Highlights
- Live music
oChef » Zagol – Seattle
Zagol - Seattle
Photo from Zagol
Zagol at a glance
Seattle Madison Valley
- 🥘 Ethiopian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 81 of the guests
#482 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#16 Ethiopian Restaurant out of 17 in Seattle
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
413
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Zagol, an inviting Ethiopian Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Madison Valley neighborhood, offers a truly unique dining experience. You can immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Ethiopia while enjoying live music, a highlight that sets the mood for an unforgettable evening.
This cozy and casual spot, Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant, is perfect for a relaxed meal. You’ll find healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to savor in its lively atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Zagol
Good
7.3
out of 10
413
Reviews
73.4%
Satisfaction
99
negative
11
neutral
303
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Zagol
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, its clear theres a lot to love! With a solid score of 7.7 and customer satisfaction at 76.9%, many diners rave about the delicious and flavorful food. Based on 186 positive remarks out of 242 total comments, highlights include the popular veggie combo, amazing injera, and generous portions that leave you feeling fulfilled.
However, not every experience has been perfect. Out of 242 comments, 47 negative remarks point to occasional issues such as stale food, finding a stone in a dish, or food arriving cold. Some also found certain dishes to be too spicy, leading to discomfort or disappointment with the overall quality.
Food
242
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
47
negative
9
neutral
186
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful dishes
- Generous portion sizes
- Excellent veggie combo
What people don't like
- Food arrived cold
- Stale food served
- Found stones in food
Often praised
- foodOMG, the service, the people, the food and services were 10/10
- veggie comboWe were craving Injera and tibs, and the food was truly tasty. We ordered the veggie combo with tibs, and the portions were incredibly generous, enough to feed our family of four with leftovers for dinner. For the quality and quantity of food, the price was very affordable, costing us only $40.
- Ethiopian foodMy experience at this restaurant was centered around the best authentic Ethiopian food I've had in Seattle. The Veggie Combo was particularly very good.
- injeraMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. I ordered the veggie combo and was presented with a delightful and beautiful platter, complete with fresh injera. The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was lovely.
- vegetarian combothe vegetarian combo, which exceeded my expectations
- FoodFood:5
- honey wineThey even let us switch up a few components so we could try all our favorite things on the menu! Also, please try their honey wine—it’s not too sweet by any measure and comes in a very interesting glass vase. They offered a little sample before we ordered it!
- kitfoThe keye wot was nasty and tasted old, with no flavor at all. I love me kitfo, and this was a 3. Sadly, I wasted my gas and $25 for something bad.
- tastyEverything is so tasty
- Ethiopian beerthey have Ethiopian beer on the menu
Frequently criticized
- foodWe had to flag them down, and then our food was given to someone else before being switched. Ultimately, the meat was spoiled, we didn't eat it, and we left.
- enjerathe enjera they gave us was tiff but it has weird taste
- meatthe meat was really fatty and so spicy
- EnjeraThey are supposed to close at 9 pm on Sundays. When I asked why, she replied, “we are out of Enjera, ” which is a common excuse at Habesha restaurants. Enjera is the cheapest item on the menu and is usually available in extra portions.
- Ethiopian coffeenot serving Ethiopian coffee at the time
- dero wotwas very substandard and poor quality
- dessert optionMy only disappointment was they do not have any desert option
- dish I chosewhat I chose was not good
- drinkshaving no other drinks than Ethiopian beer
- egg in the middleI didn't like that egg in the middle
The food generally earns high marks for its delicious flavors and generous portions, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal. While a few diners encountered issues like cold or stale food, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests you'll likely enjoy a flavorful Ethiopian experience here.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 62.9%. Many guests raved about the friendly staff, quick service, and helpful recommendations, with 66 positive comments highlighting things like friendly staff and quick food delivery. However, not everyone had such a smooth experience.
There were 37 negative comments, with some patrons feeling ignored, experiencing slow service, and facing long wait times for food or even just to get their order taken. It seems consistency might be an issue, with some experiencing poor customer service.
Service
105
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
37
negative
2
neutral
66
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick food delivery
- Good recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Feeling ignored
Often praised
- serviceI've been a patron since high school, and they have never disappointed. The service is fantastic, and the ambiance is lovely. It's the perfect place to spend time chatting with a friend and enjoying some quality food.
