Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Ibex – Seattle
Ibex - Seattle
Photo from Ibex
Ibex at a glance
Seattle Mount Baker
- 🥘 Ethiopian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 44 of the guests
#399 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#14 Ethiopian Restaurant out of 17 in Seattle
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
355
Reviews
75.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Meat quality
- Cleanliness issues
The restaurant, an authentic Ethiopian Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Mount Baker neighborhood, invites you to discover a culinary journey. At Ibex, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal.
Known for its great coffee, this spot offers a welcoming experience where you can savor healthy options, small plates, and even late-night food. Whether you’re looking for vegan options or a quick bite, Cafe Ibex has something for you.
Overview: Introducting Ibex
Ibex offers a compelling culinary experience, with many patrons praising its authentic food and generous portions that provide excellent value. The atmosphere often feels warm and inviting, making for a pleasant visit with friendly servers.
However, some experiences at Ibex have been less consistent, with occasional concerns about customer service and the overall cleanliness of the space. There have also been remarks about certain dishes having tough meat, suggesting areas for improvement.
Good
7.6
out of 10
355
Reviews
75.8%
Satisfaction
66
negative
20
neutral
269
positive
Ibex generally leaves a good impression, reflected in its overall Restaurant Score of 7.6. Customer satisfaction also stands at a solid 75.8%, indicating that most diners leave content.
This assessment is built upon a substantial 355 customer remarks, with 269 positive observations outweighing 66 negative ones. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring a strong (7.8).
Service also performs well (7.5), often described as friendly and attentive. While Ambience (7.2) contributes positively to the experience, Value (6.3) presents a more mixed picture, with some finding it quite affordable and others noting higher prices.
What people like
- Delicious Ethiopian food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Good value, large portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Tough, unseasoned meat
- Cleanliness, atmosphere issues
Ibex presents a generally positive dining experience, earning a Recommendation Score of 7.6. If you’re seeking authentic Ethiopian cuisine with generous portions and often friendly service, it’s certainly worth considering for your next meal.
However, be mindful that service can be inconsistent, and some aspects of the ambiance or food quality might occasionally fall short. For a satisfying culinary journey, focus on their well-regarded dishes and manage expectations regarding overall consistency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Ibex
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 77.8%, it's clear many diners are leaving happy. Out of 203 remarks, a whopping 158 praise the delicious and flavorful dishes, often highlighting the hearty portions and excellent vegetarian options.
However, not every bite is perfect. Some of the 33 negative comments point to issues like inconsistent portions, overcooked elements, or dishes being too oily. There were also mentions of dry or tough meat, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation.
Food
203
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
33
negative
12
neutral
158
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Hearty, generous portions
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent portions
- Oily or dry food
- Overcooked elements
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Cafe Ibex was simply splendid! The food is right at the top of Ethiopian cuisine in Seattle. It’s such a warm space, a lovely place worth coming to, then coming back again and again!
- Ethiopian foodMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I can confidently say it serves the best Ethiopian food in the city by far. I've tried the veggie combo at nearly every Ethiopian restaurant in Seattle, and this place stands out.
- veggie comboMy experience at Cafe Ibex was fantastic! I highly recommend ordering the lamb meat combo and veggie combo for a party of 4; it's about $13 each before tip and offers the most delicious mix of diverse flavors and ingredients. The servings are hearty, allowing your party to eat like kings on a budget.
- FoodFood:5
- Vegetable ComboThe staff were super friendly, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend their Vegetable Combo.
- breadMy experience at the restaurant was marked by plenty of good, flavorful food. The meal was complemented by a light and spongy bread. I would easily come back regularly.
- deliciousThe owners were incredibly welcoming and even brought out a high chair for our little one. We ordered the Lamb Platter to share, and everything was fresh and absolutely delicious. We will definitely be back!
- lamb combolamb combo or chicken combo. Either of those is more than enough food for 2 people
- Lamb Platterordered the Lamb Platter to share. Everything was fresh and absolutely delicious
- Veggie comboVeggie combo is delish
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. While the spices and bread were good, the wait staff got our order slightly wrong, and the food was too oily.
- meatthe meat was very tough, chewy, and hard to eat unfortunately
- Doro tibsThe Doro tibs had no spices and overcooked rubbery mess
- Doro watThe chicken was overcooked, seems like it was cooked outside and dropped into the wat
- Ethiopian foodthis is not Ethiopian food looks like
- Misir watMisir wat had no spice
- TibsTibs. Both orders came in very small portion
- Tsom be Ye aynetuYe Tsome food wasn’t good
- bonesgot multiple bones in both
- bread90% was the bread
If you're craving authentic Ethiopian cuisine with rich flavors and generous servings, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while most experiences are fantastic, there might be occasional inconsistencies in portion size or preparation.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.5 and 71.4% customer satisfaction, many of the 55 positive remarks out of 77 total praise the friendly staff, attentive servers, and welcoming owners who often provide fast service. It sounds like a warm welcome awaits!
