This is my brother's favorite restaurant so our family went for his birthday. They came out with baklava and singing happy birthday in an Ethiopian language, which I thought was so special for them to do. Great spot for vegetarians. We got the vegetarian combo and my mom's favorite was the green beans and carrots. I also liked the dish with carrots, cabbage and potato as well (but everything it comes with is good). One of the dishes on the vegetarian platter we asked to be spicy but we found that it was very mildly spicy. My grandparents were new to the food and got a dish with medium spice and said that it was very spicy for them. It was the chicken tibs I believe. Next time we plan to try the gluten-free bread instead. My mother got it a separate time and said that it tastes the same or better and is a complete protein. We ordered the small coffee to share and it was enough for two of us to refill multiple times they also gave us milk to go with. If you like coffee, I would definitely recommend getting this as it comes on a platter with incense burning and was a very cool authentic experience. They have a coffee ceremony on Saturday from 1 to 5 that I hope to go to in the future. The best spot to sit at is by the window, either one, but the one not by the door is better. The video of the food is from a time we went a couple years ago as I forgot to get a video this time! We will be coming back! read more

Another great Ethiopian spot. I had the vegetable combination platter and the samosa. Superb. We also had the baklava for dessert And it was pretty good. read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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First time trying Ethiopian food and I wasn't really sure what to expect. The inside smells like incense as soon as you walk in and the space is pretty small. Probably seats around 15 people max. The workers were super nice and helpful, they gave some recommendations and I ended up going with a beef dish that came with the traditional sour dough. Portion size was big. The beef and sides were good but I personally couldn't get into the sour flavor of the dough. I mostly just ate everything else on the plate. My friends really enjoyed their meals though. Would recommend if you're curious to try something new in the area! read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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One of the three best meals of my life was eaten at Ras Dashen in Chicago, but since they closed for good in 2020 or 2021 I've been trying to find another, comparable Ethiopian restaurant. Meskerem is my sister's favorite so we went there with my mom last spring. It's a small storefront next to a Brazilian place, but is larger inside. It's a simple place, not fancy but comfortable and clean. Portions were good. I was happiest with their injera, which had the excellent flavor I've been trying to find. Tibs wat and shirro were really good and probably my favorite. My Tej was tasty too. They have both standard western tables and traditional Ethiopian seating available here. As we ate people came in with their families and were enjoying themselves. The service was friendly and prompt and we had leftovers to take home with us. I'll be back. read more

Valentine's Day at this restaurant was an idea inspired by wanting to do something a little nontraditional. However, the decorations and overall vibe still made for a nice romantic evening. For a few of us, this is the first time we've had Ethiopian food. We were excited! The wine and beer options are a bit limited, but they were still tasty. We tried the Ethiopian honey wine and that was lovely. We went with one vegetarian and one meat combination platter for two people. This was shared for four and it turned out to be a lot of food! We also ordered an appetizer, but it was never delivered. Our combination planters for both vegetarian and meat eaters were combined into one large dish. Each of the items were spread out on a bread called Injera. Each of the items were incredibly tasty with some that we enjoyed more than others. The heat level overall was decent with some mild and a couple on the medium spice level. I would strongly recommend the accommodation platter for a full experience! The only downside of our evening was unfortunately the service. They were very busy with most tables full however, there was only one dedicated server, and another person assisting periodically. The server did his best, but it was an impossible feat. Also, our dish took quite a bit of time to come out of the kitchen. We were not offered an explanation however I think they ran out of injera because we only had two pieces delivered to four of us. The four of us discussed coming back again on a non-holiday Friday. read more

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After several years of hearing about Miss Graham from my friends, I finally made time and tried it with a friend. I came in with high hopes that the food was going to be good based on everything that people told me, and it definitely did not disappoint! Both the food and the ambiance was great! I ordered the Doro wat and it was perfect! I loved everything about this dish, the meat stew the lentils, as well as the yucca?. The food is marinated so well and flavors and spices and they also served a well proportioned meal that was very feeling! Hands down I will be coming here again! I love that they decorated and African decorations around the entire restaurant, even in the bathroom. I also loved reading all of the facts about Ethiopia on the back of their menu, I thought that was great to be able to learn more about the country that represented the restaurant. read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Doro Wat - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I can't believe I haven't reviewed Meskerem yet since it was one of the first meals I ever had in St. Louis. I can only speak to its vegetarian offerings, every single one of which is delicious. In fact, just get the vegetarian combo to enjoy them all. It's great (and fast) in restaurant but also makes for excellent takeout! read more

