Soooo good. We got the family meat for 4 and it was so tasty esp the fish and chicken tibs. The collard green were super tasty. I wasn't feeling brave enough to do jalapeño tonite but evidently those were real super fresh.
Overview
Walking into Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant And Bar for the first time, I was hit with that warm, spiced aroma that only Ethiopian kitchens seem to master. I’ve eaten Ethiopian food in a few cities over the years, but this spot at 6019 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78723, United States feels especially grounded, like a place built more for community than trend-chasing. From the hum of conversation to the soft Ethiopian music in the background, it sets the tone before the menu even hits the table.
The menu leans into tradition without feeling intimidating. If you’re new to Ethiopian cuisine, the shared platter style makes things easy. Injera, the slightly tangy fermented flatbread, acts as both plate and utensil. Researchers who study fermented foods often point out that injera’s natural fermentation supports gut health, similar to sourdough or yogurt, and that mild sourness here balances the rich stews beautifully. The doro wat, a slow-simmered chicken stew with berbere spice, is a standout. I watched a nearby table order it family-style, tearing off pieces of injera and passing plates around, which is exactly how this food is meant to be enjoyed.
From personal experience, the vegetarian options deserve just as much attention. Ethiopian cuisine is known for its plant-based dishes, largely influenced by fasting traditions in Ethiopian Orthodox culture. The misir wat (red lentils) and gomen (collard greens) come out deeply seasoned, not just as afterthoughts. According to food historians, lentils and legumes have been dietary staples in Ethiopia for centuries, offering protein-rich meals long before plant-based eating became fashionable elsewhere. That history shows in the depth of flavor here.
One thing that keeps people coming back, based on reviews I’ve read and conversations I’ve overheard, is consistency. I spoke with a regular who said he’s been stopping by weekly for years, and the flavors haven’t changed. That kind of reliability matters in restaurants. Culinary experts often note that maintaining traditional spice blends like berbere requires careful sourcing and precise ratios. Habesha seems to respect that process, which shows in every bite.
The bar side adds another layer to the experience. Ethiopian honey wine, known as tej, isn’t something you find everywhere in Austin. It’s lightly sweet, slightly funky, and pairs surprisingly well with spicy dishes. Sharing a glass during the coffee ceremony afterward felt special. Ethiopia is widely recognized as the birthplace of coffee, and UNESCO even acknowledged the Ethiopian coffee ceremony as an intangible cultural heritage. Watching the ritual here, even in a casual restaurant setting, gives context to how deeply coffee is woven into Ethiopian daily life.
Service here feels personal rather than scripted. On my last visit, the server walked me through the menu with patience, explaining spice levels and suggesting combinations based on what I liked. That kind of guidance matters, especially for first-timers. While no restaurant is perfect and peak hours can mean a short wait, the staff is upfront about timing, which builds trust.
Location-wise, being right off I-35 makes it accessible whether you’re local or passing through Austin. Parking is straightforward, and the dining room accommodates both small groups and larger gatherings. Reviews often mention the welcoming atmosphere, and that matches what I’ve seen firsthand. It’s a place where birthdays, casual dinners, and quiet solo meals all feel equally at home.
For anyone curious about Ethiopian food or already in love with it, this restaurant offers a grounded, respectful take on a cuisine with deep roots. The flavors, the rituals, and the sense of care all come together in a way that feels genuine rather than performative, which isn’t something you can say about every dining experience.
Good to know
Service options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great coffeePopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Locals ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1057 reviews
I stopped by here for lunch today, and it was my very first time trying Ethiopian food… I was not disappointed, they recommended some restaurant favs and I gave them a try and they did not miss! The iced tea is absolutely lovely! Black tea, with cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. The baklava is a must try. If you’re ever curious, just go for it! Will be back for sure Keep up the good work
This place is truly a hidden gem. The food is absolutely incredible and Michael gave us the best customer service ever! He helped us so much from giving us food preferences to amazing hospitality. I definitely recommend you try what he recommends!
We’ve lived in the same neighborhood as Habesha for 19 years, and today was the first time we’ve visited. We’d been going to Aster’s for ages, but Habesha was fantastic. Big, clean dining space. Friendly service. Most of all, the food was fantastic. Would definitely come back!
Dined in on a Friday night with some friends; we had a good meal with good service. Food: several vegetarian options. Their injera is only served cold. The Injuday Tibs and the Misit Wot (from the veg section) had decent flavors in keeping with typical flavor profile for Ethiopian food, which is of course not super spiced and quite mild . The sambusa (very close to a spanakopita or samosa) was served with a really nice fresh green chilli sauce (which was like a green chutney/mirchi cha thecha). Service: polite although quite slow. Ambience: the restaurant is much nicer on the inside than what the buildings exterior may suggest. They have paintings and art for sale around the restaurant and have unique wall/ceiling decor as well. Clean tables and spacious seating.
Mikel was amazing! We were going get to breakfast tacos or normal brunch and I’m so happy my fiends suggested this. Everything was perfect
We regularly dined at Aster's before they closed, and this was our first time trying Habesha. Wow. The food was fantastic and we had great service from Michael for lunch. The combo platter (meat & veggie) for 2 was plenty of food and allowed us to have all our favorite dishes. We love Ethiopian coffee, so the coffee ceremony was a great way to enjoy it. The restaurant was very clean, with vibrant artwork on the walls. All around a great experience. We'll definitely be back!
**A Journey to the Cradle of Civilization - 5/5 Stars** While my friends opted for the familiar comfort of Chili's, I chose something extraordinary at Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant - and what a difference that choice made. The Vegetarian/Vegan Combo was a masterpiece of flavors and cultural heritage served on traditional injera. Each component told a story of Ethiopia's ancient culinary wisdom: the golden Kik Alicha (yellow split peas in aromatic spices), the rich and fiery Misir Wot (red lentils in berbere sauce), and the comforting Shiro Wot (ground legumes with ginger and garlic). The Tegabino Shiro, served bubbling in a traditional clay pot, was pure theater and flavor. The Gomen (slow-cooked collard greens) and Tekil Gomen (cabbage and carrots with turmeric) showcased how simple vegetables become transcendent through generations of perfected spicing. The fresh azifa lentil salad, beets, and hummus fitfit added bright, cooling contrasts to the warm, complex stews. This isn't just food; it's a direct connection to one of the world's oldest civilizations - the ancient Kingdom of Aksum, the birthplace of coffee, and a culture that has preserved its culinary traditions for millennia. At $18.95, this generous spread was incredible value, easily outshining any chain restaurant offering. But what elevated the experience was the genuine warmth of the staff. Sitting at the bar, I found myself in rich conversation about Ethiopian culture and traditions. There's something beautiful about how food becomes a bridge to understanding a heritage that gave us Lucy, the rock churches of Lalibela, and maintains one of Africa's most unique identities. Sometimes the road less traveled leads to the most meaningful experiences. While chains offer predictability, Habesha offers authenticity, history, and heart.