Cafe Abyssinia

Overview

If you find yourself wandering around the charming streets of New Orleans and craving a meal that’s rich in culture and flavor, look no further than Cafe Abyssinia. Located at 3511 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115, this Ethiopian restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that stands out in the heart of the city. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this spot offers something truly unique that’s hard to find elsewhere.

One of the standout features of Cafe Abyssinia is the inviting atmosphere. As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted by the warm, earthy tones of the restaurant’s decor, which gives off an authentic, comfortable vibe. The interior is cozy yet vibrant, with traditional Ethiopian art adorning the walls and soft lighting that sets the mood for a relaxed, enjoyable meal. The restaurant’s staff is welcoming, providing a friendly experience from start to finish, making you feel right at home.

The menu at Cafe Abyssinia is filled with a wide range of traditional Ethiopian dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for bold and exciting flavors. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned fan of Ethiopian cuisine, there’s something for everyone. The restaurant specializes in hearty, flavorful stews like Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew that’s cooked to perfection with a rich blend of spices. It's a dish that truly speaks to the heart of Ethiopian cuisine, offering a depth of flavor that you won't forget.

Another popular dish that patrons rave about is the Tibs. This sizzling stir-fry made with tender pieces of beef or lamb, along with a perfect blend of vegetables and spices, is always a hit. Served with injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread, this dish offers a mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes. Speaking of injera, it’s a must-try and a staple in every meal at Cafe Abyssinia. Soft and slightly tangy, injera is used as both a plate and a utensil to scoop up the flavorful stews and meats. The experience of eating with your hands, tearing off pieces of injera, and dipping it into the rich sauces is not just about the food-it’s a cultural experience in itself.

The menu doesn’t stop at just savory options. For those with a sweet tooth, Cafe Abyssinia offers traditional Ethiopian desserts that are perfect for finishing off your meal. Try the Baklava, a sweet and flaky pastry filled with layers of honey and nuts. It's a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with a cup of Ethiopian coffee, another specialty that the cafe excels in. The coffee is made fresh from beans sourced directly from Ethiopia, providing a rich, aromatic experience that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the dishes.

Cafe Abyssinia’s commitment to authenticity and quality makes it a standout in New Orleans' culinary scene. The ingredients are always fresh, and each dish is prepared with a passion for preserving the true flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. This dedication is reflected in the consistently positive reviews from diners who have praised the restaurant not only for its food but also for its exceptional service and the overall experience.

What truly makes Cafe Abyssinia special, though, is its ability to transport diners to Ethiopia without ever leaving New Orleans. The owners and staff ensure that every guest is treated like family, making sure you leave with a full stomach and a lasting memory of a meal that is as much about culture as it is about food.

For those wondering about the restaurant’s location, 3511 Magazine St is in a lively and convenient part of New Orleans, making it easy to find while you explore the city. Whether you're planning a casual dinner with friends or a special night out, Cafe Abyssinia is a fantastic choice. The blend of great food, welcoming atmosphere, and authentic Ethiopian flavors makes it a spot you won't want to miss.

If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience in New Orleans, Cafe Abyssinia should be at the top of your list. From the first bite to the last sip of coffee, this restaurant provides a taste of Ethiopia that’s as rich in flavor as it is in tradition. Make sure to stop by and see why this spot continues to impress locals and visitors alike!

Good to know

From the business

âś“ Identifies as Black-owned

Service options

âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in

Highlights

âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great tea selection âś“ Serves local specialty âś“ Sport

Popular for

âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo dining

Accessibility

âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

âś“ Beer âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Late-night food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Vegan options âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ Wine

Dining options

âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table service

Amenities

âś“ Bar on site âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ Toilet

Atmosphere

âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Quiet âś“ Trendy

Crowd

âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Tourists âś“ University students

Planning

âś“ Accepts reservations

Payments

âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cards

Children

âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs

Parking

âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ Parking

Pets

âś“ Dogs allowed

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 621 reviews
Amazing 513
Great 84
Okay 18
Not Great 15
Terrible 15
Paula Tolton

Chose this as a last minute decision an hour before they closed. Our server was so sweet and helpful in recommending what to order. We got the veggie combo and Beef Kwa-yat, and it was delicious. Perfect for sharing and if you have never tried Ethiopian food before definitely try the veggie combo. 10/10 would come back

Calvin Benson

The food was absolutely delicious. Full of flavor in every bite and they are absolutely generous with portions. Great service and seating outside was very spacious, clean, and no bugs. Will definitely be back!

Amanda Hill

It was our first time eating African food. I was nervous at first. But our server helped guide us. We had the Doro Wat. Which was an amazing. Has a little heat, but not unbearable. The service was good, got our food quickly, and the taste was amazing.

Maggie Xia

such a lovely experience! the food was excellent and the service was even better. our group of five split the lamb tibs, goden tibs, and split pea stew. all our food came with a lot of injera, which was absolutely delicious! our server was so kind and attentive and offered us lots of extra injera and potatoes! would recommend 10/10 AMAZINGGG food

Nadeen Awadalla

The food was so delicious, we ate it up so quickly. The service was amazing, everyone was so kind with a big smile on their face. I loved every moment of being here!

Hunter Bonin

I have eaten here on multiple occasions and all have consistently impressed me. This restaurant is unique to the area and it's atmosphere is very relaxed with respectable service. My partner and I do very much enjoy this spot and it's awesome Ethiopian food. We started with Veggie Sambosas that are perfect: crisp fried creamy potato and carrot. For our entree we shared the Lamb Wat which has just enough of a kick if you are looking for that slight heat.

Melissa Tariq

So delicious, extremely kind and attentive service, overall amazing experience! The food also came out very quickly. My group of 5 ordered family style and cleared the meal so quickly because it was so delicious! Perfect dinner experience.

ana naqvi

The food is SO GOOD! Lamb tibs and goden tibs were absolutely amazing, really flavorful and juicy. Customer service was top-notch—very very kind and generous, even gave us an extra serving of food we wanted without us having to ask. Extra injera comes at no cost. Absolutely recommend!!

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