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oChef » East African Imports – Seattle
East African Imports - Seattle
Photo from East African Imports
East African Imports at a glance
Seattle Central District
- 🥘 Ethiopian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 17 of the guests
#295 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#10 Ethiopian Restaurant out of 17 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
227
Reviews
83.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Ethiopian food
- Great value
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Poor exterior
- Mask compliance
The restaurant East African Imports brings the vibrant flavors of Ethiopia to Seattle’s Central District. This cozy and casual Ethiopian restaurant offers a truly authentic dining experience, inviting you to explore a rich culinary tradition.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re dining in for lunch or dinner. It’s a place where you can savor delicious dishes in a comfortable setting.
Overview: Introducting East African Imports
East African Imports offers a distinct culinary experience, often praised for its authentic flavors and generous portions. Many appreciate the excellent Ethiopian food and the overall value it provides, making it a noteworthy spot for those seeking specific cultural dishes.
However, the experience can be a mixed bag, with some guests encountering challenges with the service, including long waits and occasional inattentiveness. While the atmosphere is generally clean and welcoming, some find the exterior surroundings less appealing.
Good
7.9
out of 10
227
Reviews
83.3%
Satisfaction
33
negative
5
neutral
189
positive
East African Imports achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.9, indicating a good dining experience. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction of 83.3%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
With 189 positive remarks against 33 negative ones out of 227 total comments, the feedback leans heavily towards positive. The culinary offerings are a clear strength, with Food scoring well (8.2), often described as excellent and authentic.
The Value (8.8) is also highly regarded, offering generous portions at reasonable prices. While the Ambience (8.0) is generally pleasant and clean, Service (6.8) presents a more mixed picture, with some reports of slow or inattentive interactions.
What people like
- Excellent Ethiopian food
- Great overall value
- Clean, quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Unappealing exterior location
- Staff mask compliance
East African Imports, with a Recommendation Score of 8.1, is a compelling choice for those prioritizing authentic Ethiopian cuisine and excellent value. If you’re seeking flavorful dishes and generous portions, this spot delivers a satisfying culinary experience.
However, be prepared for potential service delays, as this is a recurring point of feedback. If you can overlook occasional slower service and the modest exterior, you’ll likely find a rewarding and budget-friendly meal here.
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Verdict: Our expert take on East African Imports
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.2 and an impressive 87.1% customer satisfaction, its clear most diners are thrilled. Out of 140 remarks, 122 rave about delicious dishes like the veggie Combo platter with its distinct flavors, the freshest injera, and overall tastiest food experiences.
However, a few of the 15 negative comments point to some concerns. There were mentions of microwave heating and stale food, with one even noting hair in food. These isolated issues suggest that food quality isnt always consistent, which is something to keep in mind.
Food
140
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, distinct flavors
- Fresh, quality injera
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Stale food served
- Hair found in food
- Microwave heating
Often praised
- foodWe experienced no wait time and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was rated a 4. The price per person was between $10–20, and we were a group of 3-4 people.
- injeratastes like it was made with healthier ingredients so I liked it
- Ethiopian foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a small restaurant tucked away in the back of an East African grocery store, offering excellent Ethiopian food. The service was outstanding, with a perfect score of 5.
- spicesI buy spices and Ethiopian coffee from them
- veggie comboMy experience at this restaurant was consistently the best! I've tried every Ethiopian place in the area, and this is the restaurant that brings me true veggie combo joy every time. It's always amazing.
- injera breadThe food was good, exceeding expectations for Ethiopian cuisine. I particularly enjoyed the good injera bread and the interesting selection of beers from Africa. I opted for a vegetarian combo along with two meat selections, and the portions were so generous that it easily fed four hungry people.
- lentilsThe lentils are so smooth and buttery
- portionsMy family and I have been enjoying this hidden gem for over 10 years! The food is amazingly delicious, always served fresh and hot, and the portions are plentiful. The staff is incredibly kind, and the atmosphere is wonderfully cozy.
- coffeethe coffees were excellent
- mitmitagot some mitmita from the shop to take home
Frequently criticized
- food qualityI have never seen that kind of tibs in my life
- Ethiopian foodNot good for someone has ever tested Ethiopian foods before
- berbereit was not great lol
- dishDidnt come with Mitmita or Awaze which is typical
- drinksWe endured a wait of over 40 minutes for our food order, which was just one combo meal. To make matters worse, we were never offered drinks and were largely ignored by the aloof server. There was no explanation or apology for the extended wait.
