oChef » Yetenbi – Seattle

Yetenbi - Seattle

Ethiopian Restaurant Yetenbi in Seattle
Photo from Yetenbi
How do the guests rate it?
Yetenbi at a glance
Seattle NewHolly
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 18 of the guests
#48 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#2 Ethiopian Restaurant out of 17 in Seattle
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
9
Food
8.3
Service
9.3
Ambience
7
Value
140

Reviews

88.6%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Flavorful cuisine
  • Welcoming ambiance
  • Owner's service
Frequently criticized
  • Staff attentiveness
  • Price concerns

The restaurant Yetenbi Bar & Restaurant is an Ethiopian Restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant NewHolly neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.

This spot is known for its healthy and vegan options, making it a great choice for diverse palates. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience, Yetenbi offers a welcoming environment.

Overview: Introducting Yetenbi

Yetenbi offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its incredibly flavorful cuisine, particularly the Kitfo. Guests frequently commend the welcoming and spacious atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for various occasions.

While many appreciate the kind and hospitable service, some experiences have noted issues with attentiveness and occasional delays. There have also been mixed opinions regarding the overall price point.

Excellent
8.8 out of 10
140

Reviews

88.6%

Satisfaction

13

negative

3

neutral

124

positive

Overall, Yetenbi garners a strong 8.8 out of 10, with customer satisfaction standing at a solid 88.6%. This indicates a generally positive reception, reflecting many enjoyable experiences.

The Food (9) consistently stands out as a major draw, receiving excellent feedback from a significant portion of diners. The Ambience (9.3) also contributes significantly to the positive sentiment, often described as a pleasant setting.

While Service (8.3) is largely well-regarded, some feedback points to areas for improvement. Value (7) is considered good, though a few comments suggest occasional concerns.

These insights are drawn from 140 customer observations, with 124 positive and 13 negative.

What people like
  • Flavorful Ethiopian cuisine
  • Welcoming, clean ambiance
  • Owner's personal service
What people don't like
  • Inconsistent staff attentiveness
  • Occasional pricing concerns

Yetenbi generally offers a highly satisfying dining experience, reflected in its strong 9.1 recommendation score. If you’re seeking authentic, flavorful Ethiopian cuisine in a pleasant setting, this restaurant is certainly worth considering.

While the owner’s personal touch often shines, be mindful that general staff attentiveness can vary. Despite some occasional pricing concerns, the overall quality and atmosphere make Yetenbi a compelling choice for many.

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Verdict: Our expert take on Yetenbi

Food (9 out of 10)

mentioned by 97% of the guests

Get ready for a treat because the food here is truly something special! With an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 91.5% customer satisfaction, it’s clear diners are consistently delighted. Out of 71 total remarks, a fantastic 65 praise the Kitfo, Yetenbi Special Kitfo, and Gored Gored, highlighting the authentic Ethiopian cuisine, delicious food, and fresh dishes served in good portions.

While overwhelmingly positive, there are a handful of critiques, with 5 negative remarks. Some found the food didn't quite hit the mark, specifically noting the kitfo as not good or overly greasy. A few also mentioned limited options on the menu, and one comment even pointed out being served kurt meat in an unexpected way.

9 Food

71

Reviews

91%

Satisfaction

5

negative

1

neutral

65

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Exceptional Kitfo
  • Authentic delicious food
  • Generous fresh portions
What people don't like
  • Limited menu options
  • Food can be greasy
  • Specific meat issues

Often praised

  • food
  • Kitfo
  • Food
  • kitfo
  • Yetenbi Special Kitfo
  • special kitfo
  • Ethiopian food
  • Eritrean/Ethiopian food
  • Ethiopian home food
  • Ethiopian restaurant

Frequently criticized

  • food
  • kitfo
  • kurt meat
  • limited options

If youre craving authentic, flavorful Ethiopian food, especially Kitfo, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few found the menu a bit limited or the food occasionally greasy, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youre in for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Service (8.3 out of 10)

mentioned by 86% of the guests

The service here truly stands out, with a fantastic 82.1% customer satisfaction and a solid 8.3 score, pointing to a consistently good experience. Many guests praise the owners and servers for their warm hospitality and speed, making them feel genuinely welcomed. With 32 positive remarks, its clear the team goes above and beyond.