- staffMy experience at Zagol in Seattle was a really cool find! It was busy, but the staff were super friendly and helpful, especially when I was figuring out the injera bread – definitely a learning curve! I got the veggie combo and it was huge, seriously filling and a really good value for under $50.
- serverOur server was helpful, quick, and friendly
- ServiceService:5
- foodGot our food in 15-20 mins
- waitressThe waitress did a very good job of quickly attending us and explaining the menu
- EyerusThe girl that served us was named Eyerus and she was soo nice
- Misty and her staffMisty and her staff are top tier!
- coffee serviceThe coffee service is terrific as well.
- customer handlingowner has good skill of handling customers
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The waiter barely acknowledged our table, providing no service and failing to refill our water throughout the meal. After a 45-minute wait, we were served stale food.
- waitressThe waitress takes another 20 min then comes back out
- customer servicePoor customer service
- wait timeThe waiter barely acknowledged our table, providing no service and failing to refill our water throughout the meal. After a 45-minute wait, we were served stale food. The worst part was finding a stone in my dish, which I nearly broke a tooth on.
- Amhara valueThe Amhara value of friendliness and welcomeness is not reflected by the employees
- ServiceService was slow
- businessesshould not back businesses that discriminate
- correct orderHowever, the restaurant was a little bit disorganized. I had to walk back in to get my correct order. Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant for its delicious food.
- customersDespite Zagol's location in the Amhara region, which is soon to be a country, the experience did not reflect the Amhara value of friendliness and welcomeness. It's disheartening that customers are being mistreated by employees and business owners in America. The service seemed to be better for non-Amhara people, but the food remained subpar and could cause stomach issues.
- discriminationThe server discriminate us because we spoke Afaan Oromo
If youre looking for a place with potentially great service and friendly faces, its worth a try. Just be prepared that there's a chance you might encounter some slower moments or feel a bit overlooked, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! This spot really shines when it comes to its atmosphere, scoring a solid 8, which is definitely good. Customers agree, with a strong 88.4% satisfaction rate.
Many of the 38 positive comments rave about the "cozy" and "lively atmosphere, " often highlighting the "cultural decor" and "homey vibe" that makes it a great place to spend time. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A few of the 5 negative remarks mention the restaurant feeling a bit disorganized and some find parking tricky.
There was even a specific mention of smoking incense that wasnt everyones cup of tea, suggesting there might be a few minor areas for improvement.
Ambience
43
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
38
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, lively atmosphere
- Cultural decor
- Welcoming environment
What people don't like
- Tricky parking
- Disorganized feel
- Smoking incense issue
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere, and food have all been perfect
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- parkingI got the veggie combo and it was huge, seriously filling and a really good value for under $50. Parking was easy in the neighborhood. I’d maybe like to see a dessert option though.
- Ethiopiansthis place is always packed with Ethiopians.
- ambianceI've been a patron since high school, and they have never disappointed. The service is fantastic, and the ambiance is lovely. It's the perfect place to spend time chatting with a friend and enjoying some quality food.
- convenient to get tovery convenient to get to
- cozymade it a bit more cozy
- cozy placeThe place was cozy
- cultural decorSpacious with cultural decor to keep the mood right.
- decorationsLarge spacing and simple decorations
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking could be a bear
- ambienceWish the ambience would have been better
- parkingThe food was flavorful and the portions were generous for the price. Parking was a bit tricky, but it was totally worth the wait. I’d maybe bring a small napkin, as the food is messy, but in a good way!
- restaurantrestaurant was little bit disorganized
- smoking incensetable next to us got a platter with smoking incense on it
If you're looking for a place with a warm, inviting atmosphere and cultural charm, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and a slightly less organized feel, but the overall vibe is a big win.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found a lot to love, with 13 positive remarks out of 23 total. They frequently praised the prices as incredibly priced and noted the generous for the price portions, often calling it good value for money and even the best bang for your buck. While the overall score for value is an average 5.7, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 56.5%, showing a somewhat positive sentiment.
However, its not all smooth sailing, as 10 negative comments highlight some bumps. Some felt overcharged or encountered unexpected surcharges, advising others to check the bill yourself. Issues around payment and charges for extra injera' also popped up, suggesting some inconsistencies in pricing transparency.
