This was the first restaurant I had Ethiopian food. I truly would prefer to eat at this Ethiopian place than any other. Even after having Ethiopian food in Africa, I still think this is the best. The sweetest woman, Altu, open the restaurant years ago. She makes the place feel so nice and warm and cooks her food with lots of love. The decor is very casual and traditional. The tables are setup so you eat as a group. The cost is very resonable as well. Truly the best Ethiopian...
(5)
Mark G.
Don't tip over 10%! Servers only drop the plate on the table. Want H2O? Take a hike, get your own, over there. Food was OK, I had a spicy lamb dish which was indeed spicy, but not worth $14! I could get a whole lamb shank with rice and veggies in Greek Town/Detroit for the same price. Meat was a bit tough, dosa-like bread was served cold. Very little veggies on the side. I won't be going back....
(2)
Noelle K.
Altu's is definitely the most unique restaurant in this college town. I am surprised that more people do not know about it. Every dish is made fresh daily and after 15 years, the restaurant offers an array of vegetarian options for the vegan and vegetarian minded. The veggie sampler is one of my favorites to order because it comes with Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens plus lots of Injera bread. The plus about eating Ethiopian food is eating with your hands. A wonderful hot tea is an option to enjoy with your meal. The environment is cozy and intimate. There is live music on Saturday's too!
(5)
Miss P.
Very impressed! Clean place, friendly staff, fast service and absolutely delicious! The spicy chicken and beef are amazing. The presentation was also great. We got the combo for 3 which filled up all 3 of us and then some. Only downer is that its pretty expensive. Wont stop me from returning though.
(4)
Jeffrey C.
Altu's feels like home to me, but I'll state that I am biased towards earthy vegetarian foods. That said I think the portions are very acceptable for the price and everything whether vegetarian or not is very satisfying. I would especially recommend the lamb or the spicy lentils. On Saturday's they also have a great variety of live local musicians which makes the trip all the better.
(5)
Belinda T.
I'm from D.C. This is a wonderful taste of home. D.C. is a haven for Ethiopian cuisine. Altu's is authentic and wholesome and yummy. Who could ask for more? The new renovations and expansions make the dining space comfortable and welcoming. I highly recommend it.
(4)
Shannon W.
Altu's is my favorite restaurant in East Lansing! When asked what I will miss most about Michigan State after graduation I always say, "Altu's!" For a date night, the Ethiopian feast for two is a must. I personally love the spicy beef and the spicy chicken stew along with the spicy lentils (absolute fav), the chickpeas, and the greens. It is the perfect combination! When the platter comes out you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount food, but I promise you will finish it every time! Not only does Altu's have incredible food, the staff is also very friendly and they are extremely helpful with guiding you though the menu and making suggestions for first timers. You will not leave disappointed!
(5)
Jes P.
WOW - that is some tangy injera. I've never had any quite like that before! As far as Ethiopian goes, this wasn't my favorite mostly because the 'spicy' dishes were a bit on the bland side compared to other Ethiopian restaurants I've been to. I couldn't taste anything in the 'mild' dishes except the main veg or meat itself and the split yellow peas had something funky going on the day I ate there. It's nice that they serve alcohol and also spiced teas and coffee. Altu's is located in a strip mall right next door to a battery outlet business. It's a bit on the casual side but definitely has potential for an 'upgrade'.
(3)
Lylian D.
I have never had Ethiopian food before and boy was I missing out! My sister took me here to have me try Ethiopian food for the first time and it was a fantastic experience! We opted for the pick two meat combo, spicy chicken and spicy sirloin meat stew. It came with a salad which was so tasty and I generally do not rave about salads, so you know it's good. If you like even more spicyness, then you must ask them for the green chili paste concoction. Everything was so flavorful and balanced. I can't wait to go back to el just to eat at Altu's.
(5)
Robble R.
I was nervous to try Ethiopian food for the first time. Some told me it was bland, that the bread was "weird", etc. I ordered the spicy beef stew with spicy lentils with half bread and half rice. It was delicious! The "bread" was a spongy crepe like bread and was perfect for scooping the stew and rice into. The spice was perfect for me - nice balance of heat and flavor. I want to order the lamb next. I ordered with a group for pick up, so we didn't dine in, however I peeked around at the dining room - so quaint and inviting. I will definitely go back to experience the entire dining event! Thumbs up.
(5)
CV C.
I have a really close Ethiopian friend, so I am very well-versed in Ethiopian everything, specially the food. I have to say that this place lacks that "real Ethiopian taste", but the food is still tasty. The owners are really great people and the decoration is very unique. I would recommend the spicy lamb with injera.
(3)
Shady F.
I have tried Ethiopian food in several places before which I liked, but the food here wasn't fresh and we couldn't finish the meal. Moreover, my friend asked a meal without chickpeas but we had it!
(2)
Deb K.
Visited for lunch today and ordered the vegetarian feast for two. Loved all of the food and the spiced hot tea. Will definitely be back to try more dishes.
(5)
Karen C.
Food was great! We ordered a dinner feast with 3 vegetarian dishes and 2 meat dishes. My favorite was the spicy beef, chicken breast and spicy ground peas from the dinner feast. The sambusas were awesome and only $1 each (vegetarian). The dinner feast for 3 (we had 4 four people and there was plenty of food) was $40, which includes drinks. The service is quite slow. You go up to the counter to pay so don't wait around for the bill. I would come back again!
(4)
Derek K.
Don't let the outside of the restaurant deceive you; it's actually really nice inside! I recommend the group plates if you walk in with friend. They also have live music on Friday nights.
(4)
Professor C.
Great to have good Ethiopian food available in East Lansing, as good as what I've had in some larger US cities (though menu is not as extensive). Eating with your hands using their delicious spongy flatbread to scoop up the delicious food (mostly stew & saucy type stuff) is fun. Very reasonable prices, cozy atmosphere and clearly run by an owner who seems to care about the place. Occasionally I have gotten some chewy pieces of lamb or sirloin beef. There are mild options but this is a place best enjoyed by those who like some spice in their food.
(4)
Lilyan T.
I love love love me some Altu's!! There is a limited amount of non-franchise restaurants in Lansing with unique flavors so when I discovered Altu's I was thrilled! This is my go to place. I am never disappointed, the food is always hot, the service is always fast and the fact that this is family owned make it that much more special. The food is high quality and is reasonably priced.
(5)
Shawna S.
I am a huge fan of Ethiopian food and was SO happy when I found Altu's. The first time I frequented Altu's I had to search a bit for it. But like many have said, it is a true diamond in the rough (with the best Ethiopian food I have had)! Every time I drive through East Lansing, I find myself wanting to stop for take-out. The food is amazing! The injera is soft and fresh with perfect flavor (that tiny bit of sour to it). I really enjoy the vegetarian sampler. For a very reasonable price (unlike the Ethiopian joint in Ann Arbor) you get Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens, and a generous portion at that. Altu's has inspired me to cook Ethiopian at home on occasion because you can truly tell what ingredients/spices are in the meals.
(5)
Briana P.
My first time eating Ethiopian, and I loved it. The place was pretty quiet on a weekday night, but the food was awesome. Everything we tasted was good. Service was excellent. Lima beans were my favorite!
(4)
Sam G.
Not awful but not great either. The injera is nice and sour but isn't as fresh as it could be. The lima beans are definitely the most impressive of the veggie dishes. We scarfed them down first. The spicy lentils are more hot-spice than layered-spice and the collard greens were fairly flavorless. The yellow peas were bland but the texture was good. The Saturday-night act was pretty painful to listen to and ruined what otherwise would be a fairly cozy atmosphere. Service was prompt and friendly.
(3)
Clay R.
Love this place. It's outside of the 'bun' for sure, but not so different that you're gonna freak out. Fairly limited menu, but good people who own it and delish unique food thatll fill you up w/o weighing you down. I disagree with the comment saying it's not a place for a first date! Get a platter for two, forget the silverware and your inhibitions and dig in! Use the pancake-like bread as scoops and eat like the natives! I love this place so much. Always a fun place to eat
(4)
Pete B.
Really, really, really good.
(4)
Kyeli S.
Excellent food, great atmosphere. A few variations on the standard fare. A note: they've anglicized the names of the food, so it may be a bit tricky to find your usual favs if you're not really familiar with them. But the waiter knew his stuff and was happy to re-translate for us! (:
(5)
Steven L.
Thought this place was very good and reasonably priced. I am originally from Oakland/Berkeley CA and there was a significant Ethiopian community there. This place compares favorably to those. I also like the informal style ... somewhat like a cafe. That makes it easier to take young kids ... though you might have trouble finding enough mild on the menu spice wise if you have really young kids.
(4)
Chris G.
I have been to Altu's several times now with coworkers who visit nearly every week. Having been to a variety of Ethiopian dining establishments in many cities I'd say unequivocally that Altu's stacks up well to NYC, LA, Miami and Chicago. Walking in I noticed the self-serve beverage center, the unfortunate presence of silverware as an option (Ethiopian should be eaten with the Ethiopian bread called Injera), and the decor. I'm not sure if the decor is authentic Ethiopian or not, but it looks nice in the setting and certainly adds to the atmosphere. I've had both vegetarian and carnivorous options on Altu's menu and everything has been top notch. From the lentils to the salad... from the beef to the lamb everything has been well prepared and holds great flavor. It helps that as a spicy food enthusiast my team likes it HOT, so we usually get some of the spicier options on the menu. I'll certainly be back frequently, with or without my coworkers.
(4)
Jill V.
I love the food at Altu's. My family has always gotten a big meat/veggie platter to share. The inerja bread here is fantastic as are the spices and the chicken legs. I've never eaten anything here that didn't taste great. The missing star is because of the drink situation and the space. The space needs updating to feel more restaurant-y and less like a cafe. The drinks are self-serve at a soda fountain. The atmosphere would be greatly improved if these were served to your table in a more sophisticated manner.
(4)
Priya R.
I love Ethiopian food and was so glad when I found out about this place. It's definitely not the best I've had but I was so glad that there was one in the area that I just had to write a review about it. We actually went there in a large group (8-10 people) and they were able to seat us all for lunch. It's great food, vegan and vegetarian friendly, and a fun experience if you've never tried it.
(4)
Betsy A.
Average Ethiopian food - but I'm giving it 4 stars rather than 3 since this is Lansing and good restaurants can be hard to come by; I LOVE Ethiopian food, so when I found out there was this outpost in Lansing, I was excited. I've been to ump-teen Ethiopian places in D.C. and NYC, and Atlu's certainly falls somewhere in the middle of my past experiences. The injera is slightly more tangy than other places and the curries are certainly on the mild side. Several options for veggie sampler, that include some unique options I haven't seen before at other places - pinto and lima beans. But one of my fav's was missing - the carrot/potato/green bean dish (please add this, Altu's). One odd thing about Altu's - rather than serve the entire table's order on a communal platter of injera, Altu's divvies up everyone's order onto individual plates. Takes away from the communal eating experience, but I suppose some alterations had to be made for Michigan norms. Avoid the sambusas - they are super-fried, dripping with oil. I'll certainly return!
(4)
David S.
I've been here a few times now and my only beef with the place was the lack of beer and the awful look to the place. Well, I spent the summer away and came back today to see both issues had been rectified! Not only did the place get a beautiful face lift, but they now have beer on tap (good variety for the amount of taps). Any way, the food is super excelente! I've never tasted chicken as good as the chicken breast stew and those darn garlic pinto beans are to die for! I love this food. It's so refreshing to have a place like this in Lansing where I can let my taste buds adventure out from the ordinary!
(5)
John L.
Delicious food! Arrangement is a bit odd, though. Apparently, you are supposed to get yourself a drink and silverware, then sit down to order. Food was excellent. Next time I think I'm getting my food with the rice (delicious!) instead of the bread. The bread for me was a bit odd, although it is customary. It's kind of like a pancake...
(4)
Taebin R.
Awesome food and great service. I recommend the platter for X people, my wife and I got one for 2 and left very full with food still on the platter. I also recommend a smoothie. The bread was something like a sourdough pancake for thoes that have never tried it and it works well for dipping up the delicious food. The chicken beast has large cubed chunks and was my favorite.
(5)
Xtina G.
My favorite restaurant in E. Lansing so far. I've had Ethiopian in NYC several times, and although I've never been to Ethiopia the food here is *legit by my comparison. I was really excited when we passed it on the way to the SOS/DMV office, and I was happy to read all the positive reviews. We tried it early on Thursday evening, and it was relatively empty. I hope they do more business other times b/c this is a gem not to be lost! It also has cute decor. We had the Veggie and Meat Platter for 2 selecting spicy lentils, spicy beef, spicy chicken... you get the idea. It was my husband's first introduction to Ethiopian, and he loved it. If you enjoy rich spicy food, this is the place for you. We ate with our hands, and finished everything. As with most first-timers my husband was a little put off by the vinegary injera bread, but I assured him after a couple more meals there he'd get used to it and appreciate it. Lamb is not included in the platter combos, so we might order that a la carte next time, but the spicy beef was top notch. The spicy chicken drums didn't have a ton of meat on them so we might try a different cut next time. The platter also comes with drinks, so I had a mixed iced tea and lemonade which perfectly complimented the meal. It has a little bite to it too... I think maybe ginger in the tea. My husband had a draft beer, which is nice they have some on tap. I'll have one next time I'm not driving. Already can't wait to go back.
This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and it was delicious! I want to come here everyday. I recommend it to anyone. But beware it can be very spicy! The Friday special is my favorite!
(5)
Liz A.
i'm like your average fan of ethiopian food... i like it and i think it's interesting and super tasty and who doesn't like eating shit with their hands, but i also am not like OH MY GOD ETHIOPIAN the way i am like OH MY GOD KOREAN or OH MY GOD A JEWISH DELI or OH MY GOD DONUTS. for being the only game in town, altu's is really good, and by that i mean it would be really good even if it were not the only game in town. it's all your average american ethiopian restaurant staples made at a high level of quality. service is really friendly and drinks (non alcoholic only) are included with your meal. sadly lansing does not have the same it's not really legal but "no alcohol on the menu = byob" policy that other cities generally do. the ambience is strip mall-ish, but it is in a strip mall so what do you expect. also you don't have to worry about parking. i have nothing else to say on this topic but i am very glad altu's is a dining option here.
(4)
Diann K.
My first time eating Ethiopian food. Amazing, delightful, spicy, but just the right amount of heat. Chicken, lentils, peas, cabbage, greens, perfectly compliment each other. I can't wait to come back on my next visit.
(4)
Meredith B.
As far as I know, this is the only place to get Ethiopian food in Lansing. That makes the place special right off the bat. It's a shame, because it's such a fun and delicious cuisine, that there aren't more local options! I should say that I have been spoiled by the wonderful Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago and as such, I am a little more picky about it. Altu's is owned by a woman named (unsurprisingly) Altu, and she does a nice job bringing these new flavors to mid-Michigan. Any city is better with an Ethiopian restaurant in it. This is a very casual restaurant, with an array of booths, tables, and...um...let's call them "special tables" where you sit in chairs around a platter-centerpiece (I'm so good at describing this), almost like a colorful wicker stand where the plate goes. This is where my parents and I sat. There weren't too many people on a Thursday night - I think I saw three other tables of patrons so it's fairly quiet. It's comfortable, but the thing I don't like about it is the lights. They are on full brightness, and feel like office lights. I think restaurants should be a little dimmer, to provide a more relaxing ambiance. It's amazing how much that takes away from the experience! We ordered fruit smoothies; they don't serve alcohol and I didn't see anybody bringing it. I don't know if it's BYOB but I don't get the impression that it is, I didn't see any signs indicating it or anything on the menu. I think that's too bad - dinner restaurants should offer at least a BYOB option so that people can bring some wine or beer to enjoy with their meal. The fruit smoothies, while delicious, are really too heavy to be eaten comfortably with the meal. They are thick with what seems like yogurt, and more of a snack on their own than a beverage to be consumed with dinner. I saved most of mine for breakfast this morning. They are good though, thick and creamy with fresh fruity taste. They are made to order of course, and if several people at your table get one it can take a while. Mine actually came out after the meal was brought! We ordered a combo meat and veggie feast, which meant 3 veggie items and 2 meat. If you get the feast, you have limited options for which food you want (can't order off the whole menu, just a limited array of "feast" options). We got lima beans, spicy lentils, and collard greens for veggies; our meat choices were spicy beef and mild chicken drumsticks. As a nice touch, we got an extra portion of what I think was cabbage, and a little lettuce/tomato salad that none of us ate since we were there for the Ethiopian goods! Everything was tasty - I think the lima beans and the collard greens were the standouts. So often in Ethiopian food, the vegetarian dishes are the best and this was no exception. My main disappointments were that the spicy dishes weren't very spicy at all, and that the meats were a bit tough. Well, not-tender is more accurate. Chicken didn't fall off the bone and had to be pulled, beef a bit chewy. I think vegetarian items are your best bets, and don't expect anything that says spicy to really burn your tongue! And $40 was a great deal for thee people to get absolutely stuffed. If this is your introduction to Ethiopian cuisine I think you'll be very satisfied, but if you are someone who eats it regularly I don't think this would end up being among your favorites. It is a fun place to go with a big group and try lots of different dishes! By the way, drinks are self-service except the smoothies. And you pay at the front, which we learned after waiting for 10 minutes wondering why nobody was coming by to take the plate or bring the check!
(3)
Crystal I.
I have only had Ethiopian a handful of times, and only two other places, so I am by no means an expert. But I've been to places that are nationally known and respected in Dallas and Los Angeles, so i don't think my palate is completely ignorant when it comes to Ethiopian food. We sat ourselves and were advised as to where to find the cold drinks and the hot tea. They have a good selection between soda, tea, beer and a small bar area with a great selection of better brands. I ordered one of the sambusas which I really enjoyed, the texture was wonderful, both the pastry and the filling, and I couldn't help dipping bites into the sauce from my husband's spicy chicken breast, which was an amazing combination of flavors. My husband ordered one of the combos (mild beef and spicy chicken breast) and I ordered the veggie combo with the collard greens with spicy ground peas, the white peas and potatoes, the mild yellow lentils, and the Lima beans. You would never guess from the texture the chicken breast is chicken breast. It is tender and moist and beautifully prepared. It is pretty spicy, but with plenty of injera even the folks who don't like spice can handle it. Followed up by tomatoes from the salad (wrapped in a tender injera robe) mellows the spice rapidly. The flavors were just unbeatable so if you are unsure, go who a friend who can handle the heat and steal a bite, you won't regret it. The mild beef is rich and mellow and tender and so flavorful. I was half tempted to get another order but there was no room for another bite. Of my veggie platter, the mild yellow lentils and especially the Lima beans were my favorites. The yellow lentils were addictive, but I love Lima beans, I will happily eat them as a snack or even a meal. They are pure comfort food to me in any form but these were the.best .lima.beans.ever. Creamy, smooth, but still with whole beans. So well seasoned you will never miss the meat. The white peas and potatoes and the collard greens with ground peas were both excellent, although I neglected them a bit because I couldn't keep my mitts off the lentils and limas and in spite of not having eaten since breakfast I just ran out of room. But it was all excellent, there wasn't one bite that wasn't perfect. The injera was amazing, completely on par with other places I have tried, light, spongy, delicate, tender and yes, beautifully sour. I think injera is one of life's great pleasures and we Americans have been sorely deprived. You can't go wrong, here folks. If you want to be the foodie in the know, pay a few visits, get to know the menu, and start bringing your foodie friends for a tour of all the delicious food Ethiopia has to offer. They will swear you are the cleverest of foodies and your knowledge will never be in question. As for me, we live two hours away but I will be back! One little notice, and I'll see if I can figure out how to report it here, they are closed between lunch and dinner, from 2:30 to 4;30. But well worth planning a trip when they are open.
(5)
R. L.
I've never had Ethiopian food before so I have no comparison, but Altu's is super yummy. Great flavors, friendly service, and an easy-going atmosphere. It's a great lunch or dinner spot with good portions and plenty of vegetarian options. Check it out. Edited only because since visiting Altu's I've been to other Ethiopian restaurants that have much more depth and flavor in their food. I still appreciate Altu's existence in EL though.
(3)
Danielle C.
So good! I am glad my fellow yelp-ers recommended it. Since it was my first time eating Ethiopian I went with the vegetarian combo (pick 4). My favorite was the yellow split peas. Friendly staff and outstanding food!
(4)
Tiffany H.
I've been to Altu's twice, and it's a strange, incongruous place. From traditional African basket-style tables to island hut decor to vinyl booths and plastic Coke glasses, it's got it all, in a matter of speaking. On a recent Saturday night, a cute old couple played Beatles covers in the corner - not quite what I expected from reading on their website that they had live music. But it has a nice, chill atmosphere and the servers are very friendly. Foodwise, the highlight is the Ethiopian bread, which is a spongy sourdough-like pancake that soaks up the flavor of the dish. The first time I went, I ordered the spicy beef and vegetables from their dinner menu. The beef was flavorful, but I think the vegetables came from one of those frozen mixed veggie bags of corn, carrot cubes, and green beans, which I was not a fan of. The second time I went was for lunch with coworkers, and I ordered the spicy lentils, which were very good. The collard greens are really well seasoned and come as a side with dinner; the iceberg lettuce salad, not so much (again with the incongruity!). If you're comfortable with your dining companions, sit at the basket tables and all your orders will come on one giant platter - perfect for sharing!
(3)
Kara H.
I love me some Ethiopian food, so I was glad to find this restaurant so close to my new house. I went for dinner and shared the meat sampler for two. It was delicious! You get the choice of two meats and three vegetable dishes, along with a never ending supply of their special bread and drinks. Sadly there was not an endless plate option, but the shared dish was enough for both of us.
(4)
Kathryn S.
This is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Lansing. I eat here about once a month. My boyfriend and I usually order the vegetarian feast for 2. Service is very fast and very friendly. I love the atmosphere and decor. Their cabbage is my absolute favorite thing. So savory and it almost melts in the mouth. And their salad! The dressing in soooo good! Oh and of course the sponge bread! Just delicious! I highly recommend this place! Lunch special deals are such a good bargain here too!
(5)
Aaron J.
Best Ethiopian in Michigan. Reasonable prices and a very friendly staff make this charming place a must for anyone with a taste for Ethiopian. The spicy dishes are especially wonderful as are the collard greens.
(5)
April J.
Definitely the best Ethiopian I've had. I love Altu's injera - not too sour but it has great flavor. I also love the spicy chicken and the spicy lentils! The cabbage is wonderful as well. I would recommend this to anyone looking for some good Ethiopian food in Michigan as I haven't had any luck anywhere else. Delicious, reasonably priced, easily my favorite.
(5)
Megan I.
I don't claim to be an authority on "authentic" Ethiopian cuisine, but I can say that I've been to a few Ethiopian restaurants, and Altu's is by far my favorite. That it's in the Lansing area, which is pretty much a cultural wasteland when it comes to restaurants, makes it even more surprising when you visit. If you can find it, that is -- it's in a little strip mall, so keep an eagle-eye out for it, because it's easy to miss. The basic component of any Ethiopian meal is the injera. Altu's injera is great -- sour, but not too sour so as to compete with the flavor of the food. "A suggestion of sour" is probably the best way to describe it. And though I love meat, I recommend going for the vegetarian dishes -- that's where the real strength of the restaurant is. (Although their lamb is pretty darn good, too.) My favorites: the lima beans and the spicy ground peas mixed with greens. Amazingly good. The cabbage that comes on the side will make you wish for an entire bowl of it, though you'd probably regret it later. Or your partner would. And when you go up for your drink, skip the Coke products and try their spiced iced tea, which is hands-down the best iced tea in town.
(5)
Eric P.
For Ethiopian food in Lansing, my one experience at Altu's would suggest that it's a good choice. I went with my sister and her boyfriend the other day, and we split the vegetarian feast. In all honesty, I only recognized a couple of the dishes, but they were all pretty decent. One or two of them tasted very similar to each other, but that may have just been my imagination. A plus for this place, though, is that they seemed to use teff in their injera, which isn't universal among local Ethiopian restaurants. *cough* Blue Nile *cough* In some respects, I've had better elsewhere, but Altu's is certainly a good choice for something different in the Lansing area.
(3)
amy g.
Even though I'm not a vegetarian, I really appreciate really good, flavorful & unique vegetarian dishes. Whenever I go out to dinner, I do try to scope out something vegetarian to eat (sometimes burgers win) but I think it's interesting what amazing food can be made with vegetables & no meat. This is one of the best examples of what incredible flavor & texture & combinations you can have jump at you with simple ingredients. Just amazing. And so much fun to eat with your hands! The spiced tea was good also with some sugar :D
(5)
Hank M.
Very good food and service. "Different" atmosphere. Good price points. I love the Blue Nile in AA. As such, I was not expecting much from Altu's but was very impressed. I found the lentils, spicy beef and chicken to be very good and comparable to the Blue Nile. The atmosphere is "different" in a good way. Wicker tables mixed with more traditional tables. The building itself appears to be a remodeled 7-11, but it works. I found the pricing to be fair, esp. for the amount of food provided.
(4)
Ken K.
Be careful when trying to find this place, because you're likely to drive right by it. I'd driven by countless times without even realizing the small complex it's in was there. But once I went looking for it, I discovered a diamond in the rough. Altu's sure doesn't look like much on the outside. It's on the end of a small string of businesses that share a building. I was expecting a hole in the wall but was pleasantly surprised. The place was spotless and decorated in a palm tree/Caribbean motif. I'm sure it's Ethiopian as well, but I've never been there. They've obviously put a lot of time and effort into making the place look nice. My co-worker and I sat at a table instead of the wicker tables and chairs since we weren't sure what to expect. After perusing the menu, we decided to split a vegetarian sampler. Never having had Ethiopian before, I wasn't sure what it was going to taste like, but I thought everything was superb. A couple of the stews were slightly bland, but the "spicy" ones were awesome. I'm not a huge fan of really hot and spicy food, so please don't think this will burn your lips or anything even close to it. The cabbage was awesome too. My favorite part was the bread. It's like a sponge crossed with a pancake crossed with sourdough bread. The texture and taste make the meal. I also loved that the giant piece the sampler was sitting on soaked up all the goodness, making sure the two of us ate every last scrap. We're both pretty big guys, and we were stuffed. I read some people complain about the menu variety. It seemed pretty big to me, especially for a small joint run by a family. If you want huge variety, go to a chain. I'll stick with my local folks who do a few things and do them well.
(4)
David M.
Before coming to Altu's I had never had Ethiopian food, but it is incredible. If it's a first for you, it is kind of an adventure and takes a bit of bravery, but once you start eating with your hands, nothing can really stop you. As someone mentioned, the bread which is the main utensil does have a sour taste to it, and it takes some getting used to but if you expect it then it is delicious, and it's really fun to scoop food out of the platter with the bread. The thing they put the platter on is also pretty neat, and the top comes off and makes quite a fashionable hat, which you can't really say about any other place.
