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oChef » Meskel – Seattle
Meskel - Seattle
Photo from Meskel
Meskel at a glance
Seattle Madison Valley
- 🥘 Ethiopian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#37 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Ethiopian Restaurant out of 17 in Seattle
Excellent
9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
407
Reviews
92.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Welcoming Service
- Cozy Atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Service Inconsistency
- Payment Issues
- Difficult Parking
The restaurant Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant, nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Madison Valley neighborhood, invites you to a truly authentic culinary journey. This Ethiopian Restaurant offers a uniquely cozy atmosphere where you can unwind and savor traditional flavors.
You’ll find a welcoming space perfect for both intimate dinners and casual gatherings, promising a memorable dining experience right in the heart of the city.
Overview: Introducting Meskel
Meskel offers a truly memorable dining experience, particularly for its flavorful and authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Many guests praise the dishes for being fresh and delicious, often highlighting the quality of the food.
The welcoming service and the warm, inviting atmosphere also contribute significantly to a pleasant visit, making you feel right at home. However, some experiences at Meskel have been less ideal.
Concerns have been raised regarding payment options, as they sometimes don’t accept debit/credit cards, which can be an inconvenience. A few patrons also reported instances of rude interactions with staff, suggesting an inconsistent service experience for some.
Excellent
9
out of 10
407
Reviews
92.9%
Satisfaction
26
negative
3
neutral
378
positive
Meskel garners an impressive overall Restaurant Score of 9, reflecting an excellent dining experience, further supported by an outstanding Customer Satisfaction of 92.9%. This high approval is built on 378 positive remarks against only 26 negative ones, out of 407 total customer comments.
The Food (9.4) stands out as a primary strength, consistently receiving high praise for its quality and authenticity. The Ambience (8.9) also contributes significantly to the positive sentiment, creating a comfortable and inviting setting.
Service (8.4) is generally well-regarded, with many appreciating the friendly and attentive staff. While still good, the Value (6.7) is a point where some customers have noted room for improvement, particularly concerning payment methods and perceived pricing compared to alternatives.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Warm, welcoming service
- Cozy, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service interactions
- Limited payment options
- Challenging parking
With a strong Recommendation Score of 9, Meskel is certainly worth considering for its highly praised Ethiopian cuisine. If you appreciate authentic flavors and a warm, home-like setting, this restaurant delivers.
It’s a place where the food and overall vibe often create a truly satisfying experience for many. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and note their payment policies, as card acceptance can be an issue.
If you prioritize a consistently smooth experience in all aspects, you might want to manage expectations, but for the food alone, Meskel generally makes a compelling case.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Meskel
Food (9.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.4 and a stellar 97.9% customer satisfaction, its clear diners are consistently impressed. Out of 240 remarks, a whopping 235 praise the authentic Ethiopian food, unique flavors, and generous portions, often highlighting the great depth of flavor in every dish.
However, a handful of guests (just 4 negative remarks) expressed some disappointment, mentioning a trimmed menu or, in one instance, a chemical taste in a dish. While these are rare, its worth noting that even excellent places can have an off day.
Food
240
Reviews
97%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
235
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Ethiopian food
- Unique flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Chemical taste
Often praised
- foodIt's my go-to spot for the best Ethiopian food in Seattle. The service is friendly, and the food is top tier. You truly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
- Ethiopian foodI don't even know what to say. My experience at this restaurant was just like the real Ethiopian food; as an Ethiopian, I can attest to its authenticity. My friends and I initially planned to get just one meal to test the quality, but we ended up ordering five meals because they were not just good, but AMAZING!
- veggie comboget the veggie combo to get a lot of great flavors
- green chickenThe staff took such good care of us. I highly recommend the bbq beef, green chicken, and the veggie platter. We received so much food for such a great deal, and it was all absolutely delicious!
- injeraIt was served sizzling with colorful sautéed onions, peppers, and tomatoes, which added both flavor and freshness. The portion was generous and beautifully presented on a bed of soft injera that soaked up all the rich, spiced juices. It was a flavorful, authentic Ethiopian experience that I'd gladly have again!
- veggie platterAmazing veggie platter. I've never had an Ethiopian dish with so many different curries and veggies.
- FoodFood:5
- Ethiopian cuisineI plan to invite some friends because the restaurant's vibe is cozy and warm, and sharing food with loved ones makes it even more tasty. This was my first time trying Ethiopian cuisine, and I loved it!
- authentic Ethiopian foodWe LOVE bringing friends and family to Meskel for authentic Ethiopian food that is friendly to vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diets. Everyone can find something delicious to eat here!
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I ordered food to go and the dishes were all very fresh and authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The owner was very kind and accommodating when I picked up the food.