- foodeaten their food thank God only little bit I gotten sick
- food orderfood order (one combo meal)
- hair in foodfound hair in my food
- microwave heatingThey test like they were heated on a microwave
- qey watqey wat and the quwanta firfir are not fresh neither tastey
Overall, if youre seeking authentic, flavorful Ethiopian cuisine, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely enjoy delicious food, though be aware of a few isolated reports of inconsistency.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.8 which is solidly average, and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 67.4%. Based on 46 customer remarks, theres a clear appreciation for the human touch. Many guests rave about the "friendly staff, " "uplifting smiles, " and "outstanding service, " often highlighting the "humbleness" and warmth of the team.
With 31 positive remarks, it seems the personal interactions often leave a great impression, making some experiences truly memorable. However, not all experiences are smooth sailing. The 15 negative remarks frequently mention "service was a tad slow" and frustrating "waiting time, " with some feeling "ignored by the server" or facing issues with order taking.
It appears that while the staffs demeanor is often praised, the efficiency can sometimes fall short.
Service
46
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
15
negative
0
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Outstanding service
- Uplifting attitudes
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long waits
- Ignored by staff
Often praised
- serviceIt's a small restaurant tucked away in the back of an East African grocery store, offering excellent Ethiopian food. The service was outstanding, with a perfect score of 5. We experienced no wait time and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- staffsuper nice staff
- peopleNice and friendly people
- customer serviceVery great customer service
- drivedrive 25 mile to eat at this joint
- empathyserve you with full humbleness, warmth and empathy
- friendliness of staffthe friendliness of staff, and authenticity is amazing
- friendly staffFriendly staff and lots of products
- guy by the counterNice guy by the counter
- humblenessserve you with full humbleness, warmth and empathy
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by terrible service. We endured a wait of over 40 minutes for our food order, which was just one combo meal.
- billasked for my bill 3 TIMES and she kept forgetting to bring it
- customer serviceprovide good customer service
- discriminationthey do discriminate due to my race
- drinksthe coffee we ordered and the soda was still to come or was forgotten
- order takingMy first experience at this restaurant was incredibly frustrating. I went there for the first time and no one would like take an order from me. I waited for a long time and finally, I had to leave.
- serverWe endured a wait of over 40 minutes for our food order, which was just one combo meal. To make matters worse, we were never offered drinks and were largely ignored by the aloof server. There was no explanation or apology for the extended wait.
- service was a tad slowService was a tad slow.
- staffmost of the staff were either not wearing masks or were wearing them below their nose
- waitwaited over 40 minutes for our food order
If you value a warm, friendly interaction and don't mind potentially longer waits, this place could be a pleasant surprise. However, if speed and seamless service are your top priorities, you might find yourself a little frustrated.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 8 and leaving 83.3% of customers satisfied. With 25 positive remarks out of 30 total, guests frequently praise the welcoming atmosphere, the fun Ethiopian YouTube music videos, and how clean the place is, often noting the convenient parking. Many find it cozy, modern, and even heavenly-smelling, making it a favorite spot for some.
However, not every aspect of the ambience receives glowing reviews, with 3 negative comments. Some found the store disarray a bit off-putting, and the outside area, particularly next to an auto shop, was described as less appealing, with one person even calling the overall atmosphere awful. It seems the interior charm significantly outweighs the external perception.
Ambience
30
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean and modern interior
- Fun music videos
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Unappealing outside area
- Store disarray
Often praised
- atmosphereWe experienced no wait time and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was rated a 4. The price per person was between $10–20, and we were a group of 3-4 people.
- COVID standardsFollows COVID-standards and is very clean
- East African storeMy experience at this East African store was outstanding. Hands down, it's the best East African store in Seattle and likely the entire USA. They offer a vast selection of items including spices, clothes, perfume, and coffee, among many others.
- Ethiopian YouTube music videosAlways love the Ethiopian YouTube music videos
- bar atmosphereCasual/welcoming bar atmosphere with amazing music videos
- cleanClean.
- extremely cleanextremely clean version
- favorite placesin my top 10 favorite places
- glassesIt had a bit of background taste, but barely. Our glasses were clean, and yes, they give you glasses. Some places have dirty glasses or less refreshing water, but I'm happy they are very clean here – cleaner than most 4 and 5-star places.
- interiorNice. Not the best, maybe a 3.75/5 for interior
Frequently criticized
- atmospheresuch an awful atmosphere
- outsidea 2/5 for the outside. It's next to autozone and a drugstore with many beggars and people lurking the lot.