(5)
Eri K.
Once again, thanks Yelp! Why oh why was this gem not around when I went to MSU?! Not fair! We shared a yummy veg meal while passing through town. If you like lima beans, this place will rock your world! The hot tea is also excellent:)
(4)
Elizabeth Z.
Super yummy food, especially when you're looking for something different. The cabbage is so awesome, and they don't give you nearly enough. The spicy lentils are probably my favorite. It's a great place if you're not a picky eater and are willing to try new foods. This place seems to be good for vegetarians, and it's fun to be able to serve yourself your own pop. I've never been to the Blue Nile in Ferndale, even though I live closer there, but I've heard that Altu's is the way to go. Every time I've gone, it's usually me and maybe one other table. Very prompt and friendly service with delightful music in the background. Oh, and the tea is very good as well.
(5)
Kat H.
What a treat! My husband and I are moving to EL soon and we had dinner here when we were visitinig. It was fantastic! We had the vegetarian feast for two and were delighted. It's great to have the four different sauces so you can try them all. I LOVED the lima beans and will try them next time we go. We are both vegetarians - it's so great to see so many options! The service was also fantastic - the best I've had in a restaurant in a while. The young woman who helped up explained everything and was very friendly and attentive. Also, we went on a Friday night, when they have live music. We were sitting near the small stage, and I was a little nervous that it would be too loud, but it started without me even noticing. There was just one musician playing a stringed instrument and singing quietly. It perfectly fit the ambiance of the place. What a great restaurant - so glad it is located in our future home town!
(5)
AJ O.
Wow! Amazing, amazing food. Charming atmosphere. Very low prices. The exterior of the building gives a wrong impression, but It's charming inside. I thoroughly enjoyed eating here and will go back the next time I'm in East Lansing. Bravo, Altu's!
(5)
Erin F.
i thought the food was good, but overpriced for the amount of food I received and given that it was a vegetarian meal. I've eaten at many Ethiopian restaurants and many other kinds of restaurants in the area where I would receive at least twice the amount food for the same price. Also, I was told where the tea and water were for self-serve -- I thought this meant that they were included in the meal. But when I went to pay, they added a charge for the tea, which I would not have taken if had I known the price.
(2)
R S.
This restaurant is an insult to Ethiopian food. The decor is stereotypical to please customers. But, the food is just horrible. We had the vegetarian platter. There is no passion put into the food. The food was bland, or spicy, but seemed like eating left overs. The Ingera was boring, and cold. The nly thing we enjoyed was the spiced tea and the fountain drinks.
(1)
Michael K.
Wonderful place. The experience inside is very nice and they book great live music on Saturday nights. I recommend the samplers, because it's fun to share with others! The collard greens are excellent, as are the white bean & potato and lentil stews. I haven't tried anything with meat yet, but all the meat dishes look and smell superb. I like how they do the injera bread. I've had it at other Ethiopian places and it tastes and feels like a wet pancake. At Altu's, it's crisp on the edges, has a little bit of a stretch and chew to it and has a delicious sourdough-type tang. Go to Altu's. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
Ed C.
Short: Very tasty, but the menu is small. They have several vegetarian options (most are bean based, but they have Ethiopean collard greens), however I've never ordered anything other than the vegetarian sampler. For only slightly more than the price of a single entree, you get a decent sized portion of each of dishes, all on delicious injera (sponge bread). One sampler is enough for two people. As good as it is, I wish they had more options. Also, I wish they had Ethiopean beer.
(4)
Brett C.
I had high hopes for this place, but was kinda let down. I went here for their vegetarian options, which were good, for a good price, but didn't wow me. My wife and I went for Dinner, but really, this is more of a lunch place. We walked in and sat at some sort of wicker cone shaped table, which I found hard to eat at. Our waitress was kinda pushy. We walked in and sat down, and the she was already asking what we wanted to eat. We told her we've never been here before, and we'll need some time. She comes back about 30 seconds later, then again another minute later asking what we want. Just give us some time! If I were to eat here again, it would be for take out. And the vegetarian options seem to be nothing else but peas and beans. Maybe this is part of Ethiopian culture? I don't know, but there has to be more vegetarian options in Ethiopian Cuisine.
(3)
Amy P.
Awesome place!!! I absolutely love it. The food is fresh. They are flexible with the orders if you want vegetarian or non-veg. They also have great service and help you if you don't know what to order. I recommend getting a sampler if you are going with a big group and then getting more of ones you like after. If you've never had Ethiopian, this place is relatively authentic so it will be a great experience!
(5)
Ronnie C.
LOVE Altu's. I've only had Ethiopian food at three different restaurants, so I'm no expert in this specific genre of food, but I do know that Altu's is consistently delicious and offers many options for vegetarians and those of the meatier persuasion. Food tends to be spicy and is very flavorful and filling. The service is always great, free music on Saturdays is a lot of fun, and the prices are reasonable. Take out is very fast, but I usually like to eat in.
(5)
Stephyelp j.
We had the meal for 3 for $39.00. We chose the spicy chicken, mild lamb, yellow peas, red lentils and lima beans. It was served on a large platter lined with injeera bread, with extra rolls of injeera for each of us. The drinks were help-yourself at the soft drink machine. The staff was very friendly. We LOVED it so much we had a hard time slowing down to talk to each other! If you like Indian food, and mildly spicy Chinese food, you'll LOVE this food. Their injeera is a little less sour than the one at Blue Nile, and a little thinner. You get utensils with your meal, but eating with fingers and the injeera was so fun. Everything came warm and fragrant. We're not small people, and one of the 3 of us is a teenage swimmer, and we left full and very happy.
(4)
Matt G.
I've been going to Altu's off and on for the last few years. Last time I visited I noticed that they had remodeled, and the place is much more comfortable now. You still have to get your own drinks, though. It doesn't bother me, though. The food was my first introduction to Ethiopian food, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a new set of flavors. The food is similar in some ways to South Asian curries, but the spices used give a completely different flavor. Altu's offers a number of meat and vegetable stews served with injera, an Ethiopian flatbread made from teff. Traditionally, the food is eaten using the injera rather than silverware, but forks and spoons are available. A good meal can be ordered for under $10, and everything I've tried has been excellent, although I've tried more of the vegetarian dishes than the meat ones. I recommend Altu's to anyone who wants to try something new and hard to find in Michigan.
(4)
Anna S.
The best Ethiopian cuisine I've had! I only wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. Much better than the Blue Nile (chain in Ann Arbor -the only Ethiopian restaurant I know of around here). The service is great and the food is excellent. There is a wonderful variety of foods including vegetarian cuisine, and the quality of ingredients is great. I also like the atmosphere, there is a nice ambiance and it is not a huge restaurant. And yes, spicy means spicy. I LOVE IT!
(5)
Holly Z.
I've been a fan of the Blue Nile restaurant for several years now, and was sad to leave it behind when I left Ann Arbor. After moving to Lansing, I was pleased to discover another Ethiopian restaurant, Altus, that I thought may be an adequate substitute. The food is traditional Ethiopian: All you can eat veggies +/- meat on the squishy bread whose name I can never remember. The food is great-- on par with Blue Nile, but Altus gets docked a star for the fast-foody atmosphere and Lipton-style tea. Still, this is a great alternative to the deep fried lunch for shoppers at nearby Frandor or downtown East Lansing.
(4)
Olive S.
Altu's is a must whenever I'm in the Lansing area.... just soooo flavorful, I always consider getting an additional carryout order. I'm a vegetarian, and the lentils, etc. are perfection. Important to support wonderful family-owned businesses like this one!
(5)
Misi P.
I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about Ethiopian food, but I decided to give it a try. I had been meaning to go to Altu's for some time, but it's one of those things where you have to be in the mood to be experimental. And when I'm starving, I'm not. Altu's has a nice, almost Caribbean vibe, which I wasn't expecting. You can either sit booths or at these large baskets that have a surface for eating. The waitstaff is nice, I just thought it was kind of weird that you sat down and looked at the menu, then you went up to the counter to order. I had chicken stew with cabbage for lunch. Most meals are served on this spongy flatbread, which is kind of cool for the texture, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth that I don't enjoy. The stew was kind of spicy, and the taste a little hard to explain, but it wasn't too bad. I was expecting a little more flavour out of my cabbage, but well...beggars can't be too choicy now, can they? Not a good spot to go on a first date. Great for noshing with your friends at lunch.
(3)
Carlos A.
The Wife and I love Altu's. It has good prices and the food is incredible. We usually order two Combo #8s which comes with a SPICY (not used loosely here) chicken stew and lentils. Add the tasty cabbage and spongy bread and you have yourself a tasty and filling meal. The people who own the spot are real nice and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Erin F.
i thought the food was good, but overpriced for the amount of food I received and given that it was a vegetarian meal. I've eaten at many Ethiopian restaurants and many other kinds of restaurants in the area where I would receive at least twice the amount food for the same price. Also, I was told where the tea and water were for self-serve -- I thought this meant that they were included in the meal. But when I went to pay, they added a charge for the tea, which I would not have taken if had I known the price.
(2)
David M.
Before coming to Altu's I had never had Ethiopian food, but it is incredible. If it's a first for you, it is kind of an adventure and takes a bit of bravery, but once you start eating with your hands, nothing can really stop you. As someone mentioned, the bread which is the main utensil does have a sour taste to it, and it takes some getting used to but if you expect it then it is delicious, and it's really fun to scoop food out of the platter with the bread. The thing they put the platter on is also pretty neat, and the top comes off and makes quite a fashionable hat, which you can't really say about any other place.
(5)
Eri K.
Once again, thanks Yelp! Why oh why was this gem not around when I went to MSU?! Not fair! We shared a yummy veg meal while passing through town. If you like lima beans, this place will rock your world! The hot tea is also excellent:)
(4)
Elizabeth Z.
Super yummy food, especially when you're looking for something different. The cabbage is so awesome, and they don't give you nearly enough. The spicy lentils are probably my favorite. It's a great place if you're not a picky eater and are willing to try new foods. This place seems to be good for vegetarians, and it's fun to be able to serve yourself your own pop. I've never been to the Blue Nile in Ferndale, even though I live closer there, but I've heard that Altu's is the way to go. Every time I've gone, it's usually me and maybe one other table. Very prompt and friendly service with delightful music in the background. Oh, and the tea is very good as well.
(5)
Kat H.
What a treat! My husband and I are moving to EL soon and we had dinner here when we were visitinig. It was fantastic! We had the vegetarian feast for two and were delighted. It's great to have the four different sauces so you can try them all. I LOVED the lima beans and will try them next time we go. We are both vegetarians - it's so great to see so many options! The service was also fantastic - the best I've had in a restaurant in a while. The young woman who helped up explained everything and was very friendly and attentive. Also, we went on a Friday night, when they have live music. We were sitting near the small stage, and I was a little nervous that it would be too loud, but it started without me even noticing. There was just one musician playing a stringed instrument and singing quietly. It perfectly fit the ambiance of the place. What a great restaurant - so glad it is located in our future home town!
(5)
AJ O.
Wow! Amazing, amazing food. Charming atmosphere. Very low prices. The exterior of the building gives a wrong impression, but It's charming inside. I thoroughly enjoyed eating here and will go back the next time I'm in East Lansing. Bravo, Altu's!
(5)
Matt G.
I've been going to Altu's off and on for the last few years. Last time I visited I noticed that they had remodeled, and the place is much more comfortable now. You still have to get your own drinks, though. It doesn't bother me, though. The food was my first introduction to Ethiopian food, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a new set of flavors. The food is similar in some ways to South Asian curries, but the spices used give a completely different flavor. Altu's offers a number of meat and vegetable stews served with injera, an Ethiopian flatbread made from teff. Traditionally, the food is eaten using the injera rather than silverware, but forks and spoons are available. A good meal can be ordered for under $10, and everything I've tried has been excellent, although I've tried more of the vegetarian dishes than the meat ones. I recommend Altu's to anyone who wants to try something new and hard to find in Michigan.
(4)
Anna S.
The best Ethiopian cuisine I've had! I only wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. Much better than the Blue Nile (chain in Ann Arbor -the only Ethiopian restaurant I know of around here). The service is great and the food is excellent. There is a wonderful variety of foods including vegetarian cuisine, and the quality of ingredients is great. I also like the atmosphere, there is a nice ambiance and it is not a huge restaurant. And yes, spicy means spicy. I LOVE IT!
(5)
Lylian D.
I have never had Ethiopian food before and boy was I missing out! My sister took me here to have me try Ethiopian food for the first time and it was a fantastic experience! We opted for the pick two meat combo, spicy chicken and spicy sirloin meat stew. It came with a salad which was so tasty and I generally do not rave about salads, so you know it's good. If you like even more spicyness, then you must ask them for the green chili paste concoction. Everything was so flavorful and balanced. I can't wait to go back to el just to eat at Altu's.
(5)
Meredith B.
As far as I know, this is the only place to get Ethiopian food in Lansing. That makes the place special right off the bat. It's a shame, because it's such a fun and delicious cuisine, that there aren't more local options! I should say that I have been spoiled by the wonderful Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago and as such, I am a little more picky about it. Altu's is owned by a woman named (unsurprisingly) Altu, and she does a nice job bringing these new flavors to mid-Michigan. Any city is better with an Ethiopian restaurant in it. This is a very casual restaurant, with an array of booths, tables, and...um...let's call them "special tables" where you sit in chairs around a platter-centerpiece (I'm so good at describing this), almost like a colorful wicker stand where the plate goes. This is where my parents and I sat. There weren't too many people on a Thursday night - I think I saw three other tables of patrons so it's fairly quiet. It's comfortable, but the thing I don't like about it is the lights. They are on full brightness, and feel like office lights. I think restaurants should be a little dimmer, to provide a more relaxing ambiance. It's amazing how much that takes away from the experience! We ordered fruit smoothies; they don't serve alcohol and I didn't see anybody bringing it. I don't know if it's BYOB but I don't get the impression that it is, I didn't see any signs indicating it or anything on the menu. I think that's too bad - dinner restaurants should offer at least a BYOB option so that people can bring some wine or beer to enjoy with their meal. The fruit smoothies, while delicious, are really too heavy to be eaten comfortably with the meal. They are thick with what seems like yogurt, and more of a snack on their own than a beverage to be consumed with dinner. I saved most of mine for breakfast this morning. They are good though, thick and creamy with fresh fruity taste. They are made to order of course, and if several people at your table get one it can take a while. Mine actually came out after the meal was brought! We ordered a combo meat and veggie feast, which meant 3 veggie items and 2 meat. If you get the feast, you have limited options for which food you want (can't order off the whole menu, just a limited array of "feast" options). We got lima beans, spicy lentils, and collard greens for veggies; our meat choices were spicy beef and mild chicken drumsticks. As a nice touch, we got an extra portion of what I think was cabbage, and a little lettuce/tomato salad that none of us ate since we were there for the Ethiopian goods! Everything was tasty - I think the lima beans and the collard greens were the standouts. So often in Ethiopian food, the vegetarian dishes are the best and this was no exception. My main disappointments were that the spicy dishes weren't very spicy at all, and that the meats were a bit tough. Well, not-tender is more accurate. Chicken didn't fall off the bone and had to be pulled, beef a bit chewy. I think vegetarian items are your best bets, and don't expect anything that says spicy to really burn your tongue! And $40 was a great deal for thee people to get absolutely stuffed. If this is your introduction to Ethiopian cuisine I think you'll be very satisfied, but if you are someone who eats it regularly I don't think this would end up being among your favorites. It is a fun place to go with a big group and try lots of different dishes! By the way, drinks are self-service except the smoothies. And you pay at the front, which we learned after waiting for 10 minutes wondering why nobody was coming by to take the plate or bring the check!
(3)
Robble R.
I was nervous to try Ethiopian food for the first time. Some told me it was bland, that the bread was "weird", etc. I ordered the spicy beef stew with spicy lentils with half bread and half rice. It was delicious! The "bread" was a spongy crepe like bread and was perfect for scooping the stew and rice into. The spice was perfect for me - nice balance of heat and flavor. I want to order the lamb next. I ordered with a group for pick up, so we didn't dine in, however I peeked around at the dining room - so quaint and inviting. I will definitely go back to experience the entire dining event! Thumbs up.
(5)
Shannon W.
Altu's is my favorite restaurant in East Lansing! When asked what I will miss most about Michigan State after graduation I always say, "Altu's!" For a date night, the Ethiopian feast for two is a must. I personally love the spicy beef and the spicy chicken stew along with the spicy lentils (absolute fav), the chickpeas, and the greens. It is the perfect combination! When the platter comes out you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount food, but I promise you will finish it every time! Not only does Altu's have incredible food, the staff is also very friendly and they are extremely helpful with guiding you though the menu and making suggestions for first timers. You will not leave disappointed!
(5)
Jes P.
WOW - that is some tangy injera. I've never had any quite like that before! As far as Ethiopian goes, this wasn't my favorite mostly because the 'spicy' dishes were a bit on the bland side compared to other Ethiopian restaurants I've been to. I couldn't taste anything in the 'mild' dishes except the main veg or meat itself and the split yellow peas had something funky going on the day I ate there. It's nice that they serve alcohol and also spiced teas and coffee. Altu's is located in a strip mall right next door to a battery outlet business. It's a bit on the casual side but definitely has potential for an 'upgrade'.
(3)
Kyeli S.
Excellent food, great atmosphere. A few variations on the standard fare. A note: they've anglicized the names of the food, so it may be a bit tricky to find your usual favs if you're not really familiar with them. But the waiter knew his stuff and was happy to re-translate for us! (:
(5)
Chris G.
I have been to Altu's several times now with coworkers who visit nearly every week. Having been to a variety of Ethiopian dining establishments in many cities I'd say unequivocally that Altu's stacks up well to NYC, LA, Miami and Chicago. Walking in I noticed the self-serve beverage center, the unfortunate presence of silverware as an option (Ethiopian should be eaten with the Ethiopian bread called Injera), and the decor. I'm not sure if the decor is authentic Ethiopian or not, but it looks nice in the setting and certainly adds to the atmosphere. I've had both vegetarian and carnivorous options on Altu's menu and everything has been top notch. From the lentils to the salad... from the beef to the lamb everything has been well prepared and holds great flavor. It helps that as a spicy food enthusiast my team likes it HOT, so we usually get some of the spicier options on the menu. I'll certainly be back frequently, with or without my coworkers.
(4)
Jill V.
I love the food at Altu's. My family has always gotten a big meat/veggie platter to share. The inerja bread here is fantastic as are the spices and the chicken legs. I've never eaten anything here that didn't taste great. The missing star is because of the drink situation and the space. The space needs updating to feel more restaurant-y and less like a cafe. The drinks are self-serve at a soda fountain. The atmosphere would be greatly improved if these were served to your table in a more sophisticated manner.
(4)
Betsy A.
Average Ethiopian food - but I'm giving it 4 stars rather than 3 since this is Lansing and good restaurants can be hard to come by; I LOVE Ethiopian food, so when I found out there was this outpost in Lansing, I was excited. I've been to ump-teen Ethiopian places in D.C. and NYC, and Atlu's certainly falls somewhere in the middle of my past experiences. The injera is slightly more tangy than other places and the curries are certainly on the mild side. Several options for veggie sampler, that include some unique options I haven't seen before at other places - pinto and lima beans. But one of my fav's was missing - the carrot/potato/green bean dish (please add this, Altu's). One odd thing about Altu's - rather than serve the entire table's order on a communal platter of injera, Altu's divvies up everyone's order onto individual plates. Takes away from the communal eating experience, but I suppose some alterations had to be made for Michigan norms. Avoid the sambusas - they are super-fried, dripping with oil. I'll certainly return!
(4)
David S.
I've been here a few times now and my only beef with the place was the lack of beer and the awful look to the place. Well, I spent the summer away and came back today to see both issues had been rectified! Not only did the place get a beautiful face lift, but they now have beer on tap (good variety for the amount of taps). Any way, the food is super excelente! I've never tasted chicken as good as the chicken breast stew and those darn garlic pinto beans are to die for! I love this food. It's so refreshing to have a place like this in Lansing where I can let my taste buds adventure out from the ordinary!
(5)
Steven L.
Thought this place was very good and reasonably priced. I am originally from Oakland/Berkeley CA and there was a significant Ethiopian community there. This place compares favorably to those. I also like the informal style ... somewhat like a cafe. That makes it easier to take young kids ... though you might have trouble finding enough mild on the menu spice wise if you have really young kids.
(4)
Priya R.
I love Ethiopian food and was so glad when I found out about this place. It's definitely not the best I've had but I was so glad that there was one in the area that I just had to write a review about it. We actually went there in a large group (8-10 people) and they were able to seat us all for lunch. It's great food, vegan and vegetarian friendly, and a fun experience if you've never tried it.
(4)
Shady F.
I have tried Ethiopian food in several places before which I liked, but the food here wasn't fresh and we couldn't finish the meal. Moreover, my friend asked a meal without chickpeas but we had it!
(2)
Deb K.
Visited for lunch today and ordered the vegetarian feast for two. Loved all of the food and the spiced hot tea. Will definitely be back to try more dishes.
(5)
CV C.
I have a really close Ethiopian friend, so I am very well-versed in Ethiopian everything, specially the food. I have to say that this place lacks that "real Ethiopian taste", but the food is still tasty. The owners are really great people and the decoration is very unique. I would recommend the spicy lamb with injera.
(3)
John L.
Delicious food! Arrangement is a bit odd, though. Apparently, you are supposed to get yourself a drink and silverware, then sit down to order. Food was excellent. Next time I think I'm getting my food with the rice (delicious!) instead of the bread. The bread for me was a bit odd, although it is customary. It's kind of like a pancake...
(4)
Taebin R.
Awesome food and great service. I recommend the platter for X people, my wife and I got one for 2 and left very full with food still on the platter. I also recommend a smoothie. The bread was something like a sourdough pancake for thoes that have never tried it and it works well for dipping up the delicious food. The chicken beast has large cubed chunks and was my favorite.
(5)
Xtina G.
My favorite restaurant in E. Lansing so far. I've had Ethiopian in NYC several times, and although I've never been to Ethiopia the food here is *legit by my comparison. I was really excited when we passed it on the way to the SOS/DMV office, and I was happy to read all the positive reviews. We tried it early on Thursday evening, and it was relatively empty. I hope they do more business other times b/c this is a gem not to be lost! It also has cute decor. We had the Veggie and Meat Platter for 2 selecting spicy lentils, spicy beef, spicy chicken... you get the idea. It was my husband's first introduction to Ethiopian, and he loved it. If you enjoy rich spicy food, this is the place for you. We ate with our hands, and finished everything. As with most first-timers my husband was a little put off by the vinegary injera bread, but I assured him after a couple more meals there he'd get used to it and appreciate it. Lamb is not included in the platter combos, so we might order that a la carte next time, but the spicy beef was top notch. The spicy chicken drums didn't have a ton of meat on them so we might try a different cut next time. The platter also comes with drinks, so I had a mixed iced tea and lemonade which perfectly complimented the meal. It has a little bite to it too... I think maybe ginger in the tea. My husband had a draft beer, which is nice they have some on tap. I'll have one next time I'm not driving. Already can't wait to go back.
I have only had Ethiopian a handful of times, and only two other places, so I am by no means an expert. But I've been to places that are nationally known and respected in Dallas and Los Angeles, so i don't think my palate is completely ignorant when it comes to Ethiopian food. We sat ourselves and were advised as to where to find the cold drinks and the hot tea. They have a good selection between soda, tea, beer and a small bar area with a great selection of better brands. I ordered one of the sambusas which I really enjoyed, the texture was wonderful, both the pastry and the filling, and I couldn't help dipping bites into the sauce from my husband's spicy chicken breast, which was an amazing combination of flavors. My husband ordered one of the combos (mild beef and spicy chicken breast) and I ordered the veggie combo with the collard greens with spicy ground peas, the white peas and potatoes, the mild yellow lentils, and the Lima beans. You would never guess from the texture the chicken breast is chicken breast. It is tender and moist and beautifully prepared. It is pretty spicy, but with plenty of injera even the folks who don't like spice can handle it. Followed up by tomatoes from the salad (wrapped in a tender injera robe) mellows the spice rapidly. The flavors were just unbeatable so if you are unsure, go who a friend who can handle the heat and steal a bite, you won't regret it. The mild beef is rich and mellow and tender and so flavorful. I was half tempted to get another order but there was no room for another bite. Of my veggie platter, the mild yellow lentils and especially the Lima beans were my favorites. The yellow lentils were addictive, but I love Lima beans, I will happily eat them as a snack or even a meal. They are pure comfort food to me in any form but these were the.best .lima.beans.ever. Creamy, smooth, but still with whole beans. So well seasoned you will never miss the meat. The white peas and potatoes and the collard greens with ground peas were both excellent, although I neglected them a bit because I couldn't keep my mitts off the lentils and limas and in spite of not having eaten since breakfast I just ran out of room. But it was all excellent, there wasn't one bite that wasn't perfect. The injera was amazing, completely on par with other places I have tried, light, spongy, delicate, tender and yes, beautifully sour. I think injera is one of life's great pleasures and we Americans have been sorely deprived. You can't go wrong, here folks. If you want to be the foodie in the know, pay a few visits, get to know the menu, and start bringing your foodie friends for a tour of all the delicious food Ethiopia has to offer. They will swear you are the cleverest of foodies and your knowledge will never be in question. As for me, we live two hours away but I will be back! One little notice, and I'll see if I can figure out how to report it here, they are closed between lunch and dinner, from 2:30 to 4;30. But well worth planning a trip when they are open.
(5)
R. L.
I've never had Ethiopian food before so I have no comparison, but Altu's is super yummy. Great flavors, friendly service, and an easy-going atmosphere. It's a great lunch or dinner spot with good portions and plenty of vegetarian options. Check it out. Edited only because since visiting Altu's I've been to other Ethiopian restaurants that have much more depth and flavor in their food. I still appreciate Altu's existence in EL though.
(3)
Kaitlyn R.
This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and it was delicious! I want to come here everyday. I recommend it to anyone. But beware it can be very spicy! The Friday special is my favorite!
(5)
Karen C.
Food was great! We ordered a dinner feast with 3 vegetarian dishes and 2 meat dishes. My favorite was the spicy beef, chicken breast and spicy ground peas from the dinner feast. The sambusas were awesome and only $1 each (vegetarian). The dinner feast for 3 (we had 4 four people and there was plenty of food) was $40, which includes drinks. The service is quite slow. You go up to the counter to pay so don't wait around for the bill. I would come back again!
