Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Habesha – Seattle
Habesha - Seattle
Photo from Habesha
Habesha at a glance
Seattle Brighton
- 🥘 Ethiopian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 81 of the guests
#93 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#4 Ethiopian Restaurant out of 17 in Seattle
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
502
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Flavorful food
- Great value
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Dated decor
The café Habesha invites you to discover the rich flavors of an authentic Ethiopian Restaurant right in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant Brighton neighborhood. You can start your experience with their renowned great coffee, a true highlight that sets the tone for your visit.
This cozy spot offers a casual and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal or a quick bite. Whether you’re seeking healthy options, vegan dishes, or just a comforting cup of coffee, you’ll find a welcoming space here.
Overview: Introducting Habesha
Habesha offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its excellent food and generous portions, including notable vegetarian and vegan choices. Many guests appreciate the fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes that leave them satisfied.
However, some experiences with the food have been less consistent, with a few reports of dishes being below average or even “horrible. ” Service is frequently highlighted as exceptionally friendly and attentive, though there are isolated instances of perceived bias or extended waiting times.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
502
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
42
negative
13
neutral
447
positive
Habesha earns a solid Restaurant Score of 8.6, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is well-supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 89%, indicating that most diners leave pleased.
These figures are based on over 500 customer remarks, with a significant majority of 447 positive comments outweighing the 42 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Service (9.2) stands out as excellent, frequently noted for its warmth and attentiveness.
The Food (8.4), Ambience (8.6), and Value (8.2) all register as good, suggesting a well-rounded experience. While there are minor criticisms, the overall sentiment points to a restaurant that consistently delivers on its promises across key aspects.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Flavorful Ethiopian dishes
- Excellent value pricing
What people don't like
- Extended wait times
- Dated interior ambiance
Habesha generally offers a rewarding experience, particularly if you appreciate warm service and well-priced, flavorful Ethiopian cuisine. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.6, it’s certainly worth considering for a casual meal.
While some minor issues like occasional longer waits or a less vibrant interior might arise, the overall positive feedback suggests these are often outweighed by the hospitality and food quality. It’s a solid choice for those seeking authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Habesha
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are generally thrilled! With a strong 8.4 score and a fantastic 86.6% customer satisfaction, its clear the culinary experience is a hit. Many of the 279 positive remarks rave about the amazing flavors, huge portions, and authentic Ethiopian food, often praising the quality of food and vegan options.
However, a smaller number of 32 comments point to some areas for improvement. A few diners noted lacking flavors or inconsistent food quality, particularly with some meats being described as sub-par. There were also occasional remarks about food temperature and portion size' not meeting expectations.
Food
322
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
32
negative
11
neutral
279
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing food flavors
- Generous portion sizes
- Excellent vegan options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Lacking food flavors
- Sub-par meat dishes
Often praised
- foodWe had a wonderful early birthday dinner at Habesha 🥳. It's a very clean, reasonably priced, and friendly establishment with a warm, homey vibe that complements the excellent food.
- Ethiopian foodTwo of the items were a bit hotter than we preferred, but the owner assured us that next time we can let them know, and they can substitute them with less spicy options. 😁 I highly recommend this casual restaurant for anyone seeking excellent Ethiopian food, an excellent price, and excellent service.
- coffeeMy first experience with Ethiopian food was at this restaurant, and it was truly memorable. We opted for the vegetarian combo and coffee. Everything tasted incredibly fresh, and the servers, who I believe are the owners, were exceptionally nice.
- vegetarian optionsMany delicious vegetarian options available.
- injera8 rating. So here is my contrarian perspective: Food - While the injera is good, the main show, the meats, the veggies are all sub par. The flavors are lacking.
- vegan optionsI enjoyed the amazing coffee and great food. The service was friendly, and I was impressed by the tasty vegan options. They also offer gluten-free Injera, which is a huge plus.
- orange cakeorange cake for dessert. Unique and delicious.
- portionsThe service was incredibly nice throughout my whole visit, contributing to the wonderful energy of the place. The food was very, very yummy with big portions and was incredibly flavorful. I tried the Habesha's Special, a meat and veggie combo, and I have plenty of leftovers for breakfast and lunch tomorrow!
- FoodFood:5
- Injerait is a remarkable culinary experience.
Frequently criticized
- foodOur party of 4 ordered takeout to enjoy at a nearby brewery. Unfortunately, none of us felt the restaurant lived up to its high rating, as the food was below average. The lamb tibs were mostly a large portion of spongy bread.
- AyibAyib was smelly and bitter
- Ethiopian foodnever tasted such a horrible Ethiopian food
- Gomendidn’t have the Gomen, I PAID extra for
- Green Chicken on pitaGreen Chicken on a pocket pita. Tgey ended up falling apart.
- Spicy Chicken on breadSpicy Chicken on bread, ordered Green Chicken on a pocket pita. Tgey ended up falling apart.
