Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » GIHON – San Diego
GIHON - San Diego
Photo from GIHON
GIHON at a glance
San Diego Miramar
- 🥘 Ethiopian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 23 of the guests
#89 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#4 Ethiopian Restaurant out of 4 in San Diego
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
147
Reviews
87.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Attentive service
- Cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Limited seating
- Value concerns
- Hidden location
The restaurant GIHON, an authentic Ethiopian Restaurant in San Diego’s vibrant Miramar neighborhood, invites you to discover a world of rich flavors. Here, you can expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a unique dining experience.
You’ll find a diverse menu featuring delicious vegan and vegetarian options, alongside healthy choices and small plates ideal for sharing. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch, this spot offers a memorable culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting GIHON
GIHON offers a truly delightful dining experience, often praised for its delicious and authentic cuisine and warm hospitality. Guests frequently highlight the attentive staff and the rich flavors that make each meal memorable.
While the overall experience is highly positive, some guests have noted that the seating area is a bit scrappy and the location can be hard to find. Despite these minor points, the inviting atmosphere generally contributes to a pleasant visit.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
147
Reviews
87.1%
Satisfaction
11
negative
8
neutral
128
positive
GIHON earns a solid Restaurant Score of 8.6, reflecting a generally positive customer experience, with Customer Satisfaction at 87.1%. This strong performance is built on 128 positive remarks out of 147 total customer observations, indicating a high level of approval.
The Food (9) and Service (9.2) are clearly the standout elements, consistently receiving excellent feedback. The Ambience (7) also contributes positively, offering a good setting for meals.
However, Value (5.5) is perceived as average by some, suggesting that while the quality is high, the pricing might be a point of consideration for a few. Overall, the strengths significantly outweigh these minor concerns.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Warm, attentive service
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- Value concerns
- Hard to locate
For those seeking a genuine and flavorful culinary journey, GIHON comes highly recommended. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.9, it promises a memorable meal supported by excellent service and a welcoming environment.
If you prioritize outstanding food and attentive staff over spacious seating or budget-friendly pricing, GIHON is certainly worth exploring. It’s a place where the quality of the dishes and the warmth of the hospitality truly shine.
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Verdict: Our expert take on GIHON
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and an impressive 94.8% customer satisfaction, its clear diners are loving whats on their plates. Out of 96 total comments, a whopping 91 praise the delicious vegan platter, authentic Ethiopian flavors, and excellent food, often highlighting generous portions and fresh ingredients.
However, a few specific dishes didnt quite hit the mark. Among the 4 negative comments, some found items like Derek Tibs, Awaze Tibs, and Ater Kik disappointing, with one even mentioning throwing food away. While these are isolated incidents, its worth noting.
Food
96
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious vegan platter
- Authentic Ethiopian flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Specific dishes disappointing
Often praised
- foodWe ordered the meat platter, misir, gomen, and a side of shiro. Everything was so delicious and authentic. The misir and gomen were incredibly aromatic, and the filet mignon was especially tender.
- vegan platterI got the vegan platter and my husband got tibs. We both really liked our dishes
- injeragiving us some extra injera
- Ethiopian foodDefinitely the best Ethiopian food I've tried!
- chicken tibsHad the chicken tibs and veg platter. Just wow!
- eggplant wotespecially the eggplant wot part!!!
- flavorsthe variety of food and flavors we were served at Gihon surpassed them all
- lamb tibslamb tibs and thought it was plenty of food
- lentil sambusaWe had the veggie platter and lentil sambusa (delicious!)
- misirmisir, everything was flavorful and super tasty
Frequently criticized
- Ater KikAter Kik (not good)
- Awaze TibsAwaze Tibs (4/10 – only ate it because I just spent $50 here)
- Derek TibsDerek Tibs (1/10 – ended up throwing it away)
- FoodOverall, really disappointing.