(4)
Liz A.
i'm like your average fan of ethiopian food... i like it and i think it's interesting and super tasty and who doesn't like eating shit with their hands, but i also am not like OH MY GOD ETHIOPIAN the way i am like OH MY GOD KOREAN or OH MY GOD A JEWISH DELI or OH MY GOD DONUTS. for being the only game in town, altu's is really good, and by that i mean it would be really good even if it were not the only game in town. it's all your average american ethiopian restaurant staples made at a high level of quality. service is really friendly and drinks (non alcoholic only) are included with your meal. sadly lansing does not have the same it's not really legal but "no alcohol on the menu = byob" policy that other cities generally do. the ambience is strip mall-ish, but it is in a strip mall so what do you expect. also you don't have to worry about parking. i have nothing else to say on this topic but i am very glad altu's is a dining option here.
(4)
Diann K.
My first time eating Ethiopian food. Amazing, delightful, spicy, but just the right amount of heat. Chicken, lentils, peas, cabbage, greens, perfectly compliment each other. I can't wait to come back on my next visit.
(4)
Derek K.
Don't let the outside of the restaurant deceive you; it's actually really nice inside! I recommend the group plates if you walk in with friend. They also have live music on Friday nights.
(4)
Professor C.
Great to have good Ethiopian food available in East Lansing, as good as what I've had in some larger US cities (though menu is not as extensive). Eating with your hands using their delicious spongy flatbread to scoop up the delicious food (mostly stew & saucy type stuff) is fun. Very reasonable prices, cozy atmosphere and clearly run by an owner who seems to care about the place. Occasionally I have gotten some chewy pieces of lamb or sirloin beef. There are mild options but this is a place best enjoyed by those who like some spice in their food.
(4)
Lilyan T.
I love love love me some Altu's!! There is a limited amount of non-franchise restaurants in Lansing with unique flavors so when I discovered Altu's I was thrilled! This is my go to place. I am never disappointed, the food is always hot, the service is always fast and the fact that this is family owned make it that much more special. The food is high quality and is reasonably priced.
(5)
Shawna S.
I am a huge fan of Ethiopian food and was SO happy when I found Altu's. The first time I frequented Altu's I had to search a bit for it. But like many have said, it is a true diamond in the rough (with the best Ethiopian food I have had)! Every time I drive through East Lansing, I find myself wanting to stop for take-out. The food is amazing! The injera is soft and fresh with perfect flavor (that tiny bit of sour to it). I really enjoy the vegetarian sampler. For a very reasonable price (unlike the Ethiopian joint in Ann Arbor) you get Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens, and a generous portion at that. Altu's has inspired me to cook Ethiopian at home on occasion because you can truly tell what ingredients/spices are in the meals.
(5)
Briana P.
My first time eating Ethiopian, and I loved it. The place was pretty quiet on a weekday night, but the food was awesome. Everything we tasted was good. Service was excellent. Lima beans were my favorite!
(4)
Sam G.
Not awful but not great either. The injera is nice and sour but isn't as fresh as it could be. The lima beans are definitely the most impressive of the veggie dishes. We scarfed them down first. The spicy lentils are more hot-spice than layered-spice and the collard greens were fairly flavorless. The yellow peas were bland but the texture was good. The Saturday-night act was pretty painful to listen to and ruined what otherwise would be a fairly cozy atmosphere. Service was prompt and friendly.
(3)
Carlos A.
The Wife and I love Altu's. It has good prices and the food is incredible. We usually order two Combo #8s which comes with a SPICY (not used loosely here) chicken stew and lentils. Add the tasty cabbage and spongy bread and you have yourself a tasty and filling meal. The people who own the spot are real nice and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Tiffany H.
I've been to Altu's twice, and it's a strange, incongruous place. From traditional African basket-style tables to island hut decor to vinyl booths and plastic Coke glasses, it's got it all, in a matter of speaking. On a recent Saturday night, a cute old couple played Beatles covers in the corner - not quite what I expected from reading on their website that they had live music. But it has a nice, chill atmosphere and the servers are very friendly. Foodwise, the highlight is the Ethiopian bread, which is a spongy sourdough-like pancake that soaks up the flavor of the dish. The first time I went, I ordered the spicy beef and vegetables from their dinner menu. The beef was flavorful, but I think the vegetables came from one of those frozen mixed veggie bags of corn, carrot cubes, and green beans, which I was not a fan of. The second time I went was for lunch with coworkers, and I ordered the spicy lentils, which were very good. The collard greens are really well seasoned and come as a side with dinner; the iceberg lettuce salad, not so much (again with the incongruity!). If you're comfortable with your dining companions, sit at the basket tables and all your orders will come on one giant platter - perfect for sharing!
(3)
Kara H.
I love me some Ethiopian food, so I was glad to find this restaurant so close to my new house. I went for dinner and shared the meat sampler for two. It was delicious! You get the choice of two meats and three vegetable dishes, along with a never ending supply of their special bread and drinks. Sadly there was not an endless plate option, but the shared dish was enough for both of us.
(4)
Kathryn S.
This is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Lansing. I eat here about once a month. My boyfriend and I usually order the vegetarian feast for 2. Service is very fast and very friendly. I love the atmosphere and decor. Their cabbage is my absolute favorite thing. So savory and it almost melts in the mouth. And their salad! The dressing in soooo good! Oh and of course the sponge bread! Just delicious! I highly recommend this place! Lunch special deals are such a good bargain here too!
(5)
Clay R.
Love this place. It's outside of the 'bun' for sure, but not so different that you're gonna freak out. Fairly limited menu, but good people who own it and delish unique food thatll fill you up w/o weighing you down. I disagree with the comment saying it's not a place for a first date! Get a platter for two, forget the silverware and your inhibitions and dig in! Use the pancake-like bread as scoops and eat like the natives! I love this place so much. Always a fun place to eat
(4)
Pete B.
Really, really, really good.
(4)
Danielle C.
So good! I am glad my fellow yelp-ers recommended it. Since it was my first time eating Ethiopian I went with the vegetarian combo (pick 4). My favorite was the yellow split peas. Friendly staff and outstanding food!
(4)
Randy G.
This was the first restaurant I had Ethiopian food. I truly would prefer to eat at this Ethiopian place than any other. Even after having Ethiopian food in Africa, I still think this is the best. The sweetest woman, Altu, open the restaurant years ago. She makes the place feel so nice and warm and cooks her food with lots of love. The decor is very casual and traditional. The tables are setup so you eat as a group. The cost is very resonable as well. Truly the best Ethiopian...
(5)
Brett C.
I had high hopes for this place, but was kinda let down. I went here for their vegetarian options, which were good, for a good price, but didn't wow me. My wife and I went for Dinner, but really, this is more of a lunch place. We walked in and sat at some sort of wicker cone shaped table, which I found hard to eat at. Our waitress was kinda pushy. We walked in and sat down, and the she was already asking what we wanted to eat. We told her we've never been here before, and we'll need some time. She comes back about 30 seconds later, then again another minute later asking what we want. Just give us some time! If I were to eat here again, it would be for take out. And the vegetarian options seem to be nothing else but peas and beans. Maybe this is part of Ethiopian culture? I don't know, but there has to be more vegetarian options in Ethiopian Cuisine.
(3)
Amy P.
Awesome place!!! I absolutely love it. The food is fresh. They are flexible with the orders if you want vegetarian or non-veg. They also have great service and help you if you don't know what to order. I recommend getting a sampler if you are going with a big group and then getting more of ones you like after. If you've never had Ethiopian, this place is relatively authentic so it will be a great experience!
(5)
Ronnie C.
LOVE Altu's. I've only had Ethiopian food at three different restaurants, so I'm no expert in this specific genre of food, but I do know that Altu's is consistently delicious and offers many options for vegetarians and those of the meatier persuasion. Food tends to be spicy and is very flavorful and filling. The service is always great, free music on Saturdays is a lot of fun, and the prices are reasonable. Take out is very fast, but I usually like to eat in.
(5)
Holly Z.
I've been a fan of the Blue Nile restaurant for several years now, and was sad to leave it behind when I left Ann Arbor. After moving to Lansing, I was pleased to discover another Ethiopian restaurant, Altus, that I thought may be an adequate substitute. The food is traditional Ethiopian: All you can eat veggies +/- meat on the squishy bread whose name I can never remember. The food is great-- on par with Blue Nile, but Altus gets docked a star for the fast-foody atmosphere and Lipton-style tea. Still, this is a great alternative to the deep fried lunch for shoppers at nearby Frandor or downtown East Lansing.
(4)
Mark G.
Don't tip over 10%! Servers only drop the plate on the table. Want H2O? Take a hike, get your own, over there. Food was OK, I had a spicy lamb dish which was indeed spicy, but not worth $14! I could get a whole lamb shank with rice and veggies in Greek Town/Detroit for the same price. Meat was a bit tough, dosa-like bread was served cold. Very little veggies on the side. I won't be going back....
(2)
Noelle K.
Altu's is definitely the most unique restaurant in this college town. I am surprised that more people do not know about it. Every dish is made fresh daily and after 15 years, the restaurant offers an array of vegetarian options for the vegan and vegetarian minded. The veggie sampler is one of my favorites to order because it comes with Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens plus lots of Injera bread. The plus about eating Ethiopian food is eating with your hands. A wonderful hot tea is an option to enjoy with your meal. The environment is cozy and intimate. There is live music on Saturday's too!
(5)
Miss P.
Very impressed! Clean place, friendly staff, fast service and absolutely delicious! The spicy chicken and beef are amazing. The presentation was also great. We got the combo for 3 which filled up all 3 of us and then some. Only downer is that its pretty expensive. Wont stop me from returning though.
(4)
Jeffrey C.
Altu's feels like home to me, but I'll state that I am biased towards earthy vegetarian foods. That said I think the portions are very acceptable for the price and everything whether vegetarian or not is very satisfying. I would especially recommend the lamb or the spicy lentils. On Saturday's they also have a great variety of live local musicians which makes the trip all the better.
(5)
Belinda T.
I'm from D.C. This is a wonderful taste of home. D.C. is a haven for Ethiopian cuisine. Altu's is authentic and wholesome and yummy. Who could ask for more? The new renovations and expansions make the dining space comfortable and welcoming. I highly recommend it.
(4)
R S.
This restaurant is an insult to Ethiopian food. The decor is stereotypical to please customers. But, the food is just horrible. We had the vegetarian platter. There is no passion put into the food. The food was bland, or spicy, but seemed like eating left overs. The Ingera was boring, and cold. The nly thing we enjoyed was the spiced tea and the fountain drinks.
(1)
Michael K.
Wonderful place. The experience inside is very nice and they book great live music on Saturday nights. I recommend the samplers, because it's fun to share with others! The collard greens are excellent, as are the white bean & potato and lentil stews. I haven't tried anything with meat yet, but all the meat dishes look and smell superb. I like how they do the injera bread. I've had it at other Ethiopian places and it tastes and feels like a wet pancake. At Altu's, it's crisp on the edges, has a little bit of a stretch and chew to it and has a delicious sourdough-type tang. Go to Altu's. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
Aaron J.
Best Ethiopian in Michigan. Reasonable prices and a very friendly staff make this charming place a must for anyone with a taste for Ethiopian. The spicy dishes are especially wonderful as are the collard greens.
(5)
April J.
Definitely the best Ethiopian I've had. I love Altu's injera - not too sour but it has great flavor. I also love the spicy chicken and the spicy lentils! The cabbage is wonderful as well. I would recommend this to anyone looking for some good Ethiopian food in Michigan as I haven't had any luck anywhere else. Delicious, reasonably priced, easily my favorite.
(5)
Megan I.
I don't claim to be an authority on "authentic" Ethiopian cuisine, but I can say that I've been to a few Ethiopian restaurants, and Altu's is by far my favorite. That it's in the Lansing area, which is pretty much a cultural wasteland when it comes to restaurants, makes it even more surprising when you visit. If you can find it, that is -- it's in a little strip mall, so keep an eagle-eye out for it, because it's easy to miss. The basic component of any Ethiopian meal is the injera. Altu's injera is great -- sour, but not too sour so as to compete with the flavor of the food. "A suggestion of sour" is probably the best way to describe it. And though I love meat, I recommend going for the vegetarian dishes -- that's where the real strength of the restaurant is. (Although their lamb is pretty darn good, too.) My favorites: the lima beans and the spicy ground peas mixed with greens. Amazingly good. The cabbage that comes on the side will make you wish for an entire bowl of it, though you'd probably regret it later. Or your partner would. And when you go up for your drink, skip the Coke products and try their spiced iced tea, which is hands-down the best iced tea in town.
(5)
Eric P.
For Ethiopian food in Lansing, my one experience at Altu's would suggest that it's a good choice. I went with my sister and her boyfriend the other day, and we split the vegetarian feast. In all honesty, I only recognized a couple of the dishes, but they were all pretty decent. One or two of them tasted very similar to each other, but that may have just been my imagination. A plus for this place, though, is that they seemed to use teff in their injera, which isn't universal among local Ethiopian restaurants. *cough* Blue Nile *cough* In some respects, I've had better elsewhere, but Altu's is certainly a good choice for something different in the Lansing area.
(3)
amy g.
Even though I'm not a vegetarian, I really appreciate really good, flavorful & unique vegetarian dishes. Whenever I go out to dinner, I do try to scope out something vegetarian to eat (sometimes burgers win) but I think it's interesting what amazing food can be made with vegetables & no meat. This is one of the best examples of what incredible flavor & texture & combinations you can have jump at you with simple ingredients. Just amazing. And so much fun to eat with your hands! The spiced tea was good also with some sugar :D
(5)
Ed C.
Short: Very tasty, but the menu is small. They have several vegetarian options (most are bean based, but they have Ethiopean collard greens), however I've never ordered anything other than the vegetarian sampler. For only slightly more than the price of a single entree, you get a decent sized portion of each of dishes, all on delicious injera (sponge bread). One sampler is enough for two people. As good as it is, I wish they had more options. Also, I wish they had Ethiopean beer.
(4)
Stephyelp j.
We had the meal for 3 for $39.00. We chose the spicy chicken, mild lamb, yellow peas, red lentils and lima beans. It was served on a large platter lined with injeera bread, with extra rolls of injeera for each of us. The drinks were help-yourself at the soft drink machine. The staff was very friendly. We LOVED it so much we had a hard time slowing down to talk to each other! If you like Indian food, and mildly spicy Chinese food, you'll LOVE this food. Their injeera is a little less sour than the one at Blue Nile, and a little thinner. You get utensils with your meal, but eating with fingers and the injeera was so fun. Everything came warm and fragrant. We're not small people, and one of the 3 of us is a teenage swimmer, and we left full and very happy.
(4)
Olive S.
Altu's is a must whenever I'm in the Lansing area.... just soooo flavorful, I always consider getting an additional carryout order. I'm a vegetarian, and the lentils, etc. are perfection. Important to support wonderful family-owned businesses like this one!
(5)
Misi P.
I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about Ethiopian food, but I decided to give it a try. I had been meaning to go to Altu's for some time, but it's one of those things where you have to be in the mood to be experimental. And when I'm starving, I'm not. Altu's has a nice, almost Caribbean vibe, which I wasn't expecting. You can either sit booths or at these large baskets that have a surface for eating. The waitstaff is nice, I just thought it was kind of weird that you sat down and looked at the menu, then you went up to the counter to order. I had chicken stew with cabbage for lunch. Most meals are served on this spongy flatbread, which is kind of cool for the texture, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth that I don't enjoy. The stew was kind of spicy, and the taste a little hard to explain, but it wasn't too bad. I was expecting a little more flavour out of my cabbage, but well...beggars can't be too choicy now, can they? Not a good spot to go on a first date. Great for noshing with your friends at lunch.
(3)
Hank M.
Very good food and service. "Different" atmosphere. Good price points. I love the Blue Nile in AA. As such, I was not expecting much from Altu's but was very impressed. I found the lentils, spicy beef and chicken to be very good and comparable to the Blue Nile. The atmosphere is "different" in a good way. Wicker tables mixed with more traditional tables. The building itself appears to be a remodeled 7-11, but it works. I found the pricing to be fair, esp. for the amount of food provided.
(4)
Ken K.
Be careful when trying to find this place, because you're likely to drive right by it. I'd driven by countless times without even realizing the small complex it's in was there. But once I went looking for it, I discovered a diamond in the rough. Altu's sure doesn't look like much on the outside. It's on the end of a small string of businesses that share a building. I was expecting a hole in the wall but was pleasantly surprised. The place was spotless and decorated in a palm tree/Caribbean motif. I'm sure it's Ethiopian as well, but I've never been there. They've obviously put a lot of time and effort into making the place look nice. My co-worker and I sat at a table instead of the wicker tables and chairs since we weren't sure what to expect. After perusing the menu, we decided to split a vegetarian sampler. Never having had Ethiopian before, I wasn't sure what it was going to taste like, but I thought everything was superb. A couple of the stews were slightly bland, but the "spicy" ones were awesome. I'm not a huge fan of really hot and spicy food, so please don't think this will burn your lips or anything even close to it. The cabbage was awesome too. My favorite part was the bread. It's like a sponge crossed with a pancake crossed with sourdough bread. The texture and taste make the meal. I also loved that the giant piece the sampler was sitting on soaked up all the goodness, making sure the two of us ate every last scrap. We're both pretty big guys, and we were stuffed. I read some people complain about the menu variety. It seemed pretty big to me, especially for a small joint run by a family. If you want huge variety, go to a chain. I'll stick with my local folks who do a few things and do them well.
(4)
Crystal I.
I have only had Ethiopian a handful of times, and only two other places, so I am by no means an expert. But I've been to places that are nationally known and respected in Dallas and Los Angeles, so i don't think my palate is completely ignorant when it comes to Ethiopian food. We sat ourselves and were advised as to where to find the cold drinks and the hot tea. They have a good selection between soda, tea, beer and a small bar area with a great selection of better brands. I ordered one of the sambusas which I really enjoyed, the texture was wonderful, both the pastry and the filling, and I couldn't help dipping bites into the sauce from my husband's spicy chicken breast, which was an amazing combination of flavors. My husband ordered one of the combos (mild beef and spicy chicken breast) and I ordered the veggie combo with the collard greens with spicy ground peas, the white peas and potatoes, the mild yellow lentils, and the Lima beans. You would never guess from the texture the chicken breast is chicken breast. It is tender and moist and beautifully prepared. It is pretty spicy, but with plenty of injera even the folks who don't like spice can handle it. Followed up by tomatoes from the salad (wrapped in a tender injera robe) mellows the spice rapidly. The flavors were just unbeatable so if you are unsure, go who a friend who can handle the heat and steal a bite, you won't regret it. The mild beef is rich and mellow and tender and so flavorful. I was half tempted to get another order but there was no room for another bite. Of my veggie platter, the mild yellow lentils and especially the Lima beans were my favorites. The yellow lentils were addictive, but I love Lima beans, I will happily eat them as a snack or even a meal. They are pure comfort food to me in any form but these were the.best .lima.beans.ever. Creamy, smooth, but still with whole beans. So well seasoned you will never miss the meat. The white peas and potatoes and the collard greens with ground peas were both excellent, although I neglected them a bit because I couldn't keep my mitts off the lentils and limas and in spite of not having eaten since breakfast I just ran out of room. But it was all excellent, there wasn't one bite that wasn't perfect. The injera was amazing, completely on par with other places I have tried, light, spongy, delicate, tender and yes, beautifully sour. I think injera is one of life's great pleasures and we Americans have been sorely deprived. You can't go wrong, here folks. If you want to be the foodie in the know, pay a few visits, get to know the menu, and start bringing your foodie friends for a tour of all the delicious food Ethiopia has to offer. They will swear you are the cleverest of foodies and your knowledge will never be in question. As for me, we live two hours away but I will be back! One little notice, and I'll see if I can figure out how to report it here, they are closed between lunch and dinner, from 2:30 to 4;30. But well worth planning a trip when they are open.
(5)
R. L.
I've never had Ethiopian food before so I have no comparison, but Altu's is super yummy. Great flavors, friendly service, and an easy-going atmosphere. It's a great lunch or dinner spot with good portions and plenty of vegetarian options. Check it out. Edited only because since visiting Altu's I've been to other Ethiopian restaurants that have much more depth and flavor in their food. I still appreciate Altu's existence in EL though.
(3)
Pete B.
Really, really, really good.
(4)
Danielle C.
So good! I am glad my fellow yelp-ers recommended it. Since it was my first time eating Ethiopian I went with the vegetarian combo (pick 4). My favorite was the yellow split peas. Friendly staff and outstanding food!
(4)
Chris G.
I have been to Altu's several times now with coworkers who visit nearly every week. Having been to a variety of Ethiopian dining establishments in many cities I'd say unequivocally that Altu's stacks up well to NYC, LA, Miami and Chicago. Walking in I noticed the self-serve beverage center, the unfortunate presence of silverware as an option (Ethiopian should be eaten with the Ethiopian bread called Injera), and the decor. I'm not sure if the decor is authentic Ethiopian or not, but it looks nice in the setting and certainly adds to the atmosphere. I've had both vegetarian and carnivorous options on Altu's menu and everything has been top notch. From the lentils to the salad... from the beef to the lamb everything has been well prepared and holds great flavor. It helps that as a spicy food enthusiast my team likes it HOT, so we usually get some of the spicier options on the menu. I'll certainly be back frequently, with or without my coworkers.
(4)
Betsy A.
Average Ethiopian food - but I'm giving it 4 stars rather than 3 since this is Lansing and good restaurants can be hard to come by; I LOVE Ethiopian food, so when I found out there was this outpost in Lansing, I was excited. I've been to ump-teen Ethiopian places in D.C. and NYC, and Atlu's certainly falls somewhere in the middle of my past experiences. The injera is slightly more tangy than other places and the curries are certainly on the mild side. Several options for veggie sampler, that include some unique options I haven't seen before at other places - pinto and lima beans. But one of my fav's was missing - the carrot/potato/green bean dish (please add this, Altu's). One odd thing about Altu's - rather than serve the entire table's order on a communal platter of injera, Altu's divvies up everyone's order onto individual plates. Takes away from the communal eating experience, but I suppose some alterations had to be made for Michigan norms. Avoid the sambusas - they are super-fried, dripping with oil. I'll certainly return!
(4)
David S.
I've been here a few times now and my only beef with the place was the lack of beer and the awful look to the place. Well, I spent the summer away and came back today to see both issues had been rectified! Not only did the place get a beautiful face lift, but they now have beer on tap (good variety for the amount of taps). Any way, the food is super excelente! I've never tasted chicken as good as the chicken breast stew and those darn garlic pinto beans are to die for! I love this food. It's so refreshing to have a place like this in Lansing where I can let my taste buds adventure out from the ordinary!
(5)
Taebin R.
Awesome food and great service. I recommend the platter for X people, my wife and I got one for 2 and left very full with food still on the platter. I also recommend a smoothie. The bread was something like a sourdough pancake for thoes that have never tried it and it works well for dipping up the delicious food. The chicken beast has large cubed chunks and was my favorite.
(5)
Steven L.
Thought this place was very good and reasonably priced. I am originally from Oakland/Berkeley CA and there was a significant Ethiopian community there. This place compares favorably to those. I also like the informal style ... somewhat like a cafe. That makes it easier to take young kids ... though you might have trouble finding enough mild on the menu spice wise if you have really young kids.
(4)
Priya R.
I love Ethiopian food and was so glad when I found out about this place. It's definitely not the best I've had but I was so glad that there was one in the area that I just had to write a review about it. We actually went there in a large group (8-10 people) and they were able to seat us all for lunch. It's great food, vegan and vegetarian friendly, and a fun experience if you've never tried it.
(4)
Shady F.
I have tried Ethiopian food in several places before which I liked, but the food here wasn't fresh and we couldn't finish the meal. Moreover, my friend asked a meal without chickpeas but we had it!
(2)
Deb K.
Visited for lunch today and ordered the vegetarian feast for two. Loved all of the food and the spiced hot tea. Will definitely be back to try more dishes.
(5)
Lylian D.
I have never had Ethiopian food before and boy was I missing out! My sister took me here to have me try Ethiopian food for the first time and it was a fantastic experience! We opted for the pick two meat combo, spicy chicken and spicy sirloin meat stew. It came with a salad which was so tasty and I generally do not rave about salads, so you know it's good. If you like even more spicyness, then you must ask them for the green chili paste concoction. Everything was so flavorful and balanced. I can't wait to go back to el just to eat at Altu's.
(5)
Robble R.
I was nervous to try Ethiopian food for the first time. Some told me it was bland, that the bread was "weird", etc. I ordered the spicy beef stew with spicy lentils with half bread and half rice. It was delicious! The "bread" was a spongy crepe like bread and was perfect for scooping the stew and rice into. The spice was perfect for me - nice balance of heat and flavor. I want to order the lamb next. I ordered with a group for pick up, so we didn't dine in, however I peeked around at the dining room - so quaint and inviting. I will definitely go back to experience the entire dining event! Thumbs up.
(5)
CV C.
I have a really close Ethiopian friend, so I am very well-versed in Ethiopian everything, specially the food. I have to say that this place lacks that "real Ethiopian taste", but the food is still tasty. The owners are really great people and the decoration is very unique. I would recommend the spicy lamb with injera.
(3)
Clay R.
Love this place. It's outside of the 'bun' for sure, but not so different that you're gonna freak out. Fairly limited menu, but good people who own it and delish unique food thatll fill you up w/o weighing you down. I disagree with the comment saying it's not a place for a first date! Get a platter for two, forget the silverware and your inhibitions and dig in! Use the pancake-like bread as scoops and eat like the natives! I love this place so much. Always a fun place to eat
(4)
Shannon W.
Altu's is my favorite restaurant in East Lansing! When asked what I will miss most about Michigan State after graduation I always say, "Altu's!" For a date night, the Ethiopian feast for two is a must. I personally love the spicy beef and the spicy chicken stew along with the spicy lentils (absolute fav), the chickpeas, and the greens. It is the perfect combination! When the platter comes out you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount food, but I promise you will finish it every time! Not only does Altu's have incredible food, the staff is also very friendly and they are extremely helpful with guiding you though the menu and making suggestions for first timers. You will not leave disappointed!
(5)
Jes P.
WOW - that is some tangy injera. I've never had any quite like that before! As far as Ethiopian goes, this wasn't my favorite mostly because the 'spicy' dishes were a bit on the bland side compared to other Ethiopian restaurants I've been to. I couldn't taste anything in the 'mild' dishes except the main veg or meat itself and the split yellow peas had something funky going on the day I ate there. It's nice that they serve alcohol and also spiced teas and coffee. Altu's is located in a strip mall right next door to a battery outlet business. It's a bit on the casual side but definitely has potential for an 'upgrade'.
(3)
Hera Q.
