Review Abyssinian Restaurant - Adelaide

I absolutely love this restaurant 🙂. Obviously I come for the food - vegan veggie platter with injera. But in addition to that the staff are upbeat and friendly, and we always feel taken care of. The Ethiopian beer is something I have taken to having when I visit - it goes well with the cuisine. My favourite part though is wrapping up the meal with Ethiopian coffee. It is accompanied with a little vessel of beautifully scented burning resin, which completes the whole experience and is really relaxing after the big feed I always end up having there! Definitely recommend this place 👍👍

Hands-down most authentic Ethiopian food in town. Great flavours on both vegetarian (& vegan) and meat dishes. This is how Ethiopian food really should taste like. Friendly service and lovely deco as well. Can highly recommend.

I wish we were staying longer in Adelaide to go and eat here again. The food (we ordered the vegan plate) was absolutely delicious and flavorful. It was my second time eating Ethiopian food ever and it was such a delight. The staff was kind, helpful, and friendly. I particularly loved the music that was playing, the volume was perfect, not loud at all and it created a beautiful atmosphere. The TV with the pictures from Ethiopia (I'm assuming) were also stunning. Cheers!

Took a chance going in when the shop was empty... paid off! Service was friendly, food was excellent. First time eating Ethiopian food for me and I loved it! Got the mesob plate, so many tasty flavours. Also tried the vegetable sambussas which were crisp and delicious. One lady running the show - front of house and kitchen - what a champ!

We didn't know what to expect from Abyssinian but were blown away by the vegetarian platter. Portions are huge and every dish was delicious. The service was slow on the night due to higher than expected number of patrons but staff did their best.

I love Ethiopian food and this is one of the best I have tasted. All the dishes had a very different flavour to each other. I loved that the vegetables that are normally done in garlic were done in a different way. They were really nice. Good value for money as well. Staff are very friendly. I will definitely be back.

*chefs kiss* not only ws the food deliciously moreish and packed full of flavour, but they have a TV in the corner playing g videos on how the food I made, which I enjoyed thoroughly. If you're precious about your hands this probably isn't for you as the traditional way to eat is with your hands, using the bread as your 'cutlery'. It's fun, it's delicious, and I can't wait to go back.

Really good. I've been there a couple times now and it's a great introduction to new flavours that take a moment to click but once they click I can't get enough.

Staff were friendly on arrival and throughout our meal, food was presented in a traditional way. It was full of lovely flavours and very filling . We will be returning again. 🙂

Had a Scoopon and received nothing like the food advertised. There were no other customers and the owners seemed irritated that we turned up. Really not sure who cooked the food but hopefully not the two people who served us but spent most of the rest of the time talking leaning on the front porch or strolling around the premises. I so wish that I had taken pictures of the food advertised on Scoopon as what we received was a very poor imitation. I seriously think the apparent owners were sorry that we came. I think the picture of the restaurant filled with customers must have been hired actors. What a pity as so much could have been made of this restaurant and the line of warmed serving containers along one wall must have been in anticipation of Christmas. A great shame as most of Scoopon deals represent great money and good food and this is the worst review I have ever given a restaurant.

Came here on a Monday night before a performance we were seeing and because there was a Scoopon available. There was only one staff member working and he seemed irritated that we had come without making a booking. He was like that with a couple that came in after us, too.&nbsp; Nonetheless, the food was really good. We had the mesob banquet and every dish on it was delicious.<br/><br/>However, we were never asked if we wanted another drink for the entire hour we were there. The one staff member disappeared out into a back room for a full 25 minutes when we wanted to pay the bill and almost made us late to our show. Great food, appalling service.

We have always loved this restaurant, but last night was disappointing.  The food is still so tasty, but the portions were tiny.  $17 is far too much to pay for such small serves.

Loved the injera, though it was weird we got three pieces between 2 people. However I was left starving, I would need two mains to be full. Perhaps this was just the vego options? They were about four spoonfuls on food. The potato and carrot dish literally had two carrots in it. Neither of our dishes had any flavour to them whatsoever. So the meal was just potatoes in a tastless sauce on a bread. For $16. Wont be going back here.

Very tasty food, a unique experience for your taste buds. <br/>We waited nearly 20 mins for the waitress to take our order - even for drinks. <br/>Good value for money.

Ambiance: 7 / 10   The<br/>girls were going to a show at the Theby Theatre which started at 7pm, we needed<br/>early sustenance and therefore, the place was empty. Never mind, even so the<br/>warmth is inviting and enveloping. The Ethiopian way of eating with your hands<br/>makes for honest communal dining as well. Don’t be bashful in asking about the<br/>local dining protocol, they take great pride in their culture. (By the way the<br/>show was remarkably unremarkable).<br/><br/>Winelist: 3 / 10   Oh<br/>dear!! Take your own (BYO) unless you like genuine African beer. They have some<br/>fascinating African wines that I was keen to try (because I’ve been in the fine<br/>wine and food industries for about 40 years and love to try new) but, my<br/>friends were not. I’ll try one next time with ‘him, partner in life’. (I’ve<br/>given an extra point for the authentic African products though).<br/><br/>Service: 8.5 / 10   Casual,<br/>relaxed, welcoming, genuine, all of which put all of us at ease and in the<br/>mood, so to speak. The gentleman who greeted and seated us explained the<br/>unfamiliar food with enthusiasm, glee and patience. Now for our waitress, this<br/>stunningly beautiful, statuesque African girl could easily be on the catwalks<br/>of Milan and she doesn’t know it; and has an equally beautiful personality. The<br/>overall result is that one feels completely at ease in this restaurant.<br/><br/>Cuisine: 6.5 / 10  <br/>I'm the harshest on this section as you would know if you’ve read my<br/>previous review/s, a 6.5 is up there. There are flavours and textures here that<br/>you might not be used to however, they are deeply complex and intriguing, so<br/>much so that you crave for the next sensation. It really was a remarkable experience.<br/><br/>Value for what you get: 8 / 10   It's cheap, there’s lots of it and it’s got wondrous<br/>flavours.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>The deal maker or breaker; would I go back? I already have.<br/><br/>33 / 50

<br/>Yum yum yum!!! Service was lovely, beautiful warm atmosphere and the food was like nothing I've ever tasted before. DELICIOUS!! Will definitely be back!!!

Brighton Beau and I braved another cold, wet, windy Adelaide night to try this Ethiopian restaurant located on Henley Beach Road, just a stone's throw out of the city centre. Used a voucher, and there was only 1 of each of the meat and vegetarian dishes which were not permitted.  So of the rest, there was plenty of choice.  The food was served in two trays, each with 3 compartments.  One tray contained the meat dishes, the other the vegetarian.  Our choices were delicious, spicy and aromatic, and we ate with the traditional injera, a style of 'bread', tearing off bite size pieces and scooping it into the food.   A bowl of rice was also included.   The service was very good, quantities generous, great atmosphere, and overall, a most enjoyable experience.   Yes, we'll be back.

Delicious food and friendly service. We had the mosab share plate with injera bread and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great flavours and textures. Thanks Abyssinian.

Poor meal. Meal was basic and service was non exsistant.

Delicious. I really enjoyed the food, we had great service, everyone was super nice. We will go again.<br/><br/><br/>-----27 Sep, 2014-----<br/><br/>Mixed Vegetable. Super yummy!

Its different!. Strange host who was attentive one minute and awol the next. lol. The world cup was on at the time and there was cheering and noise coming from the kitchen so Im guessing hes a soccer fan.<br/>We had the platter for 2 which seemed to not be much for 2 people but in the end we were full and still had some of the very strange bread left. Its like a cross between a pancake and a crumpet and has a lemony tang to it.<br/>We finished with very strong coffee served in a fantastic little pot. <br/>A good experience, im not sure I would go again, I think its a been there done that kind of place but having said that I have purchased a voucher to send my parents there as a surprise so they can see what its like.

Enjoyed the food but not the value. Ate here last night...the food was delicious but the amount for the apparent cost was ridiculous. we had a group on voucher. as I said the food was delicious. the apparent saving up to $302.00 which means it cost 382.00 for 2 platters with a tablespoon and a half of each (six dish with the pancakes) on each platter. There was also the glasses of wine....over all great food but bad overall value. so happy didn't have to pay full price.

Enjoyed my dinner. Ordered at little extra just to try more dishes and as we are big eaters we normally need that extra but the food is super filling so we did not finish our meals. As other reviewers have noted the service is a little hit and miss. The main chap is good but some of his staff are not. This being said the complete staff appears true to the restaurants ethnic heritage. Highlight was the coffee and it's presentation. This place is not for everyone but for me it will be a place to return.

The food was delicious but the service was very slow so make sure to leave yourself plenty of time. Nonetheless it is well worth the wait.

Amazing food and great service, a unique dining experience!

Awesome Cuisine. Simply amazing. Great flavours. Unique yet familiar. The mystery bread is an outrage! :-D

Delectable. This is one of my favourite restaurants to dine at. It is a small, fairly dark place with posters on the wall and has about 10 tables. Make sure you phone ahead to ensure they're open as I have at times rocked up on their supposed opening days to find them closed. The service can be poor at times as the waiter seems to often be out the back helping to prepare the food. I usually order a vegetarian mixed platter which consists of a chickpea dish, lentils, chopped spinach and other vegetables like potato, carrot and cabbage. Today we ordered a meat and vegetarian platter to share for two people, allowing the chef to chose our dishes for us. The platter came served on an Injera (a flat, slightly tart bread with the texture of a pancake that you use to scoop up the food with) with two additional Injera rolled up on the side. Our platter consisted of Doro Wot (chicken legs in a thick sauce with whole boiled eggs), a cubed chicken dish and a beef dish for the meats. The vegetarian side contained tasty chopped spinach, cabbage mix, potatoes and carrots, a spicy lentil dish and a mild split pea dish. Everything was delicious and perfectly balanced; it was hard to pick a favourite dish. We didn't finish our meal as it was so filling, despite it being only $20 per head. This restaurant is best visited with people who are wiling to share so that you can try a variety of their delicious dishes.

