4. Restaurants

Major Restaurant East African Authentic Food

1150 S MIckley Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46241
  • (317) 240-2700
  • Store is closed

Major Restaurant East African Authentic Food Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

  • Allison F.

    Ate here for lunch once and it was pleasantly different and delicious! I don't think I'd ever had Ethiopian cuisine before, so the owner was extremely sweet and taught me how to eat it. I'll tell you what, I gobbled everything. It was wonderful and if it weren't so far away, I would frequent more often.

    (5)

  • Oscar A.

    First time eating African food. Looking at pictures in Yelp with the color and presentation of the food - they call my name and raise my appetite. Give this restaurant a try - no regret. Friendly owner and helpful for first timer. Many Africans article inside the restaurant. Got to see the "alphabets" they use - many letters; pretty impressive. If you think our 26 alphabets are many - check theirs. Food - if your first time - just try the Major combo. It will give you different varieties so can try several dishes in one. The portion is generous. Their injera bread is very nice - soft and light. Does not use oil. But be careful - it will fill u up. The homemade honey wine is a must try. They have regular (not so sweet) and sweet. I ordered the regular thinking that I don't like too sweet stuff. It is already sweet enough for me and very nice. End up ordering another bottle cause how good it is. Also take one for to go too. This week the area was hit by thunderstorms, rains etc. Many places with no power. The owner warns us (even we missed to read the sign outside) that she can not take credit card that night due too credit card machine problems. Although their price is not too expensive, but I do appreciate she tried to tell us before we were seated. See the picts I post.

    (4)

  • Becky G.

    Does dinner taste better when you are allowed to eat it with your hands? I am going to go with yes, particularly when the food is already delicious in the first place. We tried the vegetarian combo and the major combo, both were fantastic. The food comes on a huge flatbread called injera (yes, I had to google the name of it) and they give you more on the side to use for scooping up the meat. The meats were incredibly tender and very flavorful. The spices in the vegetarian dish were wonderful as well. The servings are very large, we got 4 portions for 5 people and still had some leftover. The atmosphere was very friendly and it felt like we were guests dining in someone's home. I wouldn't suggest going if you're in a hurry to eat because it did take a bit for the kitchen to prepare the meal. I'm going to guess that's because they make everything to order. Either way, a few extra minutes is a small price to pay for an authentic Ethiopian feast. I highly recommended Major Restaurant and will definitely return to try more dishes!

    (5)

  • Joshua M.

    First time experiencing African food, had the fish sambussa and major combination for 2, it was very good.. Very nice restaurant, extremely inviting.

    (4)

  • Randy C.

    I was happy to find a local Ethopian restaurant on my trip to Indianapolis. Ethiopian is always a good choice for those looking for good vegan or vegetarian food. The place does not look like much from outside, and in fact the area seemed a little sketchy at night. Maybe it was not and just my outsider frame of reference. Parking was easy in the lot and it was quick to get too off the expressway. Heading in, it felt almost like we were in some western themed cowboy place..perhaps a BBQ joint. Then as your eyes focus, you see that things on the walls are Ethiopian. We were promptly seated. Only one other table was being used, so don't expect crowds I guess. We started with the mess, the sweet honey wine (not vegan). I was happy to learn you can order this medium or really sweet. I can't imagine why someone would order the really sweet. It was tasty, a little different tasting than I am used to. Frankly, if I came back, I would just order a beer or soda since it would work better (IMO) to contrast with the food. We ordered the 3 Sambusa appetizer. They had two different veggie options and I went with the onion and cauliflower one. It was very good. They are served with 3 small bowls, the traditional red sauce, green sauce, and some homemade cheese that is like feta or even more like a dry cottage cheese. Myself, I do not eat cheese, but this is the report. I ordered the Awaze sampler plate for vegetarians. It comes of course on the large injera platter and with a stack of injera on the side. All very good. I was stuffed at the end and could not finish it. My friend ordered the goat sampler and declared that the veggie parts (seemed exactly the same as my dish with an extra mound of the meat in the middle) as being awesome. He also really liked the mess. As I always recommend, if you do not like eating with your hands, do not let that stop you, they will happily give you utensils. Of course, I will be silently judging you from the other table. If you are on the fence about eating Ethiopian, please give it a try. It is really not that strange or different. It is a bit more expensive than going to Olive Garden, but it is worth it.

    (4)

  • Shalyn B.

    I love this super authentic Ethiopian gem! I am constantly looking for outside the box experiences when it comes to dining and this place certainly did not disappoint. I'm also a sucker for some good spicy food and they more than delivered. We ordered the combo #5 which gives you a healthy sampling of an assortments of spiced meats, vegetables, and lentils. They then give you a side of two different sauces and house made goat cheese, all of which were fantastic. Great for groups seeing how you can order the combos for 1-4 people, the portions are filling so order true to group size. The service was also amazing. I will definitely be returning with friends in the near future.

    (5)

  • Donna P.

    First timers entered not knowing what to expect so we asked the owner for recommendations she sweetly recommended the Major for two X two since we had a party of seven. We didn't think that could possibly be enough food but we were stuffed with food left over. The major combo is a wonderful selection of chicken, beef, lamb and lamb and veggies with eight veggie sides. The owner was an absolute doll and very attentive. We had the place to ourselves until the end of our meal so we need to spread the word and keep this gem open.

    (4)

  • CK A.

    My first Ethiopian restaurant. It is a little hard to find, and you get the feeling that the place might not be the safest after dark. The food was just fine, though I have to admit I am not sure whatever it was. I mean there was a combo plate, but what the individual things were I have no idea. You are supposed to take the big pancake like thing and use it to sop up the various other foods. I am not a big fan of eating with my fingers--which I guess you are supposed to do here. The waitress was nice enough to round me up a fork and a knife. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony was something else that caught me off guard. They bring a pan of steaming hot coffee beans out to your table and dump the beans there. Then the waitress disappears. I guess you are supposed to take in the aroma and all, but when she disappeared and left the beans there, I thought I was supposed to eat them. I ate a few and then the waitress noticed what I was doing and rushed back and said they would grind them and make coffee out of them. She did, and I must say the brewed coffee was much better than eating the beans. :-) So, they were very nice there. I asked for a knife and fork, and got one. I ate the coffee beans and they still brewed me a cup of coffee. They did not kick me out, and told me to come back anytime. And it was all entertaining to me and probably to them as well. I think they held the laughter until after the door closed behind me.

    (4)

  • Rohit J.

    Best Ethiopian food I have ever had. The owner is a nice person. Food is delicious. Not cheap, but worth every penny. We usually order a veggie combo which comes with all sorts of items. Everything in it is tasty. We try to come here every time we are going to the airport since its just off the highway. The place is clean and beautiful. Will recommend it to everyone.

    (5)

  • Sabrina S.

    The service was excellent, but my rating is more for the food. This was my first time eating Ethiopian, and I am a very adventurous eater. I found it to be kind of, well, boring. The best parts of the meal were the sauces (particularly the green condiment sauce and the sauces used to simmer the meats), the nice family that ran the restaurant, and the variety of foods presented. There were a lot of different foods to select from on the platter (lamb, beef, chicken, egg, vegetables, lentils). For me, the worst part of the meal was the bread. It had a weird texture. Smooth, floppy, and velvety. Kind of like the wings of a stingray. Not a ton of flavor. I think I would have liked the meal better if I had eaten it with a knife and fork. I ate with my hands like you are supposed to, and I felt like the piece of bread I tore off could only accommodate one or two of the foods at a time, so I couldn't really create a mix and match type of experience. Also, it was a touch pricey (about $50 after tip for two people). If you haven't tried it, I would still recommend that you do. You may find it more interesting or delicious than I did.

    (3)

  • Lee L.

    Food was great. Server was friendly and patient even with the language barrier. Great atmosphere. Be prepared to eat with your hands in the traditional section. A very enjoyable dining experience. Great coffee too. Can't recommend it enough.

    (5)

  • Aaron B.

    Excellent food the couple of times I've been here. The food variety is good. The service is very nice and friendly. They will explain the menu to you if needed.

    (4)

  • S. M.

    Great food. Lots of vegetarian options. Good service. Second time eating here and enjoyed it as much as the first time! Will try it again.

    (5)

  • Devan A.

    Great experience. Great hospitality. Love that I can experience a taste of Ethiopian cuisine in Indianapolis.

    (4)

  • Lisal F.

    Yum yum yum. As my first experience with Ethiopian food I wasn't sure what to expect, but the owner talked us through everything and made excellent recommendations. Being vegetarian we ordered the veggie combination and it was AMAZING - so many flavors and type of vegetables and beans, all scooped up with delicious injera. The sambussas are lovely as well. One caution - the first time we went (we've been back) there were 4 of us total, and we planned to order the combo for 4 (makes sense, right?), but the owner recommended it for 3 instead and it was MORE than enough food for us. Bottom line: delicious, nutritious, and always trust the owner.

    (5)

  • Amanda P.