I'm not normally a fan of Ethiopian food but Altu's is pretty good. It's a quiet restaurant with polite and professional staff. Prices are reasonable and service is fast. The food was alright, nothing to rave about.
(3)
Kyeli S.
Excellent food, great atmosphere. A few variations on the standard fare. A note: they've anglicized the names of the food, so it may be a bit tricky to find your usual favs if you're not really familiar with them. But the waiter knew his stuff and was happy to re-translate for us! (:
(5)
Brett C.
I had high hopes for this place, but was kinda let down. I went here for their vegetarian options, which were good, for a good price, but didn't wow me. My wife and I went for Dinner, but really, this is more of a lunch place. We walked in and sat at some sort of wicker cone shaped table, which I found hard to eat at. Our waitress was kinda pushy. We walked in and sat down, and the she was already asking what we wanted to eat. We told her we've never been here before, and we'll need some time. She comes back about 30 seconds later, then again another minute later asking what we want. Just give us some time! If I were to eat here again, it would be for take out. And the vegetarian options seem to be nothing else but peas and beans. Maybe this is part of Ethiopian culture? I don't know, but there has to be more vegetarian options in Ethiopian Cuisine.
(3)
Amy P.
Awesome place!!! I absolutely love it. The food is fresh. They are flexible with the orders if you want vegetarian or non-veg. They also have great service and help you if you don't know what to order. I recommend getting a sampler if you are going with a big group and then getting more of ones you like after. If you've never had Ethiopian, this place is relatively authentic so it will be a great experience!
(5)
Ronnie C.
LOVE Altu's. I've only had Ethiopian food at three different restaurants, so I'm no expert in this specific genre of food, but I do know that Altu's is consistently delicious and offers many options for vegetarians and those of the meatier persuasion. Food tends to be spicy and is very flavorful and filling. The service is always great, free music on Saturdays is a lot of fun, and the prices are reasonable. Take out is very fast, but I usually like to eat in.
(5)
Stephyelp j.
We had the meal for 3 for $39.00. We chose the spicy chicken, mild lamb, yellow peas, red lentils and lima beans. It was served on a large platter lined with injeera bread, with extra rolls of injeera for each of us. The drinks were help-yourself at the soft drink machine. The staff was very friendly. We LOVED it so much we had a hard time slowing down to talk to each other! If you like Indian food, and mildly spicy Chinese food, you'll LOVE this food. Their injeera is a little less sour than the one at Blue Nile, and a little thinner. You get utensils with your meal, but eating with fingers and the injeera was so fun. Everything came warm and fragrant. We're not small people, and one of the 3 of us is a teenage swimmer, and we left full and very happy.
(4)
Carlos A.
The Wife and I love Altu's. It has good prices and the food is incredible. We usually order two Combo #8s which comes with a SPICY (not used loosely here) chicken stew and lentils. Add the tasty cabbage and spongy bread and you have yourself a tasty and filling meal. The people who own the spot are real nice and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Matt G.
I've been going to Altu's off and on for the last few years. Last time I visited I noticed that they had remodeled, and the place is much more comfortable now. You still have to get your own drinks, though. It doesn't bother me, though. The food was my first introduction to Ethiopian food, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a new set of flavors. The food is similar in some ways to South Asian curries, but the spices used give a completely different flavor. Altu's offers a number of meat and vegetable stews served with injera, an Ethiopian flatbread made from teff. Traditionally, the food is eaten using the injera rather than silverware, but forks and spoons are available. A good meal can be ordered for under $10, and everything I've tried has been excellent, although I've tried more of the vegetarian dishes than the meat ones. I recommend Altu's to anyone who wants to try something new and hard to find in Michigan.
(4)
Anna S.
The best Ethiopian cuisine I've had! I only wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. Much better than the Blue Nile (chain in Ann Arbor -the only Ethiopian restaurant I know of around here). The service is great and the food is excellent. There is a wonderful variety of foods including vegetarian cuisine, and the quality of ingredients is great. I also like the atmosphere, there is a nice ambiance and it is not a huge restaurant. And yes, spicy means spicy. I LOVE IT!
(5)
Holly Z.
I've been a fan of the Blue Nile restaurant for several years now, and was sad to leave it behind when I left Ann Arbor. After moving to Lansing, I was pleased to discover another Ethiopian restaurant, Altus, that I thought may be an adequate substitute. The food is traditional Ethiopian: All you can eat veggies +/- meat on the squishy bread whose name I can never remember. The food is great-- on par with Blue Nile, but Altus gets docked a star for the fast-foody atmosphere and Lipton-style tea. Still, this is a great alternative to the deep fried lunch for shoppers at nearby Frandor or downtown East Lansing.
(4)
Olive S.
Altu's is a must whenever I'm in the Lansing area.... just soooo flavorful, I always consider getting an additional carryout order. I'm a vegetarian, and the lentils, etc. are perfection. Important to support wonderful family-owned businesses like this one!
(5)
Misi P.
I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about Ethiopian food, but I decided to give it a try. I had been meaning to go to Altu's for some time, but it's one of those things where you have to be in the mood to be experimental. And when I'm starving, I'm not. Altu's has a nice, almost Caribbean vibe, which I wasn't expecting. You can either sit booths or at these large baskets that have a surface for eating. The waitstaff is nice, I just thought it was kind of weird that you sat down and looked at the menu, then you went up to the counter to order. I had chicken stew with cabbage for lunch. Most meals are served on this spongy flatbread, which is kind of cool for the texture, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth that I don't enjoy. The stew was kind of spicy, and the taste a little hard to explain, but it wasn't too bad. I was expecting a little more flavour out of my cabbage, but well...beggars can't be too choicy now, can they? Not a good spot to go on a first date. Great for noshing with your friends at lunch.
(3)
Jill V.
I love the food at Altu's. My family has always gotten a big meat/veggie platter to share. The inerja bread here is fantastic as are the spices and the chicken legs. I've never eaten anything here that didn't taste great. The missing star is because of the drink situation and the space. The space needs updating to feel more restaurant-y and less like a cafe. The drinks are self-serve at a soda fountain. The atmosphere would be greatly improved if these were served to your table in a more sophisticated manner.
(4)
Karen C.
Food was great! We ordered a dinner feast with 3 vegetarian dishes and 2 meat dishes. My favorite was the spicy beef, chicken breast and spicy ground peas from the dinner feast. The sambusas were awesome and only $1 each (vegetarian). The dinner feast for 3 (we had 4 four people and there was plenty of food) was $40, which includes drinks. The service is quite slow. You go up to the counter to pay so don't wait around for the bill. I would come back again!
(4)
John L.
Delicious food! Arrangement is a bit odd, though. Apparently, you are supposed to get yourself a drink and silverware, then sit down to order. Food was excellent. Next time I think I'm getting my food with the rice (delicious!) instead of the bread. The bread for me was a bit odd, although it is customary. It's kind of like a pancake...
(4)
Meredith B.
As far as I know, this is the only place to get Ethiopian food in Lansing. That makes the place special right off the bat. It's a shame, because it's such a fun and delicious cuisine, that there aren't more local options! I should say that I have been spoiled by the wonderful Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago and as such, I am a little more picky about it. Altu's is owned by a woman named (unsurprisingly) Altu, and she does a nice job bringing these new flavors to mid-Michigan. Any city is better with an Ethiopian restaurant in it. This is a very casual restaurant, with an array of booths, tables, and...um...let's call them "special tables" where you sit in chairs around a platter-centerpiece (I'm so good at describing this), almost like a colorful wicker stand where the plate goes. This is where my parents and I sat. There weren't too many people on a Thursday night - I think I saw three other tables of patrons so it's fairly quiet. It's comfortable, but the thing I don't like about it is the lights. They are on full brightness, and feel like office lights. I think restaurants should be a little dimmer, to provide a more relaxing ambiance. It's amazing how much that takes away from the experience! We ordered fruit smoothies; they don't serve alcohol and I didn't see anybody bringing it. I don't know if it's BYOB but I don't get the impression that it is, I didn't see any signs indicating it or anything on the menu. I think that's too bad - dinner restaurants should offer at least a BYOB option so that people can bring some wine or beer to enjoy with their meal. The fruit smoothies, while delicious, are really too heavy to be eaten comfortably with the meal. They are thick with what seems like yogurt, and more of a snack on their own than a beverage to be consumed with dinner. I saved most of mine for breakfast this morning. They are good though, thick and creamy with fresh fruity taste. They are made to order of course, and if several people at your table get one it can take a while. Mine actually came out after the meal was brought! We ordered a combo meat and veggie feast, which meant 3 veggie items and 2 meat. If you get the feast, you have limited options for which food you want (can't order off the whole menu, just a limited array of "feast" options). We got lima beans, spicy lentils, and collard greens for veggies; our meat choices were spicy beef and mild chicken drumsticks. As a nice touch, we got an extra portion of what I think was cabbage, and a little lettuce/tomato salad that none of us ate since we were there for the Ethiopian goods! Everything was tasty - I think the lima beans and the collard greens were the standouts. So often in Ethiopian food, the vegetarian dishes are the best and this was no exception. My main disappointments were that the spicy dishes weren't very spicy at all, and that the meats were a bit tough. Well, not-tender is more accurate. Chicken didn't fall off the bone and had to be pulled, beef a bit chewy. I think vegetarian items are your best bets, and don't expect anything that says spicy to really burn your tongue! And $40 was a great deal for thee people to get absolutely stuffed. If this is your introduction to Ethiopian cuisine I think you'll be very satisfied, but if you are someone who eats it regularly I don't think this would end up being among your favorites. It is a fun place to go with a big group and try lots of different dishes! By the way, drinks are self-service except the smoothies. And you pay at the front, which we learned after waiting for 10 minutes wondering why nobody was coming by to take the plate or bring the check!
(3)
Xtina G.
My favorite restaurant in E. Lansing so far. I've had Ethiopian in NYC several times, and although I've never been to Ethiopia the food here is *legit by my comparison. I was really excited when we passed it on the way to the SOS/DMV office, and I was happy to read all the positive reviews. We tried it early on Thursday evening, and it was relatively empty. I hope they do more business other times b/c this is a gem not to be lost! It also has cute decor. We had the Veggie and Meat Platter for 2 selecting spicy lentils, spicy beef, spicy chicken... you get the idea. It was my husband's first introduction to Ethiopian, and he loved it. If you enjoy rich spicy food, this is the place for you. We ate with our hands, and finished everything. As with most first-timers my husband was a little put off by the vinegary injera bread, but I assured him after a couple more meals there he'd get used to it and appreciate it. Lamb is not included in the platter combos, so we might order that a la carte next time, but the spicy beef was top notch. The spicy chicken drums didn't have a ton of meat on them so we might try a different cut next time. The platter also comes with drinks, so I had a mixed iced tea and lemonade which perfectly complimented the meal. It has a little bite to it too... I think maybe ginger in the tea. My husband had a draft beer, which is nice they have some on tap. I'll have one next time I'm not driving. Already can't wait to go back.
This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and it was delicious! I want to come here everyday. I recommend it to anyone. But beware it can be very spicy! The Friday special is my favorite!
(5)
Briana P.
My first time eating Ethiopian, and I loved it. The place was pretty quiet on a weekday night, but the food was awesome. Everything we tasted was good. Service was excellent. Lima beans were my favorite!
(4)
Sam G.
Not awful but not great either. The injera is nice and sour but isn't as fresh as it could be. The lima beans are definitely the most impressive of the veggie dishes. We scarfed them down first. The spicy lentils are more hot-spice than layered-spice and the collard greens were fairly flavorless. The yellow peas were bland but the texture was good. The Saturday-night act was pretty painful to listen to and ruined what otherwise would be a fairly cozy atmosphere. Service was prompt and friendly.
(3)
Liz A.
i'm like your average fan of ethiopian food... i like it and i think it's interesting and super tasty and who doesn't like eating shit with their hands, but i also am not like OH MY GOD ETHIOPIAN the way i am like OH MY GOD KOREAN or OH MY GOD A JEWISH DELI or OH MY GOD DONUTS. for being the only game in town, altu's is really good, and by that i mean it would be really good even if it were not the only game in town. it's all your average american ethiopian restaurant staples made at a high level of quality. service is really friendly and drinks (non alcoholic only) are included with your meal. sadly lansing does not have the same it's not really legal but "no alcohol on the menu = byob" policy that other cities generally do. the ambience is strip mall-ish, but it is in a strip mall so what do you expect. also you don't have to worry about parking. i have nothing else to say on this topic but i am very glad altu's is a dining option here.
(4)
Tiffany H.
I've been to Altu's twice, and it's a strange, incongruous place. From traditional African basket-style tables to island hut decor to vinyl booths and plastic Coke glasses, it's got it all, in a matter of speaking. On a recent Saturday night, a cute old couple played Beatles covers in the corner - not quite what I expected from reading on their website that they had live music. But it has a nice, chill atmosphere and the servers are very friendly. Foodwise, the highlight is the Ethiopian bread, which is a spongy sourdough-like pancake that soaks up the flavor of the dish. The first time I went, I ordered the spicy beef and vegetables from their dinner menu. The beef was flavorful, but I think the vegetables came from one of those frozen mixed veggie bags of corn, carrot cubes, and green beans, which I was not a fan of. The second time I went was for lunch with coworkers, and I ordered the spicy lentils, which were very good. The collard greens are really well seasoned and come as a side with dinner; the iceberg lettuce salad, not so much (again with the incongruity!). If you're comfortable with your dining companions, sit at the basket tables and all your orders will come on one giant platter - perfect for sharing!
(3)
Kara H.
I love me some Ethiopian food, so I was glad to find this restaurant so close to my new house. I went for dinner and shared the meat sampler for two. It was delicious! You get the choice of two meats and three vegetable dishes, along with a never ending supply of their special bread and drinks. Sadly there was not an endless plate option, but the shared dish was enough for both of us.
(4)
Kathryn S.
This is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Lansing. I eat here about once a month. My boyfriend and I usually order the vegetarian feast for 2. Service is very fast and very friendly. I love the atmosphere and decor. Their cabbage is my absolute favorite thing. So savory and it almost melts in the mouth. And their salad! The dressing in soooo good! Oh and of course the sponge bread! Just delicious! I highly recommend this place! Lunch special deals are such a good bargain here too!
(5)
Aaron J.
Best Ethiopian in Michigan. Reasonable prices and a very friendly staff make this charming place a must for anyone with a taste for Ethiopian. The spicy dishes are especially wonderful as are the collard greens.
(5)
April J.
Definitely the best Ethiopian I've had. I love Altu's injera - not too sour but it has great flavor. I also love the spicy chicken and the spicy lentils! The cabbage is wonderful as well. I would recommend this to anyone looking for some good Ethiopian food in Michigan as I haven't had any luck anywhere else. Delicious, reasonably priced, easily my favorite.
(5)
Diann K.
My first time eating Ethiopian food. Amazing, delightful, spicy, but just the right amount of heat. Chicken, lentils, peas, cabbage, greens, perfectly compliment each other. I can't wait to come back on my next visit.
(4)
Derek K.
Don't let the outside of the restaurant deceive you; it's actually really nice inside! I recommend the group plates if you walk in with friend. They also have live music on Friday nights.
(4)
Professor C.
Great to have good Ethiopian food available in East Lansing, as good as what I've had in some larger US cities (though menu is not as extensive). Eating with your hands using their delicious spongy flatbread to scoop up the delicious food (mostly stew & saucy type stuff) is fun. Very reasonable prices, cozy atmosphere and clearly run by an owner who seems to care about the place. Occasionally I have gotten some chewy pieces of lamb or sirloin beef. There are mild options but this is a place best enjoyed by those who like some spice in their food.
(4)
Lilyan T.
I love love love me some Altu's!! There is a limited amount of non-franchise restaurants in Lansing with unique flavors so when I discovered Altu's I was thrilled! This is my go to place. I am never disappointed, the food is always hot, the service is always fast and the fact that this is family owned make it that much more special. The food is high quality and is reasonably priced.
(5)
Shawna S.
I am a huge fan of Ethiopian food and was SO happy when I found Altu's. The first time I frequented Altu's I had to search a bit for it. But like many have said, it is a true diamond in the rough (with the best Ethiopian food I have had)! Every time I drive through East Lansing, I find myself wanting to stop for take-out. The food is amazing! The injera is soft and fresh with perfect flavor (that tiny bit of sour to it). I really enjoy the vegetarian sampler. For a very reasonable price (unlike the Ethiopian joint in Ann Arbor) you get Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens, and a generous portion at that. Altu's has inspired me to cook Ethiopian at home on occasion because you can truly tell what ingredients/spices are in the meals.
(5)
Ken K.
Be careful when trying to find this place, because you're likely to drive right by it. I'd driven by countless times without even realizing the small complex it's in was there. But once I went looking for it, I discovered a diamond in the rough. Altu's sure doesn't look like much on the outside. It's on the end of a small string of businesses that share a building. I was expecting a hole in the wall but was pleasantly surprised. The place was spotless and decorated in a palm tree/Caribbean motif. I'm sure it's Ethiopian as well, but I've never been there. They've obviously put a lot of time and effort into making the place look nice. My co-worker and I sat at a table instead of the wicker tables and chairs since we weren't sure what to expect. After perusing the menu, we decided to split a vegetarian sampler. Never having had Ethiopian before, I wasn't sure what it was going to taste like, but I thought everything was superb. A couple of the stews were slightly bland, but the "spicy" ones were awesome. I'm not a huge fan of really hot and spicy food, so please don't think this will burn your lips or anything even close to it. The cabbage was awesome too. My favorite part was the bread. It's like a sponge crossed with a pancake crossed with sourdough bread. The texture and taste make the meal. I also loved that the giant piece the sampler was sitting on soaked up all the goodness, making sure the two of us ate every last scrap. We're both pretty big guys, and we were stuffed. I read some people complain about the menu variety. It seemed pretty big to me, especially for a small joint run by a family. If you want huge variety, go to a chain. I'll stick with my local folks who do a few things and do them well.
(4)
David M.
Before coming to Altu's I had never had Ethiopian food, but it is incredible. If it's a first for you, it is kind of an adventure and takes a bit of bravery, but once you start eating with your hands, nothing can really stop you. As someone mentioned, the bread which is the main utensil does have a sour taste to it, and it takes some getting used to but if you expect it then it is delicious, and it's really fun to scoop food out of the platter with the bread. The thing they put the platter on is also pretty neat, and the top comes off and makes quite a fashionable hat, which you can't really say about any other place.
(5)
Eri K.
Once again, thanks Yelp! Why oh why was this gem not around when I went to MSU?! Not fair! We shared a yummy veg meal while passing through town. If you like lima beans, this place will rock your world! The hot tea is also excellent:)
(4)
Elizabeth Z.
Super yummy food, especially when you're looking for something different. The cabbage is so awesome, and they don't give you nearly enough. The spicy lentils are probably my favorite. It's a great place if you're not a picky eater and are willing to try new foods. This place seems to be good for vegetarians, and it's fun to be able to serve yourself your own pop. I've never been to the Blue Nile in Ferndale, even though I live closer there, but I've heard that Altu's is the way to go. Every time I've gone, it's usually me and maybe one other table. Very prompt and friendly service with delightful music in the background. Oh, and the tea is very good as well.
(5)
Kat H.
What a treat! My husband and I are moving to EL soon and we had dinner here when we were visitinig. It was fantastic! We had the vegetarian feast for two and were delighted. It's great to have the four different sauces so you can try them all. I LOVED the lima beans and will try them next time we go. We are both vegetarians - it's so great to see so many options! The service was also fantastic - the best I've had in a restaurant in a while. The young woman who helped up explained everything and was very friendly and attentive. Also, we went on a Friday night, when they have live music. We were sitting near the small stage, and I was a little nervous that it would be too loud, but it started without me even noticing. There was just one musician playing a stringed instrument and singing quietly. It perfectly fit the ambiance of the place. What a great restaurant - so glad it is located in our future home town!
(5)
AJ O.
Wow! Amazing, amazing food. Charming atmosphere. Very low prices. The exterior of the building gives a wrong impression, but It's charming inside. I thoroughly enjoyed eating here and will go back the next time I'm in East Lansing. Bravo, Altu's!
(5)
Erin F.
i thought the food was good, but overpriced for the amount of food I received and given that it was a vegetarian meal. I've eaten at many Ethiopian restaurants and many other kinds of restaurants in the area where I would receive at least twice the amount food for the same price. Also, I was told where the tea and water were for self-serve -- I thought this meant that they were included in the meal. But when I went to pay, they added a charge for the tea, which I would not have taken if had I known the price.
(2)
R S.
This restaurant is an insult to Ethiopian food. The decor is stereotypical to please customers. But, the food is just horrible. We had the vegetarian platter. There is no passion put into the food. The food was bland, or spicy, but seemed like eating left overs. The Ingera was boring, and cold. The nly thing we enjoyed was the spiced tea and the fountain drinks.
(1)
Ed C.
Short: Very tasty, but the menu is small. They have several vegetarian options (most are bean based, but they have Ethiopean collard greens), however I've never ordered anything other than the vegetarian sampler. For only slightly more than the price of a single entree, you get a decent sized portion of each of dishes, all on delicious injera (sponge bread). One sampler is enough for two people. As good as it is, I wish they had more options. Also, I wish they had Ethiopean beer.
(4)
Michael K.
Wonderful place. The experience inside is very nice and they book great live music on Saturday nights. I recommend the samplers, because it's fun to share with others! The collard greens are excellent, as are the white bean & potato and lentil stews. I haven't tried anything with meat yet, but all the meat dishes look and smell superb. I like how they do the injera bread. I've had it at other Ethiopian places and it tastes and feels like a wet pancake. At Altu's, it's crisp on the edges, has a little bit of a stretch and chew to it and has a delicious sourdough-type tang. Go to Altu's. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
Noelle K.
Altu's is definitely the most unique restaurant in this college town. I am surprised that more people do not know about it. Every dish is made fresh daily and after 15 years, the restaurant offers an array of vegetarian options for the vegan and vegetarian minded. The veggie sampler is one of my favorites to order because it comes with Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens plus lots of Injera bread. The plus about eating Ethiopian food is eating with your hands. A wonderful hot tea is an option to enjoy with your meal. The environment is cozy and intimate. There is live music on Saturday's too!
(5)
Miss P.
Very impressed! Clean place, friendly staff, fast service and absolutely delicious! The spicy chicken and beef are amazing. The presentation was also great. We got the combo for 3 which filled up all 3 of us and then some. Only downer is that its pretty expensive. Wont stop me from returning though.
(4)
Randy G.
This was the first restaurant I had Ethiopian food. I truly would prefer to eat at this Ethiopian place than any other. Even after having Ethiopian food in Africa, I still think this is the best. The sweetest woman, Altu, open the restaurant years ago. She makes the place feel so nice and warm and cooks her food with lots of love. The decor is very casual and traditional. The tables are setup so you eat as a group. The cost is very resonable as well. Truly the best Ethiopian...
(5)
Mark G.
Don't tip over 10%! Servers only drop the plate on the table. Want H2O? Take a hike, get your own, over there. Food was OK, I had a spicy lamb dish which was indeed spicy, but not worth $14! I could get a whole lamb shank with rice and veggies in Greek Town/Detroit for the same price. Meat was a bit tough, dosa-like bread was served cold. Very little veggies on the side. I won't be going back....
(2)
Jeffrey C.
Altu's feels like home to me, but I'll state that I am biased towards earthy vegetarian foods. That said I think the portions are very acceptable for the price and everything whether vegetarian or not is very satisfying. I would especially recommend the lamb or the spicy lentils. On Saturday's they also have a great variety of live local musicians which makes the trip all the better.
(5)
Belinda T.
I'm from D.C. This is a wonderful taste of home. D.C. is a haven for Ethiopian cuisine. Altu's is authentic and wholesome and yummy. Who could ask for more? The new renovations and expansions make the dining space comfortable and welcoming. I highly recommend it.
(4)
Megan I.
I don't claim to be an authority on "authentic" Ethiopian cuisine, but I can say that I've been to a few Ethiopian restaurants, and Altu's is by far my favorite. That it's in the Lansing area, which is pretty much a cultural wasteland when it comes to restaurants, makes it even more surprising when you visit. If you can find it, that is -- it's in a little strip mall, so keep an eagle-eye out for it, because it's easy to miss. The basic component of any Ethiopian meal is the injera. Altu's injera is great -- sour, but not too sour so as to compete with the flavor of the food. "A suggestion of sour" is probably the best way to describe it. And though I love meat, I recommend going for the vegetarian dishes -- that's where the real strength of the restaurant is. (Although their lamb is pretty darn good, too.) My favorites: the lima beans and the spicy ground peas mixed with greens. Amazingly good. The cabbage that comes on the side will make you wish for an entire bowl of it, though you'd probably regret it later. Or your partner would. And when you go up for your drink, skip the Coke products and try their spiced iced tea, which is hands-down the best iced tea in town.
(5)
Eric P.
For Ethiopian food in Lansing, my one experience at Altu's would suggest that it's a good choice. I went with my sister and her boyfriend the other day, and we split the vegetarian feast. In all honesty, I only recognized a couple of the dishes, but they were all pretty decent. One or two of them tasted very similar to each other, but that may have just been my imagination. A plus for this place, though, is that they seemed to use teff in their injera, which isn't universal among local Ethiopian restaurants. *cough* Blue Nile *cough* In some respects, I've had better elsewhere, but Altu's is certainly a good choice for something different in the Lansing area.
(3)
amy g.
Even though I'm not a vegetarian, I really appreciate really good, flavorful & unique vegetarian dishes. Whenever I go out to dinner, I do try to scope out something vegetarian to eat (sometimes burgers win) but I think it's interesting what amazing food can be made with vegetables & no meat. This is one of the best examples of what incredible flavor & texture & combinations you can have jump at you with simple ingredients. Just amazing. And so much fun to eat with your hands! The spiced tea was good also with some sugar :D
(5)
Hank M.
Very good food and service. "Different" atmosphere. Good price points. I love the Blue Nile in AA. As such, I was not expecting much from Altu's but was very impressed. I found the lentils, spicy beef and chicken to be very good and comparable to the Blue Nile. The atmosphere is "different" in a good way. Wicker tables mixed with more traditional tables. The building itself appears to be a remodeled 7-11, but it works. I found the pricing to be fair, esp. for the amount of food provided.
(4)
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Address :1312 Michigan Ave
East Lansing, MI, 48823
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Randy G.
This was the first restaurant I had Ethiopian food. I truly would prefer to eat at this Ethiopian place than any other. Even after having Ethiopian food in Africa, I still think this is the best. The sweetest woman, Altu, open the restaurant years ago. She makes the place feel so nice and warm and cooks her food with lots of love. The decor is very casual and traditional. The tables are setup so you eat as a group. The cost is very resonable as well. Truly the best Ethiopian...