After living in St. Louis for the better part of 10 years, I feel like I can conclude Meskerem is the best restaurant in STL. With the amazing food quality, affordable prices, and good service, it is only one of a handful of restaurants I know will not let me down. As an aside, if you're someone trying to be more vegetarian, Meskerem is your saving grace. I want to eat less meat for ethical reasons but I hate most vegetables and vegetarian food. Meskerem's buticha, miserable alechw, and shiro wat explode with flavor. It's vegetarian food for natural carnivores. read more

I am absolutely satisfied every single time I visit Meskerem! The food is absolutely delicious and I'm so full. I normally get the vegetarian for one or two depending if I'm sharing or if my dinner mate wants to meat or not. And a tea or honey wine. The servers are always patient and don't hover if you don't automatically know what you want lol. So this I will remain a satisfied customer . read more

Not just good food...it's an experience. What fun to eat with your hands and scoop up their delicious and healthy food with that amazing spongy bread. We learned that one of their combination platters is enough for two ... the hard part is choosing between vegetarian and meat because they are both so good. If you are looking for something fun and different - and really tasty, you have to visit Meskerem. Ethiopian food is so healthy and flavorful. read more

I got the Meskerem combination platter (delivered) and it was absolutely delicious. It came with 3 different types of meat stews/dishes, as well as kik alicha (yellow split peas) and cabbage stew. It all comes on a delicious, sour, and soft injera bread, and everything was so flavorful and well spiced. Eat it with your hands, and get lost in the vibrant taste of Ethiopian cuisine! read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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This is the best Ethiopian restaurant in the region. Actually, this is my FAVORITE restaurant in the region. Other Ethiopian restaurants have opened and closed while Meskerem has stuck around. Their food is always excellent and the staff is always very kind. I'd highly recommend Meskerem to anyone! read more

I've never been to a bad Ethiopian restaurant, but I've been to some middling one. This is not one of those. The food was phenomenally seasoned, had great spiced tea, and the cabbage wasn't stewed to mush (as in still had I slight firmness). Just phenomenal. The lack of loud music and harsh lighting keeps it feeling cozy and warm as well. Great experience. If I lived close enough I'd be a regular here as much as possible. Cannot recommend enough read more

Never having had Ethiopian food before, I was blown away! I had a friend give me recommendations so I apologize I'm not sure what everything is called. To eat, we ripped up pieces of the bread and scooped the sides into it, creating little balls (?) with every bite, so a lot of finger food! The meat is quite vinegary/sour which works for me! I also really liked how soft the bread was, almost like a crepe. I forgot to take more pictures, but it's more filling than it looks and you definitely get your moneys worth. The only downside was the long wait time. When we got into the restaurant, there was only one other party in the restaurant and it still took 25 minutes to get our food after ordering! read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Always mind blowing food and service here. Our waitress was friendly & helpful. We got veggie and Meskerem platters, they all have nice tangy taste and interesting spices. Honey wine is highly recommended. Service wasn't slow. We came here at 7pm and left by 8pm. And just learned today that they opened this restaurant in 2007. This must be why they are so good! read more

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Really amazing food. The atmosphere is very much like neighbors stopping by for a meal. My first time trying Ethiopian food and I will definitely be back. read more

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I love the food at Meskerem! I have taken several family and visitors there. For many of them, it was their first experience with Ethiopian food and they loved it too. Eating with your hands can get messy but LET IT! Immerse yourself into the culture and enjoy it as they do. I ALWAYS get the Lamb Tibs, extra spicy, extra saucy and with double cabbage. It hits most times! I say MOST because my dish has been salty once or twice but I charge that to a specific cook. The place is family owned and operated so it may have been that one family member who tends to OVER season things. I have had PLENTY MORE good experiences than questionable so this place is still a GREAT pick. Each time I have been there the staff was kind but more on the quiet side. They aren't chatty people BUT they are attentive and get the job done. The restaurant sits on South Grand amongst several other international restaurants. You will often hear and see Ethiopian music videos while you eat and the decor reflects the culture. If you're in STL, VISIT THEM! I bet that won't be disappointed, read more

We love Ethiopian food and chose this restaurant that was near our Airbnb. It smelled clean, was not busy at noon and we only had a short wait for us on a busy day. We asked for things that were not spicy and got 2 types of brown beans too spicy but we enjoyed the collards, the yellow lentils, the green beans, the cabbage and the tofu tibs. Excellent $18 for the sampler and we couldn't eat it all. read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Restaurant sign is behind trees and may be hard to see from the street - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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First experience with Ethiopian food, and it was super delicious! Eating with your hands is part of the experience, so get into it! Came in with a large group, and the servers were able to accommodate which was great. Overall great experience! read more