    I tend to give ratings based off a certain criteria: food, ambiance or vibe, and staff/service. I've been here 2 or 3 times and admit that I have only had the combination platter each time. This is, in part, why I go: I love the intimacy of sharing a platter of food with my significant other and eating without utensils but injera (flat bread, of sorts). The food is extremely simple (at least what we have ordered), yet flavorful because of the variety of textures and colors you have to choose from. When I say simple, I am referring to seasoning: There is not a heavy use of salt, spice (unless you have sauce...then you have spicy),etc. It is fragrant, however. Regardless, the food is great ethnic cuisine. What impressed me as much or more than the food was the Tej and coffee ceremony: These alone are enough to bring me there. The woman who, I believe, owns the place makes the Tej at the restaurant with fresh local honey and other ingredients. This is great! She lets it ferment for 2 months or so and the outcome is this amazingly light, fresh, indigenous Ethiopian honey wine served in a flask-like container. Simple but perfect. I am learning how to make this and sitting on my front porch in the spring/summer with fan in hand sipping away. How would I describe it? It's almost a very diluted fruity taste with a delicate honey flavor and a hint of carbonation. Perfect before and throughout dinner because it pairs nicely with spicy, so if you use the sauce, mmm. It is not a red/white/rose wine that many tend to mean when they refer to wine, so don't think, "I don't like sweet wine." Contrasting this, is a rich, strong but smooth coffee served as a ceremony with popcorn and heavy incense. If you don't like incense or if you don't want to think of mass on any particular evening, don't order this. Anyway, this is something worth sharing with friends or family, especially if they like smooth, strong coffee...though, it is really about the experience. She brings out the freshly roasted beans on a weaved tray of sorts allowing her guests to enjoy the aroma as she gently but quickly fans it. As a diner, I love this because I am a believer of eating with all your senses. As far as the atmosphere, it is cozy with its blue North African hanging lights and some Ethiopian décor masking the horrors of a strip mall-like restaurant feel. It is in a shady part of town, which does not phase me, but I know it matters to some. You are NOT going to Ruth's Chris at The Fashion Mall, so if this matters to you, don't go. Me? I would do shady over the latter any day of the week, but I like character and have been more successful finding it outside of chains and what not. Despite its location, it is clean so no worries. You can see the Tej glasses sparkle under the light like they've never been used. If you use the restroom as a judge, it is clean. As far as service, perfect. The woman is consistently standoffishly sweet (Yes, I know what I just typed, and I meant it. Also, I don't typically like the word 'sweet' to describe people and would be annoyed if someone referred to me as such, but she has such an infectious and genuine smile so it just came to mind.), efficient, and welcoming all while keeping distance...sugar-coated truffle oil.

    (5)

  • Toshi I.

    My second opportunity to indulge in Ethiopian food. This time on business. We ordered the Awaze combo platter. Whoa, a lot of food but my foodie companion, having tried this cuisine for the first time, really enjoyed the flavors. The injira at the bottom of the platter has soaked up all the flavors and it actually one of the best parts of this dish. If I'm ever in the area again, I'd drop in. I highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Vadim O.

    This is unbelievable! I yelped restos driving around hungry and this one popped up. I gave it a shot and now I am totally hooked on this place. We come here at least once a week. First, the experience is awesome. You eat with your hands the way it's meant for this food and it feels natural. Second, every little piece on your flat bread has its very distinct flavor. It's like eating sushi when you are able to taste many different kinds of fish. Over time I tried a few variations. Everything is good. Now I stick to lentil sambussa as a starter and spicy lamb with rosemary. My mouth is watering as I type this. And then the most important part is people working there are amazingly welcoming. I would stop there for lunch or diner and the experience always starts with a big genuine smile from the waiter.

    (5)

  • Steve S.

    This place deserves its high rating. Excellent service, friendly staff, clean bathrooms, outstanding food! When they say something is spicy, they mean it. The mild dishes are safe for the weak of constitution. The location is in a working class/industrial park area. It isn't a bad neighborhood...just not upscale. We'll be back. Most certainly.

    (5)

  • Sarah G.

    Delicious food, fast and polite service. I got the combo lamb plate and the meat was a bit tough, like it could have been cooked longer. Definitely fresh and flavorful, though.

    (4)

  • Luis A.

    Our overall experience was wonderful. Service was great and was delicious! I especially loved my Frozen Hot Chocolate!

    (5)

  • Edward B.

    This was only my second time having Ethiopian food (the first was at a place in Houston). The owners were extremely welcoming and helpful in recommending dishes for relative newbies to try (my girlfriend has a friend who is Ethiopian, so she's had the real-deal homemade stuff). We ordered a combination of several different meats and veggies, though I really don't remember the specifics any longer. The food was fantastic and the service (again, by the owners) was excellent. If I'm ever in Indy again and am in the area, I'll stop here again in a heartbeat. By the way, a couple of months later, I had the honor of trying that homemade Ethiopian food at my girlfriend's friend's house, and it was spectacular as well. The food at Major was equally outstanding.

    (5)

  • Jennifer E.

    I was skeptical about the area, and if you blink, you will miss it. First time eating Ethiopian food. Went with a friend and shared the meat/veggie combo platter. It was extremely filling. The injera was amazing to scoop up all the delectable bits. We chose to do their coffee ceremony. It was neat and delicious. Best strong coffee I've ever had. We had enough food for leftovers, which our spouses enjoyed as well. Can't wait to return!

    (5)

  • David L.

    Friendly service with great food. Eating here is an event not just a meal plan on staying the whole night to experience this. You eat in traditional Ethiopian fashion with injera bread instead forks and spoon. The food is beautifully spiced and cooked in sauce.

    (5)

  • Sara G.

    We love a certain Ethiopian restaurant in Chicago and had been wanting to try this place for a while. We finally did last Saturday night and so glad we did! Very good food. My favorite was the Doro be-gomen, chicken and spinach with sauce. My son loved his daro wat as well as when he orders it from our Chicago spot. The ingredients seemed fresh and it was all made in house--even a special cheese! Our server may have been an owner--super friendly and helpful. We were one of only three tables on a Saturday night--good for us but hope the restaurant can stay open! The neighborhood is not pretty and it's at a tricky intersection but well worth it! We'll be back.

    (4)

  • Sumiko S.

    We absolutely love this restaurant. It's definitely an authentic Ethiopian experience. We normally get the vegetarian platter for two. We absolutely love meat, but the lentils, greens, and other items are absolutely amazing. The meats in the restaurant are very good, but have a lot more herb flavor than American cuisine. The gentleman his wife that run the restaurant is always willing to explain to you what type of food it is and how they make it. Each time we are in the restaurant, we hear him explaining different items to new customers. The restaurant also offers Groupon's occasionally which are absolutely worth it. There are some very unique experiences to try, including their special wine, coffee and popcorn, and eating with your fingers! Don't worry, they have sanitizer and wipes. It's absolutely a hole in the wall gem.

    (5)

  • Yelp K.

    The place has recently been remodeled and the interior is stellar. There is Amharic on the signs and on the walls... a big display showing every Amharic syllable, Ethiopian music, interesting pictures. The first time we went the place was closed due to remodelling. I'm not sure how it looked then, but it's really nice now. The couple running the restraunt are super nice, and that's what really makes this place. The first time we were offered free tea or coffee at the end of our meal. Running out of injerra results in an apology and a plate with more. Our water was refilled and our tea checked, and we were even asked if we had enough food. But we were stuffed! The platter for two is more than enough.

    (5)

  • Sean D.

    Husband and wife team are doing great things with this restaurant. The food is tasty, and the service is very friendly. There are over 40 entree options to choose from. We had the chicken sambussas as an app. The chicken was a little dry, but it came with two sauces (red and green pepper). We ordered the Major Combination which comes with four different meat options and eight vegetables. two of the meats were delicious and two were just okay. With the vegetables, we enjoyed three and the other five were bland or we just didn't like the flavor. Definitely worth going here, especially if you have never had Ethiopian food!

    (4)

  • Wanda M.

    I was so excited to take out of town house guest to Majors when they arrived Race weekend. They were adventurous and trusted my judgment completely. The neighborhood didn't deter them in the least but walking into a restaurant without a single diner on a Saturday afternoon on Race weekend concerned them. One of our guests had a friend I hadn't met nor I knew nothing of her palate, only that she was game. As we were choosing entrees I learned quickly of the foods she doesn't' care for: no onion, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and we go on and on. Now I was concerned however the beautiful experience of dining here along with the warm and welcoming host had already begun its magic. Followed by the wonderful homemade Honey Wine that carries quite a kick I'm told and a must try. (Samples available) For appetizers, we chose all three (veggie, beef, chicken) of the Sambussa appetizers which were delicious and devoured. Our next selection was 4 entrees consisting of spicy chicken, lamb, non-spicy chicken entrees and a Rice & Chicken bowl. Everyone was polite and tried a few bites of most. The lamb (excellent), spicy chicken (my favorite), and Rice bowl (very tasty) was a success along with most of the spicy lentils, turnip greens, salad and spinach. The Injera was found interesting and especially the story of how it is made. The Coffee ceremony was fun and everyone loved the buna (Ethiopian) homemade coffee. The first sip is strong but after a few sips you're hooked. All appreciated the experience and were proud they had wandered into unknown Ethiopian cuisine. Adventurous, yes, but I was delighted they were. Myself, I felt as I had during my first visit and loved every bite I consumed and look forward to working my way through the menu. As usual the owners stole the show. He was fascinating answering their questions, telling stories of the struggles his country faces along with how certain foods are prepared (Injera, coffee, honey wine). His wife is an excellent chef and a truly lovely person. When we asked for her to come to our table to compliment her amazing food she was filled with pride and so unpretentious. Both are two fascinating individuals who love sharing their culture. You will find an enchanting couple with a welcoming restaurant serving amazing food.

    (5)

  • Mo M.

    Very good food, different from what's around here. Friendly staff. Some of the food is spicy. Oh be ready to wash up and eat with your hands. Eating with hands adds a sense to your food experience. Don't worry about the Queen of England, she does not care if you eat with your hand.

    (5)

  • Adam M.

    This place is an absolute gem, a real diamond in the rough (part of town). The food is fantastic and the service is wonderful. I do have enough good things to say. Folks who can't handle spicier flavors are advised to bring along a food tester who can, but there were only two things on our Lamb combo for two that she couldn't eat and one of them was a lentil dish. Do yourself a favor and have a cup of the remarkably strong and delicious coffee with/for desert.