Frequently criticized
- alternativesthere's are better alternatives
- chemical tastechemical taste to one of the dishes
- foodHonestly disappointed by the food at Meskel
- menuthe menu has been trimmed
If youre craving authentic Ethiopian cuisine with rich, unique flavors and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youre in for a delicious meal, despite a few very minor criticisms.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines, boasting a 8.4 score and a solid 83.3% customer satisfaction. Based on 85 positive remarks out of 102 total, guests frequently praise the attentive service, friendly folks, and the kindness of staff, often highlighting the wonderful owner/chef who makes them feel like family. However, not all experiences are perfect.
With 15 negative comments, some patrons encountered rude or rushed interactions, leading to a less-than-ideal customer experience. A few also noted impatience from staff or long waits to get water or place orders.
Service
102
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
85
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive, warm service
- Owner's personal touch
What people don't like
- Rude, rushed interactions
- Long wait times
- Poor customer experience
Often praised
- serviceI enjoyed the good Ethiopian food, which was complemented by simple decor. The service was very friendly, and the prices were very affordable for the quality of both the service and the food. I also really liked the honey wine.
- ownerThe food is incredibly delicious, with everything being so flavorful and the injera being perfect. The service is fast, and the owner is so sweet and welcoming that you always feel like you are having dinner with your family. We've eaten at many Ethiopian restaurants across Seattle and Washington, and Meskel is by far the best.
- staffThe staff was warm and welcoming, making me feel like part of the family.
- ServiceService:5
- serverour server was very friendly and helpful
- owner/chefI have been to this restaurant SO many times and the food is always just delicious. The owner/chef is the most kind, genuine and wonderful woman. She always remembers my family and me, even if it has been months and always makes sure our experience is nothing short of excellent.
- BBBB is the sweetest woman
- attentive serviceattentive service, including her impressive ability to remember orders
- carethey take such good care of you
- chefMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. BB, who was both our server and chef, provided great food. The place itself is very cute, and after eating here, my soul feels so fulfilled.
Frequently criticized
- black patronsno respect for black patrons
- customer experiencethe worst customer experience ever!
- customer serviceworst customer service I’ve ever got
- front doorTheir front door remains locked, with no sign saying they keep it closed
- huge inconvenienceA huge inconvenience and not even an apology from the owner
- impatienceThe lady at the counter was rude and very unprofessional. She rushed us to make an order while we were still deciding, and her impatience made us feel very uncomfortable. What was most disheartening was that she was mostly friendly and courteous to the white patrons, but not to black patrons.
- ladyThe lady was very rude, impolite and impatient
- lady at the counterThe lady at the counter was rude and very unprofessional
- ownerthe owner instead gets angry with you and tries to argue
- patronageas if our patronage wasn’t worth her time
Overall, the service here is largely praised for its warmth and attentiveness, making many feel like family. However, a few experiences highlight issues with rudeness or impatience. If you value a personal, welcoming touch, its likely a great fit, but be aware that some isolated interactions havent been ideal.
Ambience (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
Youre in for a treat with the ambience here, scoring an excellent 8.9 and boasting a fantastic 96% customer satisfaction! Out of 50 comments, a remarkable 48 rave about the warm, homey atmosphere and the beautiful outdoor patio. Guests consistently highlight the cozy, laid-back vibe and decorative touches that make it feel like a special, family-run gem.
However, its worth noting a couple of minor points, with just 2 out of 50 comments touching on potential downsides. Some guests found parking somewhat difficult, and one mentioned that seating could feel a bit close. These are small considerations, but good to keep in mind for your visit.
Ambience
50
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
48
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, homey atmosphere
- Beautiful outdoor patio
- Family-run gem
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Close seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe Ethiopian food was delicious, bursting with flavor and clearly made with care. The setting, located in a former house, created a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it feel like a dinner party at a friend's place. The owner's graciousness and attentive service, including her impressive ability to remember orders, made me feel incredibly welcome.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiancethe service, the ambiance, and the food
- CD staplethey are a CD staple!!!
- beautiful patiosit outside on their beautiful patio
- cleanlinessThis place was clean
- comfortableIt's also a great restaurant to relax with company because the atmosphere is very cozy and low-key. I have never been happier and more comfortable eating out at a restaurant than when I'm at Meskel.
- cozy dinnerAbsolute best place for a cozy dinner
- decorMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the good Ethiopian food, which was complemented by simple decor. The service was very friendly, and the prices were very affordable for the quality of both the service and the food.
- decorative touchesDecorative touches inside are nice.
Frequently criticized
- ambiencethey want everyone to sit at the tables close together
- parkingParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
If you're seeking a genuinely warm, homey, and inviting atmosphere, especially with a lovely outdoor patio, this spot is a clear winner. While parking might be a minor hunt, the cozy, family-run vibe makes it absolutely worth experiencing.