South Grand has so many options for cuisine and pretty much any nationality...but one of my favorites is Meskerem. Went today after catching the Orchid Show at Missouri Botanical Gardens, was during lunch but they have plenty of seating. Service was good, staff friendly. Did have to wait for the check for a bit, but they have one waitress. The food was great, you do eat with your fingers (FYI). Started with the lentil sambosa and had the Gomen Besaega for my meal. If you like collard greens, this is the option to get. Stop in and check them out. read more

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Good food authentic and traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine deliciously prepared. The Injera is exceptional and the sambosa delicious. Fast friendly service well worth the wait. read more

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Ordered the combo with meat and one with vegetables. Delicious. Enough food to take home for another yummy finger licking (literally) meal. Gluten free bread offering! No frills but comfy atmosphere. Service very polite and accommodating. Comfort food delux! read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Vegetarian Combo chickpeas, lentils, veggies on thin bread - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I've had several experiences to where the food was not satisfactory and every time I call up there whoever answers the phone tells me oh no no no when oh fucking yes yes yes because I eat there all the time so I know what I'm supposed to get so instead of telling your customers know apologize That would be the correct thing to do as a restaurant, but you guys are slowly going downhill for me this may be the last time I ever come there and I eat there quite read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - This is half of normally what I would get I paid $40 for two of these and put them together. Not ok. - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Very Very Good. Your initial reaction will be to ask for silverware; not in an Ethiopian restaurant!! read more

"Turn down for Wat!" Loved the food. Will be back. The Wat (spicy sauce) food was incredible! I love spicy, ate spicy. Wife doesn't love spicy, ate mild. Very happy. read more

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THIS food is outstanding! Their use of spices is phenomenal and I loved every item on the Vegetarian Combo plate. Both of our appetizers were very tasty also. The service was good without being intrusive. The restaurant seems small and cozy, but there's an additional dining room off to the side. The quality of the food was well worth the price paid and I especially like the system they have for payment. Looking forward to coming back! read more

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This was my first time trying Ethiopian food in my life so I was not sure what to expect. Came on a Friday lunch without reservations and there was plenty of seating left which is nice. We ordered the Meskerem Combo for 2 and at first when the food came, I didn't think that there was that much but as I started eating it, I couldn't believe how much food there was. I was expecting injera to be kind of like roti in the sense that it would have a mild flavor so you could eat a lot of it, but it was not like that at all as it had a bit of sourdough flavor. By the time I finished eating the injera with the other entrees, I was stuffed! Also, I was a bit worried about eating with my hands but it turned out to be very okay, not messy at all actually. I think my favorite dish was probably the Miser Wat which is essentially just curried lentils. I also really appreciate the egg in the Doro Wat. I think in general I was really surprised with the flavors not being extremely heavy and the seasoning to be something I felt like I've had before rather than haven't. Overall, would definitely come back to try this again. I think this is a pretty great place for first introduction into Ethiopian food. Also, I feel like the amount in this dish can comfortably feed three people. read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Meskerem Combo for 2 - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Love this place - def in our top 5 most often rotated/ consistent STL spots for casual dine-in/take out. Food is legit good and extremely consistent with great value and fast/friendly service. Our go-to for my very carnivorous husband and me is the vegetarian combo for 2. This is coming from my husband who doesn't consider any meal an actual meal if it doesn't have meat. So that's really all I have to say to describe how much we love it. The chickpeas in berbere sauce is our personal favorite. The non veggie combo is good too but we just love how the flavors and sauces are deeply steeped into the veggie dishes more - perfection with the injera. It's the perfect comfort meal that we don't feel guilty about! One of the many great gems on south grand. read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Combination platter (non vegetarian) - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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In town for a few days and I always like to try an Ethiopian joint in any new city I visit. This one was pretty decent. Food was tasty and portion sizes were good. The waitress was really kind. Overall would recommend read more

it was ok, first time eating Ethiopian food. Vibe inside was cool, weightress may have new, kept on dropping everything and appeared confused. I tried a lamb dish, didn't give too many lamb vibes, not sure if that wasn't just beef prob would try something new in future read more

