Have you tried injera, tibs, or kitfo? If not, you’re in for a treat. These foods are staples of Ethiopian cuisine, and they’re sure to become new favorites in your diet. Thankfully, plenty of eateries around Sterling, VA serve these and other tasty dishes. Check out these five restaurants in and near Sterling that prepare fantastic Ethiopian food.
Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant
Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant is one of the highest-rated shops in town. The main menu features breakfast items, such as scrambled eggs with dabbo, esh bread, or injera, an egg loaf (toasted bread stuffed with veggies), and chechebsa (shredded injera served in a beef and veggie salsa). Salads, sides, and entrees are available for lunch and dinner.
Find Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant at 275 Sunset Park Drive. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant
Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant is another consistently well-reviewed restaurant in Virginia. It’s definitely a must-try for fans of injera. The huge menu includes staples like baba ghanoush, falafel hummus, and chechebsa. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are served. For dessert, try cheesecake, baklava, or rice pudding — it’s free with every main course.
Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant is at 1125 Queen St in Alexandria. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Mesob Cafe
Mesob Cafe boasts the best Ethiopian food in coastal Virginia, but you’ll have to judge for yourself. The food is inarguably exceptional, though, with options like kitfo and tibs for lunch and dinner. Try the doro wot or siga wot, if you’re interested in traditional Ethiopian dishes. This restaurant also has lots of vegetarian options that will work with a vegan diet. Dessert and coffee is also available.
Mesob Cafe is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s at 1141 Elden St #107 in neighboring Herndon.
Manna Bistro & Bakery
If you find yourself in Centreville, do yourself a favor and go to Manna Bistro & Bakery. It’s a great option for those who just want pastries and coffee, but there’s also a full menu for lunch and dinner. Some of the most popular entrees include doro wat, beef kaey, and lamb tibs. The restaurant also serves seafood and Spanish dishes. Plus, since it’s part bakery, the shop has plenty of options for dessert.
Manna Bistro & Bakery is at 14215 Centreville Square in Centreville. It’s open daily until 8:30 p.m.
Dama Ethiopian Restaurant Pastry and Cafe
Dama Ethiopian Restaurant Pastry and Cafe is another excellent choice for lighter appetites. Part coffee shop and bakery, you can stop by just for some caffeine and pastries in the morning. If you’re hungrier, though, go for some traditional Ethiopian dishes served on injera.
Dama Ethiopian Restaurant Pastry and Cafe is at 6669 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Working up an appetite in Sterling, VA is a wonderful excuse to try some new cuisine or return to your favorite spots around town. If none of these Ethiopian restaurants fall in the latter category for you, rest assured that they’ll become new go-to eateries after your first visit.
Image via Flickr by starpause kid, used under CC BY 2.0
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