- beefDidn’t even taste like beef
- boiled eggsthey didn’t have any boiled eggs
- catfish sandwichThe lamb tibs were mostly a large portion of spongy bread. I received undercooked fish & chips when I had ordered the catfish sandwich. I did bring it back, and they rebuilt it, but by then, the fries were cold.
- chickpeasI was informed they were out of boiled eggs, which is a traditional component of dishes like Doro Wat, leading me to believe they were too lazy to prepare them. Furthermore, I was not notified that they were out of Gomen, which I had paid extra for, and instead received the SMALLEST portion of chickpeas without my agreement. The Ayib was smelly and bitter.
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight for most, especially if you appreciate authentic Ethiopian cuisine and generous portions. While a few experiences mention inconsistencies, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests you're in for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Service (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.2 and a fantastic 93.6% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 109 total comments, a whopping 102 rave about the attentive service, sweet people, and genuinely warm hospitality from the friendly staff and owners.
However, its not entirely flawless. A small handful of 6 comments mention issues like slow and inattentive service, long waiting times, and unfortunately, some instances of bias treatment. While these are few, they highlight areas where consistency could be improved to match the otherwise stellar experience.
Service
109
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Warm, kind owners
- Genuine hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long waiting times
- Bias treatment
Often praised
- serviceTwo of the items were a bit hotter than we preferred, but the owner assured us that next time we can let them know, and they can substitute them with less spicy options. 😁 I highly recommend this casual restaurant for anyone seeking excellent Ethiopian food, an excellent price, and excellent service.
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely unbelievable. The owner was super nice, and the food was out of this world. It's by far the best food I’ve had in Seattle, and it's the first place I always recommend to people.
- ownersThe owners are some of the sweetest people around
- staffI recommend everything - I couldn't pick just one. Compliments and gratitude to the Chef/Owners/staff. I love what you all do together which makes for an overall great experience!
- ServiceService:5
- serverI felt so nourished and happy after eating here. The service was also excellent, with a very sweet server. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience.
- attentive serviceI enjoyed the authentic Ethiopian food served in a comfortable quiet setting. The service was attentive, making it a perfect spot for chatting with family or friends. I highly recommend not passing up the rich coffee ceremony at the end!
- great serviceThe menu offered a diverse selection compared to other similar restaurants, and I was particularly pleased with the large vegetarian selection. The clean space and great service contributed to a wonderful dining experience. The owner was warm and accommodating, making the interaction very pleasant.
- hostssuch wonderful hosts they are!!
- JudyAsk for Judy she’ll hook you up
Frequently criticized
- servicewas nice to the white people but wasn't nice to me
- bias treatmentdirty looks and bias treatment
- make foodorder time to make food has been DOUBLE what they stated
- order timeorder time to make food has been DOUBLE what they stated
- waiting timeThis was the first time I've experienced such horrible food in a restaurant. It took almost an hour to come, was very cold, and smelled like it had been in the fridge for a long period. If it took an hour, they could have at least warmed it up.
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely cared for, this is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on the staffs kindness and attentiveness suggests youre in for a treat, despite a few isolated reports of slower service.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.6, indicating a good experience, and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.3%, guests consistently praise the overall feel. Out of 60 customer observations, a whopping 56 were positive, highlighting the wonderful Atmosphere, cozy feel, clean space, and comfortable quiet setting that make for a great dining experience.
However, its not entirely without a few minor notes. Just 3 observations mentioned that the "dining experience isnt much to speak of for some, with a desire for a livelier vibe compared to other places. One also noted it does get quite warm on a hot day.
" These are small points, but worth considering if you prefer a bustling or cooler environment.
Ambience
60
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
- Comfortable quiet setting
- Excellent dining experience
What people don't like
- Livelier vibe needed
- Can get warm
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere of the restaurant is very chill, quiet, calming
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ParkingI love what you all do together which makes for an overall great experience! (Parking always a breeze) Thank you everyone! XOXO Blessings -
- experiencemakes for an overall great experience!
- locationthe service and location perfect
- restaurantI chose it because it was open late. It turned out to be a wonderful coffee shop and restaurant. I enjoyed delicious lattes and the best homemade baklava I have ever had.
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- ambiencethe ambience is very chill
- aromaticsThe portion sizes were decent. Inside the cafe, there were lightly smoky and incensed aromatics. If you're into Ethiopian cuisine, I doubt you'd be missing anything here.
- bathroom on siteThe ambiance could use a pick-me-up, but who really cares ;) You can also shop for goods like dates. There's a bathroom on site and street parking is available.
Frequently criticized
- atmospheredoes get quite warm on a hot day
- dining experience- The grocery area occupies much of the store. That's fine, I don't care much either way but the layout and dining experience isn't much to speak of. Other Ethiopian restaurants are not known for their decor but have a livelier vibe.
- livelier vibeThat's fine, I don't care much either way but the layout and dining experience isn't much to speak of. Other Ethiopian restaurants are not known for their decor but have a livelier vibe.
