Best Ethiopian Restaurants in DC
Updated March 2026 · 5 min read
Washington DC is home to the largest Ethiopian community in the United States, and that means world-class Ethiopian food on nearly every corner of the U Street corridor. Whether you're a first-timer trying injera for the first time or a seasoned fan of tibs and kitfo, here are the best Ethiopian restaurants in the nation's capital.
1. Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant
★ 4.3📍 1114-1118 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
A cornerstone of DC's Ethiopian dining scene, Dukem has been serving authentic dishes on U Street for decades. Known for generous portions and traditional injera-based dishes, it's the perfect introduction to Ethiopian cuisine. The veggie combo is legendary among locals, and the live music on weekends makes it a full cultural experience.
Must try: Veggie Combo, Kitfo, Tibs · Price: $$ · Good for: Groups, Cultural Experience
2. Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant
★ 4.5📍 1334 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Chercher brings a slightly more upscale take on Ethiopian cuisine without losing its authenticity. Located in the Shaw neighborhood, it's become a favorite for both Ethiopian food veterans and curious newcomers. The lamb tibs are perfectly spiced, and the atmosphere strikes the right balance between casual and refined.
Must try: Lamb Tibs, Doro Wot, Sambusas · Price: $$ · Good for: Date Night, Dinner
3. Keren Restaurant
★ 4.4📍 1780 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
While technically Eritrean-Ethiopian, Keren delivers some of the most flavorful East African food in the city. The zigni (spicy beef stew) is outstanding, and the injera is always fresh and perfectly spongy. A hidden gem that regulars guard fiercely.
Must try: Zigni, Injera Firfir, Coffee Ceremony · Price: $$ · Good for: Authentic Experience
4. Zenebech Injera
★ 4.6📍 608 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Don't let the casual storefront fool you — Zenebech serves some of the best Ethiopian food in the entire DMV. It started as a tiny injera bakery and grew into a full restaurant. The kitfo (Ethiopian steak tartare) here is considered the gold standard by many DC foodies. Cash only and no-frills, exactly as it should be.
Must try: Kitfo, Gomen, Shiro · Price: $ · Good for: Lunch, Budget-Friendly
5. Das Ethiopian Cuisine
★ 4.4📍 1201 28th St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Tucked away in Georgetown, Das offers a more refined Ethiopian dining experience with creative cocktails to match. The yebeg alicha (mild lamb stew) is comforting perfection, and the honey wine list is one of the best in the city. A great choice if you want Ethiopian food in a more upscale setting.
Must try: Yebeg Alicha, Honey Wine, Doro Wot · Price: $$$ · Good for: Special Occasions
Tips for Ethiopian Dining in DC
- • Most Ethiopian restaurants serve food on shared platters with injera — eat with your hands!
- • The veggie combo is almost always the best value and a great way to try multiple dishes.
- • Don't skip the Ethiopian coffee ceremony if it's offered — it's a cultural experience.
- • Many spots on U Street are BYOB or have limited drink menus — check ahead.