However, not everyone has had a perfect experience. The 16 negative comments point to some areas for improvement, mentioning poor customer handling, instances of lost cards, and disappearing servers. Some even reported horrible customer service, suggesting consistency can be an issue.
Service
77
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
16
negative
6
neutral
55
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming owners
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Poor customer handling
- Lost cards
- Disappearing servers
Often praised
- serviceThe service was friendly, fast and accommodating
- staffwe were delighted by our conversations with the staff
- ServiceService: Friendly and attentive.
- ownerThe portion size was generous, enough to share or split into two meals. The owner was kind, providing excellent service. The ambiance was comforting and inspiring, making me want to dance in the party hall!
- serversThe authentic food had great flavors, and the portions are huge for the price! The servers were so friendly.
- take outWe get take out a couple tubes a month
- waitressthe bartender and waitress were amazing!
- AV equipmentprovided us with all the AV equipment we needed
- Ethiopian peopleEthiopian people are kind, hospitable and generous.
- adviceTHEY GIVE THE BEST ADVICE
Frequently criticized
- servershe kind of left us hanging several times during our visiti
- customer serviceHorrible customer service
- chef and managementHow it went from the best to the worst is a mystery. Either the chef and management changed, or the chef had a terrible day. I am done with this place and will only consider visiting back in a year or two IF things improve.
- customer handlingPoor customer handling
- lost my cardthen they “lost my card.”
- managerThe manager threatened me
- napkinsI literally had to get up from my table and ask her for napkins
- old lady waiterold lady waiter’s . She is not a good fit for the job
- ownerowner came and began insulting me
- servicePoor service, unlike other Ethiopian restaurants
If youre looking for a place with a generally warm and attentive crew, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that a few folks have encountered hiccups with customer handling or server attentiveness, so keep an eye out for those minor inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place generally hits the mark with a 7.2 score and a solid 78.9% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the romantic atmosphere, cozy bar, and warm space, often noting how clean everything feels. With 45 positive comments out of 57, it seems most find the ambience quite welcoming and enjoyable.
However, not everyone is completely charmed. A few guests, 10 to be exact, have pointed out some areas for improvement. Concerns often revolve around parking limitations, issues with restrooms (specifically cleanliness and lack of paper towels), and the general neighborhood not being ideal.
Some even mentioned bad vibes or an interior smelling horrible.
Ambience
57
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
10
negative
2
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, cozy atmosphere
- Versatile event spaces
- Generally clean environment
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Restroom cleanliness issues
- Unpleasant interior smells
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was truly delightful. The food was delicious, and I particularly enjoyed the comfortable atmosphere. The staff were wonderful, and the service was excellent.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanReally clean
- spacefar roomier than you would ever expect
- vibethe vibe and service,........and the food
- DJThe bar was also good. In the back room, there's a stage and dance floor with a good DJ, creating a lively atmosphere. However, parking is limited.
- Dim settingDim setting, music in the background
- Ethiopian weddingThe atmosphere was so warm and welcoming. I even got to witness my first Ethiopian wedding, which made it an incredible experience. I will definitely be back; I love it and hope more people come and eat here.
- ambianceThe owner was kind, providing excellent service. The ambiance was comforting and inspiring, making me want to dance in the party hall!
- ambienceAtmosphere:4
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- Bad vibesBad vibes.
- atmosphereNot a single soul other than our family
- cleanlinessCleanliness is an issue
- experiencethe experience wasn’t worth it
- interior of the restaurantInterior of the restaurant is smelling so horrible
- neighborhoodNeighborhood isn't great
- paper towelsthere were NO PAPER TOWELS in the Men's and Women's Restrooms
- parkingParking is limited
- restroomsthe restroom, and oh boy it was a bad experience!
Overall, if youre looking for a warm, inviting spot with a good vibe for a date or gathering, youll likely be pleased. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and perhaps check the restrooms upon arrival. It's definitely worth a visit for the generally positive atmosphere.
Value (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Many diners find the value here quite appealing, with 11 positive remarks out of 18 total. Guests frequently praise the affordable and great prices, often noting excellent value for money and generous portions. While the overall score for value sits at an average 6.3, customer satisfaction is a mixed 61.1%, showing a generally appreciative view of what you get for your money.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 7 negative comments highlighting concerns about the price. Some feel its expensive or even way expensive, occasionally calling it a waste of money. There are also mentions of issues with the receipt not detailing items, and specific complaints about the cost of a can of coke.
This suggests theres room for improvement in perceived fairness for some.
