Ethiopian Food in the Heart of Cape Town

Authentic stews, hands-on eating, and a vibe that transports you straight to Addis Ababa. If you’d like to watch about Ethiopian food instead of read, click here.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that feels like a real escape, Addis in Cape is that spot. Located now on Loop Street in the CBD, this Ethiopian restaurant doesn’t just serve food, it serves an experience. From the architecture to the flavours, everything is curated to make you feel like you’ve stepped into someone’s home in Ethiopia.

The new location is beautifully designed. It’s spacious, earthy, and calm. The attention to detail in the decor is incredible, and from the moment you walk in, you’re immersed in the experience. No gimmicks, no fluff. Just warm hospitality and rich culture.

Ethiopian Food: The Menu

The menu is loaded with options, so if you feel overwhelmed, don’t stress. We did too! The waiters know their stuff and are more than happy to help recommend something based on your tastes. That said… if you’d rather not ask, we’ve got you covered 😉

We went with the 4-stew platter, which we found to be very well-priced for the portion size. It’s also a nice way to try a bit of everything. You can go full veg or mix it up (we chose both veg and meat options).

Here’s what was on our plate:

• Doro Wot Fillet (spicy chicken)
• Yebeg Alicha (mild lamb)
• Merek L-Tibs (sautéed lamb cubes)
• Kiffo (lightly cooked minced beef)

All dishes come with injera, a slightly sour, spongy bread you use to scoop up the stews (no cutlery here, folks! Just hands and flavour 👌🏽).

FYI: The included injera is made with Cape Town flour, but you can upgrade to the original Ethiopian teff version for R25 more. We tried both and honestly loved having the option.

Drinks & Atmosphere

We ordered the Ethiopian tea, which is lightly spiced, soothing, and perfect for Cape Town’s colder months. It’s a great non-caffeine option if you want something gentle.

Eating Ethiopian Food is done the traditional way, with your hands, and it really adds to the whole cultural experience. Before the meal, the staff bring a small tray and a pot of warm water to wash your hands, making it feel like a ceremonial welcome.

Don’t stress if you’re not used to eating with your hands! Everyone around us was giving it a try and loving it.

What It Costs

Our entire meal, including the drinks and tip, came to R550. Given how generous the portions were (we had leftovers to take home), we found it really fair for a cultural dining experience in the city.

So next time you’re looking for something a little different, but still delicious, bookmark this. And let us know in the comments: Who are you taking with you to try Ethiopian food?

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