If you're craving authentic and flavorful Ethiopian cuisine, especially their highly-praised vegan options, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a couple of specific meat dishes have received mixed reviews, so perhaps stick to the crowd favorites.
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! Diners consistently rave about the staff being incredibly kind and attentive, offering fantastic recommendations and menu guidance. With an excellent score of 9.2 and a stellar customer satisfaction of 95.2%, it's clear that the warm hospitality and helpful team make a huge impression.
Out of 21 comments, a whopping 20 were glowing! While the praise for the service is widespread, there was one isolated comment that gave a low score for Service. However, with only 1 negative remark compared to 20 positive ones, it appears to be an anomaly rather than a recurring issue.
Most experiences highlight a smooth and pleasant interaction, with many noting no wait times.
Service
21
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Kind, attentive staff
- Warm hospitality
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceWe wiped the plate clean. The owner is so sweet, warm, and friendly, and she was always checking on us. You have to try them; I can't wait to try the other items on the menu.
- ownerThe owner is so sweet. She is so warm, friendly
- staffThe attentive staff enhances the experience
- cultural insightsThe traditional honey wine was a perfect pairing for the meal. The attentive staff truly enhanced the experience, offering guidance through the menu and sharing cultural insights. I highly recommend saving room for dessert!
- hospitalitywelcomes you with warm hospitality
- lady who served usThe lady who served us (not sure if she is the owner) was so kind.
- menu guidanceguiding you through the menu
- new restaurantsupport a new restaurant in the area!
- ownersThe owners were lovely as well
- recommendationsThe food was delicious, especially the fresh injera. They offer great meat and veggie options, and the staff were very kind and attentive, providing great recommendations. We will be back soon!
Frequently criticized
- ServiceService:2
If you value a dining experience where you feel genuinely cared for, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on their service suggests you'll be in excellent hands, making your meal even more enjoyable.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7, with many guests loving the vibe. With 16 positive remarks out of 28 total comments, guests often highlight the pleasant outdoor seating, quiet location, and inviting atmosphere and decor. It sounds like a delightful spot for many, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 57.1%.
However, not all experiences are glowing. A few guests mentioned that the seating can be limited, with the seating area sometimes described as a bit scrappy. While the location is often praised for its quietness, some found it a bit hard to find.
These 5 negative remarks suggest there's room for improvement in comfort and accessibility.
Ambience
28
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
5
negative
7
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quiet, peaceful location
- Inviting outdoor seating
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- Scrappy seating area
- Challenging to find
Often praised
- placeit’s still nice place to grab dinner after work
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- outdoor seatingThey have outdoor seating if you want to eat there
- ambianceIt was a nice ambiance
- convenientso convenient for people that live in Mira Mesa
- decorMy experience at this restaurant was a delightful culinary journey through Ethiopia's rich flavors and traditions. From the moment I stepped in, the warm hospitality and vibrant decor created a welcoming atmosphere. I started with delightful appetizers before diving into the rich and flavorful main dishes, which were perfectly complemented by the traditional bread.
- locationwas a quiet location
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- patio tablesfew patio tables - a great experience
- quietit’s tucked away from road noise and quiet
Frequently criticized
- seatingNot much seating and it is outdoor.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- locationThe food is fresh and delicious, truly yum yum! It's a bit hard to find, located right across from Abbey Party Rentals on the corner of Carol and Production. It's definitely worth trying; the food is very good.
- seating areaMy experience at this restaurant was centered around their excellent Ethiopian food. While the seating area is a bit scrappy, the food itself is absolutely worth it. I particularly enjoyed the lamb tibs and the collard greens on the side – they were delicious!
If youre looking for a quiet spot with outdoor seating and a pleasant atmosphere, this place could be a gem. However, be prepared for potentially limited seating and a slightly hidden location. Its worth trying if a peaceful vibe is your priority.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
When it comes to value, some guests did find things for a good price, which is always a win! With 1 positive mention focusing on the price, theres a glimmer of affordability. The overall score for value sits at an average 5.5, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 50%.