    (5)

  • Paolo F.

    We traveled up there the other day because our Ethiopian restaurant closed here in Bloomington. First we checked out the Eiteljorg then headed further up to the restaurant. When we got there we were a little unsure about that side of town but guess it was alright as it was close to 465. Inside was spacious with some authentic looking tables on one side which we chose to sit. The host/waitress which we suspected might be an owner was very hospitable. She was kind enough to turn off the TV which was a bit loud (sports) didn't seem to fit the theme. We ordered the combination vegetarian platter for two and two Ethiopian teas. My wife noticed the drinking water that were brought tasted funny. I told her that that was the Indy water and that they have a high bladder cancer rate and not to drink it but just have a bit of the tea instead. I was hoping they might have filtered it but honestly not everyone really understands the importance of filtering the water. In any case the tea was decent, hot not tepid, and mostly tasted cinnamon like. It was OK for a small glass but after a while I didn't want to drink more. We were used to a really nice tea our restaurant had served called Moroccan mint with mint, green tea, and sugar. But alas that restaurant is no more. Next came our meal. It was a huge platter of various dishes. We were given plenty of injera to scoop it up with and some sauces. The food tasted OK but not out of this world. tI was more simple than we were used too. Also the injera did not have the signature sour taste we were also accustom to. However the food seemed healthy, not oily, and with the sauces here and there made it decently palatable. The food quantity was so much we have left overs which our host which was very friendly kindly wrapped it up for us. She also did not charge us for the teas and threw in extra injera for our leftovers. If I would say one of the best things about this place it was the friendly service. I don't know this ladies name but she was very kind, it seemed to come from a genuine place. I hope she does well. As for us, we in all great probability will not repeat especially since its quite a drive. But it was worth the experience.

    (3)

  • Alex P.

    Really delicious. We had a wonderful meal. The spices were just right. Will be back again for sure. Better than any Ethiopian we've had in Chicago. And the injera was perfect too with no wheat in it.

    (5)

  • Christopher N.

    This place absolutely lives up to all the great reviews. The food is fresh and has so many flavors. The service was very friendly. It is shabby on the outside, but the inside is nicer.

    (4)

  • Willie T.

    Got a combo dish and absolutely loved it. I'm not very familiar with Ethiopian cuisine but this nailed it. LOVE the staff, the family is oh so sweet. I'll be back here soon!!

    (5)

  • Sam R.

    Delicious, unique to the area, and a very calming atmosphere. Stopped there on a late night road trip and was not disappointed. Wanted something other than chain pizza that night and they were open late. Got the vegetarian combo for two as I was sharing with a non-meater. More food than we could possibly finish, the restaurant to ourselves and strong coffee to finish the night. Will definitely be returning next time in town.

    (5)

  • Travis T.

    So freaking good. I've been a few times now, and never disappointed. Haven't had anything that wasn't delicious.

    (5)

  • Amie L.

    We tried Major for the first time yesterday. Um...how in the hell did this one get by me? We frequent Abyssinia on 38th Street and love it. I am sad that this place has been around since 2008 and I had no idea. I live on the Westside...I should have known damnit!! To be fair, it is tucked away on a side street, but I'm so excited that I drive by the intersection twice a day. Oh Major you will know me soon enough :) The area appears a little sketchy, but it's really fine. The atmosphere is cozy. You can tell there is as much pride in presentation as there is in the food. We ordered the vegetarian platter. There were 8 different items and ALL of them were fabulous. We especially liked the whole black lentil bean dish. OMG, can't wait to order that again. The spices were nice and they offer a couple different hot sauces that I've not had before. It's great that they do that so you can add your own level of heat. The server was super friendly, as was the owner. He came out to make sure everything was okay and to answer any questions. He also took the time to bring us a to go menu with all of the items we had circled. I seriously can't wait to try other things. Very happy with my experience!!!

    (5)

  • Joanne R.

    Very good food. We had major combination plate which offered 5 meat offerings and 8 veggie sides. Delicious! Restaurant was clean, decorated with cultural art. Ethiopian coffee ceremony was enjoyed by another table and looked wonderful.

    (4)

  • Matt F.

    Hey, Indy... Stop eating at crappy chain restaurants and start supporting your local eateries that have superior food and service. This is one of them. We went with a party of four and had the grand sampler platter (at least, that's what I'm calling it). The veggie dishes pleased everyone and the meat dishes pleased everyone but the vegetarian. The beef was a bit too spicy, but everything else was great.

    (5)

  • Kathleen M.

    Flew in to Indy mid-afternoon on a Friday. Wanted to eat but can't waste a meal on something that isn't well-Yelped! Looked up restaurants and found Major. Less than 5 minutes from the airport and in the direction we were going. Plus it's reviewed really well. Initial impressions... Kinda sketchy. Neighborhood was fine during the day but I probably wouldn't be there late at night. Although, when we left, the GPS took us through the neighborhoods nearby and it was fine. Inside, it's brightly decorated with paintings in the walls that relate to the food and their origins. Pretty cool. We were seated and given menus but due to our cluelessness, we asked the server to select for us. If you are there for your first time, trust the staff to make excellent selections for you. Our meal arrived on a huge platter with a side plate of folded crepe-type things. At that point, I noticed the lack of utensils. Ok... You use the crepe thing to scoop the meal. Interesting.... In reality, it was amazing!! Beans, chicken, lamp, greens.... Great food! We were not able to stay for the extended coffee service but next time, I'm getting that. If you're in the area, go to Major. Step out of your comfort zone, wash your hands and enjoy an amazing meal!

    (5)

  • Matt K.

    It won't be quick dining experience (seems to be a husband waiting tables and a wife cooking), but the variety and flavors are amazing. And the wine is delightful, not nearly as sweet as I expected from honey. This is bucket list good.

    (5)

  • Mike D.

    This place is an awesome find. I love how the food is served. Two of us tried the combination platter. Whatever the spongy bread tortilla thing was, it a delicious utensil. The lady there gave us some cheese that was super fresh. The tea was fantastic as well. Only disappointment was the coffee; it was a little more like espresso and just a flavor I'm not into.

    (5)

  • Tamzin M.

    We have a teenage Ethiopian daughter, and there were no Ethiopian restaurants where we used to live. We were very happy to find Major Restaurant, about an hour's drive from our Indiana home. From the first moment we walked in the door, the owners took an interest in our daughter and have been very kind to her. To me, the food is delicious, but to my daughter, it's a taste of home. She says the food is not quite as good as what her late mother used to make at home, but it's good enough that she is willing to go back once a month! :-) The service is excellent, the owners are very warm and welcoming, the food is wonderful and the portions are large. We always order extra injera to take home. Major Restaurant is our family's happy place.

    (5)

  • Jason N.

    Stopped in here after an evening arrival at the Indianapolis airport and seeing 4.5 star reviews on Yelp. The dirty strip mall with African cabs lining the parking lot made me anticipate a wonderful meal. The folks working here are perfectly delightful, but I have had much better Ethiopian food (particularly in Washington, DC). I got the veggie sambussas ($3) (basically fried dumplings filled with lentils, etc.) and the red and green dipping sauces can be described as tasteless, and tasteless but spicy, respectively. I also ordered the Major Chicken Platter ($18). Much to my surprise, the platter came out with what was now described as one chicken leg and several mounds of "meat" plus a sampling of vegetables. The vegetables all tasted like pureed lentils without much spice. I really don't eat much red meat and the flavors were not enticing... and I cannot describe the irony/guilt of walking out of an Ehtiopian restaurant without touching a majority of the meat on my plate, but that's exactly what I did. I think the restaurant is running specials on Groupon. When I was there on a Sunday night, it was 75% empty.

    (2)

  • Rich B.

    Four of us tried this place for lunch, we had read so many great reviews on Yelp and we have to agree with the majority, this place is awesome! We each picked an entree, you get to share the dishes since everything is served in a large platter. The items we chose spanned the spectrum of dishes offered: spicy lamb, spinach chicken, rare beef and the vegetable combo. Since all the food is freshly prepared after you order, it does take a few minutes to get your food but it's well worth it - everything tasted fresh, carefully prepared and authentic. The platter even looked stunning, with the meat dishes in the center and the vegetable combo dispersed in segments around the parameter. The lamb, greens and the lentils were favorites but everything was great. Our friendly waiter explained everything and checked on us frequently - great service. The food was delicious, we tried each dish by themselves and mixed some things together to further excite our taste buds. They give you some condiments that enhance the experience: a green pepper sauce, red pepper sauce (I think it was cayenne - very hot and tasty) and some crumbled cheese that was a lot like feta. Be sure to order the coffee ceremony when you order your food - they will roast the beans and bring them to your table so you can enjoy the smell before they grind it up and serve the thick and amazing elixir, served with popcorn! We loved this place - if you have had Ethiopian food before, this will rank among the best, if you haven't tried it before then do yourself a favor and try this unique dining experience and amazing food. Allow yourself some time, this isn't fast food, it's something to relish and share.

    (5)

  • Todd F.

    I'm so sad to be leaving Indianapolis, because I just discovered the awesomeness that is Major Restaurant. The food here definitely met my expectations for Ethiopian cuisine, but what really makes this place is the service. The owner is always smiling and very helpful in giving recommendations, and the female waitress gave us some free samples when she saw how eagerly we were scarfing everything down. Both times I've left feeling absolutely satisfied, full of delicious food and good vibes. Don't be intimidated by the exterior. This place is definitely worth checking out.

    (5)

  • Gyamfua G.