(5)Mark G.
Don't tip over 10%! Servers only drop the plate on the table. Want H2O? Take a hike, get your own, over there. Food was OK, I had a spicy lamb dish which was indeed spicy, but not worth $14! I could get a whole lamb shank with rice and veggies in Greek Town/Detroit for the same price. Meat was a bit tough, dosa-like bread was served cold. Very little veggies on the side. I won't be going back....
(2)Noelle K.
Altu's is definitely the most unique restaurant in this college town. I am surprised that more people do not know about it. Every dish is made fresh daily and after 15 years, the restaurant offers an array of vegetarian options for the vegan and vegetarian minded. The veggie sampler is one of my favorites to order because it comes with Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens plus lots of Injera bread. The plus about eating Ethiopian food is eating with your hands. A wonderful hot tea is an option to enjoy with your meal. The environment is cozy and intimate. There is live music on Saturday's too!
(5)Miss P.
Very impressed! Clean place, friendly staff, fast service and absolutely delicious! The spicy chicken and beef are amazing. The presentation was also great. We got the combo for 3 which filled up all 3 of us and then some. Only downer is that its pretty expensive. Wont stop me from returning though.
(4)Jeffrey C.
Altu's feels like home to me, but I'll state that I am biased towards earthy vegetarian foods. That said I think the portions are very acceptable for the price and everything whether vegetarian or not is very satisfying. I would especially recommend the lamb or the spicy lentils. On Saturday's they also have a great variety of live local musicians which makes the trip all the better.
(5)Belinda T.
I'm from D.C. This is a wonderful taste of home. D.C. is a haven for Ethiopian cuisine. Altu's is authentic and wholesome and yummy. Who could ask for more? The new renovations and expansions make the dining space comfortable and welcoming. I highly recommend it.
(4)Shannon W.
Altu's is my favorite restaurant in East Lansing! When asked what I will miss most about Michigan State after graduation I always say, "Altu's!" For a date night, the Ethiopian feast for two is a must. I personally love the spicy beef and the spicy chicken stew along with the spicy lentils (absolute fav), the chickpeas, and the greens. It is the perfect combination! When the platter comes out you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount food, but I promise you will finish it every time! Not only does Altu's have incredible food, the staff is also very friendly and they are extremely helpful with guiding you though the menu and making suggestions for first timers. You will not leave disappointed!
(5)Jes P.
WOW - that is some tangy injera. I've never had any quite like that before! As far as Ethiopian goes, this wasn't my favorite mostly because the 'spicy' dishes were a bit on the bland side compared to other Ethiopian restaurants I've been to. I couldn't taste anything in the 'mild' dishes except the main veg or meat itself and the split yellow peas had something funky going on the day I ate there. It's nice that they serve alcohol and also spiced teas and coffee. Altu's is located in a strip mall right next door to a battery outlet business. It's a bit on the casual side but definitely has potential for an 'upgrade'.
(3)Lylian D.
I have never had Ethiopian food before and boy was I missing out! My sister took me here to have me try Ethiopian food for the first time and it was a fantastic experience! We opted for the pick two meat combo, spicy chicken and spicy sirloin meat stew. It came with a salad which was so tasty and I generally do not rave about salads, so you know it's good. If you like even more spicyness, then you must ask them for the green chili paste concoction. Everything was so flavorful and balanced. I can't wait to go back to el just to eat at Altu's.
(5)Robble R.
I was nervous to try Ethiopian food for the first time. Some told me it was bland, that the bread was "weird", etc. I ordered the spicy beef stew with spicy lentils with half bread and half rice. It was delicious! The "bread" was a spongy crepe like bread and was perfect for scooping the stew and rice into. The spice was perfect for me - nice balance of heat and flavor. I want to order the lamb next. I ordered with a group for pick up, so we didn't dine in, however I peeked around at the dining room - so quaint and inviting. I will definitely go back to experience the entire dining event! Thumbs up.
(5)CV C.
I have a really close Ethiopian friend, so I am very well-versed in Ethiopian everything, specially the food. I have to say that this place lacks that "real Ethiopian taste", but the food is still tasty. The owners are really great people and the decoration is very unique. I would recommend the spicy lamb with injera.
(3)Shady F.
I have tried Ethiopian food in several places before which I liked, but the food here wasn't fresh and we couldn't finish the meal. Moreover, my friend asked a meal without chickpeas but we had it!
(2)Deb K.
Visited for lunch today and ordered the vegetarian feast for two. Loved all of the food and the spiced hot tea. Will definitely be back to try more dishes.
(5)Karen C.
Food was great! We ordered a dinner feast with 3 vegetarian dishes and 2 meat dishes. My favorite was the spicy beef, chicken breast and spicy ground peas from the dinner feast. The sambusas were awesome and only $1 each (vegetarian). The dinner feast for 3 (we had 4 four people and there was plenty of food) was $40, which includes drinks. The service is quite slow. You go up to the counter to pay so don't wait around for the bill. I would come back again!
(4)Derek K.
Don't let the outside of the restaurant deceive you; it's actually really nice inside! I recommend the group plates if you walk in with friend. They also have live music on Friday nights.
(4)Professor C.
Great to have good Ethiopian food available in East Lansing, as good as what I've had in some larger US cities (though menu is not as extensive). Eating with your hands using their delicious spongy flatbread to scoop up the delicious food (mostly stew & saucy type stuff) is fun. Very reasonable prices, cozy atmosphere and clearly run by an owner who seems to care about the place. Occasionally I have gotten some chewy pieces of lamb or sirloin beef. There are mild options but this is a place best enjoyed by those who like some spice in their food.
(4)Lilyan T.
I love love love me some Altu's!! There is a limited amount of non-franchise restaurants in Lansing with unique flavors so when I discovered Altu's I was thrilled! This is my go to place. I am never disappointed, the food is always hot, the service is always fast and the fact that this is family owned make it that much more special. The food is high quality and is reasonably priced.
(5)Shawna S.
I am a huge fan of Ethiopian food and was SO happy when I found Altu's. The first time I frequented Altu's I had to search a bit for it. But like many have said, it is a true diamond in the rough (with the best Ethiopian food I have had)! Every time I drive through East Lansing, I find myself wanting to stop for take-out. The food is amazing! The injera is soft and fresh with perfect flavor (that tiny bit of sour to it). I really enjoy the vegetarian sampler. For a very reasonable price (unlike the Ethiopian joint in Ann Arbor) you get Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens, and a generous portion at that. Altu's has inspired me to cook Ethiopian at home on occasion because you can truly tell what ingredients/spices are in the meals.
(5)Briana P.
My first time eating Ethiopian, and I loved it. The place was pretty quiet on a weekday night, but the food was awesome. Everything we tasted was good. Service was excellent. Lima beans were my favorite!
(4)Sam G.
Not awful but not great either. The injera is nice and sour but isn't as fresh as it could be. The lima beans are definitely the most impressive of the veggie dishes. We scarfed them down first. The spicy lentils are more hot-spice than layered-spice and the collard greens were fairly flavorless. The yellow peas were bland but the texture was good. The Saturday-night act was pretty painful to listen to and ruined what otherwise would be a fairly cozy atmosphere. Service was prompt and friendly.
(3)Clay R.
Love this place. It's outside of the 'bun' for sure, but not so different that you're gonna freak out. Fairly limited menu, but good people who own it and delish unique food thatll fill you up w/o weighing you down. I disagree with the comment saying it's not a place for a first date! Get a platter for two, forget the silverware and your inhibitions and dig in! Use the pancake-like bread as scoops and eat like the natives! I love this place so much. Always a fun place to eat
(4)Pete B.
Really, really, really good.
(4)Kyeli S.
Excellent food, great atmosphere. A few variations on the standard fare. A note: they've anglicized the names of the food, so it may be a bit tricky to find your usual favs if you're not really familiar with them. But the waiter knew his stuff and was happy to re-translate for us! (:
(5)Steven L.
Thought this place was very good and reasonably priced. I am originally from Oakland/Berkeley CA and there was a significant Ethiopian community there. This place compares favorably to those. I also like the informal style ... somewhat like a cafe. That makes it easier to take young kids ... though you might have trouble finding enough mild on the menu spice wise if you have really young kids.
(4)Chris G.
I have been to Altu's several times now with coworkers who visit nearly every week. Having been to a variety of Ethiopian dining establishments in many cities I'd say unequivocally that Altu's stacks up well to NYC, LA, Miami and Chicago. Walking in I noticed the self-serve beverage center, the unfortunate presence of silverware as an option (Ethiopian should be eaten with the Ethiopian bread called Injera), and the decor. I'm not sure if the decor is authentic Ethiopian or not, but it looks nice in the setting and certainly adds to the atmosphere. I've had both vegetarian and carnivorous options on Altu's menu and everything has been top notch. From the lentils to the salad... from the beef to the lamb everything has been well prepared and holds great flavor. It helps that as a spicy food enthusiast my team likes it HOT, so we usually get some of the spicier options on the menu. I'll certainly be back frequently, with or without my coworkers.
(4)Jill V.
I love the food at Altu's. My family has always gotten a big meat/veggie platter to share. The inerja bread here is fantastic as are the spices and the chicken legs. I've never eaten anything here that didn't taste great. The missing star is because of the drink situation and the space. The space needs updating to feel more restaurant-y and less like a cafe. The drinks are self-serve at a soda fountain. The atmosphere would be greatly improved if these were served to your table in a more sophisticated manner.
(4)Priya R.
I love Ethiopian food and was so glad when I found out about this place. It's definitely not the best I've had but I was so glad that there was one in the area that I just had to write a review about it. We actually went there in a large group (8-10 people) and they were able to seat us all for lunch. It's great food, vegan and vegetarian friendly, and a fun experience if you've never tried it.
(4)Betsy A.
Average Ethiopian food - but I'm giving it 4 stars rather than 3 since this is Lansing and good restaurants can be hard to come by; I LOVE Ethiopian food, so when I found out there was this outpost in Lansing, I was excited. I've been to ump-teen Ethiopian places in D.C. and NYC, and Atlu's certainly falls somewhere in the middle of my past experiences. The injera is slightly more tangy than other places and the curries are certainly on the mild side. Several options for veggie sampler, that include some unique options I haven't seen before at other places - pinto and lima beans. But one of my fav's was missing - the carrot/potato/green bean dish (please add this, Altu's). One odd thing about Altu's - rather than serve the entire table's order on a communal platter of injera, Altu's divvies up everyone's order onto individual plates. Takes away from the communal eating experience, but I suppose some alterations had to be made for Michigan norms. Avoid the sambusas - they are super-fried, dripping with oil. I'll certainly return!
(4)David S.
I've been here a few times now and my only beef with the place was the lack of beer and the awful look to the place. Well, I spent the summer away and came back today to see both issues had been rectified! Not only did the place get a beautiful face lift, but they now have beer on tap (good variety for the amount of taps). Any way, the food is super excelente! I've never tasted chicken as good as the chicken breast stew and those darn garlic pinto beans are to die for! I love this food. It's so refreshing to have a place like this in Lansing where I can let my taste buds adventure out from the ordinary!
(5)John L.
Delicious food! Arrangement is a bit odd, though. Apparently, you are supposed to get yourself a drink and silverware, then sit down to order. Food was excellent. Next time I think I'm getting my food with the rice (delicious!) instead of the bread. The bread for me was a bit odd, although it is customary. It's kind of like a pancake...
(4)Taebin R.
Awesome food and great service. I recommend the platter for X people, my wife and I got one for 2 and left very full with food still on the platter. I also recommend a smoothie. The bread was something like a sourdough pancake for thoes that have never tried it and it works well for dipping up the delicious food. The chicken beast has large cubed chunks and was my favorite.
(5)Xtina G.
My favorite restaurant in E. Lansing so far. I've had Ethiopian in NYC several times, and although I've never been to Ethiopia the food here is *legit by my comparison. I was really excited when we passed it on the way to the SOS/DMV office, and I was happy to read all the positive reviews. We tried it early on Thursday evening, and it was relatively empty. I hope they do more business other times b/c this is a gem not to be lost! It also has cute decor. We had the Veggie and Meat Platter for 2 selecting spicy lentils, spicy beef, spicy chicken... you get the idea. It was my husband's first introduction to Ethiopian, and he loved it. If you enjoy rich spicy food, this is the place for you. We ate with our hands, and finished everything. As with most first-timers my husband was a little put off by the vinegary injera bread, but I assured him after a couple more meals there he'd get used to it and appreciate it. Lamb is not included in the platter combos, so we might order that a la carte next time, but the spicy beef was top notch. The spicy chicken drums didn't have a ton of meat on them so we might try a different cut next time. The platter also comes with drinks, so I had a mixed iced tea and lemonade which perfectly complimented the meal. It has a little bite to it too... I think maybe ginger in the tea. My husband had a draft beer, which is nice they have some on tap. I'll have one next time I'm not driving. Already can't wait to go back.
(5)M D.
Would give it 5 stars except for the price - pretty expensive - but SO GOOD. In my opinion Ethiopian food is kind of similar to Indian but better. I always get the sampler with the beef stew as I think the beef is the best thing there. The people are nice and the restaurant is clean and comfortable with cute décor and ambient lighting.
(4)Kaitlyn R.
This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and it was delicious! I want to come here everyday. I recommend it to anyone. But beware it can be very spicy! The Friday special is my favorite!
(5)Liz A.
i'm like your average fan of ethiopian food... i like it and i think it's interesting and super tasty and who doesn't like eating shit with their hands, but i also am not like OH MY GOD ETHIOPIAN the way i am like OH MY GOD KOREAN or OH MY GOD A JEWISH DELI or OH MY GOD DONUTS. for being the only game in town, altu's is really good, and by that i mean it would be really good even if it were not the only game in town. it's all your average american ethiopian restaurant staples made at a high level of quality. service is really friendly and drinks (non alcoholic only) are included with your meal. sadly lansing does not have the same it's not really legal but "no alcohol on the menu = byob" policy that other cities generally do. the ambience is strip mall-ish, but it is in a strip mall so what do you expect. also you don't have to worry about parking. i have nothing else to say on this topic but i am very glad altu's is a dining option here.
(4)Diann K.
My first time eating Ethiopian food. Amazing, delightful, spicy, but just the right amount of heat. Chicken, lentils, peas, cabbage, greens, perfectly compliment each other. I can't wait to come back on my next visit.
(4)Meredith B.
As far as I know, this is the only place to get Ethiopian food in Lansing. That makes the place special right off the bat. It's a shame, because it's such a fun and delicious cuisine, that there aren't more local options! I should say that I have been spoiled by the wonderful Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago and as such, I am a little more picky about it. Altu's is owned by a woman named (unsurprisingly) Altu, and she does a nice job bringing these new flavors to mid-Michigan. Any city is better with an Ethiopian restaurant in it. This is a very casual restaurant, with an array of booths, tables, and...um...let's call them "special tables" where you sit in chairs around a platter-centerpiece (I'm so good at describing this), almost like a colorful wicker stand where the plate goes. This is where my parents and I sat. There weren't too many people on a Thursday night - I think I saw three other tables of patrons so it's fairly quiet. It's comfortable, but the thing I don't like about it is the lights. They are on full brightness, and feel like office lights. I think restaurants should be a little dimmer, to provide a more relaxing ambiance. It's amazing how much that takes away from the experience! We ordered fruit smoothies; they don't serve alcohol and I didn't see anybody bringing it. I don't know if it's BYOB but I don't get the impression that it is, I didn't see any signs indicating it or anything on the menu. I think that's too bad - dinner restaurants should offer at least a BYOB option so that people can bring some wine or beer to enjoy with their meal. The fruit smoothies, while delicious, are really too heavy to be eaten comfortably with the meal. They are thick with what seems like yogurt, and more of a snack on their own than a beverage to be consumed with dinner. I saved most of mine for breakfast this morning. They are good though, thick and creamy with fresh fruity taste. They are made to order of course, and if several people at your table get one it can take a while. Mine actually came out after the meal was brought! We ordered a combo meat and veggie feast, which meant 3 veggie items and 2 meat. If you get the feast, you have limited options for which food you want (can't order off the whole menu, just a limited array of "feast" options). We got lima beans, spicy lentils, and collard greens for veggies; our meat choices were spicy beef and mild chicken drumsticks. As a nice touch, we got an extra portion of what I think was cabbage, and a little lettuce/tomato salad that none of us ate since we were there for the Ethiopian goods! Everything was tasty - I think the lima beans and the collard greens were the standouts. So often in Ethiopian food, the vegetarian dishes are the best and this was no exception. My main disappointments were that the spicy dishes weren't very spicy at all, and that the meats were a bit tough. Well, not-tender is more accurate. Chicken didn't fall off the bone and had to be pulled, beef a bit chewy. I think vegetarian items are your best bets, and don't expect anything that says spicy to really burn your tongue! And $40 was a great deal for thee people to get absolutely stuffed. If this is your introduction to Ethiopian cuisine I think you'll be very satisfied, but if you are someone who eats it regularly I don't think this would end up being among your favorites. It is a fun place to go with a big group and try lots of different dishes! By the way, drinks are self-service except the smoothies. And you pay at the front, which we learned after waiting for 10 minutes wondering why nobody was coming by to take the plate or bring the check!
(3)Crystal I.
I have only had Ethiopian a handful of times, and only two other places, so I am by no means an expert. But I've been to places that are nationally known and respected in Dallas and Los Angeles, so i don't think my palate is completely ignorant when it comes to Ethiopian food. We sat ourselves and were advised as to where to find the cold drinks and the hot tea. They have a good selection between soda, tea, beer and a small bar area with a great selection of better brands. I ordered one of the sambusas which I really enjoyed, the texture was wonderful, both the pastry and the filling, and I couldn't help dipping bites into the sauce from my husband's spicy chicken breast, which was an amazing combination of flavors. My husband ordered one of the combos (mild beef and spicy chicken breast) and I ordered the veggie combo with the collard greens with spicy ground peas, the white peas and potatoes, the mild yellow lentils, and the Lima beans. You would never guess from the texture the chicken breast is chicken breast. It is tender and moist and beautifully prepared. It is pretty spicy, but with plenty of injera even the folks who don't like spice can handle it. Followed up by tomatoes from the salad (wrapped in a tender injera robe) mellows the spice rapidly. The flavors were just unbeatable so if you are unsure, go who a friend who can handle the heat and steal a bite, you won't regret it. The mild beef is rich and mellow and tender and so flavorful. I was half tempted to get another order but there was no room for another bite. Of my veggie platter, the mild yellow lentils and especially the Lima beans were my favorites. The yellow lentils were addictive, but I love Lima beans, I will happily eat them as a snack or even a meal. They are pure comfort food to me in any form but these were the.best .lima.beans.ever. Creamy, smooth, but still with whole beans. So well seasoned you will never miss the meat. The white peas and potatoes and the collard greens with ground peas were both excellent, although I neglected them a bit because I couldn't keep my mitts off the lentils and limas and in spite of not having eaten since breakfast I just ran out of room. But it was all excellent, there wasn't one bite that wasn't perfect. The injera was amazing, completely on par with other places I have tried, light, spongy, delicate, tender and yes, beautifully sour. I think injera is one of life's great pleasures and we Americans have been sorely deprived. You can't go wrong, here folks. If you want to be the foodie in the know, pay a few visits, get to know the menu, and start bringing your foodie friends for a tour of all the delicious food Ethiopia has to offer. They will swear you are the cleverest of foodies and your knowledge will never be in question. As for me, we live two hours away but I will be back! One little notice, and I'll see if I can figure out how to report it here, they are closed between lunch and dinner, from 2:30 to 4;30. But well worth planning a trip when they are open.
(5)R. L.
I've never had Ethiopian food before so I have no comparison, but Altu's is super yummy. Great flavors, friendly service, and an easy-going atmosphere. It's a great lunch or dinner spot with good portions and plenty of vegetarian options. Check it out. Edited only because since visiting Altu's I've been to other Ethiopian restaurants that have much more depth and flavor in their food. I still appreciate Altu's existence in EL though.
(3)Danielle C.
So good! I am glad my fellow yelp-ers recommended it. Since it was my first time eating Ethiopian I went with the vegetarian combo (pick 4). My favorite was the yellow split peas. Friendly staff and outstanding food!
(4)Tiffany H.
I've been to Altu's twice, and it's a strange, incongruous place. From traditional African basket-style tables to island hut decor to vinyl booths and plastic Coke glasses, it's got it all, in a matter of speaking. On a recent Saturday night, a cute old couple played Beatles covers in the corner - not quite what I expected from reading on their website that they had live music. But it has a nice, chill atmosphere and the servers are very friendly. Foodwise, the highlight is the Ethiopian bread, which is a spongy sourdough-like pancake that soaks up the flavor of the dish. The first time I went, I ordered the spicy beef and vegetables from their dinner menu. The beef was flavorful, but I think the vegetables came from one of those frozen mixed veggie bags of corn, carrot cubes, and green beans, which I was not a fan of. The second time I went was for lunch with coworkers, and I ordered the spicy lentils, which were very good. The collard greens are really well seasoned and come as a side with dinner; the iceberg lettuce salad, not so much (again with the incongruity!). If you're comfortable with your dining companions, sit at the basket tables and all your orders will come on one giant platter - perfect for sharing!
(3)Kara H.
I love me some Ethiopian food, so I was glad to find this restaurant so close to my new house. I went for dinner and shared the meat sampler for two. It was delicious! You get the choice of two meats and three vegetable dishes, along with a never ending supply of their special bread and drinks. Sadly there was not an endless plate option, but the shared dish was enough for both of us.
(4)Kathryn S.
This is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Lansing. I eat here about once a month. My boyfriend and I usually order the vegetarian feast for 2. Service is very fast and very friendly. I love the atmosphere and decor. Their cabbage is my absolute favorite thing. So savory and it almost melts in the mouth. And their salad! The dressing in soooo good! Oh and of course the sponge bread! Just delicious! I highly recommend this place! Lunch special deals are such a good bargain here too!
(5)Aaron J.
Best Ethiopian in Michigan. Reasonable prices and a very friendly staff make this charming place a must for anyone with a taste for Ethiopian. The spicy dishes are especially wonderful as are the collard greens.
(5)April J.
Definitely the best Ethiopian I've had. I love Altu's injera - not too sour but it has great flavor. I also love the spicy chicken and the spicy lentils! The cabbage is wonderful as well. I would recommend this to anyone looking for some good Ethiopian food in Michigan as I haven't had any luck anywhere else. Delicious, reasonably priced, easily my favorite.
(5)Megan I.
I don't claim to be an authority on "authentic" Ethiopian cuisine, but I can say that I've been to a few Ethiopian restaurants, and Altu's is by far my favorite. That it's in the Lansing area, which is pretty much a cultural wasteland when it comes to restaurants, makes it even more surprising when you visit. If you can find it, that is -- it's in a little strip mall, so keep an eagle-eye out for it, because it's easy to miss. The basic component of any Ethiopian meal is the injera. Altu's injera is great -- sour, but not too sour so as to compete with the flavor of the food. "A suggestion of sour" is probably the best way to describe it. And though I love meat, I recommend going for the vegetarian dishes -- that's where the real strength of the restaurant is. (Although their lamb is pretty darn good, too.) My favorites: the lima beans and the spicy ground peas mixed with greens. Amazingly good. The cabbage that comes on the side will make you wish for an entire bowl of it, though you'd probably regret it later. Or your partner would. And when you go up for your drink, skip the Coke products and try their spiced iced tea, which is hands-down the best iced tea in town.
(5)Eric P.
For Ethiopian food in Lansing, my one experience at Altu's would suggest that it's a good choice. I went with my sister and her boyfriend the other day, and we split the vegetarian feast. In all honesty, I only recognized a couple of the dishes, but they were all pretty decent. One or two of them tasted very similar to each other, but that may have just been my imagination. A plus for this place, though, is that they seemed to use teff in their injera, which isn't universal among local Ethiopian restaurants. *cough* Blue Nile *cough* In some respects, I've had better elsewhere, but Altu's is certainly a good choice for something different in the Lansing area.
(3)amy g.
Even though I'm not a vegetarian, I really appreciate really good, flavorful & unique vegetarian dishes. Whenever I go out to dinner, I do try to scope out something vegetarian to eat (sometimes burgers win) but I think it's interesting what amazing food can be made with vegetables & no meat. This is one of the best examples of what incredible flavor & texture & combinations you can have jump at you with simple ingredients. Just amazing. And so much fun to eat with your hands! The spiced tea was good also with some sugar :D
(5)Hank M.
Very good food and service. "Different" atmosphere. Good price points. I love the Blue Nile in AA. As such, I was not expecting much from Altu's but was very impressed. I found the lentils, spicy beef and chicken to be very good and comparable to the Blue Nile. The atmosphere is "different" in a good way. Wicker tables mixed with more traditional tables. The building itself appears to be a remodeled 7-11, but it works. I found the pricing to be fair, esp. for the amount of food provided.
(4)Ken K.
Be careful when trying to find this place, because you're likely to drive right by it. I'd driven by countless times without even realizing the small complex it's in was there. But once I went looking for it, I discovered a diamond in the rough. Altu's sure doesn't look like much on the outside. It's on the end of a small string of businesses that share a building. I was expecting a hole in the wall but was pleasantly surprised. The place was spotless and decorated in a palm tree/Caribbean motif. I'm sure it's Ethiopian as well, but I've never been there. They've obviously put a lot of time and effort into making the place look nice. My co-worker and I sat at a table instead of the wicker tables and chairs since we weren't sure what to expect. After perusing the menu, we decided to split a vegetarian sampler. Never having had Ethiopian before, I wasn't sure what it was going to taste like, but I thought everything was superb. A couple of the stews were slightly bland, but the "spicy" ones were awesome. I'm not a huge fan of really hot and spicy food, so please don't think this will burn your lips or anything even close to it. The cabbage was awesome too. My favorite part was the bread. It's like a sponge crossed with a pancake crossed with sourdough bread. The texture and taste make the meal. I also loved that the giant piece the sampler was sitting on soaked up all the goodness, making sure the two of us ate every last scrap. We're both pretty big guys, and we were stuffed. I read some people complain about the menu variety. It seemed pretty big to me, especially for a small joint run by a family. If you want huge variety, go to a chain. I'll stick with my local folks who do a few things and do them well.
(4)David M.
Before coming to Altu's I had never had Ethiopian food, but it is incredible. If it's a first for you, it is kind of an adventure and takes a bit of bravery, but once you start eating with your hands, nothing can really stop you. As someone mentioned, the bread which is the main utensil does have a sour taste to it, and it takes some getting used to but if you expect it then it is delicious, and it's really fun to scoop food out of the platter with the bread. The thing they put the platter on is also pretty neat, and the top comes off and makes quite a fashionable hat, which you can't really say about any other place.