- store disarrayStore was in a bit of disarray
If youre looking for a clean, welcoming spot with great music videos and easy parking, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that the exterior might not be as inviting as the cozy interior, but dont let that deter you from a potentially fantastic experience.
Value (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! Customers are absolutely thrilled, with an excellent 100% satisfaction rate and a strong 8.8 score. Based on 11 positive remarks, folks consistently praise the price, value, and inexpensive options, noting how reasonable prices make it a fantastic deal for both food and specialty items.
What's truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding value. There are zero negative mentions, suggesting that every customer found the pricing to be fair and well worth it, leaving no room for complaint.
Value
11
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Inexpensive food
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceIf you want to buy authentic Ethiopian spice blends, lentils, or beans at a great price, this is the place to go. For the price of a little bag of seasoning at a specialty store, you will get 100 times more.
- pricesthe prices are reasonable
- Price per personPrice per person was between $10–20
- all of this foodAll of this food was about $15, which was quite generous.
- group sizeThe food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was rated a 4. The price per person was between $10–20, and we were a group of 3-4 people.
- inexpensiveAnd inexpensive
- seasoningIf you want to buy authentic Ethiopian spice blends, lentils, or beans at a great price, this is the place to go. For the price of a little bag of seasoning at a specialty store, you will get 100 times more. They also have a restaurant serving lunch and dinner.
- valuethe value, friendliness of staff, and authenticity is amazing
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this is it. You can expect incredibly reasonable prices for both meals and unique products, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious diners. Dont hesitate to check it out for superb value!
How are the prices at East African Imports?
On average, you’ll spend around 23 per person – from 17 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For an Ethiopian Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range, maybe a touch above.
Interestingly, while the average is 23, most diners actually spend a bit less, with a good chunk falling into the $11–$20 range. A few higher tabs pull that average up, suggesting a mix of experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 17 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the average spend and the range of prices, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for an Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle. It offers flexibility for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about East African Imports
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
7
Great for Spices, Not for Berbere
I come here all the time and love the staff! While I did get some berbere here and it was not great, lol, I consistently get my tea spices, incense, and a bunch of other small things.
- staff10
- tea spices9
- berbere2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
10
Go-to for Injera and Great Service!
This is my go-to place to get injera. I experienced very great customer service. I highly recommend this store!
- injera9
- customer service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
9
Great market for spices!
My experience at this market was fantastic! I love this place and always get my berbere, mitmita, and kibbeh from here. The spices are super fresh, and the prices are reasonable.
- berbere9
- mitmita9
- kibbeh9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Hidden Gem: Excellent Ethiopian Food
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a small restaurant tucked away in the back of an East African grocery store, offering excellent Ethiopian food. The service was outstanding, with a perfect score of 5.
We experienced no wait time and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was rated a 4. The price per person was between $10–20, and we were a group of 3-4 people.
- Ethiopian food10
- small restaurant8
- service10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service, Mediocre Food
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the terrible service. While the price was good, the food was just okay. The dish I ordered didn't come with the typical Mitmita or Awaze, which I had to ask for.
The most frustrating part was the service after the meal; I was essentially held hostage by the waiter for 30 minutes. Despite asking for my bill three times, she kept forgetting to bring it. Because of this awful service, I won't be coming back.
- food3
- price8
- service1
- dish2
- waiter1
What East African Imports offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Does East African Imports & Restaurant offer options for various dietary needs?
Yes, East African Imports & Restaurant provides a range of healthy options, including delicious vegan and vegetarian choices. You can enjoy small plates or full meals tailored to your preferences.
What accessibility and parking options are available at East African Imports & Restaurant?
East African Imports & Restaurant offers wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. You’ll also find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space.
What is the overall dining experience like at East African Imports?
East African Imports generally offers a good experience with an overall score of 7.9. Guests particularly appreciate the Food (8.2), Value (8.8), and Ambience (8.0), though Service (6.8) can be inconsistent.
What kind of food can I expect at East African Imports?
You can expect excellent and authentic Ethiopian food, including well-regarded injera bread, smooth lentils, and satisfying veggie combos. Many also praise the plentiful portions and quality coffee.
Is the service at East African Imports reliable?
Service at East African Imports receives mixed feedback. While some describe it as outstanding and friendly, others report slow service, long waits, and occasional inattentiveness, including issues with staff mask-wearing. It’s advisable to be prepared for potential delays.