Welcome to East African Imports & Restaurant
East African Imports & Restaurant, located in Seattle, WA, is a culinary gem that brings the vibrant flavors of East Africa to the heart of the city. This unique establishment offers an inviting atmosphere, where customers can enjoy a variety of traditional dishes such as Miser Wat and Shero Wat, each crafted with fresh ingredients and authentic spices. Diners rave about the hearty veggie and meat combo platters, perfect for sharing. Additionally, the friendly service and commitment to cleanliness enhance the dining experience. With its rich flavors and welcoming vibe, East African Imports is a must-visit for both locals and newcomers.
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306 23rd Ave S #104, Seattle, WA 98144, United States306 23rd Ave S #104, Seattle, WA 98144, United States Hotline: +1 206-322-7717
If you're in Seattle and looking for an authentic taste of East Africa, you must pay a visit to East African Imports & Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of the city at 306 23rd Ave S #104, this hidden gem offers an array of traditional Ethiopian dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also evoke a sense of home for many diners.
The moment you step through the door and head past the convenience store, the inviting aromas transport you to the bustling streets of Ethiopia. The restaurant prides itself on a warm and friendly atmosphere, emphasized by its clean dining space conforming to high standards of hygiene, especially following COVID protocols. Regulars rave about the delightful service that makes every visit a pleasure.
Among the standout dishes, the Green Chicken is a must-try. Sauteed with onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, garlic, and collard greens, it’s a dish that bursts with flavor, served alongside two injera for $19. For vegetarian diners, the vegetable combo is a refreshing choice that, like customer Destinee Sanders described, feels like home. Each bite offers a medley of flavors that leave you feeling both satisfied and energized.
For others who prefer a rich, hearty meal, the special kitfo has garnered praise for its satisfying portions and unique flavor profile. Diners have noted the thick injera, rich in taste and healthful ingredients, though its texture diverges from the more spongy varieties found elsewhere. This distinction has been met with appreciation, as it adds a unique character to the overall dining experience.
Complementing the meals are delightful non-alcoholic beverages. The freshly brewed, hand-roasted organic Yergacheffe coffee and the spiced Ethiopian tea enhance the meal and provide a cozy finish to your dining experience. Regulars like Justin Goodman frequently opt for takeout, relishing not only the food but also the friendly service that keeps them coming back.
While the location may seem unassuming, being adjacent to an auto zone and a drugstore, the heartwarming hospitality and the lively atmosphere inside make up for it. It’s a space where you can enjoy a meal while catching a game on Sunday, truly embodying a communal spirit that resonates with many diners. Parking availability is also a plus in a city known for limited space, making your visit even more convenient.
In summary, East African Imports & Restaurant offers more than just food; it delivers a slice of Ethiopian culture and community right in Seattle. From its flavorful dishes and charming ambience to its welcoming staff, each element works in tandem to create an enriching dining experience that keeps customers returning for more. So, whether you're a seasoned fan of Ethiopian cuisine or a first-time explorer, this restaurant promises a culinary adventure that you won't want to miss!
Had the fish cutlet and veggie combo. Definitely feels like home here. Loved the veggies felt refreshed and full. Will probably return to try the meat combo. Was nice to have a meal and watch the game on a Sunday.
I have gotten take out several from this place and consistently found the food to be delicious, and the service friendly. Probably my favorite Ethiopian food in town!
Walk inside and past the convenience store to the back. On this trip I ordered their special kitfo. Previously I ordered the fish cutlet. Not my usual choices so it's hard to rate them based on other experiences. The fish cutlet was ok, bit they did let me know before hand the other fish dish is preferred. I would say their special spinach kitfo is very good, but not better than special gomen kitfo I've had elsewhere. It is how ever more filling and comes with more spinach so you don't need to order a veggie option with it. I did order a side, but my date and I could not finish 1/3 of the food we ordered and we tried our best for maybe 45 minutes of digging in. One thing I noticed is their injera is very thick and not as even as other places but tastes like it was made with healthier ingredients so I liked it. Just not it's not as spongy and consistent as a lot of other places. Not good or bad, just something I noticed. Oh yea. And their water. 4 of 5. Had a bit of background taste. But barely. Our glasses were clean and yes their give you glass. Some places have dirty glasses or more more refreshing water, but im haply they are very clean here. More clean than most 4 and 5 star places, they will swear they have clean utensils, but still dirty looking. Smh, but not here. What about the scenery. Nice. Not the best, maybe a 3.75/5 for interior and a 2/5 for the outside. It's next to autozone and a drugstore with many beggars and people lurking the lot. Makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as the top of international district. That area is much worse. Oh, and there is a lot of parking. Hard to find this good of parking I'm seattle.
I've gotten the veggie and meat combo platters here for takeout several times and they are always filling and delicious
Follows COVID-standards and is very clean. Very fragrant and yummy food. The beers came with chilled mugs and the veggie combo fish lebled came with extra injera. Very fun atmosphere and friendly staff. We got some mitmita from the shop to take home too! 10/10 would come again.
Been here a few times now and always reliable with satisfying my cravings. Nice workers. Good portions. Amazing flavors. Always love the Ethiopian YouTube music videos playing on the TV haha.
The restaurant is located in the back. This place has the best Ethiopian food in town! Pictured here is the veggie combo. I’ve never had food so fragrant and filling. They give you extra injera bread for takeaway. All of this food was about 15, which was quite generous. You can watch the music videos on the TV while you wait for your food. :)
Went there with my girlfriend and ordered out a few times, and I cannot recommend this place enough. I've eaten at a lot of Ethiopian restaurants near Cap / First Hill over the few year sI've lived here and this is one of the best. I think the value, friendliness of staff, and authenticity is amazing. Would highly recommend!