Value
18
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value for money
- Huge portions
- Affordable prices
What people don't like
- Too expensive overall
- Pricey drinks
- Unclear receipts
Often praised
- priceWhile the place looks a little rough from the outside, the inside is quite peaceful and beautifully decorated. The authentic food had great flavors, and the portions are huge for the price! The servers were so friendly.
- pricesMy experience at Cafe Ibex has been overwhelmingly positive. I honestly love their food, which is always deliciously seasoned and brightly colored, all at fair prices. The family and staff have consistently been very sweet over the years.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordableit is also super affordable
- value for moneyExcellent value for money
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's so expensive almost two times costy
- $70I spent 70$
- can of cokecharge $3 for a can of coke
- expensiveit is getting too expensive to go often
- moneya waste of my money
- receiptdon't show us the list of each ordered items corespondibg to its price on the receipt
Overall, this spot offers a mixed bag on value. While many find the portions generous and prices fair, a notable number of guests feel its on the pricier side, especially for certain items. If youre looking for good food and don't mind potentially paying a bit more for drinks, it could be a good fit, but keep an eye on the menu.
How are the prices at Ibex?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 44 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 what others have spent, most diners find themselves in the $21–$30 bracket, with a good chunk also in the $11–$20 range. So, while there are a few higher-end experiences, the pricing generally clusters around that comfortable mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 44 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for an Ethiopian spot. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, which is always a good sign!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Ibex
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Best Ethiopian Food, Wonderful Service!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I had the best Ethiopian food I've ever tasted. The owners and servers were incredibly nice, providing good service and being very thoughtful throughout my meal.
The atmosphere was also rated highly.
- Ethiopian food10
- owners/servers10
- service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Cafe Ibex: Flavorful Food, Great Vibe!
My experience at Cafe Ibex was fantastic! I highly recommend ordering the lamb meat combo and veggie combo for a party of 4; it's about $13 each before tip and offers the most delicious mix of diverse flavors and ingredients. The servings are hearty, allowing your party to eat like kings on a budget.
I was surprised by the flavorful vegetarian food and impeccably marinated meats. The restaurant has a great vibe, is open late, and sometimes the staff even dances! It's a real vibe for real.
Just a heads-up, you might want to ask them to make it spicier as they might hold back on the heat.
- lamb meat combo10
- veggie combo10
- flavors and ingredients10
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
9
Accommodating staff for a large group
We loved the food and service. We’re a big group with a bunch of noisy and energetic kids, and the staff were really accommodating.
- food9
- service9
- staff10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Incredible Ethiopian Experience!
My wife and I have tried Ethiopian food before, and it was great, but the atmosphere here was incredible. They did everything possible to make this a legendary meal from every angle. The smells, the sights, the vibe, and service were all fantastic.
The food was the best meal in months, period. We enjoyed roasted coffee in a frying pan right in front of us, and they were burning the most aromatic resin or incense, which was just fantastic all around. We would give it 6 stars if we could!
Thanks for a great lunch, Ibex Cafe!
- atmosphere10
- legendary meal10
- smells9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delicious Ethiopian Combo Platter!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I stopped in for dinner with a friend and we were amazed by the food. Between the two of us, we couldn't finish our very reasonably priced ($25) combo platter.
The food was amazing, and the beef combo platter had unique and delicious flavors I haven't encountered at other Ethiopian restaurants. I'm already getting hungry thinking about how good it was! The included veggies were also delicious, making me confident that a veggie platter would be equally delightful.
One platter was definitely enough for two people 😅. Parking was easy, and we were delighted by our conversations with the staff. I can't wait to go back, but we'll need to bring more people to try all the combos!
- combo platter9
- food10
- beef combo platter10
What Ibex offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
Is Cafe Ibex accessible and what are the parking options?
Yes, Cafe Ibex is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. You’ll also find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space available for your visit.
What dining options and food choices are available at Cafe Ibex?
At Cafe Ibex, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with table service in a cozy, casual setting. They offer healthy, vegan, vegetarian, and halal food options, alongside small plates and late-night bites. Complement your meal with great coffee, tea, beer, wine, or cocktails.
What are the standout features of Ibex?
Customers frequently praise Ibex for its delicious and authentic Ethiopian Food (7.8), often highlighting dishes like the veggie combo and lamb platter. The Service (7.5) is also generally well-regarded for its friendliness and attentiveness.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Ibex?
While many enjoy their visit, some patrons have noted inconsistencies in Service, with occasional reports of poor customer handling. There have also been comments regarding the quality of some meat dishes, describing them as tough or lacking spice, and concerns about cleanliness in certain areas.
How does Ibex rate overall, and what contributes to its score?
Ibex holds a good overall Restaurant Score of 7.6, with customer satisfaction at 75.8%. This is largely driven by its strong performance in Food (7.8) and Service (7.5), complemented by a pleasant Ambience (7.2). Value (6.3) is more of a mixed bag, balancing affordability with some higher price points.