    I've always love Ethiopian food, but nothing will compare to Queen of Sheba in this city...I've had it in Chicago..and it surpassed Queen of Sheba. Anyway Major restaurant was nice. The interior has tables and traditional woven chairs and tables. We chose tradition. If you've never experienced ethiopian coffee...you should try it...its a ritual more than just "coffee"!! The food was delicious though I did give lower ratings for COLD enjera bread. I hate that they don't provide wipes or a warm cloth like other Ethiopian resurants to clean your hands. The server, (husband) was very nice, but had alot to handle being that he was the only person seating and serving. Otherwise an great experience.

    (3)

  • Carlos And Susan S.

    We lucked into a Groupon deal - a 20 dollar voucher for 10 dollars. We decided to give this restaurant a shot since this place had so many great reviews by Yelp folks. The place is located right off Interstate 465 and is very easy to miss - thank goodness for GPS! We walked into a colorful space. The walls were adorned with beautiful pictures from Ethiopia, and the ambiance was complete with intricate-sounding music (we think it was African). The waiter, probably the owner, was very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. He explained the menu and asked us if we wanted some help selecting menu items; we went for his advice. We had read about the Honey wine, so we tried it and loved it! it almost tastes like a soft drink, but after 20 minutes or so, you start to feel the slight warmth of the alcohol. Our waiter said the alcohol content is about 2-3 percent. At $15 for the bottle, it may be a bit expensive, but it is made onsite. One reviewer suggested that the sweetness of the wine perfectly complements the spicy food, and was right. We ordered vegetable samussa as an appetizer, and they were fantastic. The crust was very thin and not oily, and the lentils inside were moist and gently spiced. They were served with green and red sauce - both on the spicy side - but added nice flavor. We only ordered one entree to share, as we do not normally eat too much for lunch. We were served a huge dish with 8 different vegetables/lentil mixtures plus the lamb stew-type entree we selected in the middle. All of the offerings were served on a bed of injera bread with an extra serving of bread on the side. You are supposed to eat with your fingers, and it was ok to do that, but I freaked out later because we are in the height of flu season, and I felt I probably shouldn't have done that. The flavor of each part of the meal was amazing. One was a yellow cabbage looking thing, which was sweet and tender. My favorite was the yellow lentil. I am not sure what that was, but the combination of that and the injera bread made a perfect taste. In the end, the owner gave us fresh-roasted coffee and tea for free because we were first-timers. The coffee reminded me of strong coffee I had in Japan. It was thick, but had a very mild taste. The tea was very flavorful. We loved the whole experience. As foodies, it's nice to have such eccentric food that challenges our palates a mere 15 minutes from downtown Indianapolis. The owners said that East African food is really common in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. I hope it catches on here!

    (5)

  • Ashley H.

    Excellent restaurant. The staff was extremely friendly, and the food was amazing. My fiancé and I will likely become regulars here. We had the combination platter #5. Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Christine R.

    We were driving cross country, and dinner at this restaurant seriously raised our spirits! Ethiopian food has been one of my favorite cuisines since the early 90s, and this place ranks with restaurants I have been to in London, and is much better than the average. I thought each dish was well and uniquely spiced (unlike another reviewer's comments), and I loved it that each meat dish came with 10 different veggie sides. The honey wine was excellent and not too sweet. It is very casual and family oriented. There were children playing in the back, and the waitress seemed to know most of the diners who entered the door. The strip mall does look a little sketchy, but inside the restaurant is clean and welcoming.

    (5)

  • Taya O.

    Very good food. The owner was nice enough to give us a brief explanation of how eat the food and the custom of feeding your loved ones first by hand. No spoon or forks, which didn't bother me. We had the combo with honey wine. The combo was the most cost effective way to try a variety of foods on the menu. This place is very no frills, but clean and comfy.

    (4)

  • Tiffany G.

    Just in case Major Restaurant needs another great review, I'm here to help out. I was just a bit reluctant to try this on the night that I did, because I wasn't extremely hungry. But no worries, that wasn't a problem. One look/taste, and magically a second stomach seemed to appear. Service: This is a small place, but make no mistake that service is just as attentive (if not more attentive) as larger restaurants with multiple servers. Food: Plenty of vegetarian options, however we're meat eaters so we opted for the Major Combination for 2. Plenty of delicious vegetarian sides (collard greens, spinach, cabbage, red lentils, salad, black lentils, etc.) come with the 4 meat entree selections. Everything is meant to be eaten with your hands (using a very spongy bread), but they do offer utensils. I suppose if I were on a first date, I might be tempted to take them up on that offer. But seeing how my husband has seen me suck the heads of swedish crayfish, this seemed fairly lady-like in comparison. We unfortunately did not have room coffee (yes, I know it's a liquid...don't judge). It did smell delicious, and I feel that just by being in a room with 2 other tables ordering it, we did get to enjoy it to a small degree (it's roasted to order and served with spices/incense). Next time, however, we will definitely be ordering it for ourselves. Tip: The honey wine was sweet, but complimented the spicy food very well. If you don't order your food spicy, this might be too sweet of a pairing. A glass of this wine also comes in a small flask, and is much more than "1 glass".

    (5)

  • Justin O.

    The food was great and the owner/manager was so very nice. Yes the place is in a run-down part of town but during the day it is fine and if you are on the western part of the look anyway then this place makes a lot of sense. The injera here is better than most i've had and the platter presentation is nice as well. I took one star off because the sampler platter is mostly lentils and the price is a bit steep for that. But great food and atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Brittany R.

    I was highly impressed with Major Restaurant. Of course, I've never eaten traditional East African food before, so I have nothing to compare to, but everything I tasted was delicious! We ordered a vegetarian combo for two people plus a lamb dish (there were three of us in the group) and even had leftovers, not to mention the extra lentils the owners gave us in our take out box. We called ahead the day before and asked to have gluten-free injera (the "bread" used as a utensil to pick up the food) made since I am allergic and the owners were more than happy to do so. Although, you do have to call them a day (preferably two, they said) in advance to give them enough time to ferment the dough to make it and give it the traditional sour-dough taste. After our meal we ordered traditional coffee, which includes them bringing the freshly roasted beans to your table before making the coffee so you can enjoy the smell (and of course, see that they had just been roasted). The beans are left to cool at your table and then retrieved, taken back to the kitchen, made into coffee and then brought out in a traditional vessel and with popcorn. All that to say, I will definitely be going back in the near future for the food and the experience. I would suggest you do the same. :)

    (5)

  • Lindsay M.

    The outside of the restaurant is unassuming. One of many businesses in a small complex. I was a little worries my sister has sent me on a wild goose chase, but I was about to find out why so many make the trek to Major. When my friends and I walked inside, we were greeted by the friendly owner who directed us to sit anywhere, as there were only 2 other people in the whole restaurant at 4pm on a Saturday. I appreciated that hand sanitizer, paper napkins, and cloth napkins were awaiting us at our mesob, a small, round wicker table used traditionally in Ethiopian cuisine to allow easy sharing. Our waitress, the wife of the man who greeted us and co-owner, quickly got us water and tej, honey wine made in house. The wine was not overly sweet, which I appreciated. It tasted more like a beer wine hybrid. Not bad. We started with the sambussa, which my friend referred to as Ethiopian hot pockets. The were a little bland without the sauces that came with them, but the sauces were amazing. Our waitress referred to the red as spicy and the green as super spicy. The red tasted similar to sriracha, but spicier, and the green was similar to a spicy tomatillo. I leaned toward the green, because I love heat. We decided to try Combination 5, as that gave us a little taste of everything. It included spicy Doro Watt, chicken leg and hard boiled egg marinated in ginger, lemon juice, turmeric, and other spices, mild Ye-Beg Watt, lamb with carrots, potatoes, onions, and turmeric, mild Ye-Beg Alicha Tibs, lamb with onions, tomatoes, and rosemary, and Spicy Kay Watt, cubed beef with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger (MY FAVORITE!). It also came with 8 vegetable dishes that each of us got (so 24 total circling the plate). Everything was excellent! And I could eat their Injera (the pancake-like bread that is your utensils) all day! It's so tasty. We left happy and defeated as the plate for 3 was more than enough food for the 3 of us. I will definitely be a return customer!

    (5)

  • Zane W.

    What an experience!! The food is excellent and the presentation very authentic. It's amazing in western society how used we get to eating utensils, because here you eat with your hands. Great place to bring the family and enjoy the experience. The lamb is really good. Get out of your comfort zone and come to Major Restaurant, keep an open mind, and you won't be disappointed!!

    (5)

  • Maggie M.

    Food was excellent, service even better.

    (5)

  • Jesse B.

    I love ethnic food and I love to eat. This is probably my favorite resturuant ever!

    (5)

  • Diane W.

    Been here 2x. If you are open to trying new things you will enjoy. Both times we have been here it was using a Groupon. Ordered the sampler platter. Meat of chicken, beef, and pork I believe (been a few weeks) with numerous veggies on the outside of tray. The couple who own the restaurant are very nice and sweet. They will explain the food and traditional way of eating (with fingers and pancake like bread) but are not offended if you request a fork. Not a quick get in and out restaurant but by no means super slow service.

    (4)

  • Gaurav B.

    I went here early for a lunch on a Saturday with my wife. We were pleasantly surprised by the ambience and the food. The only server at the time gave us a warm welcome and was very courteous and attentive. The food is quite amazing and they do give you a lot of food for the price. My wife had the shrimp and I tried the lamb, both of which were delicious. Definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to try Ethiopian cuisine. FYI, there are no desserts on the menu.

    (5)

  • Kate F.