However, the value isnt universally praised. One guest felt they only ate it because I just spent $50 here, highlighting concerns about the Price per person. This suggests that for some, the cost might not align with the experience.
Value
2
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good price
What people don't like
- Poor value
Often praised
- pricefor a good price
Frequently criticized
- Price per persononly ate it because I just spent $50 here
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? With an average score and mixed satisfaction, the value here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While some find it reasonably priced, others feel the cost doesn't quite match the experience, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at GIHON?
On average, you’ll spend around 25 per person – from 23 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For an Ethiopian Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range.
Looking at the data, most diners spend in this mid-range bracket, though there are a few options for those looking for a slightly cheaper or more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 23 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for an Ethiopian restaurant. It offers good value for a mid-range dining experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about GIHON
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Ethiopian Food, Kind Service
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful! I had the vegan platter and my husband enjoyed the tibs. We both found our dishes to be incredibly delicious with great flavors.
The lady who served us, possibly the owner, was exceptionally kind. The place itself is very unassuming and unpretentious, with only three outdoor tables, which adds to its charm.
- vegan platter10
- tibs10
- flavors9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Spectacular Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely spectacular! The food was finger-licking delicious. I had the chicken tibs and veg platter, and it was just wow!
We wiped the plate clean. The owner is so sweet, warm, and friendly, and she was always checking on us. You have to try them; I can't wait to try the other items on the menu.
- food10
- chicken tibs10
- veg platter10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Lamb and Great Vegetarian Options!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. It's an unconventional "ghost kitchen" setup with some outdoor seating, but they even provide blankets. I had the lamb, and it was absolutely delicious.
The portion size seemed fair. The Tikil Gomen was a great side dish, comparable to a meatless Golabki. This place is truly a gem.
I don't know who left a 2-star review, but there's a non-zero chance that reviewer kicks puppies and should be disregarded.
- lamb10
- portion size8
- Tikil Gomen9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Exceptional Ethiopian Flavors and Variety
I ordered the vegan platter and vegan baklava to go. Having dined at numerous Ethiopian restaurants globally, including in Addis Ababa, I can confidently say that the variety of food and flavors at Gihon surpassed all others. My family is vegetarian, so I cannot comment on the meat dishes.
I will definitely be back for more. :)
- vegan platter9
- vegan baklava9
- variety of food10
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious and Authentic Ethiopian Food!
My friend and I had an amazing experience at GIHON! We ordered the meat platter, misir, gomen, and a side of shiro. Everything was so delicious and authentic.
The misir and gomen were incredibly aromatic, and the filet mignon was especially tender. Everyone in San Diego needs to try GIHON!
- meat platter9
- misir10
- gomen10
What GIHON offers
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service and dining options are available at GIHON Ethiopian Kitchen?
GIHON Ethiopian Kitchen offers convenient service options like delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in. You can also enjoy outdoor seating. They are open for both lunch and dinner, providing comfortable seating for your meal.
What dietary options and accessibility features does GIHON Ethiopian Kitchen provide?
GIHON Ethiopian Kitchen offers diverse dietary choices, including vegan, vegetarian, and healthy options. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. Convenient free street parking and a free parking lot are also available, usually with ample space.
How does GIHON generally rate among customers?
GIHON holds a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.6 with 87.1% customer satisfaction. Its Food (9) and Service (9.2) are particularly well-regarded, while Ambience (7) is good, and Value (5.5) is considered average.
What kind of food can I expect at GIHON?
Customers frequently praise the Food for being “delicious and authentic,” with many enjoying the “incredibly aromatic” dishes and “tender” meats. The “vegan platter” and “lamb tibs” are often highlighted for their rich flavors.
Is GIHON a good spot for a quiet meal, and what about seating?
Yes, many find the Ambience to be “quiet” and “easy to talk,” with a “welcoming atmosphere” and “vibrant decor.” However, some note that seating can be “limited” and the “seating area is a bit scrappy.”