Addis Red Sea

The comments here really reflect my feelings about the place. The most favourable comments are generally from people who have enjoyed their first experience with Ethiopian food. If you have never had Ethiopian food, then this place is as good as any to start. It is a delightful, unique experience that everyone should try, if not here, then somewhere else. My wife and I love Ethiopian food, and seek out Ethiopian restaurants when we travel. I always consider them better than 90% of the alternatives, and hence give this 5 stars.\r \r However, those who have had Ethiopian before are rating this place lower, and that is because they are rating it compared to other Ethiopian places. I would agree. The big thing this has going for it is the atmosphere. This is exactly what I expect for an Ethiopian restaurant. All basket seating, with no tables. I love it. On the other hand, I agree with those who note that the food is lacking flavour. The doro wot was by far the worst I have had, and lacked the zing that you would expect. Similarly, the injera was really bland, and didn't have any sourdough flavour at all. Then again, the beef tibs were really good, and among the best I have had, and there was a good veggie dish with green beans, potatos, and carrots. So it is a mixed bag.\r \r But if you've never had Ethiopian before, these things should not stop you from trying it out. If I were in Boston again, I would probably check out another place, just to compare, but given the option of this place and most of the other restaurants in town, I'd choose Addis. Pros: Atmosphere, beef tibs! Cons: Doro wot (chicken), injera (bread) more

The food was great and the staff was very helpful (a giant plus when dealing with food ones not accustom to). It was a great experience with great food. Pros: authentic good food Cons: The authentic seats while cool are uncomfy more

Addis Red Sea is an amazing spot for dinner with friends, especially if your friends happen to be vegetarians. It's the only place I've ever had Ethiopian food, so I can't compare it, but I can state for the record that everything I've had there has been delicious. If you're thinking of going, but not sure--don't be intimidated! The spongy bread (Injera) made a perfect palette for the variety of vegetable stews and mixes we ordered for the table, some spicy, some with hints of sweetness, and all very rich and satisfying. The staff is courteous both on the phone and in person, and patiently answer questions even if there's a full house. The atmosphere upstairs is especially great. We were once seated in a cramped corner downstairs, but that was just so we could get some drinks started and our orders in sooner--they moved us to a more open table as soon as they could. I'd recommend trying the honey wine as well. It's not to everyone's taste, but I thought it was pretty good and definitely unique. Pros: great vegetarian options, filling, adventurous Cons: a few uncomfy tables more

Me and my friends love ethnic food and this place was totally a place we love. It was very authentic in atmosphere and the food was tasty! Pros: Great atmosphear Cons: Chairs were authentic but a bit uncomfy more

Tonight, my friends asked to go to Addis because they told me it was a unique place and the food was good. \r When I went, I was open minded and the place seemed quite busy on a saturday night and I was expecting ""good"" service and pretty good food. After waiting to be seated, the waitress came by quickly and was very cordial. My friends ordered a appetizer that was wayyyy too over priced and it was 2 pieces of crispy ground beef pastry smaller than your thumb that couldn't even fill up a baby.($6.95) It took 40 minutes to cook 2 mini hotpockets which was ridiculous. The appetizer was luke warm so they made a comment to the waitress and she said they were suppose to be like (luke warm food...are you serious?)that which was untrue because they had it before when it was hot and the most upsetting was that it was clearly fried and and she told us it was ""pan cooked"" which was impossible with that texture. We ordered together and got 5 dishes. By the way it was more than 50 minutes before the food was on the table. Food was not really too unique at all I thought but the atmosphere was with all the stuff on the walls. Food was sort of like a stew type but just seasoned heavily with herbs and spices. I truthfully had pretty high expectations after reading a bunch of reviews and afterwards, i do not think im going back again. I went to the 1 on tremont street and I have to say, the manager there is not too friendly and rude. Overall I did not have a great experience but I would recommend it to people who are curious to see what the place is like. Prepare to wait a long time for the food and they do not take reservations for less than 6 people. Pros: Unique spongy bread Cons: Slow/less than par service more

I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. The food and wine were outstanding; the service was... more

I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. The food and wine were outstanding; the service was quick and friendly. What more do you nee... more

I think the best of this restaurant is the experience. I am ethnic cuisine lover, I have tried so many different styles of food, and I still love this Ethiopian food most. The food that Addis Red Sea provides is also clean, and fresh. Price is reasonable and environment is great and neat. I highly recommended for someone who also likes to try something new, unique and special. more

Very nice for experience traditional ethiopian cuisine. The staff is incredibly helpful and informative about the various food options. The sweet wine was terrific. more

Addis Red Sea is really fine quality food with good service. I have always had great experiences at this restaurant and never a problem. I've been going for 2 years! more

I really enjoyed my first experience with Ethiopian food in Addis Red Sea and i was not disappointed! The food is fantastic and price is reasonable. Their bread was just awesome and I also recommend the combo plate for 2, get variety and enough food to probably feed another person. I definitely will go back because this restaurant is already become one of my favorite spot in City. more

Extremely enjoyable, ambient, atmosphere. Food was superb, both in taste and presentation. Perfect atmosphere for chatting with friends or sharing a meal with someone special. more

This is a fun place to go. You sit on tiny stools with a small, low lying table (made like a woven basket) to share for eating. You eat with your hands, as is Ethiopian custom, using a a spongy, pancake-like flatbread. You take a small piece of the bread and scoop up one of the many stews or fried meat for eating. They serve various varieties of delicious and tender stews as well as meat based servings. Im not always sure what type of meat, whether it be lamb or beef, but it is always amazing. Ethiopian food is seasoned generously but not too spicy, just full of flavor. The environment is casual and fun and the wait staff are genuinely Ethiopian and very polite, helpful with suggestions and attentive. I always feel as though I am a special guest in their home; very welcomed. The Addis Red Sea is located in a very cool area of the South End. They have a honey wine which is authentic and delicious, which I love. The prices are very cheap especially considering the location. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!! more

My girl friend and I visited this restaurant because we love ethnic food and the review was so great. We were not disappointed! The atmosphere was really nice, and we enjoyed our time. I believe Addis Red Sea is not only the great restaurant for date, but also the best spot to hang out with friends. This was our first experience with Ethiopian food and it will not be our last! more

The resturant is almost a little hard to find because of its location but its definitely worth the search! I ordered the wrong dish by accident and without hesitation they took it back and brought me what i wanted. It is exquisite Ethiopian food that I can rarely find. more

I am always a huge fan for ethnic food, and it is my first time to try Ethiopian food in Addis Red Sea. Well the food in Addis Red Sea is really great and I really love their Goden Tibs. Just like others comment the services are somehow slow, but the place is beautiful, and if you are looking for unique dining experience, Addis Red Sea is definitely your best choice more

If you're looking for a great place to eat without breaking the bank, this the place to do. I would anyone who goes there to try the Lega Tibs. It's a traditional African dish made with sauteed chunks of lamb. Pros: Must try the Lega Tibs more

if you are looking for very authentic traditional Ethiopian food then this restaurant fits the description. i have never had better Ethiopian food in boston or in nyc. definitely worth the excursion if you've never tried it before. more

my sister had her engagement party here and it was so great! the service was amazing and the food was delicious. i really love this place and having a dinner party was really fun! more

Addis Red Sea is really fine quality food with good service. I have always had great experiences at this restaurant and never a problem. I've been going for years! more