Value
23
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Good prices
- Great value
What people don't like
- Unexpected surcharges
- Potential overcharging
- Check your bill
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant offered great food for the price. However, I would strongly advise against dining in.
- pricesthe prices were good
- EnjeraEnjera is the cheapest in the menu
- Price per personHaving tried most Ethiopian restaurants in Seattle and Federal Way, I can confidently say this is by far the best. We enjoyed a delicious dinner, and the price per person was reasonable, falling between $20–30.
- bang for your buckWon’t find a better bang for your buck in seattle!
- generous for the priceI absolutely loved the injera – it was incredible and a unique way to eat. The food was flavorful and the portions were generous for the price. Parking was a bit tricky, but it was totally worth the wait.
- price per personended up a tad over $20 a person
- valueIt was busy, but the staff were super friendly and helpful, especially when I was figuring out the injera bread – definitely a learning curve! I got the veggie combo and it was huge, seriously filling and a really good value for under $50. Parking was easy in the neighborhood.
- value for moneyit was really good! ... spent 40 bucks.
Frequently criticized
- $25and 25 for something bad
- $35 platethe presentation of the $35 plate was lacking
- billCheck the bill yourself
- box containersovercharged us for the enjera and box containers separately
- extra injeradid not ask for extra injera
- gasI love me kitfo, and this was a 3. Sadly, I wasted my gas and $25 for something bad.
- menu pricemenu price itself
- overchargedthey over charged us for the enjera and box containers separately
- paymentyou’ll have to pay at least for the one order.
- surchargesthere are surcharges
If you're looking for generous portions and potentially great deals, this spot could be a good fit for your wallet. Just be sure to double-check your bill for any unexpected charges, as pricing can sometimes be a bit inconsistent.
How are the prices at Zagol?
You’re looking at roughly 29 per person – reported by 81 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Ethiopian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the bigger picture, most diners spend in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets, showing a clear clustering around this mid-range sweet spot. While there are a few higher spenders, the core experience seems to be quite consistent.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 81 reviews.
How this Ethiopian gem in Seattle stacks up against similar spots on value for money.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for an Ethiopian restaurant of this caliber. It offers a good balance, making it a solid choice for a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zagol
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Delicious Food and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was great. If you enjoy spicy food, be sure to let them know, as they offer excellent spicy add-ins.
I highly recommend this place!
- food10
- service10
- spicy add ins9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Value Lunch/Dinner Spot
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic for a weekend lunch and dinner. I "pigged out" with two friends, and the total cost came to $17 per person, which is an incredible "bang for your buck" in Seattle. The "hospitality" and "atmosphere" were also "lovely".
It feels like a "community hub" with a "regular crowd" that visits often.
- bang for your buck10
- hospitality9
- atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Delicious Food, Beautiful Setting, Excellent Service!
I was really impressed with my meal tonight. The food was tastier than before and very filling. The setting is beautiful and the waiters were so professional.
I'd give it a 10/10! The food was delicious and the portions were very generous. It has a great local vibe.
- meal10
- food9
- setting10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Favorite Ethiopian in Seattle!
I love Zagol :) I would say this is my favourite Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle. The food is as authentic as it gets. I could make some or go grab some food here!
Tastes just like home.
- food10
- Ethiopian restaurant10
- Tastes like home10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Incredible Injera and Flavorful Food!
My experience at Zagol on E Cherry St was a cool find! It was really busy when we went, creating a lively atmosphere. I absolutely loved the injera – it was incredible and a unique way to eat.
The food was flavorful and the portions were generous for the price. Parking was a bit tricky, but it was totally worth the wait. I’d maybe bring a small napkin, as the food is messy, but in a good way!
I’ll definitely be going back if I’m ever in Seattle.
- injera10
- unique way to eat9
- food8
- parking4
What Zagol offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What accessibility features and parking options does Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant offer?
Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant in Madison Valley provides excellent accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. For your convenience, you’ll also find free street parking available, making your visit hassle-free. This ensures a comfortable experience for all guests.
Can I find vegan or vegetarian options and what dining services are available at Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant?
Yes, Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant offers a wide array of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, alongside delicious small plates. You can enjoy table service for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast, with catering available for events. Reservations are accepted, and high chairs are provided for families.