    This is why Yelp exists. I was traveling with my mom and staying just one night near the airport. The hotel was only able to suggest chain restaurants. Yelp pointed me in the direction of this place and my mom agreed to be adventurous and try Ethiopian food for the first time. When we parked, we noticed that the parking lot was filled with cabs. I assured my mom that cab drivers know where to find the best food, so we were in good hands. The out-of-the-way location and exterior threw us off a bit (the windows are all covered up, so you can't really see inside), but once we entered, the staff was really friendly and helped us choose what to eat. With so many options, we needed the help. Having a little bit of everything (and the delicious spongy flatbread to soak it all up) is my favorite kind of meal. My mom really enjoyed it. The tea we had after the meal was really great, too. The restaurant was empty, except for one other table (also out-of-towners who probably found the place on Yelp). I really hope more people discover this place and the area hotels should definitely start recommending it.

    (4)

  • Cheryl Ann B.

    Went back to Majors last night with my daughter and son-in-law and 3yo granddaughter. We got the Major's combo and chicken combo again, followed by Ethiopian ceremonial coffee, which I highly recommend. We had excellent service and an excellent meal for only $40 for 3 adults and 1 toddler. You have got to try Majors! It is one of Indy's hidden gems in the foodie category.

    (5)

  • Michael M.

    Fantastic new East African restaurant in an out of the way location on the Southside. It's absolutely worth the trip, or if you're headed to Bloomington or Chicago it makes a great stop for lunch or dinner. I eat East African food whenever I can, generally a couple times a year when I'm in a larger city, and it's always a real treat. But this place was something special from the very beginning. Try the Chicken Sambusa (little meat filled pastry). It's accompanied by green and red sauces, house made. I thought the red sauce had a little coffee in it, but I can't be sure--its smoky, spicy, and unique. The green presents a totally different flavor that I've never tried before. Extremely impressed. My friend had doro wat and I the yebeg alecha; for the uninitiated that's chicken and lamb, respectively. East African food is typically served on a wide piece of injera bread, a spongy flatbread that's also quite tasty. The amiable proprietor hooked it up with a whole spread that included four or five other dishes which he thought we should try--lentils, greens, carrots and cabbage. Each were very impressive, although the best was definitely a red lentil dish--I'll try that on my next visit. The chicken and lamb entrees were each perfectly cooked--we learned later that the woman in the kitchen had cooked at a restaurant in Ethiopia for over ten years. No wonder. She works magic. Conclusion: GO! Especially if you've never tried this kind of food before. It's one of life's treats. If you're coming from further afield, make sure you have your directions down, as the restaurant is tucked away and sort of difficult to find. It is NOT the Somali Coffee Shop which you'll see as you initially drive in the wrong direction. When you turn around, take the small road--Morris Street--to Mickley, and you can't miss it.

    (5)

  • Mel V.

    First, I've never had any sort of East African food before. I came into this evening not knowing what to expect. We had a group of 15 of us and we filled the one half of the restaurant. The service here is fantastic. The manager was incredible and made sure we had an authentic experience. My boyfriend and I ordered the combo plate for two and a bottle of their signature Honey Wine. If you are trying to get buzzed from the wine, you will probably fail. But it tastes sweet and it's definitely unlike any other wine I've ever had. The combo plate had a little bit of everything. Nothing was really that spicy, which I was sort of disappointed by. I also bailed on using the bread to eat and went straight to only using my hands because the bread was filling me up very quickly. Each different meat and bean dish was yummy! At the end your waiter will roast coffee beans in front of you so you get the aroma, and then everyone enjoys some coffee for dessert. I drink my coffee black and was pleasantly surprised by the rich taste of the beverage. I'd recommend this place purely for the experience. The food was good (not my favorite), but I think everyone should experience a place like this. Plus...it's fun to eat with your hands :)

    (4)

  • Uri K.

    Followed yelp comments and very glad I did so. Great food. Enjoy the special vegetarian one. Don't give up on it, as it looks dull from the outside. Get it and try it.!

    (5)

  • Lorraine F.

    This place is great! The food is authentic as well as the experience since you eat without silverware (unless you prefer otherwise). I only ordered vegetarian dishes and I loved the flavors as well as the fact that it was not oily, on the contrary, very healthy

    (4)

  • R S.

    Absolutely the best ethiopian food I have eaten, better than what I have eaten in Vegas, NYC & San Diego. It is a mom & pop kinda business, very welcoming & nice staff. Tons of vegetarian option, our favorite was the special veggie shiro. Will be visiting more frequently!

    (5)

  • Bill H.

    Awesome! Nothing more to add than absolutely awesome! This was my first Ethiopian experience and it was awesome. I had just landed at the Indianapolis Airport and needed to grab lunch and do a little work. I found this Diamond on yelp.com . (Thank you, Yelpers!!!) When I first pulled up, I almost left. The area is very rough looking and I wondered if my rental car would be there by the time I finished. :-) I learned authentic Ethiopian food is to be eaten with the provided sponge bread,so no utensils are provided. I did not realize this at first and asked for utensils. The server immediately brought them to me and very politely explained how Ethiopian food is most often eaten. I can't wait to come back to Indiana, because this will be my VERY FIRST stop as soon as I leave the airport. Great food and Amazing service!!!

    (5)

  • Paul C.

    WOW. This food is amazing, whether you've had Ethiopian/Eritrean before or not. Excellent flavors, authentic spices, food cooked to perfection and friendly hosts and service. I stayed in Indianapolis during one of my legs of a cross country trip. As I was tired and hungry, I was looking for something close to the "Hotel Circle" area of the airport. Without Yelp I probably would have never found this place, but boy am I glad I did. I have eaten Ethiopian/Eritrean at a couple other places in the US, but this is the best I've ever had. I got the combo 5, which had a little of everything, lamb, beef, chicken and various veggies. I went into the meal thinking I wouldn't finish and I'd have some leftover for tomorrow. But once I tasted the food, it was so good, I couldn't stop eating. The meat dishes were tender and everything, the lentils, the potatoes, the veggies were spiced to perfection. I asked the owner where he and his wife got their spices and he said he gets them direct from Africa. Every dish tasted unique. I also loved using the two different hot sauces they brought out. Anyway, I ended up finishing my massive injira and all the entrees on it, along with a couple more slices of injira - probably more than any one person should probably eat. If you live anywhere near Indianapolis, consider yourself lucky to have such a great and unique restaurant. It's worth the trip, even if it's out of the way. I'd recommend bringing friends to share the food and make things more cost effective. It's not really meant to be eaten alone unless you're a pig like me. But I'd totally do it again if I'm ever back in town.

    (5)

  • Denise S.

    Stopped in for lunch during a recent Indy trip, YUM! I must admit the area looked a bit sketchy, my boyfriend wanted Ethiopian so he found this place based off other Yelp reviews... thanks to all previous reviewers we had a great lunch. Very friendly staff, as we are both newbies to this cuisine, the waitress suggested we split one of the combo plates for one. Definitely enough food for both of us, we had a mix of spicy and not so spicy lentils, lamb, beef, chicken, cabbage, spinach. I appreciate the use of injera in place of a fork or spoon as it adds to the experience. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting to try authentic Ethiopian food.

    (5)

  • Danny B.

    Not only does Major have delightful Ethiopian food, but their service is so hospitable and accommodating that it can make you think you've been invited to eat at friend's home. On my most-recent trip, I called a few days ahead to ask if they could make their injera gluten-free for us because two people in our party were gluten intolerant. They were happy to do so and didn't charge us extra! (Call 3-5 days ahead if you require gluten-free injera) When we had eaten to our fill, there was still a fair amount of injera left and a small amount of the various stews and salads. When we asked for a box, our waitress - who I believe is also the chef - asked if we would like her to add more food to the box so that we had something to go with the injera. We were all floored by the question, replied with a unanimous yes, and left with a 5 pound box of "leftovers". As all of the reviews state, you won't be disappointed by this place. If it is your first time going, make sure you order the coffee ceremony.

    (5)

  • Robert B.

    Major was a great experience. I had #15 which was a large platter of different vegetarian dishes. The injera was freshly made and the flavors were bright and flavorful. The owner was very friendly and attentive. As other reviewers noted, the location isn't prime real estate but once inside the atmosphere oozes the character of the owner... Friendly & warm. Try it... I wish I had more time in Indy to explore the menu further.

    (5)

  • Chef Carolina C.

    I've being looking forward to try Ethiopian food, and it is just amazing. The restaurant is very clean, tables are impeccable, service extremely friendly. Now the food is awesome and is mandatory to order Ethiopian coffee, that is an extremely beautiful cultural experience and the coffee made me remember why I am such a coffeeholic, I highly recommend it and am going back soon!

    (5)

  • Ethan H.

    Wonderful. And brand new. According to the friendly-as-could-be server, this place opened a week ago, and they can use all the help they can get. Sadly, they're tucked away in a hard-to-find corner just off of Washington Street (US 40). But it's really not hard to find, and it's WELL worth the adventure. The food was great, the staff was friendly, the prices were good and the experience was priceless. By the way, it's simply disappointing that a search of "Ethiopian" in Indy brings back so little. I'm here to correct for the deficiency. Now that these places are 'findable' on yelp, there's no excuse for not trying them out. I'll be back here just as soon as I can, but I live in Crawfordsville, so I could use a little help. PS - I should add that the menu for this place shows that they serve spaghetti. Just a little historical note for those new to the cuisine, Ethiopia was an Italian colony for a number of years, and so there was a fair bit of cultural influence. It's actually quite common for Ethiopian places to serve spaghetti. In fact, some will serve it with Ethiopian sauce -- making it much different (and yet just as yummy) as the spaghetti we all know so well.

    (5)

  • Marcia R.

    Although I LOVE the owners of this mom & pop place their vegetarian food has gone down in standards the last 3 times (over the last year) I have visited. The meat dishes are spot on and I still count this as a good place to eat but the lentils have not been spiced/flavored the way I expect with this type of food. They have become somewhat bland and not very distinctive from each other.

    (3)

  • Xanetta M.

    I had been desperately craving Ethiopian food, so my boyfriend found this location on yelp. It was absolutely amazing and will certainly become a regular stop for us. Even with us walking in shortly before closing the owner was great and the food was fresh and flavorful. Next time we will make sure to go earlier and finish with coffee.

    (5)

  • Kevin M.

    Sometimes risk and reward are proportional. That's the case with Major. The area isn't appealing, the strip mall that houses the restaurant isn't welcoming, but get out of your car and pass through Major's doors and you'll find a warm, friendly staff that dishes out some excellent east African chow. Roll up your sleaves and reach in and enjoy. If you're not sure what you want (if the cuisine if new to you) let the staff recommend something. You'll not go wrong, regardless of what you choose. The meats, veggies, etc. are all cooked perfectly. Well worth the "risk".

    (4)

  • Ange B.

    Okay, first off. Location is a huge selling point and that's why this restaurant's biz is SLOW. I live close by so it's not a huge deal to me, but let's keep in mind I'm not the only customer keeping the doors open at this place. If that were the case, well... Anyhow, so I went to Major Restaurant with my one and only this past weekend. We are some Ethiopian food fanatics and I've read and heard good things about it, so we decided to give it a whirl. Here's the break down, sweet & simple: we were the only table. It was Friday night at 7:30. The owners (husband and wife) are very friendly and helpful. The food is good, maybe more of a place for a "first timer" with Ethiopian cuisine as it is not as flavorful as I would like. I need spices, people! Lots of them! The honey wine is delicious and made in the store, by the owners. "Refills" of side dishes are offered, for free. However, it's so much food...I doubt you will want/need them. If you are getting lentils, go for the yellow. They are tastier than the red. A very good overall experience, just a lacking the robust flavor my palate craves.

    (4)

  • Christina A.

    Wonderful service, atmosphere, and staff. The building looks rough from the outside but don't be scared off, it is very clean inside. The owners are very helpful in finding something for first time customers. They make their own bread and their own honey wine. The sambusa is wonderful, both kinds, but be careful it is piping hot when it comes to the table. The coffee ceremony at the end of the meal is beautiful(optional) and I have not idea that popcorn went so well with coffee! A truly unique experience with wonderful food.

    (5)

  • Colin S.

    Had lunch here today. If this place was in a better location it would be talk of the town. Put it on the north side and you could charge 40% more. I'll be making this a regular lunch spot. If you like Thai or Indian food, give this mom and pop of the path place a try.

    (4)

  • Richard H.

    First of all, they're really out there -- kind of tucked in a strip mall on a dead-end street west of Lynhurst where Washington and Morris meet. And it doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside is quite, quite open and charming. Attractive bar, nice settings. The service is so friendly and helpful -- really welcoming. And the food. We thought the injera was better than the injera at Abyssinia -- very nice texture and mild flavor. The menu has a lot of beef, chicken, lamb and vegetarian items. After much difficulty deciding, we went with a sampler, which was huge. Four different meats, eight different veggies and lentils -- all of it delicious. We will definitely be back and have already told many others about it.

    (4)

  • Patricia R.

    This was such an amazing experience. My husband and I our doing a dating around the World experience and we went to Ethiopia today at this wonderful restaurant. We had the combination of lamb both spicy and not, beef, and chicken as well as all the sides included. The owner took his time to explain and to educate us on the culture. We also got the pleasure of having the traditional coffee ceremony!!! Thank you for such a wonderful and enjoyable meal and journey.

    (5)

  • Drew D.

    This is my favorite Ethiopian joint in the city, for sure. The injera (Ethiopian-style flatbread, almost crepe-like in consistency, with a sourdough flavor) is fantastic and never-ending; sambussas (think samosa-type deal, only in phyllo dough) fresh and tasty; the service always amazingly friendly. Our go-to is the ye beg watt, chunks of lamb served in a deep red, spicy & thickened sauce. Not really an Indian spicy, this is a more savory dish, with only a moderate burn at the beginning. The housemade Tej (only $10 a bottle), a traditional honey wine, is a must have. Sweet but not cloyingly so, it goes perfect with the food. Eat in the traditional seating...with your hands of course! Two can dine with appetizers, dinner, and drinks for under $30. A seriously great deal. Close the deal with fresh-roasted dark coffee if you're in the mood. Don't be in a rush, either, as this is primarily a one-woman operation. I usually see customers coming in for bags full of injera to go, so that seems to be an option as well. Pretty sure I could eat it with almost anything. Often quiet in the evenings & off the beaten path, this is a great find that still seems largely a secret.

    (5)

  • Amy P.

    We went here on a groupon and will definitely be back! The neighborhood is sketchy- don't be worried- restaurant is clean, fun decor, and the food- amazing! Freshly prepared, homemade- Wonderful! The owner waited on us and took the time to explain the food to us and the customs- he was so gracious, I felt like I was a guest in his home. Support a local business, not a chain, and dine at Major restaurant.

    (5)

  • David F.

    Is it crazy that the best Ethiopian/East African food ever is in Indianapolis. Honestly, I travel a lot and seek out such places but am always thrilled to come home to Major. While the location is a modest store front which isn't exactly in a trendy part of town, it is a friendly, delightful place once you are in the door. As a vegetarian, it is such a pleasure to get the wonderfully prepared array of foods and presented in such a gorgeous fashion. The prices are a touch higher than other, more traditional options but you are paying for quality and they deliver. My wife had never had Ethiopian the first time we wen the and Tesfu patiently listened to her preferences and made a suggestion that turned out to be perfect. Definitely off the beaten path but worth the trip.

    (5)

  • Neal P.

    A gem! It's been a while since I've been to Abysinnia Restaurant so I'm not sure how to compare the two. "Major" is the family name of the owners. I had the Doro Wat, the chicken leg and hard-boiled egg in a spicey smokey-flavored stew. It came served sizzling in a clay pot with a woven fiber lid, on top of a goblet-like holder. The chicken leg was very delicious, with the meat being fall-off-the-bone tender. The stew was spicey/smokey in a way that I wasn't used to (I mostly go to Asian or Mexican restaurants), but the flavor really grew on me. The stew was spicey-hot but not as burning as a high level spiciness at a Thai restaurant. The flavors really stood out, not the hot-ness. There's a certain earthy-tasting Mexican chile pepper that the stew reminded me of, but I can't remember the name. The "sides" are served on a huge plastic platter lined with a large "pancake" of enjera (also spelled injera) bread. I got 5 sides, but that was more than what was listed on the menu for this dish. (From reading other reviews, I think they're over-serving customers to start out with.) I was also served a basket covered with a cloth napkin, containing 3 rolls of enjera bread. One of the sides was a good, almost American-style, lettuce/tomato/onion salad. The other 4 sides were standard Ethiopian vegetables, also with flavorings very unique to Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine. If memory serves, the sides were not as spicey-hot as those served at Abysinnia. Again, more flavorful-spicey, not spicey-hot. The first time I went to an Ethiopian restaurant, I tended to use too large pieces of enjera to scoop up the stewy/pasty foods. The key is to use a small piece of enjera for the most food you can scoop, so as not to fill up on the enjera bread. 3/4" by 1-1/2" or 1"x2" pieces of enjera bread work for me. That way, you can use up the three enjera rolls, and finish eating the platter-liner at the same time as the last morsel of food. The fact that I ate the entire enjera lining the platter seemed to please the waitress/owner. The soft-drink apparently didn't come with refills, but the ice-water was free. Service was cheerful and friendly, but not quite as attentive as what most Westerners are used to. She could have come by the table a couple more times. When she cleared the platter and clay pot, she did not check back to see if I wanted more, or wanted dessert or the check. I went to the cash register to request the check. I don't know if that's standard operating procedure here (as it is in many authentic mexican restaurants). Ambience up front is okay. There are some Ethiopian decorations and pictures of Ethiopian children. There were two flat-screen TVs, with the sound off. Background music seemed Ethiopian. The floor and walls are nice, but the ceiling tiles reflect the el-cheapo strip mall. There are 15 western-style tables-for-4 in the front area; and there's another section with the traditional Ehtiopian platter holders with more comfortable chairs, seating about 12. The tables-for-4 have cloth tablecloths under a glass table-top, nice looking plastic flowers as a centerpiece, a paper napkin dispenser, salt shaker, toothpick jar, and what looks like a lime-juice squeeze-container. The men's room reflected the age of the bulding, and needed remodeling, but was recently painted, and was very clean. I'll have to go back to Abysinnia to compare, but if memory serves, I like the food here better. Although it's VERY easy to get to, literally just a stone's throw from the West Washington Street exit of I-465, the location here is terrible for a restaurant. Morris Street dead-end's here. Therefore, no drive by's except for the people who live in the apartment complex behind this strip mall. You just don't see this from Washington Street or the main part of Morris. Unless they get tons of word-of-mouth, they'll fold just like previous restaurants at this location. Bottom line: Worthy of patronage. Worth going out of your way for. Ambience won't impress, but the food and sweetness of the staff is definitely good enough for the boss/wife/gf/inlaws/etc.

    (4)

  • Banjo S.

    Ordered something from all over the menu and everything was truly great. This is not something I've seen often! Great food with presentation to match. Indy really needs more top notch mom and pop locations like this. Owner was happy to answer questions as this was only our second time eating Ethiopian cuisine. Location is not the best, but really a hidden gem. Go there!

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    Delicious food. Friendly staff. Exotic great beers. Very reasonable prices. Place was virtually empty on a Monday night.

    (4)

  • Nazneen G.

    We were very thrilled to see such a highly rated Ethiopian restaurant in Indy but when we pulled up in the parking lot of this desolated strip mall, we wondered if we had made the right choice. However, all our fears left us the moment we entered and were greeted by the warm smile of the owner. From then on everything was wonderful. The food came pipping hot, injera was fluffy and the curries were superbly spiced without being overwhelmingly hot. The non-veg dishes were spot on and there were plenty of veggie options. In fact our combo came with 8 veg and 3 non-veg dishes. The beef sambussa are killer and so is the tea (which is free for first time customers :) In all lovely atmosphere, people and food. Only reason I gave this a four star is the wait for the food and cheque was a tad bit longer. Please try this place out its truly a Diamond in the rough!

    (4)

  • Matthew S.

    The food is good but price, environment and cleanliness makes it a low 3; not to mention its location. This would be justified if it was a cozy eating experience, utilizing Ethiopian plate baskets, like they have painted in the window. Instead I feel like I'm in Jamaica or the U.S. Virgin Islands at a laid back local BBQ shack. Long open tables customized with cushioned plastic table mats and hand sanitizer readily available. Oh and the men's bathroom was dirty.

    (3)

  • Matt N.

    Great food, service, and prices! Really glad we stopped by for some tasty vegetarian fare. Nicely decorated space, with authentic circular style seating available. Thanks!

    (5)

  • Douglas W.

    My wife and I are from Chicago and we travel for business, so we've eaten Ethiopian food all over the country. We dined at Major the other night and enjoyed some of the best Ethiopian food we've ever had. We ordered the Major Combination, which came with 6 vegetable dishes and 4 meat dishes all served on injera. The flavors were wonderful, and the food is obviously careully prepared, as everything was fresh and healthy tasting. We both highly recommend this restaurant

    (5)

  • Adrian C.

    Great food, service, and coffee service! This was far and away the best place I ate at in Indy. Please go eat here even though it's in a shady looking neighborhood. Heck I didn't get stabbed there so you probably wont either!

    (5)

  • KAREN M.

    I used to live in Los Angeles where I would eat in Little Ethiopia on Fairfax a lot and this restaurant is by far better than those restaurants....and I love those restaurants. The food is tasty but less greasy and the service is IMPECCABLE. You feel like you have been invited into their home for a family dinner. It is delicious and authentic. I can't wait to go back and it has made moving from LA a lot easier!

    (5)

  • Ronald H.

    Looking for a place to eat on an excursion to visit the zoo last October, we came upon this spot almost by accident. It had been quite a few years since having Ethiopian food, and this Ethiopian / Eritrean restaurant did not disappoint. My wife and I shared a Beef appetizer and a non-vegetarian Combination. The combination had some lamb and chicken in addition to several vegetable preparations. All of it was nicely spiced and very tasty. For utensils, one tears off pieces of a spongy flat bread, used to carry morsels from serving tray to mouth. When we've eaten Ethiopean food before, this bread was always pretty white. Here, it was more grey-brown, we were told because they use an authentic grain and not just wheat flour. Once the food is pretty much gone, the bread upon which the food had rested on the tray is eaten, giving a last taste of the sauces that soaked into it. The place is a storefront, and not fancy. It is also fairly easy to drive past, even with the Google Map iPhone app to help guide! But it's worth hunting it down to experience a cuisine that is very different from what one more commonly finds. I kinda twisted my wife's arm into ordering what we did. I'm getting in the mood for another meal here (despite the long drive), but will be letting her choose what we eat next time!

    (4)

  • Lee P.

    Downtown Indianapolis has many great restaurants but the part of town where Major is located is probably best known as a place you don't want to hang out alone at night. Fortunately, there is a true gem in the darkness with Major (what's with the name?) African restaurant. Call it Ethiopian or Eritrean food (both are listed on the sign), this restaurant delivers with both taste and service. The waiter (owner?) is very knowledgeable and taught us about our dishes and the history of the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which I highly recommend. The multi-person meat and veggie combo had a little of everything with not a loser in the bunch. Nothing was too spicy or too bland. Each dish had a unique flavor and aroma that complemented one another. There were so many delicious combinations that I can't imagine not getting the combo plate. Whether you're an Ethiopian fan or a first-timer, Major is definitely worth a try.

    (5)

  • Charlie C.

    Pretty good,great bread!!

    (3)

  • Dan M.

    Try the combo for 2 or 4. A lot of variety food for a good price. Very friendly owners who prepare & serve very authentic food.

    (4)

  • NE M.

    Amazing & fun place with incredible food and extremely gracious, friendly host. Food comes from various parts of Africa but especially Ethiopian. If you want to divert from typical American eating, it's the full African experience, right down to eating with fingers (they will give flatware if asked). Great authentic decor.

    (5)

  • Michael R.

    Wow. I paid a visit based upon great reviews on Yelp as well as that "other" review site. This was my first experience with Ethiopian cuisine, and it was outstanding. Previous reviews are spot on. I opted to start with an order of vegetarian sambussa. Great flavor, perfect for two or three people, but too much for one. Ye Bag Watt was a delicious entree--spicy, but not hot. Each accompanying side dish was tasty, and the flavors were unique in the best possible way. Thanks to other reviewers, I went easy on the injera. Even so, I felt bad, as I could not finish my food. I opted for hot tea, and it was both fragrant and delicious. A very nice way to end the meal. I will add that the lady serving me was exceptionally helpful and gracious, even when I told her I left my wallet in my hotel room. "Come back in one or two days, I know you will be back." (I of course dashed back, got my wallet and paid right away) I encourage locals and visitors alike to visit. The place was virtually empty on a Monday evening. Restaurants like this deserve support.

    (5)

  • John S.

    This place is fantastic! Excellent food and service. The owner greeted us and even brought out a mixed plate of various Ethiopian dishes, free of charge, just so that we could try these different dishes. We were really impressed. We will definitely be back for more!

    (4)

  • Ross F.

    Had a great experience eating at Major with two friends. The owners are wonderful and very kind and the food is excellent. The ambience is refreshing, especially if you order coffee (fresh roasted beans at the table) and share a HUGE platter with friends. I will certainly be bringing more people back to try it out once again!

    (5)

  • L P.

    Excellent presentation, clean and friendly atmosphere. Good food with authentic style. All homemade bread and do try the homemade honey wine. Don't let the location scare you away, well worth the visit.

    (5)

  • J K.

    Can you imagine yirgacheffe coffee beans from the land that invented coffee, roasted at your table (let's say the beans, still smoking, are left to cool down at your table on a mat) taken back, ground, served in a clay retort, accompanied by desert gathered incense, poured for you, all for $2...wow. We ordered the sampler for 4, and I drank the honey wine, pleasant, but low alc content. Wanted to try the wine, but they were out. Nearest importer is in Chicago. The food, though good, certainly not as flavorful or intense as Indian food, but with more subtle flavors. About par for most Ethiopian restaurants I've eaten in. It's more for the hands on experience of eating with inerja and your fingers, that adds a new dimension to normal mealtime. I may go back soon, but need to ask if those dark oily smoking beans are just for show and other beans are used to serve. Why? I roast beans at home and dreaded the taste of such overroasted beans. The coffee was, in fact, quite good. Definitely worth the trip.

    (4)

  • Nathan B.

    Personally I had never had Ethiopian or Eritrean food, nor did I have a solid understanding of what it was. While on a business trip, I checked the nearby vicinity of the hotels by the airport and found a fairly lackluster selection of restaurants. However, just a little further away was a little restaurant called Major Restaurant. I investigated and discovered that a very friendly husband and wife ran this restaurant and answered any of my questions about the food happily. My concern though was that I wouldn't get enough to eat, but discovered the portions were much larger than anticipated and I left quite full. There is a fair diversity to the foods served, and as many other yelpers have noted, the food is traditionally not served with silverware but with a sourdough-like flatbread (though they will supply you with silverware if you ask). If you like indian foods but aren't as keen on the spiciness (heat) of the food, this will hit the spot. Also, the little sides that come with the entree are refilled if you indicate that you like them. I highly recommend this, and if you like coffee, don't miss out on it.

    (5)

  • Fida C.

    We came here on the recommendation of a friend, being big fans of Ethiopian food. We were meh on the experience. Sweetie was turned off by the gnat in her water and the dead fly on the windowsill. We found the food pretty bland -- probably the restaurant has tried to adapt the food to,local tastes. They also,only have meh US beers -- no Harare. The server and chef were very nice.

    (2)

  • Rosey F.

    One of my favorite Ethiopian places in all of the US. It's so delicious! The biggest problem for Major is that if you weren't looking for them, you'd never find them. They're just inside 465 on Washington and Morris, and you are missing out if you don't seek them out. As I come in groups of three or more, I've never order anything other than the Combination with extra Doro Wat. And Sambussa for an appetizer. I can't believe how we're almost always the only people in the restaurant, but it thrives. I'd support it every day if I lived on the west side. Here's a typical experience: New friend(s), unaccustomed to Ethiopian. They're unsure when we choose to sit at the stage tables with the giant baskets. We order the beef sambussas as an appetizer, and various Ehtiopian beers to drink. We chat while we wait, then everyone cautiously says the sambussa is ridiculously good. Then we get the combination, with extra dorowat, (get one for every 4-5 people) and everyone looks at us funny. We dig in, using the injera as our utensil to scoop up the delicious food. Others join in, until they're moaning because they're so full. We all finish almost the entire plate, and can't even save room for the delicious Ethiopian coffee dessert because the injera has filled our stomachs. We waddle out and talk the whole car-ride home how unexpectedly good that was. Seriously. You want to impress friends? Take them here. It's different, it's varied, and it's freaking delicious. The servers are friendly and will help you out if you don't know what to eat. (But get the combination if you don't know, there will be something you like.) It's an experience and it's good food. You can't go wrong.