Still, there are a few bumps in the road. Out of 39 customer opinions, 7 noted some room for improvement. A couple of guests experienced issues with server staff being less than ideal, and some felt there were delays and a lack of attentiveness, especially concerning table service' for refills or the bill.

8.3 Service

39

Reviews

82%

Satisfaction

7

negative

0

neutral

32

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Kind, welcoming staff
  • Exceptional service
  • Impressive speed
What people don't like
  • Rude server staff
  • Noticeable delays
  • Lack of attentiveness

Often praised

  • customer service
  • service
  • Service
  • people
  • Dani
  • family oriented service
  • food
  • owner
  • owners and servers
  • recommendation

Frequently criticized

  • attentiveness
  • customer service
  • delays
  • server staff
  • service
  • table service
  • treated

Overall, the service here is a major plus, making for a very pleasant dining experience. While there are minor hiccups with occasional delays or attentiveness, the overwhelming kindness and efficiency from the staff make this a place worth trying if you value great hospitality.

Ambience (9.3 out of 10)

mentioned by 62% of the guests

When it comes to the atmosphere, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 96%, its clear guests adore the vibe. Based on 24 positive remarks, people consistently praise the spacious, clean setting, the lovely background music, high ceilings, and the overall family-friendly feel, making for an amazing experience.

Whats even more impressive is that out of 25 total comments, there were absolutely no negative opinions about the ambience. This means you can expect a consistently pleasant and welcoming atmosphere without any noticeable downsides, ensuring a calm and enjoyable visit every time.

9.3 Ambience

25

Reviews

96%

Satisfaction

0

negative

1

neutral

24

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Spacious, clean setting
  • Family-friendly vibe
  • Classic background music
What people don't like

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • Atmosphere
  • cleanliness
  • ambiance
  • ambience
  • background music
  • experience
  • family friendly
  • free parking lot
  • high ceilings

Frequently criticized

No complaints so far.

If you're looking for a restaurant with a truly exceptional and welcoming atmosphere, this is definitely the spot. The consistently positive feedback on its spacious, clean, and family-friendly vibe means you can expect a delightful dining experience.

Value (7 out of 10)

mentioned by 17% of the guests

Regarding value, many guests felt the price was great, offering a fantastic feeling of dining internationally without the hefty tag. With a good score of 7, and 3 positive comments out of 5 total, many appreciated the quality, price, and amount of food they received. While customer satisfaction sits at a 60% mixed bag, theres a clear appreciation for what you get.

However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. One negative comment out of 5 total specifically mentioned being charged almost three times the regular price for a meal, which is definitely a significant concern. This suggests that while value can be great, there might be inconsistencies to watch out for.

7 Value

5

Reviews

60%

Satisfaction

1

negative

1

neutral

3

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Great price point
  • International dining feel
  • Good quality, fair price
What people don't like
  • Significant overcharge

Often praised

  • price
  • dining internationally

Frequently criticized

  • price

Overall, the value here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While many find the pricing excellent for the experience, be cautious as some have reported significant overcharges. Its worth trying if youre looking for that international dining feel without the usual cost, but keep an eye on your bill.

How are the prices at Yetenbi?

On average, you’ll spend around 46 per person – based on 18 guests. That places this Ethiopian Restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For its type, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps even a bit on the higher side.

Whats fascinating is how varied the spending is! While the average is 46, many guests spend less, often in the $21–$30 range. However, a significant number also indulge in more premium experiences, pushing the average up with bills over 71 $ or even 101 $.

So, you’ll find options for different budgets here.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 18 reviews.

See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.

Considering the diverse spending patterns, we think the pricing can be quite fair for an Ethiopian Restaurant. It seems to offer options for both a casual, more affordable meal and a more indulgent dining experience.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Yetenbi

Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Type
  • Friends
Group Size
  • Couple
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Ashenafi G.
Review date: 10/27/2025
9
Delicious Kitfo and Gored Gored
First off, the name of this restaurant has changed to Adot Kitfo and is no longer Yetenbi, as of my visit on October 26, 2025. My friend and I tried their Kitfo and Gored Gored, and they tasted great. I would definitely come back.
  • Kitfo9
  • Gored Gored9
  • Adot Kitfo6
Price per Person
  • $101+
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Immediate (0–5 min.)
Serkaddis M.
Review date: 08/16/2025
10
Exceptional Food and Service at Yetenbi!
I don't know where to begin when describing my experience at Yetenbi. I am incredibly impressed with the quality of the food. What stood out most is that the food served to customers is never refrigerated or kept for long; it's always fresh. You truly cater to your customers' needs by preparing dishes immediately upon order. I was also delighted by the customer service; your smiles alone are satisfying! Furthermore, the portion sizes are generous, with one order easily feeding two people. For a complete dining experience, Yetenbi is definitely your choice. The abundance of meat is remarkable, and Yetenbi's Kitfo is plentiful. These Yetenbi folks offer so much, with various types of Kitfo and other dishes for those who desire them. They can accommodate everything and even offer Ethiopian traditional coffee. It's a joy to be served here.
  • quality of the food10
  • fresh food10
  • customer service10
Price per Person
  • $11–$20
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Group Size
  • Solo
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Short (6–15 min.)
Tsinat S.
Review date: 08/14/2025
10
Incredible Kitfo and Impressive Service!
As a very selective meat eater, the kitfo at Yetenbi’s was one of the most delicious I’ve had, second only to my mother’s. It truly melts in your mouth! The speed at which all the food was cooked and served was impressive, and quality was not compromised. It was a truly amazing experience. I felt very welcomed here and hope to return soon when I’m back in Seattle.
  • kitfo10
  • melts in your mouth10
  • speed9
Price per Person
  • $21–$30
Visit Type
  • Tourist Experience
Group Type
  • Family
Group Size
  • Small Group
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Wait Time
  • Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
  • Quiet
Yeshiwork M.
Review date: 08/13/2025
10
Unbelievable Ethiopian Food and Service!
While traveling from Toronto to Seattle to visit family, I was taken to Yetenbi Ethiopian restaurant. It was unbelievable and amazing. The quality of food, price, and amount of food were all exceptional. The way they serve their customers with respect and a smile was also outstanding. I've traveled to many countries and have never encountered a restaurant like this. I truly wish I could have this kind of Ethiopian restaurant in Toronto. Keep it up. 👍
  • quality of food10
  • amount of food10
  • price10
Price per Person
  • $101+
Visit Type
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
One L.
Review date: 07/03/2025
2
Disappointing Food and Price Shock
We visited this Ethiopian restaurant yesterday and were very disappointed. The food did not meet our expectations at all, especially the kitfo, which was not good. What made the experience even worse was that we were charged almost three times the regular price for the meal. This was very upsetting and felt unfair. Unfortunately, based on this experience, we will not be returning. We hope the restaurant takes this feedback seriously and makes some improvements.
  • food1
  • kitfo1
  • price1

What Yetenbi offers

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom

Crowd

  • Groups

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids

Popular for

  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining

Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Bar onsite

Offerings

  • Healthy options
  • Hard liquor
  • Vegan options
  • Happy hour drinks
  • All you can eat
  • Wine
  • Coffee
  • Beer
  • Small plates
  • Happy hour food
  • Vegetarian options
  • Alcohol

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Counter service
  • Table service
  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Lunch

Service Options

  • No-contact delivery
  • Takeout
  • Curbside pickup
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Parking

  • Free street parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Usually plenty of parking

Atmosphere

  • Cozy
  • Casual

FAQs

What kind of dining experience can you expect at Yetenbi Bar & Restaurant?
At Yetenbi Bar & Restaurant, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner with comfortable seating and table service. For your convenience, takeout, delivery, curbside pickup, and no-contact delivery options are also available.
Yetenbi Bar & Restaurant offers healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. For drinks, you can choose from hard liquor, wine, coffee, and beer, including happy hour drinks. They also feature small plates and all-you-can-eat selections.
Yetenbi holds a strong overall score of **8.8** out of 10. Its **Food** (9) and **Ambience** (9.3) are particularly well-regarded, while **Service** (8.3) and **Value** (7) also receive good scores.
Yetenbi is often described as having a welcoming, spacious, and impeccably clean **ambiance**. Many find it family-friendly, with culturally decorated interiors and pleasant background music.
Some customers have noted occasional inconsistencies with general staff **attentiveness** and **delays** in service. There have also been isolated comments regarding **price** points.
Loading map…
Location
6464 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, 98118 Seattle
Opening hours
Monday – Sunday
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM