First time in DC ,and tried Ethiopian food for the first time — . This place is amazing, the food was so good . Best food I believe I’ve ever had ! Im not sure why I never tried it , maybe because the closest one to my home town is a 2 hour drive ! The Injera was a pretty cool, Im an immigrant myself so for me to try new foods is my go to !!! Eating with my hands felt like a sin ,but it was the coolest experience. **Injera is a sourdough flatbread with a porous texture, traditionally made with teff flour, used as both a plate ,and eating utensil. Staff was great, the atmosphere was perfect! I really wished I had more room to try the dessert, I can only imagine how tasty that would have been — next time I guess ! Im very happy to have randomly walked into not knowing how happy Id be leaving ! I cannot say enough about this place ! If you haven’t tried it yet you’re missing out . We ordered the meat sampler with short ribs . Mmm mmm mmmmm
Overview
Das Ethiopian Cuisine offers a unique culinary experience right in the heart of Washington, D.C. Located at 1201 28th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, this cozy diner brings a taste of Ethiopia to the bustling streets of Georgetown. The restaurant’s charm lies in its ability to blend traditional Ethiopian flavors with a modern dining atmosphere.
Walking into Das Ethiopian Cuisine, you’re immediately greeted with the warmth of the inviting decor, reflecting Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage. The soft lighting, colorful artwork, and soothing ambiance create the perfect setting for enjoying a delicious meal. The restaurant is known for its authentic dishes, crafted from recipes passed down through generations. Each dish is a celebration of Ethiopia’s vibrant food culture, offering a variety of flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
One of the highlights at Das Ethiopian Cuisine is the injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread. It’s not just a side dish; it’s the base of every meal. The injera’s soft, spongy texture serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up the rich, flavorful stews and sauces. The most popular dishes include Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew simmered with hard-boiled eggs, and Kitfo, a minced beef dish that’s both tender and flavorful. The restaurant’s vegetarian offerings, like Shiro and Atayef, are equally impressive, showcasing the depth of Ethiopian cuisine.
Another standout feature is the family-style dining experience. Much like Ethiopian tradition, food is served on large platters, allowing diners to share a meal together. This communal aspect of dining at Das Ethiopian Cuisine adds to the welcoming vibe of the restaurant. It’s not just about the food; it’s about enjoying it together, connecting with friends, and experiencing the rich cultural traditions of Ethiopia.
The menu at Das Ethiopian Cuisine also includes an impressive selection of traditional drinks, including T’ej, a homemade honey wine, which perfectly complements the flavors of the dishes. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the restaurant offers a variety of refreshing fruit juices and traditional Ethiopian teas.
The staff at Das Ethiopian Cuisine are always attentive and happy to explain the dishes, offering insights into the origins and preparation of the meals. This level of service enhances the dining experience, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and valued.
Many diners rave about the authenticity of the flavors at Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with numerous reviews praising the restaurant’s dedication to preserving the traditional tastes of Ethiopia. The combination of fresh ingredients, skillful preparation, and attentive service keeps patrons coming back for more. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time regular, you can expect a satisfying and memorable dining experience every time.
Das Ethiopian Cuisine has built a strong reputation for providing an authentic Ethiopian dining experience in D.C., and it continues to earn the trust of locals and visitors alike. With its prime location in Georgetown, it’s a convenient spot for both casual dinners and special occasions. The restaurant also offers takeout and delivery options, allowing you to enjoy their mouthwatering dishes from the comfort of your home.
For those seeking a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Washington, D.C., Das Ethiopian Cuisine is the place to be. The restaurant’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and community makes it a standout destination for food lovers. Whether you're familiar with Ethiopian cuisine or new to the flavors, Das Ethiopian Cuisine will leave you craving more of its delicious, hearty dishes.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast servicePopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Assistive hearing loop ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
We visited DAS Ethiopian Restaurant in DC for the second time with our family, and it was excellent again. The food is authentic Ethiopian and truly delicious. I especially loved the spicy beef dish the staff recommended—super flavorful and very spicy, just how I like it! Service was outstanding and family-friendly. Since we had our child with us, they immediately provided a high chair, brought out complimentary rice for the little one, and even offered crayons so kids could draw on the paper-covered table. These thoughtful touches made dinner so much easier and more enjoyable. DAS has also been recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand award, which highlights restaurants that serve excellent food at a great value. Compared with very traditional spots, DAS keeps the cuisine authentic while presenting the dishes in a more refined, creative way. Overall, we highly recommend it—especially if you enjoy bold, spicy flavors. It’s authentic, family-friendly, and Michelin-recognized. We love this restaurant and will definitely keep coming back!
We had dinner there, and it was amazing. The host was super-accommodating, and the waitress and staff were excellent. Everything is done family style, so the menu choices come on a single large plate while everyone gets their own injera bread. The waitress was great in pointing out what combos and selections had redundancies, so we were able to try out something different with each choice. We even met the owner, Mr. Alifom, which was really cool (after seeing him on PBS, he was kind of a celebrity to us). Wonderful place, go here.
We had Chicken doro Kay wat and shrimp tibs were fantastic. Sadly we were so full and couldn’t try the dessert.
We had an incredible Ethiopian lunch experience, post a morning of walking through the Tidal basin, watching cherry blossoms. We got a few vegetarian entrees to share and one chicken entree among the non-vegetarians. The injira was soft, supple and delicious.
Had a wonderful lunch here! The environment was very quiet with a unique and cozy atmosphere. Loved the experience of eating with my hands — it made the meal feel even more authentic. The dishes were delicious, and the bread was especially soft and flavorful. Highly recommend this place! Walking distance to Georgetown downtown
It was my first time trying Ethiopian food. Was very good. Learn how to eat with my hands . It was very cool. We had a good time. I wanted to try Ethiopian beer, but they didn't have it. So, the server recommends a wine . And was a good choice. All desserts , yammmmm
From the moment I called to set up a reservation to the moment we left we had an amazing time. My fiancé and I were celebrating his birthday and it made his day to eat here! The food was phenomenal! Love how cute the place was, the food was delicious! The recommendation on the glass of wine was perfect! Would def come back to try the rest of the menu!