(5)Eri K.
Once again, thanks Yelp! Why oh why was this gem not around when I went to MSU?! Not fair! We shared a yummy veg meal while passing through town. If you like lima beans, this place will rock your world! The hot tea is also excellent:)
(4)Elizabeth Z.
Super yummy food, especially when you're looking for something different. The cabbage is so awesome, and they don't give you nearly enough. The spicy lentils are probably my favorite. It's a great place if you're not a picky eater and are willing to try new foods. This place seems to be good for vegetarians, and it's fun to be able to serve yourself your own pop. I've never been to the Blue Nile in Ferndale, even though I live closer there, but I've heard that Altu's is the way to go. Every time I've gone, it's usually me and maybe one other table. Very prompt and friendly service with delightful music in the background. Oh, and the tea is very good as well.
(5)Kat H.
What a treat! My husband and I are moving to EL soon and we had dinner here when we were visitinig. It was fantastic! We had the vegetarian feast for two and were delighted. It's great to have the four different sauces so you can try them all. I LOVED the lima beans and will try them next time we go. We are both vegetarians - it's so great to see so many options! The service was also fantastic - the best I've had in a restaurant in a while. The young woman who helped up explained everything and was very friendly and attentive. Also, we went on a Friday night, when they have live music. We were sitting near the small stage, and I was a little nervous that it would be too loud, but it started without me even noticing. There was just one musician playing a stringed instrument and singing quietly. It perfectly fit the ambiance of the place. What a great restaurant - so glad it is located in our future home town!
(5)AJ O.
Wow! Amazing, amazing food. Charming atmosphere. Very low prices. The exterior of the building gives a wrong impression, but It's charming inside. I thoroughly enjoyed eating here and will go back the next time I'm in East Lansing. Bravo, Altu's!
(5)Erin F.
i thought the food was good, but overpriced for the amount of food I received and given that it was a vegetarian meal. I've eaten at many Ethiopian restaurants and many other kinds of restaurants in the area where I would receive at least twice the amount food for the same price. Also, I was told where the tea and water were for self-serve -- I thought this meant that they were included in the meal. But when I went to pay, they added a charge for the tea, which I would not have taken if had I known the price.
(2)R S.
This restaurant is an insult to Ethiopian food. The decor is stereotypical to please customers. But, the food is just horrible. We had the vegetarian platter. There is no passion put into the food. The food was bland, or spicy, but seemed like eating left overs. The Ingera was boring, and cold. The nly thing we enjoyed was the spiced tea and the fountain drinks.
(1)Michael K.
Wonderful place. The experience inside is very nice and they book great live music on Saturday nights. I recommend the samplers, because it's fun to share with others! The collard greens are excellent, as are the white bean & potato and lentil stews. I haven't tried anything with meat yet, but all the meat dishes look and smell superb. I like how they do the injera bread. I've had it at other Ethiopian places and it tastes and feels like a wet pancake. At Altu's, it's crisp on the edges, has a little bit of a stretch and chew to it and has a delicious sourdough-type tang. Go to Altu's. You'll be glad you did.
(5)Ed C.
Short: Very tasty, but the menu is small. They have several vegetarian options (most are bean based, but they have Ethiopean collard greens), however I've never ordered anything other than the vegetarian sampler. For only slightly more than the price of a single entree, you get a decent sized portion of each of dishes, all on delicious injera (sponge bread). One sampler is enough for two people. As good as it is, I wish they had more options. Also, I wish they had Ethiopean beer.
(4)Brett C.
I had high hopes for this place, but was kinda let down. I went here for their vegetarian options, which were good, for a good price, but didn't wow me. My wife and I went for Dinner, but really, this is more of a lunch place. We walked in and sat at some sort of wicker cone shaped table, which I found hard to eat at. Our waitress was kinda pushy. We walked in and sat down, and the she was already asking what we wanted to eat. We told her we've never been here before, and we'll need some time. She comes back about 30 seconds later, then again another minute later asking what we want. Just give us some time! If I were to eat here again, it would be for take out. And the vegetarian options seem to be nothing else but peas and beans. Maybe this is part of Ethiopian culture? I don't know, but there has to be more vegetarian options in Ethiopian Cuisine.
(3)Amy P.
Awesome place!!! I absolutely love it. The food is fresh. They are flexible with the orders if you want vegetarian or non-veg. They also have great service and help you if you don't know what to order. I recommend getting a sampler if you are going with a big group and then getting more of ones you like after. If you've never had Ethiopian, this place is relatively authentic so it will be a great experience!
(5)Ronnie C.
LOVE Altu's. I've only had Ethiopian food at three different restaurants, so I'm no expert in this specific genre of food, but I do know that Altu's is consistently delicious and offers many options for vegetarians and those of the meatier persuasion. Food tends to be spicy and is very flavorful and filling. The service is always great, free music on Saturdays is a lot of fun, and the prices are reasonable. Take out is very fast, but I usually like to eat in.
(5)Stephyelp j.
We had the meal for 3 for $39.00. We chose the spicy chicken, mild lamb, yellow peas, red lentils and lima beans. It was served on a large platter lined with injeera bread, with extra rolls of injeera for each of us. The drinks were help-yourself at the soft drink machine. The staff was very friendly. We LOVED it so much we had a hard time slowing down to talk to each other! If you like Indian food, and mildly spicy Chinese food, you'll LOVE this food. Their injeera is a little less sour than the one at Blue Nile, and a little thinner. You get utensils with your meal, but eating with fingers and the injeera was so fun. Everything came warm and fragrant. We're not small people, and one of the 3 of us is a teenage swimmer, and we left full and very happy.
(4)Matt G.
I've been going to Altu's off and on for the last few years. Last time I visited I noticed that they had remodeled, and the place is much more comfortable now. You still have to get your own drinks, though. It doesn't bother me, though. The food was my first introduction to Ethiopian food, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a new set of flavors. The food is similar in some ways to South Asian curries, but the spices used give a completely different flavor. Altu's offers a number of meat and vegetable stews served with injera, an Ethiopian flatbread made from teff. Traditionally, the food is eaten using the injera rather than silverware, but forks and spoons are available. A good meal can be ordered for under $10, and everything I've tried has been excellent, although I've tried more of the vegetarian dishes than the meat ones. I recommend Altu's to anyone who wants to try something new and hard to find in Michigan.
(4)Anna S.
The best Ethiopian cuisine I've had! I only wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. Much better than the Blue Nile (chain in Ann Arbor -the only Ethiopian restaurant I know of around here). The service is great and the food is excellent. There is a wonderful variety of foods including vegetarian cuisine, and the quality of ingredients is great. I also like the atmosphere, there is a nice ambiance and it is not a huge restaurant. And yes, spicy means spicy. I LOVE IT!
(5)Holly Z.
I've been a fan of the Blue Nile restaurant for several years now, and was sad to leave it behind when I left Ann Arbor. After moving to Lansing, I was pleased to discover another Ethiopian restaurant, Altus, that I thought may be an adequate substitute. The food is traditional Ethiopian: All you can eat veggies +/- meat on the squishy bread whose name I can never remember. The food is great-- on par with Blue Nile, but Altus gets docked a star for the fast-foody atmosphere and Lipton-style tea. Still, this is a great alternative to the deep fried lunch for shoppers at nearby Frandor or downtown East Lansing.
(4)Olive S.
Altu's is a must whenever I'm in the Lansing area.... just soooo flavorful, I always consider getting an additional carryout order. I'm a vegetarian, and the lentils, etc. are perfection. Important to support wonderful family-owned businesses like this one!
(5)Misi P.
I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about Ethiopian food, but I decided to give it a try. I had been meaning to go to Altu's for some time, but it's one of those things where you have to be in the mood to be experimental. And when I'm starving, I'm not. Altu's has a nice, almost Caribbean vibe, which I wasn't expecting. You can either sit booths or at these large baskets that have a surface for eating. The waitstaff is nice, I just thought it was kind of weird that you sat down and looked at the menu, then you went up to the counter to order. I had chicken stew with cabbage for lunch. Most meals are served on this spongy flatbread, which is kind of cool for the texture, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth that I don't enjoy. The stew was kind of spicy, and the taste a little hard to explain, but it wasn't too bad. I was expecting a little more flavour out of my cabbage, but well...beggars can't be too choicy now, can they? Not a good spot to go on a first date. Great for noshing with your friends at lunch.
(3)Carlos A.
The Wife and I love Altu's. It has good prices and the food is incredible. We usually order two Combo #8s which comes with a SPICY (not used loosely here) chicken stew and lentils. Add the tasty cabbage and spongy bread and you have yourself a tasty and filling meal. The people who own the spot are real nice and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. I highly recommend it!
(5)Erin F.
i thought the food was good, but overpriced for the amount of food I received and given that it was a vegetarian meal. I've eaten at many Ethiopian restaurants and many other kinds of restaurants in the area where I would receive at least twice the amount food for the same price. Also, I was told where the tea and water were for self-serve -- I thought this meant that they were included in the meal. But when I went to pay, they added a charge for the tea, which I would not have taken if had I known the price.
(2)David M.
Before coming to Altu's I had never had Ethiopian food, but it is incredible. If it's a first for you, it is kind of an adventure and takes a bit of bravery, but once you start eating with your hands, nothing can really stop you. As someone mentioned, the bread which is the main utensil does have a sour taste to it, and it takes some getting used to but if you expect it then it is delicious, and it's really fun to scoop food out of the platter with the bread. The thing they put the platter on is also pretty neat, and the top comes off and makes quite a fashionable hat, which you can't really say about any other place.
(5)Eri K.
Once again, thanks Yelp! Why oh why was this gem not around when I went to MSU?! Not fair! We shared a yummy veg meal while passing through town. If you like lima beans, this place will rock your world! The hot tea is also excellent:)
(4)Elizabeth Z.
Super yummy food, especially when you're looking for something different. The cabbage is so awesome, and they don't give you nearly enough. The spicy lentils are probably my favorite. It's a great place if you're not a picky eater and are willing to try new foods. This place seems to be good for vegetarians, and it's fun to be able to serve yourself your own pop. I've never been to the Blue Nile in Ferndale, even though I live closer there, but I've heard that Altu's is the way to go. Every time I've gone, it's usually me and maybe one other table. Very prompt and friendly service with delightful music in the background. Oh, and the tea is very good as well.
(5)Kat H.
What a treat! My husband and I are moving to EL soon and we had dinner here when we were visitinig. It was fantastic! We had the vegetarian feast for two and were delighted. It's great to have the four different sauces so you can try them all. I LOVED the lima beans and will try them next time we go. We are both vegetarians - it's so great to see so many options! The service was also fantastic - the best I've had in a restaurant in a while. The young woman who helped up explained everything and was very friendly and attentive. Also, we went on a Friday night, when they have live music. We were sitting near the small stage, and I was a little nervous that it would be too loud, but it started without me even noticing. There was just one musician playing a stringed instrument and singing quietly. It perfectly fit the ambiance of the place. What a great restaurant - so glad it is located in our future home town!
(5)AJ O.
Wow! Amazing, amazing food. Charming atmosphere. Very low prices. The exterior of the building gives a wrong impression, but It's charming inside. I thoroughly enjoyed eating here and will go back the next time I'm in East Lansing. Bravo, Altu's!
(5)Matt G.
I've been going to Altu's off and on for the last few years. Last time I visited I noticed that they had remodeled, and the place is much more comfortable now. You still have to get your own drinks, though. It doesn't bother me, though. The food was my first introduction to Ethiopian food, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a new set of flavors. The food is similar in some ways to South Asian curries, but the spices used give a completely different flavor. Altu's offers a number of meat and vegetable stews served with injera, an Ethiopian flatbread made from teff. Traditionally, the food is eaten using the injera rather than silverware, but forks and spoons are available. A good meal can be ordered for under $10, and everything I've tried has been excellent, although I've tried more of the vegetarian dishes than the meat ones. I recommend Altu's to anyone who wants to try something new and hard to find in Michigan.
(4)Anna S.
The best Ethiopian cuisine I've had! I only wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. Much better than the Blue Nile (chain in Ann Arbor -the only Ethiopian restaurant I know of around here). The service is great and the food is excellent. There is a wonderful variety of foods including vegetarian cuisine, and the quality of ingredients is great. I also like the atmosphere, there is a nice ambiance and it is not a huge restaurant. And yes, spicy means spicy. I LOVE IT!
(5)Lylian D.
I have never had Ethiopian food before and boy was I missing out! My sister took me here to have me try Ethiopian food for the first time and it was a fantastic experience! We opted for the pick two meat combo, spicy chicken and spicy sirloin meat stew. It came with a salad which was so tasty and I generally do not rave about salads, so you know it's good. If you like even more spicyness, then you must ask them for the green chili paste concoction. Everything was so flavorful and balanced. I can't wait to go back to el just to eat at Altu's.
(5)Meredith B.
As far as I know, this is the only place to get Ethiopian food in Lansing. That makes the place special right off the bat. It's a shame, because it's such a fun and delicious cuisine, that there aren't more local options! I should say that I have been spoiled by the wonderful Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago and as such, I am a little more picky about it. Altu's is owned by a woman named (unsurprisingly) Altu, and she does a nice job bringing these new flavors to mid-Michigan. Any city is better with an Ethiopian restaurant in it. This is a very casual restaurant, with an array of booths, tables, and...um...let's call them "special tables" where you sit in chairs around a platter-centerpiece (I'm so good at describing this), almost like a colorful wicker stand where the plate goes. This is where my parents and I sat. There weren't too many people on a Thursday night - I think I saw three other tables of patrons so it's fairly quiet. It's comfortable, but the thing I don't like about it is the lights. They are on full brightness, and feel like office lights. I think restaurants should be a little dimmer, to provide a more relaxing ambiance. It's amazing how much that takes away from the experience! We ordered fruit smoothies; they don't serve alcohol and I didn't see anybody bringing it. I don't know if it's BYOB but I don't get the impression that it is, I didn't see any signs indicating it or anything on the menu. I think that's too bad - dinner restaurants should offer at least a BYOB option so that people can bring some wine or beer to enjoy with their meal. The fruit smoothies, while delicious, are really too heavy to be eaten comfortably with the meal. They are thick with what seems like yogurt, and more of a snack on their own than a beverage to be consumed with dinner. I saved most of mine for breakfast this morning. They are good though, thick and creamy with fresh fruity taste. They are made to order of course, and if several people at your table get one it can take a while. Mine actually came out after the meal was brought! We ordered a combo meat and veggie feast, which meant 3 veggie items and 2 meat. If you get the feast, you have limited options for which food you want (can't order off the whole menu, just a limited array of "feast" options). We got lima beans, spicy lentils, and collard greens for veggies; our meat choices were spicy beef and mild chicken drumsticks. As a nice touch, we got an extra portion of what I think was cabbage, and a little lettuce/tomato salad that none of us ate since we were there for the Ethiopian goods! Everything was tasty - I think the lima beans and the collard greens were the standouts. So often in Ethiopian food, the vegetarian dishes are the best and this was no exception. My main disappointments were that the spicy dishes weren't very spicy at all, and that the meats were a bit tough. Well, not-tender is more accurate. Chicken didn't fall off the bone and had to be pulled, beef a bit chewy. I think vegetarian items are your best bets, and don't expect anything that says spicy to really burn your tongue! And $40 was a great deal for thee people to get absolutely stuffed. If this is your introduction to Ethiopian cuisine I think you'll be very satisfied, but if you are someone who eats it regularly I don't think this would end up being among your favorites. It is a fun place to go with a big group and try lots of different dishes! By the way, drinks are self-service except the smoothies. And you pay at the front, which we learned after waiting for 10 minutes wondering why nobody was coming by to take the plate or bring the check!
(3)Robble R.
I was nervous to try Ethiopian food for the first time. Some told me it was bland, that the bread was "weird", etc. I ordered the spicy beef stew with spicy lentils with half bread and half rice. It was delicious! The "bread" was a spongy crepe like bread and was perfect for scooping the stew and rice into. The spice was perfect for me - nice balance of heat and flavor. I want to order the lamb next. I ordered with a group for pick up, so we didn't dine in, however I peeked around at the dining room - so quaint and inviting. I will definitely go back to experience the entire dining event! Thumbs up.
(5)Shannon W.
Altu's is my favorite restaurant in East Lansing! When asked what I will miss most about Michigan State after graduation I always say, "Altu's!" For a date night, the Ethiopian feast for two is a must. I personally love the spicy beef and the spicy chicken stew along with the spicy lentils (absolute fav), the chickpeas, and the greens. It is the perfect combination! When the platter comes out you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount food, but I promise you will finish it every time! Not only does Altu's have incredible food, the staff is also very friendly and they are extremely helpful with guiding you though the menu and making suggestions for first timers. You will not leave disappointed!
(5)Jes P.
WOW - that is some tangy injera. I've never had any quite like that before! As far as Ethiopian goes, this wasn't my favorite mostly because the 'spicy' dishes were a bit on the bland side compared to other Ethiopian restaurants I've been to. I couldn't taste anything in the 'mild' dishes except the main veg or meat itself and the split yellow peas had something funky going on the day I ate there. It's nice that they serve alcohol and also spiced teas and coffee. Altu's is located in a strip mall right next door to a battery outlet business. It's a bit on the casual side but definitely has potential for an 'upgrade'.
(3)Kyeli S.
Excellent food, great atmosphere. A few variations on the standard fare. A note: they've anglicized the names of the food, so it may be a bit tricky to find your usual favs if you're not really familiar with them. But the waiter knew his stuff and was happy to re-translate for us! (:
(5)Chris G.
I have been to Altu's several times now with coworkers who visit nearly every week. Having been to a variety of Ethiopian dining establishments in many cities I'd say unequivocally that Altu's stacks up well to NYC, LA, Miami and Chicago. Walking in I noticed the self-serve beverage center, the unfortunate presence of silverware as an option (Ethiopian should be eaten with the Ethiopian bread called Injera), and the decor. I'm not sure if the decor is authentic Ethiopian or not, but it looks nice in the setting and certainly adds to the atmosphere. I've had both vegetarian and carnivorous options on Altu's menu and everything has been top notch. From the lentils to the salad... from the beef to the lamb everything has been well prepared and holds great flavor. It helps that as a spicy food enthusiast my team likes it HOT, so we usually get some of the spicier options on the menu. I'll certainly be back frequently, with or without my coworkers.
(4)Jill V.
I love the food at Altu's. My family has always gotten a big meat/veggie platter to share. The inerja bread here is fantastic as are the spices and the chicken legs. I've never eaten anything here that didn't taste great. The missing star is because of the drink situation and the space. The space needs updating to feel more restaurant-y and less like a cafe. The drinks are self-serve at a soda fountain. The atmosphere would be greatly improved if these were served to your table in a more sophisticated manner.
(4)Betsy A.
Average Ethiopian food - but I'm giving it 4 stars rather than 3 since this is Lansing and good restaurants can be hard to come by; I LOVE Ethiopian food, so when I found out there was this outpost in Lansing, I was excited. I've been to ump-teen Ethiopian places in D.C. and NYC, and Atlu's certainly falls somewhere in the middle of my past experiences. The injera is slightly more tangy than other places and the curries are certainly on the mild side. Several options for veggie sampler, that include some unique options I haven't seen before at other places - pinto and lima beans. But one of my fav's was missing - the carrot/potato/green bean dish (please add this, Altu's). One odd thing about Altu's - rather than serve the entire table's order on a communal platter of injera, Altu's divvies up everyone's order onto individual plates. Takes away from the communal eating experience, but I suppose some alterations had to be made for Michigan norms. Avoid the sambusas - they are super-fried, dripping with oil. I'll certainly return!
(4)David S.
I've been here a few times now and my only beef with the place was the lack of beer and the awful look to the place. Well, I spent the summer away and came back today to see both issues had been rectified! Not only did the place get a beautiful face lift, but they now have beer on tap (good variety for the amount of taps). Any way, the food is super excelente! I've never tasted chicken as good as the chicken breast stew and those darn garlic pinto beans are to die for! I love this food. It's so refreshing to have a place like this in Lansing where I can let my taste buds adventure out from the ordinary!
(5)Steven L.
Thought this place was very good and reasonably priced. I am originally from Oakland/Berkeley CA and there was a significant Ethiopian community there. This place compares favorably to those. I also like the informal style ... somewhat like a cafe. That makes it easier to take young kids ... though you might have trouble finding enough mild on the menu spice wise if you have really young kids.
(4)Priya R.
I love Ethiopian food and was so glad when I found out about this place. It's definitely not the best I've had but I was so glad that there was one in the area that I just had to write a review about it. We actually went there in a large group (8-10 people) and they were able to seat us all for lunch. It's great food, vegan and vegetarian friendly, and a fun experience if you've never tried it.
(4)Shady F.
I have tried Ethiopian food in several places before which I liked, but the food here wasn't fresh and we couldn't finish the meal. Moreover, my friend asked a meal without chickpeas but we had it!
(2)Deb K.
Visited for lunch today and ordered the vegetarian feast for two. Loved all of the food and the spiced hot tea. Will definitely be back to try more dishes.
(5)CV C.
I have a really close Ethiopian friend, so I am very well-versed in Ethiopian everything, specially the food. I have to say that this place lacks that "real Ethiopian taste", but the food is still tasty. The owners are really great people and the decoration is very unique. I would recommend the spicy lamb with injera.
(3)John L.
Delicious food! Arrangement is a bit odd, though. Apparently, you are supposed to get yourself a drink and silverware, then sit down to order. Food was excellent. Next time I think I'm getting my food with the rice (delicious!) instead of the bread. The bread for me was a bit odd, although it is customary. It's kind of like a pancake...
(4)Taebin R.
Awesome food and great service. I recommend the platter for X people, my wife and I got one for 2 and left very full with food still on the platter. I also recommend a smoothie. The bread was something like a sourdough pancake for thoes that have never tried it and it works well for dipping up the delicious food. The chicken beast has large cubed chunks and was my favorite.
(5)Xtina G.
My favorite restaurant in E. Lansing so far. I've had Ethiopian in NYC several times, and although I've never been to Ethiopia the food here is *legit by my comparison. I was really excited when we passed it on the way to the SOS/DMV office, and I was happy to read all the positive reviews. We tried it early on Thursday evening, and it was relatively empty. I hope they do more business other times b/c this is a gem not to be lost! It also has cute decor. We had the Veggie and Meat Platter for 2 selecting spicy lentils, spicy beef, spicy chicken... you get the idea. It was my husband's first introduction to Ethiopian, and he loved it. If you enjoy rich spicy food, this is the place for you. We ate with our hands, and finished everything. As with most first-timers my husband was a little put off by the vinegary injera bread, but I assured him after a couple more meals there he'd get used to it and appreciate it. Lamb is not included in the platter combos, so we might order that a la carte next time, but the spicy beef was top notch. The spicy chicken drums didn't have a ton of meat on them so we might try a different cut next time. The platter also comes with drinks, so I had a mixed iced tea and lemonade which perfectly complimented the meal. It has a little bite to it too... I think maybe ginger in the tea. My husband had a draft beer, which is nice they have some on tap. I'll have one next time I'm not driving. Already can't wait to go back.
(5)M D.
Would give it 5 stars except for the price - pretty expensive - but SO GOOD. In my opinion Ethiopian food is kind of similar to Indian but better. I always get the sampler with the beef stew as I think the beef is the best thing there. The people are nice and the restaurant is clean and comfortable with cute décor and ambient lighting.
(4)Crystal I.
I have only had Ethiopian a handful of times, and only two other places, so I am by no means an expert. But I've been to places that are nationally known and respected in Dallas and Los Angeles, so i don't think my palate is completely ignorant when it comes to Ethiopian food. We sat ourselves and were advised as to where to find the cold drinks and the hot tea. They have a good selection between soda, tea, beer and a small bar area with a great selection of better brands. I ordered one of the sambusas which I really enjoyed, the texture was wonderful, both the pastry and the filling, and I couldn't help dipping bites into the sauce from my husband's spicy chicken breast, which was an amazing combination of flavors. My husband ordered one of the combos (mild beef and spicy chicken breast) and I ordered the veggie combo with the collard greens with spicy ground peas, the white peas and potatoes, the mild yellow lentils, and the Lima beans. You would never guess from the texture the chicken breast is chicken breast. It is tender and moist and beautifully prepared. It is pretty spicy, but with plenty of injera even the folks who don't like spice can handle it. Followed up by tomatoes from the salad (wrapped in a tender injera robe) mellows the spice rapidly. The flavors were just unbeatable so if you are unsure, go who a friend who can handle the heat and steal a bite, you won't regret it. The mild beef is rich and mellow and tender and so flavorful. I was half tempted to get another order but there was no room for another bite. Of my veggie platter, the mild yellow lentils and especially the Lima beans were my favorites. The yellow lentils were addictive, but I love Lima beans, I will happily eat them as a snack or even a meal. They are pure comfort food to me in any form but these were the.best .lima.beans.ever. Creamy, smooth, but still with whole beans. So well seasoned you will never miss the meat. The white peas and potatoes and the collard greens with ground peas were both excellent, although I neglected them a bit because I couldn't keep my mitts off the lentils and limas and in spite of not having eaten since breakfast I just ran out of room. But it was all excellent, there wasn't one bite that wasn't perfect. The injera was amazing, completely on par with other places I have tried, light, spongy, delicate, tender and yes, beautifully sour. I think injera is one of life's great pleasures and we Americans have been sorely deprived. You can't go wrong, here folks. If you want to be the foodie in the know, pay a few visits, get to know the menu, and start bringing your foodie friends for a tour of all the delicious food Ethiopia has to offer. They will swear you are the cleverest of foodies and your knowledge will never be in question. As for me, we live two hours away but I will be back! One little notice, and I'll see if I can figure out how to report it here, they are closed between lunch and dinner, from 2:30 to 4;30. But well worth planning a trip when they are open.
(5)R. L.
I've never had Ethiopian food before so I have no comparison, but Altu's is super yummy. Great flavors, friendly service, and an easy-going atmosphere. It's a great lunch or dinner spot with good portions and plenty of vegetarian options. Check it out. Edited only because since visiting Altu's I've been to other Ethiopian restaurants that have much more depth and flavor in their food. I still appreciate Altu's existence in EL though.
(3)Kaitlyn R.
This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and it was delicious! I want to come here everyday. I recommend it to anyone. But beware it can be very spicy! The Friday special is my favorite!
(5)Karen C.
Food was great! We ordered a dinner feast with 3 vegetarian dishes and 2 meat dishes. My favorite was the spicy beef, chicken breast and spicy ground peas from the dinner feast. The sambusas were awesome and only $1 each (vegetarian). The dinner feast for 3 (we had 4 four people and there was plenty of food) was $40, which includes drinks. The service is quite slow. You go up to the counter to pay so don't wait around for the bill. I would come back again!