I've been to Meskerem 3 times so far!! The food is extremely delicious! I would highly recommend the veggie platter. Even if you are not vegetarian, it is so flavorful--it comes with a variety including some of the tastiest green beans I've ever had and yellow lentils. It easily can be two meals. This is the best Ethiopian place I have found!! Please note: there are no utensils--you get a soft piece of injera bread (which you use to pick up the food). read more

DELICIOUS!!! if you like soul food, then you'll love this. double the flavor and very filling. seriously every single thing tasted so good I couldn't decide on a favorite. but if I had to pick it would be the green bean/carrot dish. love the bread. it's very airy, liked it's made with soda for those extra bubbles. be warned tho it'll fill you up very quick so be sparing and focus more on the veggies. food like this makes me want to become a cook read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Sambosa Lentil - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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This place is amazing. Probably the best Ethiopian food I've ever had. My husband is from DC where they are known for their Ethiopian food and said this beats what he's had there. We tried the chicken tibs and special fish. Both were amazing and great portions. The special fish was my favorite of the two but don't think you can go wrong with anything here. read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Had this place bookmarked for a while and finally decided to get some takeout. They're still doing takeout during the pandemic. I just ordered online and it was ready to go when I got thefe. Super fast and easy. Ordered the Meskerem Combo, Lamb dish and beef sambosa. Everything was delicious! Was worried there wouldnt be enough for 2 so I ordered the extra lamb dish. But the meskerem combo definitely would've been enough. But so glad we ordered the lamb tibs because it turned out to be my favorite. Will for sure be back! So glad there's good ethiopian food in St. Louis! read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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The food is phenomenal and they are generous with the portions and bread. If you've never had Ethiopian food before and want to try it, you have to go to Meskerem. read more

I'm never disappointed by this place. It's always an explosion of flavor when I eat here and I love it. I'm one for variety so my partner and I shared the veg combo for two. We definitely could have ordered the combo for one and shared. Huge portions! For drinks we had the spiced tea and mango juice. The tea had the same spices as chai does except there is no sugar and milk. It was very comforting. We started with the lentil sambosas and it was a great start to the meal. They were so good with the sauce! Service was a little slow but it was a Saturday night at peak dinner time and it only seemed like two women were working the front of house so I can't knock stars off for that at all. Not their fault and they still took care of us and got our orders in accurately. read more

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Solid Ethiopian spot in tower grove neighborhood. Quick service and the meskerem combo plate had a nice mix. Injera was a bit thin, nothing special but worth a visit! read more

Just Wow. Had both Meskerem and Vegetarian Combo at a friends house last night. It was SO good - especially the vegetarian combo. Brought leftovers home for lunch today. Even better. So flavorful. This is my new favorite place to eat out! And it was all gluten free. Yum yum yum. Ps. I rarely write reviews - only if super impressed or super disappointed. read more

If you walk in and see a large party (or even a few large groups), expect to wait 2 hrs or more for your order. There are only 2 servers working the dining area; don't know how many working in the kitchen. Many people from the next room (where the party was seated) came over to our side by the bar to ask for things, since the servers were in and out of the kitchen. We arrived just after 6:30 pm on Sat May 13 which was the day before Mother's day. There may also have been Graduation parties. We knew from our prior visit last year (I think in the Fall) that our order would take a long time to be brought out, but last time it was not 2+ hours. We ordered appetizer Sambosa with Beef (like Samosa but different spices). Took almost 1.5 hrs for that to come out. Our Vegetarian Combo (for one) --a Miser Alecha, a Miser Wat, a Shiro Wat, a Butecha, a Gomen Wat, a scoop of green beans w/ carrots, onions in tomato sauce, and finally a scoop of cabbage, potatoes, carrots with garlic, ginger in curry -- on Injera lined plate, came out maybe 30 min later. After another 10 min or so, the Injera lined plate of my Lamb Tibs order came out with a scoop of their cabbage and scoop of Miser Alencha (lentils), but without the lamb --that came out maybe 10 min later. By then we had gotten almost full so we packed most of the lamb to take home, along with injera. We ordered similar items at our last visit and they didn't take this long, so it was the crowd not the foods. There were lots of pickup orders throughout our 2+ hrs there. We probably won't go back on a Saturday night. No photos since we were starving after waiting 2+ hrs. read more

Always a great meal. I brought my girlfriend here to introduce her to Ethiopian food. She totally loved it. My suggestion is to go with the Combo platter if you don't know what to order. Now she wants me to cook Ethiopian at home. Lucky for me Meskerem sells injira to take home! read more

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri