Delicious! I always order the gyro plate (meat, rice and lettuce)...no white sauce(not sure exactly what it is but they put it all over unless you specify otherwise)...extra red sauce(it is not spicy). I also love the regular and the chicken shish kabob.
(5)
Luther B.
I do not care what ANYONE says...this is one of the best restaurants in the city!!! The food AND the prices...EXCELLENT!!! I've had the gyros on pita type bread with lamb or chicken... GREAT!!! Definitely give this place a try!!!
(5)
Alyssa M.
Haven't been in a couple years. But the Gyros were what I remember being delicious! Now that I am reminded of the place... I will be going again.
(4)
Georgie G.
This is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Omaha. This is a small family-owned business serving Ethiopian food. I eat here at least once a month. My favorite plate is the injera, which I like with the gyro meat , or lamb, or goat. The fried tilapia is also excellent. Meals can come with rice, or spaghetti, and is usually accompanied with a small salad. The flavors on each of the dishes is so delicious that I have often been tempted to lick the plate. Portions are more than adequate and prices are very reasonable! I have always left here more than satisfied. If you want a true international experience, eat here!
(5)
Julian S.
Whole deep-fried tilapia was excellent (crispy and moist on the inside) and was fairly affordable. My folks ordered the gyro plate and some grilled lamb dish (?), both of which were excellent. The portions were fairly generous as well, which was nice to see. The tomato sauce that they served with the food on the side reminded me of my time in West Africa - great touch. The only thing I'd change it the relative tidiness of the place, but otherwise everything else was fine.
(4)
Ryssa C.
I'm sure I've mentioned somewhere in my other reviews that I recently moved to Omaha from Denver. I've been spoiled by the easy availability of international cuisine in Denver and I've spent a fair amount of time searching for local replacements. International Cafe meets one of my very important needs: Ethiopian food. Did I mention I was spoiled by Denver's international cuisine options? However, I found relief at International Cafe. Like absolutely every one of the Ethiopian restaurants I've patronized, the exterior is nothing special to look at and can be offputting to the unintiated. Do not let the exterior fool you. Heaven awaits the brave. Be brave. Inside I found the colors of northern Africa and the art and fabric patterns that I didn't realize I'd missed. There is a coffee set up behind the counter just waiting for someone to order the ambrosia that is Ethiopian coffee. But onto the food! I ordered Doro Wat, which is a hearty chicken based stew that is always served with a hard boiled egg. I am not afraid of spicy so I told her to go nuts with the spice and she didn't disappoint. Today's side dish was gomen kitfed and a salad topped with a sweet-ish dressing, tomatos, onions, sliced jalapeno peppers. Gomen kitfed is collard greens stewed with onions. I've seen that sometimes they make the amazing curried yellow split peas, so I hope to enjoy that soon. Ethiopian food is served with Injera, a spongy sour flatbread made from Teff, an heirloom grain and sparkling water (what makes the bread bubbly and spongy). Heavenly! I ate until I could eat no more and still had most of a plate of food left. I unceremoniously dumped the remainder into a to-go container to enjoy later. FYI, in addition to spice, they also use a bunch of butter so beware if you are lactose intolerant. I see that they serve some greek and other northern African dishes, but my heart lies with the traditional Ethiopian fare so it will be a while before I sample any other cuisine, even Somali, which is so close to Ethiopian as to be indistinguishable. But I digress... Eat here! You'll love it. Really.
(5)
Sam L.
I've eaten here probably 20 times. I've only ever gotten the gyro sandwich. It's always been awesome. The bathrooms are super sketchy.
(5)
Shamia H.
Best tea in Omaha!! And all for a $1! Also delicious lamb, gyro and massive portions with rice and salad. The lamb dish at times has a lot of bone and fat so be advised. Great value for your buck! Bring cash in case their card machine doesn't work.... It's happened to me twice before.
(4)
Mahvesh S.
The gyro sandwich I had here was really great. The meat was not thinly sliced like most places. It was thick and chunky and there was lots of it. I asked for some hot sauce and they gave me a green Serrano chilli sauce that was great.
(4)
Megan R.
In the mood for something different, I came here and picked the most foreign-sounding item on the menu - Doro Wot, which is served with Injera. All words I had never heard before. It was exactly what I was looking for - something different and tasty. Injera is a kind of spungy flat bread and doro wot is a stew with chicken and hard boiled eggs. It was pleasantly spicy. It was a lot of food. Also, the gyro meat here is excellent. The inside of this place does look much better than the outside.
(4)
Shaunita J.
Came here with a colleague. We went on a weekday lunch trip. Not super crowded. Got in and out in less than an hour, probably. It's an unassuming place from the outside. I have passed it a few times and not really noticed it. It's cleaner inside that I expected, considering how worn it looks from the door. Inside, it's an odd mismash of decorations, really old menu signs, ethnic music, old tables and chairs. shrines, and people. And, that odd mishmash is also a fitting description of the menu. Part Ethiopian, part Middle Eastern or something? Ordering is a little free style. There seemed to be some regulars that came in and started ordering and chatting. We kind of stood there for awhile before we realized we should just jump in, get the woman at the counter off the phone (in her defense, she apologized), and order. The hot tea there is banging. Sort of tastes like chai, but not quite. I had Mandazi bread, which seems like maybe a cross between Native American fry bread and and unsweetened donuts? It was warm and I added some table sugar to it and it was even better. (Probably not how it's traditionally eaten, but whatevs.) My dining companion had the gyro and enjoyed it. I had the chicken plate with fries. The chicken is almost orange, like it has paprika or curry on it, but it's not super spicy. It tasted pretty good. It had some onions with it (a lot--what is the deal with the onions in this town?) and some sauce that look suspiciously like ranch dressing to me. And we had some fries. I'm a bit of a gorda, and can put away the groceries with the best of 'em, but even I ended up taking some chicken home. So, it's definitely a good value for the money. it loses a star because some of the items on the menu weren't even available that day, so it limited our choices. Will go again for sure.
(4)
Audrey C.
I love this place. Been coming here for years and it always impresses me. Quiet lunch spot where you can sip delicious spiced tea and gorge yourself on succulent meat and rice. It is a nice getaway for lunch since I'm downtown, and it allows me to regroup in peace. The building has improved in recent years. I think a roof collapse was reason why it was closed for a short time. They offer separate family seating, so there is plenty of privacy. This place is very busy during Ramadan, but whether you are practicing or not you will be treated with respect and excellent customer service. Such a cultural gem, I encourage everyone to give it a try!
(4)
Lianna N.
I have not been here for a couple of years and would love to come back and try it again. I have dear memories of the injera bread, beef stew and their style of the fried falafel sandwich. It's full of ethiopian people and most of them sit on the floor to eat. Next door is an adorable market which I used to shop at while attending Creighton. Good memories that need to be revisited!!
(4)
Ibrahim A.
It is one of my favorite restaurant in Omaha and whole Nebraska. I feel like a home when I eat from them. They have a gorgeous food for either chicken or beef. If you are from middle east and haven't try it, just go ahead and get the opportunity. Don't miss it. They deserve five stars.
(5)
Kirsten J.
While this restaurant isn't going to win an award for decor or ambiance, it does provide a cuisine I've never had before, and found pretty tasty. I had Injera with vegetarian stuff (lentils, a potato dish, and green beans and carrots), and I really liked it. The gentleman at the counter was really friendly and helpful to an unsure white girl. He even created the vegetarian dish for me, because I wanted to try Injera, without it having meat with it.
(3)
Charles G.
I really like Ethiopian food and was thrilled to find that this place existed after I moved to Omaha. It's got a healthy contingent of African immigrants patronizing the place and hanging out; unfortunately, the food's not very good. I've been there twice, and while the injera and wats give a little scratch of the Ethiopian itch, the quality isn't there. (They also serve spaghetti, if that helps put things in perspective.) My kid was crawling the last time I was there, and he was black from the filth in the carpet (and it was a beautiful day outside, mind you) when we left, too. Thing is, I'll probably end up going back, as it's the only Ethiopian restaurant in the state that I'm aware of. BTW, if this place is your ONLY taste of Ethiopian food, please understand that it's not a fine example, and try someplace else. I've heard that Ethiopian Diamond in Chicago is good. I'm unaware of any places closer than that. Doesn't mean there aren't any, certainly! Update: Astute Yelper Scott B. alerted me to (and raved about) another Ethiopian place around 25th and Leavenworth, the matter-of-factly named "Ethiopian Restaurant." It's much, much better. Update to Update: There's also Lalibela on Saddle Creek now, too. Rock solid and friendly!
(2)
Ncllnn O.
For Starters I'm not sure if I would classify this place as Ethiopian. It is called the International Cafe. I go here on a regular basis for their Gyro Plate. No this isnt anything crazy, but its what I get. For a Gyro Plate it is excellent and the price is great. The meal comes with Meat, Rice, salad, and a side of a spicy unknown meat in sauce. The one thing to point out about this meal is the rice. It is a high quality basmati rice seasoned with saffron and other spices. The Gyro meat is really good and cooked to MY perfection. Its cripsy but not overcooked. It is also seasoned well. The unknown meat in sauce has a spicy taste and its very pleasant. I keep forgetting to ask what it is. The "salad" is iceberg lettace that is usually browning and I typically dont bother with it. I also have had the falafel it was good but I perfer tahini sauce with it so I feel I'm not the best person to rate their falafel.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Blake R.
Delicious! I always order the gyro plate (meat, rice and lettuce)...no white sauce(not sure exactly what it is but they put it all over unless you specify otherwise)...extra red sauce(it is not spicy). I also love the regular and the chicken shish kabob.
(5)Luther B.
I do not care what ANYONE says...this is one of the best restaurants in the city!!! The food AND the prices...EXCELLENT!!! I've had the gyros on pita type bread with lamb or chicken... GREAT!!! Definitely give this place a try!!!
(5)Alyssa M.
Haven't been in a couple years. But the Gyros were what I remember being delicious! Now that I am reminded of the place... I will be going again.
(4)Georgie G.
This is by far one of my favorite restaurants in Omaha. This is a small family-owned business serving Ethiopian food. I eat here at least once a month. My favorite plate is the injera, which I like with the gyro meat , or lamb, or goat. The fried tilapia is also excellent. Meals can come with rice, or spaghetti, and is usually accompanied with a small salad. The flavors on each of the dishes is so delicious that I have often been tempted to lick the plate. Portions are more than adequate and prices are very reasonable! I have always left here more than satisfied. If you want a true international experience, eat here!
(5)Julian S.
Whole deep-fried tilapia was excellent (crispy and moist on the inside) and was fairly affordable. My folks ordered the gyro plate and some grilled lamb dish (?), both of which were excellent. The portions were fairly generous as well, which was nice to see. The tomato sauce that they served with the food on the side reminded me of my time in West Africa - great touch. The only thing I'd change it the relative tidiness of the place, but otherwise everything else was fine.
(4)Ryssa C.
I'm sure I've mentioned somewhere in my other reviews that I recently moved to Omaha from Denver. I've been spoiled by the easy availability of international cuisine in Denver and I've spent a fair amount of time searching for local replacements. International Cafe meets one of my very important needs: Ethiopian food. Did I mention I was spoiled by Denver's international cuisine options? However, I found relief at International Cafe. Like absolutely every one of the Ethiopian restaurants I've patronized, the exterior is nothing special to look at and can be offputting to the unintiated. Do not let the exterior fool you. Heaven awaits the brave. Be brave. Inside I found the colors of northern Africa and the art and fabric patterns that I didn't realize I'd missed. There is a coffee set up behind the counter just waiting for someone to order the ambrosia that is Ethiopian coffee. But onto the food! I ordered Doro Wat, which is a hearty chicken based stew that is always served with a hard boiled egg. I am not afraid of spicy so I told her to go nuts with the spice and she didn't disappoint. Today's side dish was gomen kitfed and a salad topped with a sweet-ish dressing, tomatos, onions, sliced jalapeno peppers. Gomen kitfed is collard greens stewed with onions. I've seen that sometimes they make the amazing curried yellow split peas, so I hope to enjoy that soon. Ethiopian food is served with Injera, a spongy sour flatbread made from Teff, an heirloom grain and sparkling water (what makes the bread bubbly and spongy). Heavenly! I ate until I could eat no more and still had most of a plate of food left. I unceremoniously dumped the remainder into a to-go container to enjoy later. FYI, in addition to spice, they also use a bunch of butter so beware if you are lactose intolerant. I see that they serve some greek and other northern African dishes, but my heart lies with the traditional Ethiopian fare so it will be a while before I sample any other cuisine, even Somali, which is so close to Ethiopian as to be indistinguishable. But I digress... Eat here! You'll love it. Really.
(5)Sam L.
I've eaten here probably 20 times. I've only ever gotten the gyro sandwich. It's always been awesome. The bathrooms are super sketchy.
(5)Shamia H.
Best tea in Omaha!! And all for a $1! Also delicious lamb, gyro and massive portions with rice and salad. The lamb dish at times has a lot of bone and fat so be advised. Great value for your buck! Bring cash in case their card machine doesn't work.... It's happened to me twice before.
(4)Mahvesh S.
The gyro sandwich I had here was really great. The meat was not thinly sliced like most places. It was thick and chunky and there was lots of it. I asked for some hot sauce and they gave me a green Serrano chilli sauce that was great.
(4)Megan R.
In the mood for something different, I came here and picked the most foreign-sounding item on the menu - Doro Wot, which is served with Injera. All words I had never heard before. It was exactly what I was looking for - something different and tasty. Injera is a kind of spungy flat bread and doro wot is a stew with chicken and hard boiled eggs. It was pleasantly spicy. It was a lot of food. Also, the gyro meat here is excellent. The inside of this place does look much better than the outside.
(4)Shaunita J.