(4)Liz A.
i'm like your average fan of ethiopian food... i like it and i think it's interesting and super tasty and who doesn't like eating shit with their hands, but i also am not like OH MY GOD ETHIOPIAN the way i am like OH MY GOD KOREAN or OH MY GOD A JEWISH DELI or OH MY GOD DONUTS. for being the only game in town, altu's is really good, and by that i mean it would be really good even if it were not the only game in town. it's all your average american ethiopian restaurant staples made at a high level of quality. service is really friendly and drinks (non alcoholic only) are included with your meal. sadly lansing does not have the same it's not really legal but "no alcohol on the menu = byob" policy that other cities generally do. the ambience is strip mall-ish, but it is in a strip mall so what do you expect. also you don't have to worry about parking. i have nothing else to say on this topic but i am very glad altu's is a dining option here.
(4)Diann K.
My first time eating Ethiopian food. Amazing, delightful, spicy, but just the right amount of heat. Chicken, lentils, peas, cabbage, greens, perfectly compliment each other. I can't wait to come back on my next visit.
(4)Derek K.
Don't let the outside of the restaurant deceive you; it's actually really nice inside! I recommend the group plates if you walk in with friend. They also have live music on Friday nights.
(4)Professor C.
Great to have good Ethiopian food available in East Lansing, as good as what I've had in some larger US cities (though menu is not as extensive). Eating with your hands using their delicious spongy flatbread to scoop up the delicious food (mostly stew & saucy type stuff) is fun. Very reasonable prices, cozy atmosphere and clearly run by an owner who seems to care about the place. Occasionally I have gotten some chewy pieces of lamb or sirloin beef. There are mild options but this is a place best enjoyed by those who like some spice in their food.
(4)Lilyan T.
I love love love me some Altu's!! There is a limited amount of non-franchise restaurants in Lansing with unique flavors so when I discovered Altu's I was thrilled! This is my go to place. I am never disappointed, the food is always hot, the service is always fast and the fact that this is family owned make it that much more special. The food is high quality and is reasonably priced.
(5)Shawna S.
I am a huge fan of Ethiopian food and was SO happy when I found Altu's. The first time I frequented Altu's I had to search a bit for it. But like many have said, it is a true diamond in the rough (with the best Ethiopian food I have had)! Every time I drive through East Lansing, I find myself wanting to stop for take-out. The food is amazing! The injera is soft and fresh with perfect flavor (that tiny bit of sour to it). I really enjoy the vegetarian sampler. For a very reasonable price (unlike the Ethiopian joint in Ann Arbor) you get Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens, and a generous portion at that. Altu's has inspired me to cook Ethiopian at home on occasion because you can truly tell what ingredients/spices are in the meals.
(5)Briana P.
My first time eating Ethiopian, and I loved it. The place was pretty quiet on a weekday night, but the food was awesome. Everything we tasted was good. Service was excellent. Lima beans were my favorite!
(4)Sam G.
Not awful but not great either. The injera is nice and sour but isn't as fresh as it could be. The lima beans are definitely the most impressive of the veggie dishes. We scarfed them down first. The spicy lentils are more hot-spice than layered-spice and the collard greens were fairly flavorless. The yellow peas were bland but the texture was good. The Saturday-night act was pretty painful to listen to and ruined what otherwise would be a fairly cozy atmosphere. Service was prompt and friendly.
(3)Carlos A.
The Wife and I love Altu's. It has good prices and the food is incredible. We usually order two Combo #8s which comes with a SPICY (not used loosely here) chicken stew and lentils. Add the tasty cabbage and spongy bread and you have yourself a tasty and filling meal. The people who own the spot are real nice and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. I highly recommend it!
(5)Tiffany H.
I've been to Altu's twice, and it's a strange, incongruous place. From traditional African basket-style tables to island hut decor to vinyl booths and plastic Coke glasses, it's got it all, in a matter of speaking. On a recent Saturday night, a cute old couple played Beatles covers in the corner - not quite what I expected from reading on their website that they had live music. But it has a nice, chill atmosphere and the servers are very friendly. Foodwise, the highlight is the Ethiopian bread, which is a spongy sourdough-like pancake that soaks up the flavor of the dish. The first time I went, I ordered the spicy beef and vegetables from their dinner menu. The beef was flavorful, but I think the vegetables came from one of those frozen mixed veggie bags of corn, carrot cubes, and green beans, which I was not a fan of. The second time I went was for lunch with coworkers, and I ordered the spicy lentils, which were very good. The collard greens are really well seasoned and come as a side with dinner; the iceberg lettuce salad, not so much (again with the incongruity!). If you're comfortable with your dining companions, sit at the basket tables and all your orders will come on one giant platter - perfect for sharing!
(3)Kara H.
I love me some Ethiopian food, so I was glad to find this restaurant so close to my new house. I went for dinner and shared the meat sampler for two. It was delicious! You get the choice of two meats and three vegetable dishes, along with a never ending supply of their special bread and drinks. Sadly there was not an endless plate option, but the shared dish was enough for both of us.
(4)Kathryn S.
This is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Lansing. I eat here about once a month. My boyfriend and I usually order the vegetarian feast for 2. Service is very fast and very friendly. I love the atmosphere and decor. Their cabbage is my absolute favorite thing. So savory and it almost melts in the mouth. And their salad! The dressing in soooo good! Oh and of course the sponge bread! Just delicious! I highly recommend this place! Lunch special deals are such a good bargain here too!
(5)Clay R.
Love this place. It's outside of the 'bun' for sure, but not so different that you're gonna freak out. Fairly limited menu, but good people who own it and delish unique food thatll fill you up w/o weighing you down. I disagree with the comment saying it's not a place for a first date! Get a platter for two, forget the silverware and your inhibitions and dig in! Use the pancake-like bread as scoops and eat like the natives! I love this place so much. Always a fun place to eat
(4)Pete B.
Really, really, really good.
(4)Danielle C.
So good! I am glad my fellow yelp-ers recommended it. Since it was my first time eating Ethiopian I went with the vegetarian combo (pick 4). My favorite was the yellow split peas. Friendly staff and outstanding food!
(4)Randy G.
This was the first restaurant I had Ethiopian food. I truly would prefer to eat at this Ethiopian place than any other. Even after having Ethiopian food in Africa, I still think this is the best. The sweetest woman, Altu, open the restaurant years ago. She makes the place feel so nice and warm and cooks her food with lots of love. The decor is very casual and traditional. The tables are setup so you eat as a group. The cost is very resonable as well. Truly the best Ethiopian...
(5)Brett C.
I had high hopes for this place, but was kinda let down. I went here for their vegetarian options, which were good, for a good price, but didn't wow me. My wife and I went for Dinner, but really, this is more of a lunch place. We walked in and sat at some sort of wicker cone shaped table, which I found hard to eat at. Our waitress was kinda pushy. We walked in and sat down, and the she was already asking what we wanted to eat. We told her we've never been here before, and we'll need some time. She comes back about 30 seconds later, then again another minute later asking what we want. Just give us some time! If I were to eat here again, it would be for take out. And the vegetarian options seem to be nothing else but peas and beans. Maybe this is part of Ethiopian culture? I don't know, but there has to be more vegetarian options in Ethiopian Cuisine.
(3)Amy P.
Awesome place!!! I absolutely love it. The food is fresh. They are flexible with the orders if you want vegetarian or non-veg. They also have great service and help you if you don't know what to order. I recommend getting a sampler if you are going with a big group and then getting more of ones you like after. If you've never had Ethiopian, this place is relatively authentic so it will be a great experience!
(5)Ronnie C.
LOVE Altu's. I've only had Ethiopian food at three different restaurants, so I'm no expert in this specific genre of food, but I do know that Altu's is consistently delicious and offers many options for vegetarians and those of the meatier persuasion. Food tends to be spicy and is very flavorful and filling. The service is always great, free music on Saturdays is a lot of fun, and the prices are reasonable. Take out is very fast, but I usually like to eat in.
(5)Holly Z.
I've been a fan of the Blue Nile restaurant for several years now, and was sad to leave it behind when I left Ann Arbor. After moving to Lansing, I was pleased to discover another Ethiopian restaurant, Altus, that I thought may be an adequate substitute. The food is traditional Ethiopian: All you can eat veggies +/- meat on the squishy bread whose name I can never remember. The food is great-- on par with Blue Nile, but Altus gets docked a star for the fast-foody atmosphere and Lipton-style tea. Still, this is a great alternative to the deep fried lunch for shoppers at nearby Frandor or downtown East Lansing.
(4)Mark G.
Don't tip over 10%! Servers only drop the plate on the table. Want H2O? Take a hike, get your own, over there. Food was OK, I had a spicy lamb dish which was indeed spicy, but not worth $14! I could get a whole lamb shank with rice and veggies in Greek Town/Detroit for the same price. Meat was a bit tough, dosa-like bread was served cold. Very little veggies on the side. I won't be going back....
(2)Noelle K.
Altu's is definitely the most unique restaurant in this college town. I am surprised that more people do not know about it. Every dish is made fresh daily and after 15 years, the restaurant offers an array of vegetarian options for the vegan and vegetarian minded. The veggie sampler is one of my favorites to order because it comes with Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens plus lots of Injera bread. The plus about eating Ethiopian food is eating with your hands. A wonderful hot tea is an option to enjoy with your meal. The environment is cozy and intimate. There is live music on Saturday's too!
(5)Miss P.
Very impressed! Clean place, friendly staff, fast service and absolutely delicious! The spicy chicken and beef are amazing. The presentation was also great. We got the combo for 3 which filled up all 3 of us and then some. Only downer is that its pretty expensive. Wont stop me from returning though.
(4)Jeffrey C.
Altu's feels like home to me, but I'll state that I am biased towards earthy vegetarian foods. That said I think the portions are very acceptable for the price and everything whether vegetarian or not is very satisfying. I would especially recommend the lamb or the spicy lentils. On Saturday's they also have a great variety of live local musicians which makes the trip all the better.
(5)Belinda T.
I'm from D.C. This is a wonderful taste of home. D.C. is a haven for Ethiopian cuisine. Altu's is authentic and wholesome and yummy. Who could ask for more? The new renovations and expansions make the dining space comfortable and welcoming. I highly recommend it.
(4)R S.
This restaurant is an insult to Ethiopian food. The decor is stereotypical to please customers. But, the food is just horrible. We had the vegetarian platter. There is no passion put into the food. The food was bland, or spicy, but seemed like eating left overs. The Ingera was boring, and cold. The nly thing we enjoyed was the spiced tea and the fountain drinks.
(1)Michael K.
Wonderful place. The experience inside is very nice and they book great live music on Saturday nights. I recommend the samplers, because it's fun to share with others! The collard greens are excellent, as are the white bean & potato and lentil stews. I haven't tried anything with meat yet, but all the meat dishes look and smell superb. I like how they do the injera bread. I've had it at other Ethiopian places and it tastes and feels like a wet pancake. At Altu's, it's crisp on the edges, has a little bit of a stretch and chew to it and has a delicious sourdough-type tang. Go to Altu's. You'll be glad you did.
(5)Aaron J.
Best Ethiopian in Michigan. Reasonable prices and a very friendly staff make this charming place a must for anyone with a taste for Ethiopian. The spicy dishes are especially wonderful as are the collard greens.
(5)April J.
Definitely the best Ethiopian I've had. I love Altu's injera - not too sour but it has great flavor. I also love the spicy chicken and the spicy lentils! The cabbage is wonderful as well. I would recommend this to anyone looking for some good Ethiopian food in Michigan as I haven't had any luck anywhere else. Delicious, reasonably priced, easily my favorite.
(5)Megan I.
I don't claim to be an authority on "authentic" Ethiopian cuisine, but I can say that I've been to a few Ethiopian restaurants, and Altu's is by far my favorite. That it's in the Lansing area, which is pretty much a cultural wasteland when it comes to restaurants, makes it even more surprising when you visit. If you can find it, that is -- it's in a little strip mall, so keep an eagle-eye out for it, because it's easy to miss. The basic component of any Ethiopian meal is the injera. Altu's injera is great -- sour, but not too sour so as to compete with the flavor of the food. "A suggestion of sour" is probably the best way to describe it. And though I love meat, I recommend going for the vegetarian dishes -- that's where the real strength of the restaurant is. (Although their lamb is pretty darn good, too.) My favorites: the lima beans and the spicy ground peas mixed with greens. Amazingly good. The cabbage that comes on the side will make you wish for an entire bowl of it, though you'd probably regret it later. Or your partner would. And when you go up for your drink, skip the Coke products and try their spiced iced tea, which is hands-down the best iced tea in town.
(5)Eric P.
For Ethiopian food in Lansing, my one experience at Altu's would suggest that it's a good choice. I went with my sister and her boyfriend the other day, and we split the vegetarian feast. In all honesty, I only recognized a couple of the dishes, but they were all pretty decent. One or two of them tasted very similar to each other, but that may have just been my imagination. A plus for this place, though, is that they seemed to use teff in their injera, which isn't universal among local Ethiopian restaurants. *cough* Blue Nile *cough* In some respects, I've had better elsewhere, but Altu's is certainly a good choice for something different in the Lansing area.
(3)amy g.
Even though I'm not a vegetarian, I really appreciate really good, flavorful & unique vegetarian dishes. Whenever I go out to dinner, I do try to scope out something vegetarian to eat (sometimes burgers win) but I think it's interesting what amazing food can be made with vegetables & no meat. This is one of the best examples of what incredible flavor & texture & combinations you can have jump at you with simple ingredients. Just amazing. And so much fun to eat with your hands! The spiced tea was good also with some sugar :D
(5)Ed C.
Short: Very tasty, but the menu is small. They have several vegetarian options (most are bean based, but they have Ethiopean collard greens), however I've never ordered anything other than the vegetarian sampler. For only slightly more than the price of a single entree, you get a decent sized portion of each of dishes, all on delicious injera (sponge bread). One sampler is enough for two people. As good as it is, I wish they had more options. Also, I wish they had Ethiopean beer.
(4)Stephyelp j.
We had the meal for 3 for $39.00. We chose the spicy chicken, mild lamb, yellow peas, red lentils and lima beans. It was served on a large platter lined with injeera bread, with extra rolls of injeera for each of us. The drinks were help-yourself at the soft drink machine. The staff was very friendly. We LOVED it so much we had a hard time slowing down to talk to each other! If you like Indian food, and mildly spicy Chinese food, you'll LOVE this food. Their injeera is a little less sour than the one at Blue Nile, and a little thinner. You get utensils with your meal, but eating with fingers and the injeera was so fun. Everything came warm and fragrant. We're not small people, and one of the 3 of us is a teenage swimmer, and we left full and very happy.
(4)Olive S.
Altu's is a must whenever I'm in the Lansing area.... just soooo flavorful, I always consider getting an additional carryout order. I'm a vegetarian, and the lentils, etc. are perfection. Important to support wonderful family-owned businesses like this one!
(5)Misi P.
I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about Ethiopian food, but I decided to give it a try. I had been meaning to go to Altu's for some time, but it's one of those things where you have to be in the mood to be experimental. And when I'm starving, I'm not. Altu's has a nice, almost Caribbean vibe, which I wasn't expecting. You can either sit booths or at these large baskets that have a surface for eating. The waitstaff is nice, I just thought it was kind of weird that you sat down and looked at the menu, then you went up to the counter to order. I had chicken stew with cabbage for lunch. Most meals are served on this spongy flatbread, which is kind of cool for the texture, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth that I don't enjoy. The stew was kind of spicy, and the taste a little hard to explain, but it wasn't too bad. I was expecting a little more flavour out of my cabbage, but well...beggars can't be too choicy now, can they? Not a good spot to go on a first date. Great for noshing with your friends at lunch.
(3)Hank M.
Very good food and service. "Different" atmosphere. Good price points. I love the Blue Nile in AA. As such, I was not expecting much from Altu's but was very impressed. I found the lentils, spicy beef and chicken to be very good and comparable to the Blue Nile. The atmosphere is "different" in a good way. Wicker tables mixed with more traditional tables. The building itself appears to be a remodeled 7-11, but it works. I found the pricing to be fair, esp. for the amount of food provided.
(4)Ken K.
Be careful when trying to find this place, because you're likely to drive right by it. I'd driven by countless times without even realizing the small complex it's in was there. But once I went looking for it, I discovered a diamond in the rough. Altu's sure doesn't look like much on the outside. It's on the end of a small string of businesses that share a building. I was expecting a hole in the wall but was pleasantly surprised. The place was spotless and decorated in a palm tree/Caribbean motif. I'm sure it's Ethiopian as well, but I've never been there. They've obviously put a lot of time and effort into making the place look nice. My co-worker and I sat at a table instead of the wicker tables and chairs since we weren't sure what to expect. After perusing the menu, we decided to split a vegetarian sampler. Never having had Ethiopian before, I wasn't sure what it was going to taste like, but I thought everything was superb. A couple of the stews were slightly bland, but the "spicy" ones were awesome. I'm not a huge fan of really hot and spicy food, so please don't think this will burn your lips or anything even close to it. The cabbage was awesome too. My favorite part was the bread. It's like a sponge crossed with a pancake crossed with sourdough bread. The texture and taste make the meal. I also loved that the giant piece the sampler was sitting on soaked up all the goodness, making sure the two of us ate every last scrap. We're both pretty big guys, and we were stuffed. I read some people complain about the menu variety. It seemed pretty big to me, especially for a small joint run by a family. If you want huge variety, go to a chain. I'll stick with my local folks who do a few things and do them well.
(4)Crystal I.
I have only had Ethiopian a handful of times, and only two other places, so I am by no means an expert. But I've been to places that are nationally known and respected in Dallas and Los Angeles, so i don't think my palate is completely ignorant when it comes to Ethiopian food. We sat ourselves and were advised as to where to find the cold drinks and the hot tea. They have a good selection between soda, tea, beer and a small bar area with a great selection of better brands. I ordered one of the sambusas which I really enjoyed, the texture was wonderful, both the pastry and the filling, and I couldn't help dipping bites into the sauce from my husband's spicy chicken breast, which was an amazing combination of flavors. My husband ordered one of the combos (mild beef and spicy chicken breast) and I ordered the veggie combo with the collard greens with spicy ground peas, the white peas and potatoes, the mild yellow lentils, and the Lima beans. You would never guess from the texture the chicken breast is chicken breast. It is tender and moist and beautifully prepared. It is pretty spicy, but with plenty of injera even the folks who don't like spice can handle it. Followed up by tomatoes from the salad (wrapped in a tender injera robe) mellows the spice rapidly. The flavors were just unbeatable so if you are unsure, go who a friend who can handle the heat and steal a bite, you won't regret it. The mild beef is rich and mellow and tender and so flavorful. I was half tempted to get another order but there was no room for another bite. Of my veggie platter, the mild yellow lentils and especially the Lima beans were my favorites. The yellow lentils were addictive, but I love Lima beans, I will happily eat them as a snack or even a meal. They are pure comfort food to me in any form but these were the.best .lima.beans.ever. Creamy, smooth, but still with whole beans. So well seasoned you will never miss the meat. The white peas and potatoes and the collard greens with ground peas were both excellent, although I neglected them a bit because I couldn't keep my mitts off the lentils and limas and in spite of not having eaten since breakfast I just ran out of room. But it was all excellent, there wasn't one bite that wasn't perfect. The injera was amazing, completely on par with other places I have tried, light, spongy, delicate, tender and yes, beautifully sour. I think injera is one of life's great pleasures and we Americans have been sorely deprived. You can't go wrong, here folks. If you want to be the foodie in the know, pay a few visits, get to know the menu, and start bringing your foodie friends for a tour of all the delicious food Ethiopia has to offer. They will swear you are the cleverest of foodies and your knowledge will never be in question. As for me, we live two hours away but I will be back! One little notice, and I'll see if I can figure out how to report it here, they are closed between lunch and dinner, from 2:30 to 4;30. But well worth planning a trip when they are open.
(5)R. L.
I've never had Ethiopian food before so I have no comparison, but Altu's is super yummy. Great flavors, friendly service, and an easy-going atmosphere. It's a great lunch or dinner spot with good portions and plenty of vegetarian options. Check it out. Edited only because since visiting Altu's I've been to other Ethiopian restaurants that have much more depth and flavor in their food. I still appreciate Altu's existence in EL though.
(3)Pete B.
Really, really, really good.
(4)Danielle C.
So good! I am glad my fellow yelp-ers recommended it. Since it was my first time eating Ethiopian I went with the vegetarian combo (pick 4). My favorite was the yellow split peas. Friendly staff and outstanding food!
(4)Chris G.
I have been to Altu's several times now with coworkers who visit nearly every week. Having been to a variety of Ethiopian dining establishments in many cities I'd say unequivocally that Altu's stacks up well to NYC, LA, Miami and Chicago. Walking in I noticed the self-serve beverage center, the unfortunate presence of silverware as an option (Ethiopian should be eaten with the Ethiopian bread called Injera), and the decor. I'm not sure if the decor is authentic Ethiopian or not, but it looks nice in the setting and certainly adds to the atmosphere. I've had both vegetarian and carnivorous options on Altu's menu and everything has been top notch. From the lentils to the salad... from the beef to the lamb everything has been well prepared and holds great flavor. It helps that as a spicy food enthusiast my team likes it HOT, so we usually get some of the spicier options on the menu. I'll certainly be back frequently, with or without my coworkers.
(4)Betsy A.
Average Ethiopian food - but I'm giving it 4 stars rather than 3 since this is Lansing and good restaurants can be hard to come by; I LOVE Ethiopian food, so when I found out there was this outpost in Lansing, I was excited. I've been to ump-teen Ethiopian places in D.C. and NYC, and Atlu's certainly falls somewhere in the middle of my past experiences. The injera is slightly more tangy than other places and the curries are certainly on the mild side. Several options for veggie sampler, that include some unique options I haven't seen before at other places - pinto and lima beans. But one of my fav's was missing - the carrot/potato/green bean dish (please add this, Altu's). One odd thing about Altu's - rather than serve the entire table's order on a communal platter of injera, Altu's divvies up everyone's order onto individual plates. Takes away from the communal eating experience, but I suppose some alterations had to be made for Michigan norms. Avoid the sambusas - they are super-fried, dripping with oil. I'll certainly return!
(4)David S.
I've been here a few times now and my only beef with the place was the lack of beer and the awful look to the place. Well, I spent the summer away and came back today to see both issues had been rectified! Not only did the place get a beautiful face lift, but they now have beer on tap (good variety for the amount of taps). Any way, the food is super excelente! I've never tasted chicken as good as the chicken breast stew and those darn garlic pinto beans are to die for! I love this food. It's so refreshing to have a place like this in Lansing where I can let my taste buds adventure out from the ordinary!
(5)Taebin R.
Awesome food and great service. I recommend the platter for X people, my wife and I got one for 2 and left very full with food still on the platter. I also recommend a smoothie. The bread was something like a sourdough pancake for thoes that have never tried it and it works well for dipping up the delicious food. The chicken beast has large cubed chunks and was my favorite.
(5)Steven L.
Thought this place was very good and reasonably priced. I am originally from Oakland/Berkeley CA and there was a significant Ethiopian community there. This place compares favorably to those. I also like the informal style ... somewhat like a cafe. That makes it easier to take young kids ... though you might have trouble finding enough mild on the menu spice wise if you have really young kids.
(4)Priya R.
I love Ethiopian food and was so glad when I found out about this place. It's definitely not the best I've had but I was so glad that there was one in the area that I just had to write a review about it. We actually went there in a large group (8-10 people) and they were able to seat us all for lunch. It's great food, vegan and vegetarian friendly, and a fun experience if you've never tried it.
(4)Shady F.
I have tried Ethiopian food in several places before which I liked, but the food here wasn't fresh and we couldn't finish the meal. Moreover, my friend asked a meal without chickpeas but we had it!
(2)Deb K.
Visited for lunch today and ordered the vegetarian feast for two. Loved all of the food and the spiced hot tea. Will definitely be back to try more dishes.
(5)Lylian D.
I have never had Ethiopian food before and boy was I missing out! My sister took me here to have me try Ethiopian food for the first time and it was a fantastic experience! We opted for the pick two meat combo, spicy chicken and spicy sirloin meat stew. It came with a salad which was so tasty and I generally do not rave about salads, so you know it's good. If you like even more spicyness, then you must ask them for the green chili paste concoction. Everything was so flavorful and balanced. I can't wait to go back to el just to eat at Altu's.
(5)Robble R.
I was nervous to try Ethiopian food for the first time. Some told me it was bland, that the bread was "weird", etc. I ordered the spicy beef stew with spicy lentils with half bread and half rice. It was delicious! The "bread" was a spongy crepe like bread and was perfect for scooping the stew and rice into. The spice was perfect for me - nice balance of heat and flavor. I want to order the lamb next. I ordered with a group for pick up, so we didn't dine in, however I peeked around at the dining room - so quaint and inviting. I will definitely go back to experience the entire dining event! Thumbs up.
(5)CV C.
I have a really close Ethiopian friend, so I am very well-versed in Ethiopian everything, specially the food. I have to say that this place lacks that "real Ethiopian taste", but the food is still tasty. The owners are really great people and the decoration is very unique. I would recommend the spicy lamb with injera.
(3)Clay R.
Love this place. It's outside of the 'bun' for sure, but not so different that you're gonna freak out. Fairly limited menu, but good people who own it and delish unique food thatll fill you up w/o weighing you down. I disagree with the comment saying it's not a place for a first date! Get a platter for two, forget the silverware and your inhibitions and dig in! Use the pancake-like bread as scoops and eat like the natives! I love this place so much. Always a fun place to eat
(4)Shannon W.
Altu's is my favorite restaurant in East Lansing! When asked what I will miss most about Michigan State after graduation I always say, "Altu's!" For a date night, the Ethiopian feast for two is a must. I personally love the spicy beef and the spicy chicken stew along with the spicy lentils (absolute fav), the chickpeas, and the greens. It is the perfect combination! When the platter comes out you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount food, but I promise you will finish it every time! Not only does Altu's have incredible food, the staff is also very friendly and they are extremely helpful with guiding you though the menu and making suggestions for first timers. You will not leave disappointed!
(5)Jes P.
WOW - that is some tangy injera. I've never had any quite like that before! As far as Ethiopian goes, this wasn't my favorite mostly because the 'spicy' dishes were a bit on the bland side compared to other Ethiopian restaurants I've been to. I couldn't taste anything in the 'mild' dishes except the main veg or meat itself and the split yellow peas had something funky going on the day I ate there. It's nice that they serve alcohol and also spiced teas and coffee. Altu's is located in a strip mall right next door to a battery outlet business. It's a bit on the casual side but definitely has potential for an 'upgrade'.
