids! read more

The food was good but I felt like it was not as big as we usually get in other Ethiopian restaurants..the cleanliness was deplorable. The service was okay, they serve you the food and that's about it. read more

Amazing food! Pro tip, cash or check only. Also, call to make sure they are open before going. Very friendly service. Gluten Free injera available with extra cost. All around I thought the prices were very reasonable. Vegan options available. BYOB. Can not wait to go back. read more

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What a neat little gem of healthy food. The food is tasty and healthy and the teff based flatbread is gluten free. The sweet tea is tasty and the food filling. I'd definitely recommend this place and hope people will support this small business. And Vegan to boot for those of you who find it hard to find vegan options. read more

Little Africa - The restaurant interior. - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Friendly owner who was very welcoming when we walked in. He let us pick a table and quickly brought us menus and water. We instantly knew we wanted the combo for 2 and he brought it within 10 minutes. The flavors taste just like every Ethiopian place I've ever visited and the injera was fantastic. The cabbage was by far my favorite, which tends to be the case whenever I find an Ethiopian restaurant. He only accepts cash and the menu doesn't have meat, which is a down side. Overall, it's very similar to other Ethiopian options without the meat. The service is friendly but they never want to intrude on your meal. When you're finished, head to the counter to pay. read more

Little Africa - Combo for 2 - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Great place, great food, great people. The sample/combo platter is always a favorite.

Best Ethiopian food in Grand Rapids! Think you can bringing your own wine and alcohol? Either way, it's amazing.

Best 100% vegan restaurant in Grand Rapids. I love being able to just walk in, try something new from the menu, and feel confident it will be delicious and vegan! read more

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We really enjoyed our experience at Little Africa. Excellent food and I think there was only one person serving, cooking, etc. We were surprised that it is a cash-only establishment... but there is an ATM across the street. Love the atmospheric here and location. read more

What a delightful surprise. Just down from a boutique toy store and walking distance to ice cream for dessert, Sits Little Africa, a little rundown, but oh so relaxing, yummy and healthful. We trend towards vegan, and there were abundant options. We had the sampler plate for three people - all vegan - and had leftovers to take home. Our only regret is that we don't live closer. read more

Little Africa - Vegan sampler - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

As a fan of Ethiopian cuisine, Ive enjoyed my share of injere and mesir wat, and other favorites in Africa & across the states. Little Africa gives the one in search for Ethiopian fare, a "little" taste of it. The hospitality and relaxed nature of the owner welcomes you into the establishment as if you were welcomes you in a guest in his living room. The classic Ethiopian spiced tea (pre-sweetened) was aromatic and flavorful. The coffee was the classic Ethiopian blend, robust and rich. Our group of 5 ordered the deluxe platter to share. It comes withh drinks, and soups. The lentil soup was mild ann's subtle in its flavor and texture. A sharp contrast to the spicy tomato soup which had a kick too strong for two of our guests. We were glad for the soup because there was a long delay before the entree came out (we came in early so the customers after us had less of a wait). There was the usual, colorful array of lentils, beets, carrots & cabbages, etc, all on a bed on injere to share with your friends family style- the only way to truly eat Ethiopian. The dishes though were just okay in the spectrum of Ethiopian food I've had the opportunity to try. There was a tangy-ness that was a bit off. The portions were generous and to the novice, it's a solid Ethiopian spot. Get the teas, coffees and lentil soup, they were the stars. read more

Little Africa - Delicious Ethiopian Lentil Soup! - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

I really wish I could rate the customer service at a 2 star but since I know the person running it is literally doing it all I have to be compassionate and understanding. The food makes it up. The tea? Amazing. I used to have some Ethiopian students and they would bring me their mom's home cooked meals and compared to Little Africa I could tell you that there is ZERO DIFFERENCE. The food is amazing. I got it all. Lol great amazing food. The location is old and the hours are iffy but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check it out. read more

The food was excellent and the service was outstanding. I highly recommend this charming place. The spicy tomato soup was fantastic and I would definitely go back! read more

Little Africa - Excellent! - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

There are no words. One of the best meals I have ever had. The tea....so delicious. I will definitely be returning read more

Little Africa - Combo plate - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Jeff from Sacred Springs highly suggested we give this place a shot and boy are we glad that we did! The place is very humbling and run by one woman (or least there was only one woman running the show when we were there). It's a vegan friendly spot and they offered gluten free bread. If you have a party greater than 1, go for the platter. Everything was absolutely delicious! My fav was the beet dish. Hoping to make another visit soon! read more

Little Africa - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

What a fantastic little spot! A wonderful and kind man, who was dancing in the kitchen, served us up some delicious food on perfect sponge bread! And the juices are divine. We'll be back! read more

Little Africa - A combo meal for three. Plenty and we took home leftovers! - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

First time here, had the combo platter. Food was delicious! I am not a tea drinker, but I absolutely fell in love with the spiced tea. They now accept credit cards as well! read more

My wife and i had wonderful meal at Little Africa the other night. Lou, the owner was very friendly. It wasn't busy so he spent time chatting with us which we did not mind at all. We ordered the dosa combo platter for two. And we loved it..i also had the tea which i recommend. Our conversation took us to Ethiopia and their culture. We would go back again to get our dosa fix. read more

Little Africa - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

I came here for lunch with my mom, and it took a surprisingly long time for our food to come out, depsite the fact that we were the only ones in there. The waiter brought us bowls of water with some sort of soap in them, so we could clean our hands--this was convenient to be able to clean our hands so easily. I asked if he had any milk to go in the tea, and he mentioned that they're a vegan restaurant, so there's no dairy. The tea was flavorful, and definitely did not need any sugar or milk to go with it. After perusing the menu, I asked for a recommendation on which items to pick for the combo platter, and he said that everything is good. We enjoyed the Shiro, which is a mild pea flour sauce prepared with a special spice, the Alicha, which consists of fresh vegetables mix of potato, cabbage, green beans, green pepper, ginger and garlic, and the Kik, which is a well seasoned split pea sauce prepared with tomato onion garlic and red wine. My favorite was the Kik since I love split peas. The food here is definitely tasty, and the service is polite, but a bit slow. If you come here, definitely be prepared for a wait. read more

Little Africa - Combination Platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

I love the food here! It's so flavorful and plentiful. We got the tasting platter and it was enough for two. The injera is wonderful. I love that it's vegetarian but you don't miss the meat at all! You eat with your hands which you wash in the bowl of water provided. The service is kind and helpful. I like the cozy atmosphere of the place. read more

Amazing food! We have been going there for years and have always had good service. Two of my favorites are the Soy Curry and Ethiopian Salad but there are sample platters to try everything. It's a small casual place yet comfy. It's also cash only and there is a store on the corner with an ATM if needed. read more

First time trying African cuisine and was not disappointed! Had the tea and platter. It was all so good and flavorful. Happy to have so many vegan options. I'll definitely be back! They are cash only so keep that in mind. read more

When I walked in, the guy in the back more or less ignored me until I flagged him down 5 minutes later. He slapped a glass of water down for me but didn't bring me a menu. When the other lady eventually showed up, I had to specifically ask for one. I then ordered a soup and platter for 1 (choice of 4 dishes plus injera). It took nearly an hour for even the soup to come out. When the food finally did arrive, it was... strange. I've visited a decent number of Ethiopian restaurants now. The collards were decent, but all my other dishes were strangely spiced - almost like they were overly smoked / burnt or just over-spiced in a way that wasn't tremendously palatable. I wasn't impressed. The spicy tomato soup, however, was tasty -- "Ethiopian hot" was definitely hot, but not too much for me. If the service wasn't bad enough, they are cash only and do not display that anywhere, forcing you to run to the ATM across the street that has a $3 withdrawal fee. So: 2 stars for the food, 1 for the service and everything else. I certainly wouldn't return. read more