Came here with a colleague. We went on a weekday lunch trip. Not super crowded. Got in and out in less than an hour, probably. It's an unassuming place from the outside. I have passed it a few times and not really noticed it. It's cleaner inside that I expected, considering how worn it looks from the door. Inside, it's an odd mismash of decorations, really old menu signs, ethnic music, old tables and chairs. shrines, and people. And, that odd mishmash is also a fitting description of the menu. Part Ethiopian, part Middle Eastern or something? Ordering is a little free style. There seemed to be some regulars that came in and started ordering and chatting. We kind of stood there for awhile before we realized we should just jump in, get the woman at the counter off the phone (in her defense, she apologized), and order. The hot tea there is banging. Sort of tastes like chai, but not quite. I had Mandazi bread, which seems like maybe a cross between Native American fry bread and and unsweetened donuts? It was warm and I added some table sugar to it and it was even better. (Probably not how it's traditionally eaten, but whatevs.) My dining companion had the gyro and enjoyed it. I had the chicken plate with fries. The chicken is almost orange, like it has paprika or curry on it, but it's not super spicy. It tasted pretty good. It had some onions with it (a lot--what is the deal with the onions in this town?) and some sauce that look suspiciously like ranch dressing to me. And we had some fries. I'm a bit of a gorda, and can put away the groceries with the best of 'em, but even I ended up taking some chicken home. So, it's definitely a good value for the money. it loses a star because some of the items on the menu weren't even available that day, so it limited our choices. Will go again for sure.
(4)Audrey C.
I love this place. Been coming here for years and it always impresses me. Quiet lunch spot where you can sip delicious spiced tea and gorge yourself on succulent meat and rice. It is a nice getaway for lunch since I'm downtown, and it allows me to regroup in peace. The building has improved in recent years. I think a roof collapse was reason why it was closed for a short time. They offer separate family seating, so there is plenty of privacy. This place is very busy during Ramadan, but whether you are practicing or not you will be treated with respect and excellent customer service. Such a cultural gem, I encourage everyone to give it a try!
(4)Lianna N.
I have not been here for a couple of years and would love to come back and try it again. I have dear memories of the injera bread, beef stew and their style of the fried falafel sandwich. It's full of ethiopian people and most of them sit on the floor to eat. Next door is an adorable market which I used to shop at while attending Creighton. Good memories that need to be revisited!!
(4)Ibrahim A.
It is one of my favorite restaurant in Omaha and whole Nebraska. I feel like a home when I eat from them. They have a gorgeous food for either chicken or beef. If you are from middle east and haven't try it, just go ahead and get the opportunity. Don't miss it. They deserve five stars.
(5)Kirsten J.
While this restaurant isn't going to win an award for decor or ambiance, it does provide a cuisine I've never had before, and found pretty tasty. I had Injera with vegetarian stuff (lentils, a potato dish, and green beans and carrots), and I really liked it. The gentleman at the counter was really friendly and helpful to an unsure white girl. He even created the vegetarian dish for me, because I wanted to try Injera, without it having meat with it.
(3)Charles G.
I really like Ethiopian food and was thrilled to find that this place existed after I moved to Omaha. It's got a healthy contingent of African immigrants patronizing the place and hanging out; unfortunately, the food's not very good. I've been there twice, and while the injera and wats give a little scratch of the Ethiopian itch, the quality isn't there. (They also serve spaghetti, if that helps put things in perspective.) My kid was crawling the last time I was there, and he was black from the filth in the carpet (and it was a beautiful day outside, mind you) when we left, too. Thing is, I'll probably end up going back, as it's the only Ethiopian restaurant in the state that I'm aware of. BTW, if this place is your ONLY taste of Ethiopian food, please understand that it's not a fine example, and try someplace else. I've heard that Ethiopian Diamond in Chicago is good. I'm unaware of any places closer than that. Doesn't mean there aren't any, certainly! Update: Astute Yelper Scott B. alerted me to (and raved about) another Ethiopian place around 25th and Leavenworth, the matter-of-factly named "Ethiopian Restaurant." It's much, much better. Update to Update: There's also Lalibela on Saddle Creek now, too. Rock solid and friendly!
(2)Ncllnn O.
For Starters I'm not sure if I would classify this place as Ethiopian. It is called the International Cafe. I go here on a regular basis for their Gyro Plate. No this isnt anything crazy, but its what I get. For a Gyro Plate it is excellent and the price is great. The meal comes with Meat, Rice, salad, and a side of a spicy unknown meat in sauce. The one thing to point out about this meal is the rice. It is a high quality basmati rice seasoned with saffron and other spices. The Gyro meat is really good and cooked to MY perfection. Its cripsy but not overcooked. It is also seasoned well. The unknown meat in sauce has a spicy taste and its very pleasant. I keep forgetting to ask what it is. The "salad" is iceberg lettace that is usually browning and I typically dont bother with it. I also have had the falafel it was good but I perfer tahini sauce with it so I feel I'm not the best person to rate their falafel.
(4)