    (5)

  • Eric M.

    Many moons ago, an Ethiopian restaurant called Queen of Sheba opened on a scarcely visible storefront tucked off of Indiana Avenue. It was my first Ethiopian experience, and still remains the standard for which I judge others. The novelty at that point was great, but even after trying several other Ethiopian places in other cities, Queen of Sheba still seemed superior when I returned (probably ate there 4 times total). It closed in 2003 I believe, but it had held its own in that location for around 7 years, so it was more than a flash-in-the-pan sort of thing. Now Indianapolis has multiple East African restaurants, and the numbers are only likely to grow. This obscure little charmer popped up since the last time I visited town. It's cheerfully and cheaply decorated in a fashion that actually seems suitable for this type of restaurant--if it were too lavish in that sort of location it would only seem pretentious. I wish there was a bit more traditional seating but at least they have a few, which is more than can be said about a lot of Ethiopian places in the DC area, which have gone upscale and white tablecloth. Service at Major Restaurant was friendly and faster than usual, though there was only one other family dining at that point so it shouldn't have been pokey. I'll start with the weaknesses because generally speaking they were minor (pun intended). I was a bit disappointed that the enjera was only lukewarm, but it had a great whole wheat look to it (not sure if it actually was) and the flavor wasn't overpowering like it sometimes is. Still quite good. The presentation of the food left something to be desired--it could have been more clearly organized according to the persons served, and I would have appreciated the lamb being served in the specialty clay pots (not sure what they're called). But the rosemary in the chicked doro watt was superb, and even the cabbages were filled with flavor. I could tell that each entree was spiced individually according to the needs of the meat or primary vegetable dish. Even if it wasn't as tidily organized as you see in some Ethiopian restaurants, the presentation still was beautiful. I hope this place makes it with a combination of Ethiopian/Somali visitors in the neighborhood as well as outsiders who can find it.

    (4)

  • Emily G.

    My husband and I like to find different restaurants and this is a Diamond in the Rough! Can be difficult to find if you do not know your way, suggest Mapquest before you go. You will not regret your trip here. We had the Ethiopian Honey Wine. Recommend highly! The owners talked to us and explained how the bread and food is made, served, etc. Very nice people. We ordered the appetizer Vegitarian Sumbassa (spelling). VERY GOOD! We also ordered the Major's Combination to try a little bit of everything they offer. Lamb, Chicken, two types of Beef, Lentils, Potatos, Cabbage, House Salad, Collared Greens-- All EXCELLENT. Excellent portion sizes- great prices! Will definitely return and take many friends!!!!

    (5)

  • Skye C.

    I had a Groupon which enticed me to visit. I must say, the outside of the establishment, in a not too wonderful strip of stores, made me feel a little bit iffy. However, be brave and open the door and inside you find a delight of colors and decorations that transport you to your exciting ethnic dining experience. There is such thought and care taken in the decorating of the place, from the faux bamboo walls, to the beautiful colorful lighting pendants, to the photos on the walls, etc. It is a delight to look around and take in the atmosphere. It sets the mood for the food that is to come. Our server, my guess is co-owner/wife, was very friendly and accommodating. She has a bit of a language barrier (authentic food---yes!), but she tries to explain about the dishes and told us she made the delicious and unique honey wine. I recommend it as it is something you won't taste anywhere else and is quite tasty. I had been told that the tradition of eating Ethiopian food is to use your hands so I was prepared. Our dishes were served as the main entree centered in a circle of additions, such as lentils, greens, etc. and it was on a large circle of flatbread. It was accompanied by a plate of additional flat bread that you could dip into each food type and mix and match to make your own bite sized "wraps". She also served several sauces and a delicious soft feta type cheese. It was an eating adventure and quite enjoyable! We had so much food, I was able to take a box of leftovers for a later meal and was quite satiated. As another reviewer remarked, yes, forget the nasty prefab franchise foods and enjoy the unique specialness of your owner operated locally owned restaurants. This one is a delight! If I had any suggestions, it would be to maybe rethink the name. Major means large, but really something descriptive such as Ethiopian Dream, Golden Grains Harvest, etc. which highlights the beauty of the dining experience would probably entice more people to visit. Also, I'm not sure what can be done to let the beauty of the outside of the restaurant match what is on the outside, but if it could look more welcoming outside, it also would be a plus. Otherwise, it's fab!

    (4)

  • Cristina C.

    We went here because we got a Groupon and wanted to try some Northern African food. I had never had Ethiopian food before. Inside, the decor was very nice and had maps and other Ethiopian-themed drawings. The server (owner?) was very nice and hospitable. We had the C5 (I think?), the Major combination, which came with beef, chicken, and two lamb dishes as well as vegetable side dishes. The beef was the B1, which was a bit spicy and extremely delicious. The chicken was the C5 and was so tender and flavorful. Both of the lambs had wonderful flavor but were a bit sinewy and chewy. The side dishes were collard greens, spinach, and three different types of lentils. The lentils were to die for, especially the yellowish mashed ones and the red ones. It came on a a huge beautiful platter that you share off of. No utensils here (although they can give them to you if you ask), everything is eaten with your hands by scooping it up with injeera, a tangy crepe-like bread. I personally love finger foods and would eat everything without utensils if it were socially acceptable in this country, so this was quite the thrill for me. I also had the Ethiopian chai tea, which was very nice with a hint of anise. We saw other people order the coffee, which was pretty amazing since they roast it right in front of you and then bring it out with some amazing-smelling incense! Alas, it was night time and we do not do well with caffeine after 5 p.m. I definitely will order the coffee next time when I come in at lunch time. This place is a hidden gem and a wonderful experience. The area is kind of run-down and kind of hidden in a corner. I thought it was funny/ironic that it was in a plaza with a Hispanic Evangelical church right next to a store that sold Muslim clothing. Great diversity here! :) Anyhow, if you choose just one restaurant to go to in Indianapolis, I'd say choose this one--you'll have a great experience!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth C.

    Major restaurant is really adorable. The decor is just beautiful, despite its somewhat weird location and name. This is a great place to take a date. The staff are very sweet and courteous, the menu is full of vegan options. I have nothing bad to say about Major Restaurant and the only reason I didn't give it five stars is because the whole time I was there, I found myself wishing that I was eating Abyssinia's food, which tastes better. The venue isn't as cute there, though.

    (4)

  • JR W.

    Out of all the vendors in our work cafe, Major Rest. serves up the largest portion. Yay for variety and eating with your hands.

    (4)

  • Bryan B.

    Went to Major last night and had a wonderful meal. My wife and I have had a lot of Ethiopian meals and Major ranks right up there with our favorites. Coming from Broad Ripple the location is a little hard to find, but worth the drive. Staff was very helpful and kind and they have a good selection of Ethiopian beers.

    (5)

  • Alison C.

    I've been here twice now, and both times were delicious. The first time we were the only ones there, the second time there was one other table. The service is super friendly and the food comes out super fast. Portions are ample and definitely worth the money. I doubt I'll ever go back to Abyssinia!

    (5)

  • Larry S.

    I went to Major one evening with a group of five people. The restaurant is located in a strip mall by West Washington and I-465, I had no idea that this strip mall was here. The hostess seated us in a traditional, Ethiopian area of the restaurant. This seemed kind of awkard because there were only two, small, round tables between us. So, we asked to be seated on the other side of restaurant with American seating. The menu had a number of Ethiopian dishes, about half of them were vegetarian so kudos to Major for this. Each meal had a number and a picture next to it. I had ordered the #12 and asked the server if I could have it spicy but she told me it was only available mild. They have a half dozen, imported beers on the menu. So I ordered the St. George Beer, but the server mentioned that they have a white wine and a red wine. I tried to order a Heineken but was informed that the restaurant was all out of beer. The service is very friendly and hospitable but it was somewhat difficult to communicate verbally. A nice touch to the atmosphere was that the owners had their baby pictures on the wall. One of the members of my party had to ask for a fork twice and another person had a coupon for a free, sweet tea but had to ask twice. The meals come on large plates that are about 24 inches in diameter. The plate is covered with an Ethiopian bread that is about a quarter of inch thick and spongy. My guess would be that it is a whole wheat bread, and they also bring out extra bread as well. Small portions of multiple dishes are served on top of this bread, I had a small house salad, potatoes, collared greens, red lentils and a couple of others items which I did not know what they were. I believe the menu said there was spicy clay on the #12. Others in my party had been to this restaurant before but they had questions about what they were eating as well. The server brought out a small black pot and set it in the middle of my table. I wasn't sure who it was for but my party told me they thought it was for me. This was some kind of thin gravy or stew and tasted a little like curry but a bit bland. Overall, I believe the food was healthy but bland. I really wanted to like this restaurant but they just did not win me over.

    (2)

  • Karhma D.

    I think I'll stick with Abyssynia, as they're on my side of town, but this place is definitely worth coming to if you're on the west side. I really liked their cabbage & yellow lentils. The gommen was better at Abyssynia, as is the berbere lentils. Friendly service, though, even though they got my friend's order wrong & didn't understand that he wanted his kitfo raw. He ate it anyway & said it was tasty, but would've preferred the raw meat.

    (4)

  • William O.

    First time eating Ethiopian food. Won't be the last. Service was great. Food equally so.

    (5)

  • J F.

    This was my first experience at an Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurant. As someone else mentioned, the service was more than just friendly it was familial. They even started teaching me Tigrinya. The food was superb and I walked away with a full stomach and a great memory. I plan on returning as often as possible.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : No
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Quiet
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Dogs Allowed : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Major Restaurant East African Authentic Food

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