If youre looking for a restaurant with a genuinely cozy, clean, and comfortable atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Its perfect for a relaxing meal or quiet chat, though those seeking a very lively or bustling scene might find it a bit too subdued.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.2, indicating a good experience, and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90.9%, its clear most diners feel they get their moneys worth. Many rave about the very fair prices, calling it a great value and praising the excellent price for the portions received.
Out of 11 total comments, 10 were glowing about this aspect. However, its not universally perfect. While overwhelmingly positive, there was one comment among the 11 that felt the price wasnt justified for their experience.
This suggests that while most find it a steal, individual experiences can vary, so keep that in mind.
Value
11
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Great value
- Reasonable cost
What people don't like
- Price not justified
Often praised
- priceWe had a wonderful early birthday dinner at Habesha 🥳. It's a very clean, reasonably priced, and friendly establishment with a warm, homey vibe that complements the excellent food.
- pricesThe prices are also more than reasonable
- Machine House Brewing discountThey def. honored the Machine House Brewing discount.
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- support local businessesa great way to support local businesses
- valuea great value
- very fair pricesMy experience at this family-run cafe was truly exceptional. The meat and veggie sampler was incredible, offering huge portions at very fair prices. The service was the friendliest I've encountered.
Frequently criticized
- pricedefinitely not worth $50 dollars
If you're looking for a place where your dollar stretches far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most customers walk away feeling they got a fantastic deal, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious diners. Just be aware that a single experience might not align with the general sentiment.
How are the prices at Habesha?
You’re looking at roughly 22 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.
While 22 is the average, it’s interesting to see that many diners actually spend a bit less, with the biggest group falling into the $11–$20 range. So, while your average is mid-range, there are plenty of more budget-friendly options too!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 81 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for an Ethiopian Restaurant in Seattle. It offers a good mid-range experience, and with options spanning from more budget-friendly to slightly higher, theres likely something for everyones wallet.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Habesha
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Eritrean Food & Cozy Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was truly delightful. I enjoyed the delicious Eritrean food, which was presented in a beautiful, smart, and unique way. The menu offered a diverse selection compared to other similar restaurants, and I was particularly pleased with the large vegetarian selection.
The clean space and great service contributed to a wonderful dining experience. The owner was warm and accommodating, making the interaction very pleasant. I also appreciated the cozy atmosphere and could see myself returning for work meetings.
It was a top-notch restaurant experience, and I'm happy to support this small business.
- Eritrean food9
- presentation of the food9
- diverse menu8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Wonderful First Ethiopian Food Experience
My first experience with Ethiopian food in the area was wonderful. The food was great, and the owner was very sweet. It was a lovely first experience.
- food9
- owner10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Excellent Ethiopian Food and Atmosphere
As a first-time Ethiopian cuisine diner, I'm very glad we chose Habesha. The atmosphere was incredibly relaxing, and the grocery and coffee pot section offered some truly interesting items. The gentleman who took our order was very nice, and the food was excellent.
We shared the meat and veggie combo platter, which provided a nice variety and was more than enough for two. We also took home chocolate walnut baklava and pistachio baklava. It's definitely a place worth trying again.
- atmosphere10
- grocery and coffee pot section8
- gentleman who took our order9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Takeout Experience
Our party of 4 ordered takeout to enjoy at a nearby brewery. Unfortunately, none of us felt the restaurant lived up to its high rating, as the food was below average. The lamb tibs were mostly a large portion of spongy bread.
I received undercooked fish & chips when I had ordered the catfish sandwich. I did bring it back, and they rebuilt it, but by then, the fries were cold. The pistachio baklava was very good.
- pistachio baklava8
- food2
- lamb tibs2
- fish & chips1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Wonderful Coffee Shop with Delicious Baklava
My first visit to this restaurant was after attending the Columbia City farmers market. I chose it because it was open late. It turned out to be a wonderful coffee shop and restaurant.
I enjoyed delicious lattes and the best homemade baklava I have ever had. The service was friendly and courteous.
- lattes9
- homemade baklava10
- service9
What Habesha offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Habesha?
When you visit Habesha, you’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, offering an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your comfort.
Does Habesha offer options for different dietary needs and dining preferences?
Absolutely! Habesha caters to various preferences with healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options available. You can enjoy a quick bite, small plates, or a full meal for brunch, lunch, or dinner. They also provide counter service, table service, and even catering for your events.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Habesha?
Habesha receives a strong Restaurant Score of 8.6 and an 89% Customer Satisfaction rate. Customers particularly praise the Service (9.2), Ambience (8.6), Food (8.4), and Value (8.2).
Does Habesha offer good vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, many customers highlight the delicious vegetarian options and tasty vegan options available, noting that the food is incredibly fresh and flavorful.
Are there any common complaints about Habesha?
Some customers have reported extended waiting times for their orders and noted that the interior ambience could use an update or be livelier.