Value (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
Many diners found the value here to be quite appealing, often describing it as money and time well spent thanks to affordable prices and a great deal on generous portions. With 10 positive remarks among 15 total customer opinions, guests frequently highlighted the reasonably priced options and excellent value for money, contributing to a 6.7 score for this aspect. Yet, the overall customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 66.7%.
Some of the 5 negative comments expressed that it wasn't worth their penny, finding certain items expensive or extremely pricey compared to competitors. Concerns also arose regarding menu prices differing online and the inconvenience of not accepting debit/credit cards.
Value
15
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Price discrepancies
- No card payment
Often praised
- priceMy experience at Meskel was honestly disappointing, especially when compared to Cafe Soleil in Madrona, which is much, much better and more reasonably priced.
- pricesI enjoyed the good Ethiopian food, which was complemented by simple decor. The service was very friendly, and the prices were very affordable for the quality of both the service and the food. I also really liked the honey wine.
- Reasonably pricedReasonably priced
- great dealI highly recommend the bbq beef, green chicken, and the veggie platter. We received so much food for such a great deal, and it was all absolutely delicious! We will definitely be back!
- money and timeThe place also felt very laid back and homey. It was money and time well spent.
- pricingPricing is extremely reasonable
- value for moneygreat value for money
Frequently criticized
- debit/credit cardsThey dont take debit/credit cards....also there is no sign or message stating that they are not taking cards
- expensiveExpensive and chemical taste
- menu onlineThe menu online says a different price
- pennyNot worth my penny ever!!
- priceyextremely pricey compared to other Ethiopian restaurants
If youre looking for a place where you can often find a great deal and reasonably priced food, this spot could be a good fit. Just be aware that some find it a bit pricey, and its wise to bring cash as they might not accept debit/credit cards. Overall, it offers decent value, but manage your expectations regarding payment options.
How are the prices at Meskel?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 53 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.
Most guests find themselves in the $21–$30 range, with a good number also spending a bit less in the $11–$20 bracket, showing prices cluster nicely around this average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the vibrant flavors and communal dining experience often found in Ethiopian cuisine, we think the pricing here feels quite fair. It’s a good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Meskel
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Extremely Disrespectful Service
My experience at the restaurant was extremely negative due to the disrespectful and rude service. The staff's behavior was so poor that we had to leave the restaurant and find somewhere else to eat.
- service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food, Lovely Owner!
Overall, I love this place. The food is delicious and the owner is lovely. I appreciate how simple and straightforward the menu is.
The veggie platter is beautiful and each featured dish has unique flavors. It's hard to pick a favorite because they are all so good. I'm looking forward to the warmer months when I can get the coffee ceremony.
❤
- food10
- owner10
- menu8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Lamb and Veggie Platter!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best lamb and veggie platter I've ever tasted in Seattle. The owner was incredibly kind and gracious.
I highly recommend this place, especially for locals!
- lamb and veggie platter10
- owner10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Flavor Adventure and Great Value!
My dining experience was incredible! The setting is humble, but the focus is rightly on the food, which is where it should be. The portions are plentiful; one shared meal provided three more servings, totaling five full adult servings from a single order!
The food will take your taste buds on a flavor adventure. This is the perfect restaurant for a date night, friends' catch-up, celebration, or a special night out with an out-of-town visitor. Treat yourself!
- food10
- portions10
- flavor adventure10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Ethiopian Food & Service!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding! I found it to be the best Ethiopian restaurant I've visited. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the service was amazing.
The food was excellent! I highly recommend coming to try it for yourself.
- Ethiopian restaurant10
- staff10
- service10
What Meskel offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Halal food
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
What dining options and dietary choices are available at Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant?
Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant offers lunch, dinner, and dessert, with catering and table service available. You’ll discover healthy, vegan, vegetarian, and halal food options, alongside small plates. To complete your meal, you can choose from coffee, beer, or wine.
What kind of atmosphere, service options, and accessibility features does Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant provide?
You’ll experience a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere at Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant. Service options include delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, dine-in, and outdoor seating. The restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What is Meskel's overall rating and what contributes to it?
Meskel holds an excellent overall Restaurant Score of 9. This is largely driven by its exceptional **Food** (9.4), pleasant **Ambience** (8.9), and good **Service** (8.4). **Value** (6.7) is also rated well.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Meskel?
Many customers frequently praise Meskel for its authentic and flavorful Ethiopian dishes, often describing the food as delicious and top-tier. The warm and welcoming service, along with a cozy atmosphere, also receives high marks.
Are there any common issues or concerns at Meskel?
Some patrons have reported inconsistent service experiences, including instances of rudeness. Additionally, the restaurant’s payment options can be limited, as they sometimes do not accept debit or credit cards.