Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

The food was good. We had the veggie combo and it was too much for two folks for dinner. Pretty authentic Ethiopian food. The neighborhood has a lot of Ethiopian restaurants and I hope to try a few more of them. We went there on a week day evening and were the only customers. The waitress was friendly but had difficulty understanding English. But, it all added to the charm as we asked her Ethiopian words for stuff and she sweetly obliged. The ambience is very Ethiopian with chairs covered in (false?) animal skin, the bamboo/cane stuff all around. It appears that they would have music played on a few days. We saw some equipment but the waitress did not understand our query on when it would be played. Pros: Cheap, parking Cons: Neighbourhood more

I moved from Seattle to CA a year and a half ago and always make a point of eating at Lalibela on trips back. I used to try other Ethiopian restaurants in the city but now i don't even bother. Lalibela is the best. The tastes of the various dishes are complex, subtle, and extremely pleasing. Event the leftovers are wonderful; just roll up whatever is left (mixed up is OK) in the leftover injera and you've got a great lunch. I wish Lalibela had a branch where I live now! Pros: Delicious, healthy food more

I like this place for its wonderful and tasty food.Outside the restaurant does not appear very attractive but inside has nice decor and planty of tables.Staff is attentive and polite.I usually get veggie combo,that's always my favorite.Meat combo is also worth trying.One meal can easily feed 2 people.Well worth your money. Pros: tasty food,good service,good value more

I like coming to Lalibela. We have been going for many years, we take our kid and eat until we are stuffed for very cheap. The ambiance may leave something to be desired for some but for me it is very friendly and easy going. Pros: Food, Price, Family Friendly Cons: Ambiance more

Lalibela is one of those great restaurants that many people will pass up because the outside looks rather nondescript. But anyone who passes this place up is truly missing out. Meskel may have the best Kitfo in town, but Lalibela is the place to go if you want good Zilzil Tibs. But the best item on their menu is the Shero Wot. It's a very simple recipe, and makes for a great side, but the only Shero Wot I've had that's better than this place was when I had homemade Shero Wot in Ethiopia itself.\r \r Meskel may be great for beginners, but Lalibela is great if you want a more authentic take on the cuisine. I have yet to try anything I haven't liked. My only gripe: they use Lipton tea for their spice tea. It's just not the same. Pros: Best Shero Wot in town, great authenticity in atmosphere and taste Cons: The aforementioned Lipton. :( more

This place was possibly the best Ethiopian food I have had. Great vegan/vegetarian options. Excellent fried fish. Everything was well seasoned and each dish competed to be my favorite. Simple and welcoming interior. Genuinely friendly service. Go with friends and share several dishes! Pros: Quality and flavors of food more

Very, very good food at very good prices. Very friendly staff. I would recommend this to anyone. The sampler plates (meat/veggie) are huge and a great bargain. Very good beer as well, and I'm not taking the bus either. Pros: The Best Ethopian Food! Cons: Neighborhood more

Of the many Ethiopian restaurants in central Seattle, Lalibela is definately the best! Go with a big group and get some of the large sampler plates, and finish it off with a Harar Ethiopian beer. Everyone will be pleased. more

Lalibela is only Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle that boasts outdoor dining! The patio is magnificent, complete with a fountain and a massive gas barbeque (the grilled Zilzil Tibs are incredible.) Inside is romantically staged, and has a couple of traditional Ethiopian basket tables with cowhide chairs. There is also a fun bar downstairs with a large plasma TV, where you can enjoy Ethiopian performers on weekends. The cuisine is most flavourful, prepared with a perfect blend of East African spices. Try the ""Kitfo,"" (Ethiopian steak tare tare), served either rare or raw in a spicy butter sauce, with homemade cottage cheese on the side. The ""Green Chicken"" is also a savory treat! For a vegetable dish, try the fresh Okra. The service is always friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is great for couples, friends, and families. Finally, ""Lalibela"" was recently named ""Best Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle by ""Seattle Magazine."" Pros: Tasty Food, Wonderful Service, Great Outdoor Dining more

A neat spot for a late lunch and well worth the trip. Our Hostess was very warm and inviting. Wil be back soon for the special! more

An exceptional dinner every time. One order of the Lalibela Combo Platter is more than enough for two hungry people (great for vegetarians). The beef dishes are wonderful. Spicy but not overbearing, everything tastes good. Get an ice cold Harare beer with your meal, just in case. Lalibela is a regular spot for us now. Pros: Great food, Kind service more

Seattle has many Ethiopian restaurants. In fact, many GOOD Ethiopian and Etritrean restaurants. But LaLabela is the excellent. I would walk ten miles to eat there (no lie). For meat eaters: Doro Wat. For vegetable lovers: the vegetable combo. The portions are so generous that a single dish serves two people. I love this place so much that even the thought of left overs gives me the chills. Pros: tasty food, friendly people, usually no wait Cons: limited parking more