(3)Hera Q.
I'm not normally a fan of Ethiopian food but Altu's is pretty good. It's a quiet restaurant with polite and professional staff. Prices are reasonable and service is fast. The food was alright, nothing to rave about.
(3)Kyeli S.
Excellent food, great atmosphere. A few variations on the standard fare. A note: they've anglicized the names of the food, so it may be a bit tricky to find your usual favs if you're not really familiar with them. But the waiter knew his stuff and was happy to re-translate for us! (:
(5)Brett C.
I had high hopes for this place, but was kinda let down. I went here for their vegetarian options, which were good, for a good price, but didn't wow me. My wife and I went for Dinner, but really, this is more of a lunch place. We walked in and sat at some sort of wicker cone shaped table, which I found hard to eat at. Our waitress was kinda pushy. We walked in and sat down, and the she was already asking what we wanted to eat. We told her we've never been here before, and we'll need some time. She comes back about 30 seconds later, then again another minute later asking what we want. Just give us some time! If I were to eat here again, it would be for take out. And the vegetarian options seem to be nothing else but peas and beans. Maybe this is part of Ethiopian culture? I don't know, but there has to be more vegetarian options in Ethiopian Cuisine.
(3)Amy P.
Awesome place!!! I absolutely love it. The food is fresh. They are flexible with the orders if you want vegetarian or non-veg. They also have great service and help you if you don't know what to order. I recommend getting a sampler if you are going with a big group and then getting more of ones you like after. If you've never had Ethiopian, this place is relatively authentic so it will be a great experience!
(5)Ronnie C.
LOVE Altu's. I've only had Ethiopian food at three different restaurants, so I'm no expert in this specific genre of food, but I do know that Altu's is consistently delicious and offers many options for vegetarians and those of the meatier persuasion. Food tends to be spicy and is very flavorful and filling. The service is always great, free music on Saturdays is a lot of fun, and the prices are reasonable. Take out is very fast, but I usually like to eat in.
(5)Stephyelp j.
We had the meal for 3 for $39.00. We chose the spicy chicken, mild lamb, yellow peas, red lentils and lima beans. It was served on a large platter lined with injeera bread, with extra rolls of injeera for each of us. The drinks were help-yourself at the soft drink machine. The staff was very friendly. We LOVED it so much we had a hard time slowing down to talk to each other! If you like Indian food, and mildly spicy Chinese food, you'll LOVE this food. Their injeera is a little less sour than the one at Blue Nile, and a little thinner. You get utensils with your meal, but eating with fingers and the injeera was so fun. Everything came warm and fragrant. We're not small people, and one of the 3 of us is a teenage swimmer, and we left full and very happy.
(4)Carlos A.
The Wife and I love Altu's. It has good prices and the food is incredible. We usually order two Combo #8s which comes with a SPICY (not used loosely here) chicken stew and lentils. Add the tasty cabbage and spongy bread and you have yourself a tasty and filling meal. The people who own the spot are real nice and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. I highly recommend it!
(5)Matt G.
I've been going to Altu's off and on for the last few years. Last time I visited I noticed that they had remodeled, and the place is much more comfortable now. You still have to get your own drinks, though. It doesn't bother me, though. The food was my first introduction to Ethiopian food, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a new set of flavors. The food is similar in some ways to South Asian curries, but the spices used give a completely different flavor. Altu's offers a number of meat and vegetable stews served with injera, an Ethiopian flatbread made from teff. Traditionally, the food is eaten using the injera rather than silverware, but forks and spoons are available. A good meal can be ordered for under $10, and everything I've tried has been excellent, although I've tried more of the vegetarian dishes than the meat ones. I recommend Altu's to anyone who wants to try something new and hard to find in Michigan.
(4)Anna S.
The best Ethiopian cuisine I've had! I only wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. Much better than the Blue Nile (chain in Ann Arbor -the only Ethiopian restaurant I know of around here). The service is great and the food is excellent. There is a wonderful variety of foods including vegetarian cuisine, and the quality of ingredients is great. I also like the atmosphere, there is a nice ambiance and it is not a huge restaurant. And yes, spicy means spicy. I LOVE IT!
(5)Holly Z.
I've been a fan of the Blue Nile restaurant for several years now, and was sad to leave it behind when I left Ann Arbor. After moving to Lansing, I was pleased to discover another Ethiopian restaurant, Altus, that I thought may be an adequate substitute. The food is traditional Ethiopian: All you can eat veggies +/- meat on the squishy bread whose name I can never remember. The food is great-- on par with Blue Nile, but Altus gets docked a star for the fast-foody atmosphere and Lipton-style tea. Still, this is a great alternative to the deep fried lunch for shoppers at nearby Frandor or downtown East Lansing.
(4)Olive S.
Altu's is a must whenever I'm in the Lansing area.... just soooo flavorful, I always consider getting an additional carryout order. I'm a vegetarian, and the lentils, etc. are perfection. Important to support wonderful family-owned businesses like this one!
(5)Misi P.
I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about Ethiopian food, but I decided to give it a try. I had been meaning to go to Altu's for some time, but it's one of those things where you have to be in the mood to be experimental. And when I'm starving, I'm not. Altu's has a nice, almost Caribbean vibe, which I wasn't expecting. You can either sit booths or at these large baskets that have a surface for eating. The waitstaff is nice, I just thought it was kind of weird that you sat down and looked at the menu, then you went up to the counter to order. I had chicken stew with cabbage for lunch. Most meals are served on this spongy flatbread, which is kind of cool for the texture, but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth that I don't enjoy. The stew was kind of spicy, and the taste a little hard to explain, but it wasn't too bad. I was expecting a little more flavour out of my cabbage, but well...beggars can't be too choicy now, can they? Not a good spot to go on a first date. Great for noshing with your friends at lunch.
(3)Jill V.
I love the food at Altu's. My family has always gotten a big meat/veggie platter to share. The inerja bread here is fantastic as are the spices and the chicken legs. I've never eaten anything here that didn't taste great. The missing star is because of the drink situation and the space. The space needs updating to feel more restaurant-y and less like a cafe. The drinks are self-serve at a soda fountain. The atmosphere would be greatly improved if these were served to your table in a more sophisticated manner.
(4)Karen C.
Food was great! We ordered a dinner feast with 3 vegetarian dishes and 2 meat dishes. My favorite was the spicy beef, chicken breast and spicy ground peas from the dinner feast. The sambusas were awesome and only $1 each (vegetarian). The dinner feast for 3 (we had 4 four people and there was plenty of food) was $40, which includes drinks. The service is quite slow. You go up to the counter to pay so don't wait around for the bill. I would come back again!
(4)John L.
Delicious food! Arrangement is a bit odd, though. Apparently, you are supposed to get yourself a drink and silverware, then sit down to order. Food was excellent. Next time I think I'm getting my food with the rice (delicious!) instead of the bread. The bread for me was a bit odd, although it is customary. It's kind of like a pancake...
(4)Meredith B.
As far as I know, this is the only place to get Ethiopian food in Lansing. That makes the place special right off the bat. It's a shame, because it's such a fun and delicious cuisine, that there aren't more local options! I should say that I have been spoiled by the wonderful Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago and as such, I am a little more picky about it. Altu's is owned by a woman named (unsurprisingly) Altu, and she does a nice job bringing these new flavors to mid-Michigan. Any city is better with an Ethiopian restaurant in it. This is a very casual restaurant, with an array of booths, tables, and...um...let's call them "special tables" where you sit in chairs around a platter-centerpiece (I'm so good at describing this), almost like a colorful wicker stand where the plate goes. This is where my parents and I sat. There weren't too many people on a Thursday night - I think I saw three other tables of patrons so it's fairly quiet. It's comfortable, but the thing I don't like about it is the lights. They are on full brightness, and feel like office lights. I think restaurants should be a little dimmer, to provide a more relaxing ambiance. It's amazing how much that takes away from the experience! We ordered fruit smoothies; they don't serve alcohol and I didn't see anybody bringing it. I don't know if it's BYOB but I don't get the impression that it is, I didn't see any signs indicating it or anything on the menu. I think that's too bad - dinner restaurants should offer at least a BYOB option so that people can bring some wine or beer to enjoy with their meal. The fruit smoothies, while delicious, are really too heavy to be eaten comfortably with the meal. They are thick with what seems like yogurt, and more of a snack on their own than a beverage to be consumed with dinner. I saved most of mine for breakfast this morning. They are good though, thick and creamy with fresh fruity taste. They are made to order of course, and if several people at your table get one it can take a while. Mine actually came out after the meal was brought! We ordered a combo meat and veggie feast, which meant 3 veggie items and 2 meat. If you get the feast, you have limited options for which food you want (can't order off the whole menu, just a limited array of "feast" options). We got lima beans, spicy lentils, and collard greens for veggies; our meat choices were spicy beef and mild chicken drumsticks. As a nice touch, we got an extra portion of what I think was cabbage, and a little lettuce/tomato salad that none of us ate since we were there for the Ethiopian goods! Everything was tasty - I think the lima beans and the collard greens were the standouts. So often in Ethiopian food, the vegetarian dishes are the best and this was no exception. My main disappointments were that the spicy dishes weren't very spicy at all, and that the meats were a bit tough. Well, not-tender is more accurate. Chicken didn't fall off the bone and had to be pulled, beef a bit chewy. I think vegetarian items are your best bets, and don't expect anything that says spicy to really burn your tongue! And $40 was a great deal for thee people to get absolutely stuffed. If this is your introduction to Ethiopian cuisine I think you'll be very satisfied, but if you are someone who eats it regularly I don't think this would end up being among your favorites. It is a fun place to go with a big group and try lots of different dishes! By the way, drinks are self-service except the smoothies. And you pay at the front, which we learned after waiting for 10 minutes wondering why nobody was coming by to take the plate or bring the check!
(3)Xtina G.
My favorite restaurant in E. Lansing so far. I've had Ethiopian in NYC several times, and although I've never been to Ethiopia the food here is *legit by my comparison. I was really excited when we passed it on the way to the SOS/DMV office, and I was happy to read all the positive reviews. We tried it early on Thursday evening, and it was relatively empty. I hope they do more business other times b/c this is a gem not to be lost! It also has cute decor. We had the Veggie and Meat Platter for 2 selecting spicy lentils, spicy beef, spicy chicken... you get the idea. It was my husband's first introduction to Ethiopian, and he loved it. If you enjoy rich spicy food, this is the place for you. We ate with our hands, and finished everything. As with most first-timers my husband was a little put off by the vinegary injera bread, but I assured him after a couple more meals there he'd get used to it and appreciate it. Lamb is not included in the platter combos, so we might order that a la carte next time, but the spicy beef was top notch. The spicy chicken drums didn't have a ton of meat on them so we might try a different cut next time. The platter also comes with drinks, so I had a mixed iced tea and lemonade which perfectly complimented the meal. It has a little bite to it too... I think maybe ginger in the tea. My husband had a draft beer, which is nice they have some on tap. I'll have one next time I'm not driving. Already can't wait to go back.
(5)M D.
Would give it 5 stars except for the price - pretty expensive - but SO GOOD. In my opinion Ethiopian food is kind of similar to Indian but better. I always get the sampler with the beef stew as I think the beef is the best thing there. The people are nice and the restaurant is clean and comfortable with cute décor and ambient lighting.
(4)Kaitlyn R.
This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and it was delicious! I want to come here everyday. I recommend it to anyone. But beware it can be very spicy! The Friday special is my favorite!
(5)Briana P.
My first time eating Ethiopian, and I loved it. The place was pretty quiet on a weekday night, but the food was awesome. Everything we tasted was good. Service was excellent. Lima beans were my favorite!
(4)Sam G.
Not awful but not great either. The injera is nice and sour but isn't as fresh as it could be. The lima beans are definitely the most impressive of the veggie dishes. We scarfed them down first. The spicy lentils are more hot-spice than layered-spice and the collard greens were fairly flavorless. The yellow peas were bland but the texture was good. The Saturday-night act was pretty painful to listen to and ruined what otherwise would be a fairly cozy atmosphere. Service was prompt and friendly.
(3)Liz A.
i'm like your average fan of ethiopian food... i like it and i think it's interesting and super tasty and who doesn't like eating shit with their hands, but i also am not like OH MY GOD ETHIOPIAN the way i am like OH MY GOD KOREAN or OH MY GOD A JEWISH DELI or OH MY GOD DONUTS. for being the only game in town, altu's is really good, and by that i mean it would be really good even if it were not the only game in town. it's all your average american ethiopian restaurant staples made at a high level of quality. service is really friendly and drinks (non alcoholic only) are included with your meal. sadly lansing does not have the same it's not really legal but "no alcohol on the menu = byob" policy that other cities generally do. the ambience is strip mall-ish, but it is in a strip mall so what do you expect. also you don't have to worry about parking. i have nothing else to say on this topic but i am very glad altu's is a dining option here.
(4)Tiffany H.
I've been to Altu's twice, and it's a strange, incongruous place. From traditional African basket-style tables to island hut decor to vinyl booths and plastic Coke glasses, it's got it all, in a matter of speaking. On a recent Saturday night, a cute old couple played Beatles covers in the corner - not quite what I expected from reading on their website that they had live music. But it has a nice, chill atmosphere and the servers are very friendly. Foodwise, the highlight is the Ethiopian bread, which is a spongy sourdough-like pancake that soaks up the flavor of the dish. The first time I went, I ordered the spicy beef and vegetables from their dinner menu. The beef was flavorful, but I think the vegetables came from one of those frozen mixed veggie bags of corn, carrot cubes, and green beans, which I was not a fan of. The second time I went was for lunch with coworkers, and I ordered the spicy lentils, which were very good. The collard greens are really well seasoned and come as a side with dinner; the iceberg lettuce salad, not so much (again with the incongruity!). If you're comfortable with your dining companions, sit at the basket tables and all your orders will come on one giant platter - perfect for sharing!
(3)Kara H.
I love me some Ethiopian food, so I was glad to find this restaurant so close to my new house. I went for dinner and shared the meat sampler for two. It was delicious! You get the choice of two meats and three vegetable dishes, along with a never ending supply of their special bread and drinks. Sadly there was not an endless plate option, but the shared dish was enough for both of us.
(4)Kathryn S.
This is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Lansing. I eat here about once a month. My boyfriend and I usually order the vegetarian feast for 2. Service is very fast and very friendly. I love the atmosphere and decor. Their cabbage is my absolute favorite thing. So savory and it almost melts in the mouth. And their salad! The dressing in soooo good! Oh and of course the sponge bread! Just delicious! I highly recommend this place! Lunch special deals are such a good bargain here too!
(5)Aaron J.
Best Ethiopian in Michigan. Reasonable prices and a very friendly staff make this charming place a must for anyone with a taste for Ethiopian. The spicy dishes are especially wonderful as are the collard greens.
(5)April J.
Definitely the best Ethiopian I've had. I love Altu's injera - not too sour but it has great flavor. I also love the spicy chicken and the spicy lentils! The cabbage is wonderful as well. I would recommend this to anyone looking for some good Ethiopian food in Michigan as I haven't had any luck anywhere else. Delicious, reasonably priced, easily my favorite.
(5)Diann K.
My first time eating Ethiopian food. Amazing, delightful, spicy, but just the right amount of heat. Chicken, lentils, peas, cabbage, greens, perfectly compliment each other. I can't wait to come back on my next visit.
(4)Derek K.
Don't let the outside of the restaurant deceive you; it's actually really nice inside! I recommend the group plates if you walk in with friend. They also have live music on Friday nights.
(4)Professor C.
Great to have good Ethiopian food available in East Lansing, as good as what I've had in some larger US cities (though menu is not as extensive). Eating with your hands using their delicious spongy flatbread to scoop up the delicious food (mostly stew & saucy type stuff) is fun. Very reasonable prices, cozy atmosphere and clearly run by an owner who seems to care about the place. Occasionally I have gotten some chewy pieces of lamb or sirloin beef. There are mild options but this is a place best enjoyed by those who like some spice in their food.
(4)Lilyan T.
I love love love me some Altu's!! There is a limited amount of non-franchise restaurants in Lansing with unique flavors so when I discovered Altu's I was thrilled! This is my go to place. I am never disappointed, the food is always hot, the service is always fast and the fact that this is family owned make it that much more special. The food is high quality and is reasonably priced.
(5)Shawna S.
I am a huge fan of Ethiopian food and was SO happy when I found Altu's. The first time I frequented Altu's I had to search a bit for it. But like many have said, it is a true diamond in the rough (with the best Ethiopian food I have had)! Every time I drive through East Lansing, I find myself wanting to stop for take-out. The food is amazing! The injera is soft and fresh with perfect flavor (that tiny bit of sour to it). I really enjoy the vegetarian sampler. For a very reasonable price (unlike the Ethiopian joint in Ann Arbor) you get Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens, and a generous portion at that. Altu's has inspired me to cook Ethiopian at home on occasion because you can truly tell what ingredients/spices are in the meals.
(5)Ken K.
Be careful when trying to find this place, because you're likely to drive right by it. I'd driven by countless times without even realizing the small complex it's in was there. But once I went looking for it, I discovered a diamond in the rough. Altu's sure doesn't look like much on the outside. It's on the end of a small string of businesses that share a building. I was expecting a hole in the wall but was pleasantly surprised. The place was spotless and decorated in a palm tree/Caribbean motif. I'm sure it's Ethiopian as well, but I've never been there. They've obviously put a lot of time and effort into making the place look nice. My co-worker and I sat at a table instead of the wicker tables and chairs since we weren't sure what to expect. After perusing the menu, we decided to split a vegetarian sampler. Never having had Ethiopian before, I wasn't sure what it was going to taste like, but I thought everything was superb. A couple of the stews were slightly bland, but the "spicy" ones were awesome. I'm not a huge fan of really hot and spicy food, so please don't think this will burn your lips or anything even close to it. The cabbage was awesome too. My favorite part was the bread. It's like a sponge crossed with a pancake crossed with sourdough bread. The texture and taste make the meal. I also loved that the giant piece the sampler was sitting on soaked up all the goodness, making sure the two of us ate every last scrap. We're both pretty big guys, and we were stuffed. I read some people complain about the menu variety. It seemed pretty big to me, especially for a small joint run by a family. If you want huge variety, go to a chain. I'll stick with my local folks who do a few things and do them well.
(4)David M.
Before coming to Altu's I had never had Ethiopian food, but it is incredible. If it's a first for you, it is kind of an adventure and takes a bit of bravery, but once you start eating with your hands, nothing can really stop you. As someone mentioned, the bread which is the main utensil does have a sour taste to it, and it takes some getting used to but if you expect it then it is delicious, and it's really fun to scoop food out of the platter with the bread. The thing they put the platter on is also pretty neat, and the top comes off and makes quite a fashionable hat, which you can't really say about any other place.
(5)Eri K.
Once again, thanks Yelp! Why oh why was this gem not around when I went to MSU?! Not fair! We shared a yummy veg meal while passing through town. If you like lima beans, this place will rock your world! The hot tea is also excellent:)
(4)Elizabeth Z.
Super yummy food, especially when you're looking for something different. The cabbage is so awesome, and they don't give you nearly enough. The spicy lentils are probably my favorite. It's a great place if you're not a picky eater and are willing to try new foods. This place seems to be good for vegetarians, and it's fun to be able to serve yourself your own pop. I've never been to the Blue Nile in Ferndale, even though I live closer there, but I've heard that Altu's is the way to go. Every time I've gone, it's usually me and maybe one other table. Very prompt and friendly service with delightful music in the background. Oh, and the tea is very good as well.
(5)Kat H.
What a treat! My husband and I are moving to EL soon and we had dinner here when we were visitinig. It was fantastic! We had the vegetarian feast for two and were delighted. It's great to have the four different sauces so you can try them all. I LOVED the lima beans and will try them next time we go. We are both vegetarians - it's so great to see so many options! The service was also fantastic - the best I've had in a restaurant in a while. The young woman who helped up explained everything and was very friendly and attentive. Also, we went on a Friday night, when they have live music. We were sitting near the small stage, and I was a little nervous that it would be too loud, but it started without me even noticing. There was just one musician playing a stringed instrument and singing quietly. It perfectly fit the ambiance of the place. What a great restaurant - so glad it is located in our future home town!
(5)AJ O.
Wow! Amazing, amazing food. Charming atmosphere. Very low prices. The exterior of the building gives a wrong impression, but It's charming inside. I thoroughly enjoyed eating here and will go back the next time I'm in East Lansing. Bravo, Altu's!
(5)Erin F.
i thought the food was good, but overpriced for the amount of food I received and given that it was a vegetarian meal. I've eaten at many Ethiopian restaurants and many other kinds of restaurants in the area where I would receive at least twice the amount food for the same price. Also, I was told where the tea and water were for self-serve -- I thought this meant that they were included in the meal. But when I went to pay, they added a charge for the tea, which I would not have taken if had I known the price.
(2)R S.
This restaurant is an insult to Ethiopian food. The decor is stereotypical to please customers. But, the food is just horrible. We had the vegetarian platter. There is no passion put into the food. The food was bland, or spicy, but seemed like eating left overs. The Ingera was boring, and cold. The nly thing we enjoyed was the spiced tea and the fountain drinks.
(1)Ed C.
Short: Very tasty, but the menu is small. They have several vegetarian options (most are bean based, but they have Ethiopean collard greens), however I've never ordered anything other than the vegetarian sampler. For only slightly more than the price of a single entree, you get a decent sized portion of each of dishes, all on delicious injera (sponge bread). One sampler is enough for two people. As good as it is, I wish they had more options. Also, I wish they had Ethiopean beer.
(4)Michael K.
Wonderful place. The experience inside is very nice and they book great live music on Saturday nights. I recommend the samplers, because it's fun to share with others! The collard greens are excellent, as are the white bean & potato and lentil stews. I haven't tried anything with meat yet, but all the meat dishes look and smell superb. I like how they do the injera bread. I've had it at other Ethiopian places and it tastes and feels like a wet pancake. At Altu's, it's crisp on the edges, has a little bit of a stretch and chew to it and has a delicious sourdough-type tang. Go to Altu's. You'll be glad you did.
(5)Noelle K.
Altu's is definitely the most unique restaurant in this college town. I am surprised that more people do not know about it. Every dish is made fresh daily and after 15 years, the restaurant offers an array of vegetarian options for the vegan and vegetarian minded. The veggie sampler is one of my favorites to order because it comes with Spicy Lentils, Yellow Peas, Spicy Ground Peas, Lima Beans & Collard Greens plus lots of Injera bread. The plus about eating Ethiopian food is eating with your hands. A wonderful hot tea is an option to enjoy with your meal. The environment is cozy and intimate. There is live music on Saturday's too!
(5)Miss P.
Very impressed! Clean place, friendly staff, fast service and absolutely delicious! The spicy chicken and beef are amazing. The presentation was also great. We got the combo for 3 which filled up all 3 of us and then some. Only downer is that its pretty expensive. Wont stop me from returning though.
(4)Randy G.
This was the first restaurant I had Ethiopian food. I truly would prefer to eat at this Ethiopian place than any other. Even after having Ethiopian food in Africa, I still think this is the best. The sweetest woman, Altu, open the restaurant years ago. She makes the place feel so nice and warm and cooks her food with lots of love. The decor is very casual and traditional. The tables are setup so you eat as a group. The cost is very resonable as well. Truly the best Ethiopian...
(5)Mark G.
Don't tip over 10%! Servers only drop the plate on the table. Want H2O? Take a hike, get your own, over there. Food was OK, I had a spicy lamb dish which was indeed spicy, but not worth $14! I could get a whole lamb shank with rice and veggies in Greek Town/Detroit for the same price. Meat was a bit tough, dosa-like bread was served cold. Very little veggies on the side. I won't be going back....
(2)Jeffrey C.
Altu's feels like home to me, but I'll state that I am biased towards earthy vegetarian foods. That said I think the portions are very acceptable for the price and everything whether vegetarian or not is very satisfying. I would especially recommend the lamb or the spicy lentils. On Saturday's they also have a great variety of live local musicians which makes the trip all the better.
(5)Belinda T.
I'm from D.C. This is a wonderful taste of home. D.C. is a haven for Ethiopian cuisine. Altu's is authentic and wholesome and yummy. Who could ask for more? The new renovations and expansions make the dining space comfortable and welcoming. I highly recommend it.
(4)Megan I.
I don't claim to be an authority on "authentic" Ethiopian cuisine, but I can say that I've been to a few Ethiopian restaurants, and Altu's is by far my favorite. That it's in the Lansing area, which is pretty much a cultural wasteland when it comes to restaurants, makes it even more surprising when you visit. If you can find it, that is -- it's in a little strip mall, so keep an eagle-eye out for it, because it's easy to miss. The basic component of any Ethiopian meal is the injera. Altu's injera is great -- sour, but not too sour so as to compete with the flavor of the food. "A suggestion of sour" is probably the best way to describe it. And though I love meat, I recommend going for the vegetarian dishes -- that's where the real strength of the restaurant is. (Although their lamb is pretty darn good, too.) My favorites: the lima beans and the spicy ground peas mixed with greens. Amazingly good. The cabbage that comes on the side will make you wish for an entire bowl of it, though you'd probably regret it later. Or your partner would. And when you go up for your drink, skip the Coke products and try their spiced iced tea, which is hands-down the best iced tea in town.
(5)Eric P.
For Ethiopian food in Lansing, my one experience at Altu's would suggest that it's a good choice. I went with my sister and her boyfriend the other day, and we split the vegetarian feast. In all honesty, I only recognized a couple of the dishes, but they were all pretty decent. One or two of them tasted very similar to each other, but that may have just been my imagination. A plus for this place, though, is that they seemed to use teff in their injera, which isn't universal among local Ethiopian restaurants. *cough* Blue Nile *cough* In some respects, I've had better elsewhere, but Altu's is certainly a good choice for something different in the Lansing area.
(3)amy g.
Even though I'm not a vegetarian, I really appreciate really good, flavorful & unique vegetarian dishes. Whenever I go out to dinner, I do try to scope out something vegetarian to eat (sometimes burgers win) but I think it's interesting what amazing food can be made with vegetables & no meat. This is one of the best examples of what incredible flavor & texture & combinations you can have jump at you with simple ingredients. Just amazing. And so much fun to eat with your hands! The spiced tea was good also with some sugar :D
(5)Hank M.
Very good food and service. "Different" atmosphere. Good price points. I love the Blue Nile in AA. As such, I was not expecting much from Altu's but was very impressed. I found the lentils, spicy beef and chicken to be very good and comparable to the Blue Nile. The atmosphere is "different" in a good way. Wicker tables mixed with more traditional tables. The building itself appears to be a remodeled 7-11, but it works. I found the pricing to be fair, esp. for the amount of food provided.
(4)