Try it!. Very tasty good quality food, I had never thought of trying Ethiopian style food before and if you are unsure yourself you should definitely give it a go! <br/><br/>We had the mixed meat and vegetarian banquet, both the meat and vegetables were of a high quality. I couldn't fault a single dish we tried!<br/><br/>The service was average but staff were always polite. Well priced too, it didn't look like much but we couldn't finish it!

Surprisingly Filling!. I went with one other person and ordered the Mosab (or banquet). It looked small but it was very filling and very delicious.<br/><br/>I can't fault the food at all but we ordered the vegetarian option and a meat option came out. This wasn't a huge problem as we aren't vegetarians but if you are, I'd suggest really emphasizing your vegetarian order.<br/><br/>The service wasn't the best. We sat around for quite a while afterwards not really sure what to do. We eventually got up and pressed the bell to get someone's attention to pay. We thought that coffee came with the Mosab (that's what the newspaper print in the menu said) but it never came.<br/><br/>Despite this, I really enjoyed my dining experience and would go again.

It is definitely a dining experience. Get the banquet, you wont be disappointed with the range on offer.

The food is great. Let's get that out in the open first. It is worth waiting for.<br/><br/>But how long are you prepared to wait?<br/><br/>I reccomend going when you have plenty of time on your hands, and the 'relaxed' table service won't frustrate you. Go with friends and have the banquet, it's a great experience.<br/><br/>Just don't expect a western standard of service. <br/><br/>If you go in knowing this, you'll have a great time and get to experience a wonderful style of eating that's similar yet more nuanced and varied than Indian. Not hot & heavy, rather light and complex in its spice & flavor.<br/><br/>Again, I reccomend this place, but I don't reccomend it for the service ;)

Tasty food, relaxed atmosphere. I've been to eat here a few times over the past few years and the experience is always similar and satisfying. The service isn't slick or fast but its friendly. The food is really tasty and consistent. This is a great relaxed place to come to have a tasty dinner, but you'll obviously be disappointed if you're wanting a fine dining service experience - thats not what its about.

When do you walk out ? After the terrible house wine worst ever not even palatable.and the imported beer was just like a local brew but in an ethiopian beer bottle ? Food well.we left it and walked away hungry and thirsty and dissapointed.Damn shame after reading great reviews.

I've previously reviewed this place and it's always been one of our favorites. But things have changed and not all for good.<br/>They gave done some renos and it's looking great. Service has improved greatly but the food was very disappointing after eating here for a long time we had become accustomed to the beautifully spiced food but everything this time was lacking any flavor at all. I'm hoping it was an off night and it picks up. Otherwise may have to move on.<br/><br/><br/>-----21 May, 2012-----<br/><br/>I have been a fan of this place for a long time and it just gets better. With the new management came better service and slightly quicker meals but when your food comes out your forgot how long it took as its so delicious anyway. Highly recommend for two or more people the shared dining experience Called mosab to get a taste of a lot if dishes. Get in there and try it!

Fantastic - great food, reasonable BYO charge, great prices and friendly service.... Definetly returning

Awesome food but it takes FOREVER to come out. Don't sit near the door, it doesn't close properly and the air-conditioning is set on Arctic cold. try the imported beer!

LOVED IT. Absolutely loved this place. Its not fancy, and yes, you may want to sit away from the door but its all worth the it. The food is just great and the people are genuine and friendly.

Worth waiting for, which is good because you will be waiting a long time - 90min or so. The egg curry was outstanding. Make sure you request a table away from the door as we had to get up every 10min to close it properly.

Stick with what you know!. Waited 1 hr 30 mins for take away meals. <br/>They forgot to cook one of the dishes.<br/>The remaining dishes were cold by the time the last dish was ready.<br/>Worst take away experience ever!

Great food, laid back service but a great experience nonetheless

Located on Henley Beach Road this is probably one of the few places to get traditional Ethiopian food in Adelaide. The decor is basic and the service is a bit slow.

As much as we would like to rate our Abyssinian Ethiopian experience highly, the majority of the group found it a very underwhelming experience. To concentrate on the positives, the consensus was that the experience of eating the traditional Ethiopian way with your hands and no cutlery was entertaining.

i love seafood so i had no complaints about the dish. the bonus was the bread. injera bread. a sourdough type flat bread. whilst a few in the group didn’t like the taste of the injera bread i actually liked it. injera bread is part of every meal. the bread serves as a ‘scoop’ for the food. you break off pieces of the injera bread and use it to scoop up the mains. yep, you are encouraged to eat with your hands. an interesting experience to say the least. one of the others in the gro