Ethiopian Cuisine in Portland: A Guide to the Best Restaurants

by | Mar 7, 2023 | Featured, Food, Food & Drink, Interesting, Portland, Restaurants, Travel

From food trucks to interesting restaurants and farm-to-table experiences, Portland is known for it's thriving food scene. It's easy to find delicious food or an interesting dining experience in Portland, and one of our favorite options is Ethiopian food.

There's nothing quite like the warm, spicy and delicious flavors of Ethiopian cuisine to wake up your senses. Usually arranged in a colorful array and eaten with unique injera bread, Ethiopian food is something everyone should try at least once.

If you're looking for the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or the best Ethiopian food, check out our list of top Ethiopian restaurants in Portland, Oregon.

Top Ethiopian Restaurants Portland, Oregon

ethoiopian restaurants portland
A delicious plate from Enat in Portland Oregon. Photo via the Enat Kitchen Facebook page.

Portland has a thriving Ethiopian restaurant scene. From traditional dishes like key wot, injera and berbere to modern interpretations, the city offers a wide range of options for those looking to enjoy the flavors of Ethiopia.

ethiopian food portland
Ethiopian Food. Photo by Garrett Ziegler via Flickr CC2.

Ethiopian food is considered healthy because it focuses on nutritious ingredients and cooking methods. Ethiopian food is also considered low in fat, and packed with fiber, protein, and important vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin B.

Beef Tibs. Photo by Andrea Chiu via Flickr CC2.

The wide variety of herbs and spices used in cooking most Ethiopian dishes add incredible flavor but also help to reduce inflammation and aid in digestion.

Ethiopian food. Photo by Stephanie via Flickr CC2.

Both nutritious and delicious, Ethiopian food is a great option if you're on a diet or are looking for new ways to add healthy food into your daily meals.

Ethiopian food. Photo by Ted Drake via Flickr CC2.

Ethiopian cuisine features a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, incorporating legumes, vegetables, and spices like turmeric (which has anti-inflammatory properties) to create flavorful and nutrient-dense dishes.

If you'd like to try the flavors of Ethiopia, check out our picks of the top four Ethiopian restaurants in PDX.

Enat Kitchen Ethiopian Restaurant

ethoiopian restaurants portland
Photo via the Enat Kitchen Facebook.

Enat serves up authentic Ethiopian cuisine with fresh ingredients and spices that come straight from Ethiopia.

This is food straight out of 'mama's kitchen', prepared with love, meaning it's earned it's spot on our list of best Ethiopian food in Portland.

Photo via Enat Kitchen Facebook.

We recommend the Atkilt Besaga (strips of meat, carrots and cabbage spiced with ginger, garlic, and other spices with your choice of lamb, beef, or chicken).

Photo via Enat Kitchen Facebook.

Another great option is the Veggie Combo, which is a sampler of five Ethiopian vegetarian dishes.

Enat Kitchen Information

ethoiopian restaurants portland
Photo via the Enat Kitchen Facebook page.
  • Address: 300 N Killingsworth St in Portland, Oregon
  • Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 4 PM – 9 PM
  • Phone: (503) 285-4867
  • Website: Get more information at the Enat Kitchen Website.

Abyssinian Kitchen Ethiopian Restaurant

ethoiopian restaurants portland
Photo via the Abyssinian Kitchen Facebook page.

Abyssinian Kitchen on NE Alberta Street is a newer addition to the PDX Ethiopian food scene, but it's quickly become a local favorite and considered by many in the area to be one of the top spots for the best Ethiopian food.

Abyssinian Kitchen. Photo by Jon O via Yelp.

With a focus on contemporary twists on traditional dishes, Abyssinian serves a variety of mouth watering vegetarian and meat-based options.

A standout Ethiopian dish is their Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew made with berbere sauce and served with injera.

Abyssinian Kitchen Information

Abyssinian Kitchen. Photo by Cloudia C. via Yelp.
  • Location: 2940 NE Alberta Street in Portland, Oregon
  • Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 5pm–9pm
  • Phone: 503-206-7635
  • Website: Get up to date information on the Abyssinian Kitchen website.

Aberus Ethiopian Restaurant

ethoiopian restaurants portland
Photo via Aberus Ethiopian Restaurant Facebook page.

Found on Northeast Killingsworth St, Aberus serves up authentic Ethiopian cuisine like Alicha Wot (beef simmered in mild and flavorful onion and herb sauce), and Awaze Tibs (with your choice of meat with beef, lamb, or chicken cooked with garlic, ginger, tomato, and hot pepper sauce known as Awaze).

We suggest you also try their traditional fresh roasted Ethiopian coffee served out of a clay pot.

This mom and pop Ethiopian restaurant has gluten free Injera included with every order, and is a great spot to stop for a filling and tasty meal.

Aberus Ethiopian Restaurant Information

ethoiopian restaurants portland
Aberus Ethiopian Restaurant Facebook.
  • Location: 438 Northeast Killingsworth Street in Portland, Oregon
  • Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12 pm – 8 pm
  • Phone: (503) 284-6434
  • Website: Get more information on the Aberus website.

Queen Of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant

A huge plate with Ethiopian food.
Photo via the Queen of Sheba Facebook page.

Queen of Sheba is a staple of the Portland Ethiopian food scene and has been since the 90s, offering traditional dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Their menu features a range of meat, vegetable, and lentil stews, all served with injera and a variety of sauces.

ethopian food portland
Photo via Queen of Sheba Facebook.

If you're looking for vegan or vegetarian Ethiopian options, Queen of Sheba has you covered.

Their combination platter is a great option as it has a variety of their most popular dishes.

Photo via Queen of Sheba Facebook.

Because this is a busy restaurant and some of the best Ethiopian food around, it's highly suggested that you make a reservation at 503-287-6302.

Queen Of Sheba Information

  • Location: 2413 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Portland, Oregon
  • Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 5 – 9 PM
  • Phone: 503-287-6302
  • Website: Get more information on the Queen of Sheba restaurant on their website.
Ethiopian food. Photo by Malingering via Flickr CC2.

Whether you're a seasoned fan of Ethiopian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Portland is a great place to try it out.

From the traditional to the contemporary, the city's Ethiopian establishments offer a taste of Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage.

Ethiopian Food. Photo by Ted Drake via Flickr CC2.

We love Ethiopian food! Have you tried any of these Ethiopian restaurants before? Which Ethiopian spot is your favorite and what's your favorite dish to get there? Let us know in a comment and tag the friends and family you want to grab a bite to eat with!

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Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

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