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oChef » Shewa-Ber – Seattle
Shewa-Ber - Seattle
Photo from Shewa-Ber
Shewa-Ber at a glance
Seattle Central District
- 🥘 Ethiopian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 70 of the guests
#291 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#9 Ethiopian Restaurant out of 17 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
444
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Attentive service
- Pleasant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- Slow service
- Hygiene concerns
The restaurant Shewa-Ber, an authentic Ethiopian Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Central District, invites you to a truly immersive dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying traditional flavors.
Whether you’re seeking healthy options, delicious vegan dishes, or simply a warm spot for lunch or dinner, this spot offers a welcoming retreat. Its commitment to genuine hospitality makes it a local favorite.
Overview: Introducting Shewa-Ber
Shewa-Ber generally offers a culinary experience where many appreciate the delicious food and the attentive staff . Guests often highlight the rich flavors and the welcoming atmosphere, contributing to a memorable visit.
However, some experiences at Shewa-Ber have been marred by small portions and reports of a rude attitude from staff. These points suggest potential inconsistencies in both the value offered and the overall service delivery.
Good
7.9
out of 10
444
Reviews
79.3%
Satisfaction
81
negative
11
neutral
352
positive
Overall, Shewa-Ber earns a solid 7.9 out of 10, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is reinforced by a 79.3% customer satisfaction rate, suggesting most visitors leave content.
With 444 total opinions, including 352 positive and 81 negative, there’s a clear lean towards favorable impressions. The Food (8.1) stands out as a strong point, often praised for its flavors and authenticity.
The Ambience (8.3) also contributes positively to the experience. While Service (7.5) is generally good, some guests have noted inconsistencies.
The Value (4.9) score, however, suggests this is an area where improvement is needed.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Attentive, kind service
- Pleasant, authentic ambiance
What people don't like
- Small, overpriced portions
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Concerns about hygiene
With a strong 8 recommendation score, Shewa-Ber generally delivers a satisfying experience, particularly for those seeking authentic flavors and a welcoming setting. It’s a place worth considering if you prioritize taste and atmosphere.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and portion sizes, which some guests have noted. If you’re looking for a reliable culinary journey and can overlook minor hiccups, it could be a good choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Shewa-Ber
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre in for a treat! With a strong score of 8.1 and a solid 81.7% customer satisfaction, the culinary experience here is generally good. Many of the 201 positive remarks praise the authentic food, flavorful stews, and generous portions, highlighting the overall quality of the dishes.
However, its not all perfect. Among the 37 negative comments out of 246 total, some diners noted small portions, a lack of flavor, or even cold food. A few also mentioned dry lamb, suggesting some inconsistency in preparation that might disappoint.
Food
246
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
37
negative
8
neutral
201
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Ethiopian food
- Flavorful stews
- Generous servings
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Lacked flavor
- Food arrived cold
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was really great, with fantastic food and excellent service! I especially loved their kitfo and kikil.
- Ethiopian foodMy experience at this restaurant was positive, offering decent Ethiopian food in a good location. The presence of locals and other Ethiopians dining here is a strong indicator of its authenticity.
- FoodOh man was that good was what everyone said
- veggie combothe veggie combo to share between two people and the portions were very good!
- Shewa ComboThe Shewa Combo is a must-try, offering three delicious meals
- flavorsThe invoices and billing were organized and clear, offering a very reasonable price for the quality and quantity of food and service. The food itself was not only visually appealing but delicious, with a perfect balance of flavors that satisfied all my guests. I highly recommend Shewa Ber Ethiopian restaurant for any catering needs; their ability to deliver high-quality, timely, and affordable service truly sets them apart.
- injeraThe injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread, served with a variety of flavorful stews and dishes, is an absolute delight for the taste buds.
- kitfothe kitfo, which is essentially raw beef, and was something I was hesitant to try, but ended up being one of my favorite dishes of the evening. It was to die for.
- Doro WatThe Doro Wat, sega key wat, and several of the veggies were very tasty
- KitfoNever Tasted Such a Tasty Ethiopian Kitfo
Frequently criticized
- foodThe service was poor, as the server was too preoccupied with to-go orders to attend to us. The food was served cold, lacked flavor, and the portion size was small. Despite informing the staff about these issues, they seemed indifferent.
- portionsThe dishes served here are not genuine and lack the traditional flavors I'm used to at home or at other restaurants. The portions are extremely small, and the wait time is excessively long. Not worth the money or time.
- portion sizeTo worsen matters, the food arrived cold, seemingly because delivery orders were prioritized over in-person diners. Furthermore, the portions were ridiculously small and not worth the wait or the price. The restaurant clearly needs to hire more staff and revamp its service and food quality.
- dishesThis place is not for Habesha (Ethiopians or Eritreans) who know authentic food. The dishes served here are not genuine and lack the traditional flavors I'm used to at home or at other restaurants. The portions are extremely small, and the wait time is excessively long.
- food portionsfood portions are smaller for a to go order
- food qualitythe service, food quality, and prices are subpar
- injeraThis experience, coupled with doubts about the authenticity of the injera, left me feeling unwell and strongly inclined to discourage others from dining at this establishment. I have strong doubts that the injera served is made entirely from Teff and gluten-free. After dining there, I fell ill and experienced discomfort throughout the night.
- InjeeraInjeera was so bland and flavorless
- appetizerswaited 45 minutes for appetizers
- authenticity of the injeradoubts about the authenticity of the injera
If you're seeking authentic Ethiopian flavors and generous servings, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences have noted inconsistencies in portion size or flavor, so manage your expectations.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The service here generally shines, boasting a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 72.4%. Based on 84 positive remarks out of 116 total, guests frequently praise the genuine hospitality, welcoming service, and attentive staff. Many found the owners and team to be professional, accommodating, and even humorous, making for an excellent experience.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 30 negative comments highlighting concerns. Some customers faced excessive waiting times, describing the service as slow and inattentive. There were also instances of unfriendly or rude staff, with a few feeling the restaurant was severely understaffed, leading to frustration.
Service
116
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
30
negative
2
neutral
84
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Genuine hospitality
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Owner goes above
What people don't like
- Excessive wait times
- Unfriendly, rude staff
- Severely understaffed
Often praised
- serviceI'm SO full, yet I'm already craving it again. The kind service, cool setting, and flavorful and comforting cuisine made for a memorable meal.
- customer serviceThe amazing smell and taste of their lamb tibs are unforgettable. Additionally, the owner provided stunning customer service, being really nice throughout my visit.
- ownerI was very impressed with their customer service and delicious food. The owner was very humble and helpful! I was very happy with everything, so I highly recommend visiting this wonderful restaurant.
- ServiceService:5
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was thoroughly impressive, particularly with the service and the food. The staff were incredibly attentive, ensuring our needs were promptly met throughout the meal. The cuisine was exceptional, with each dish bursting with flavor and authenticity, making it a memorable dining experience.
- hospitalityThe food was absolutely delicious, fresh, and flavorful. I highly recommend Shewa Berr for anyone looking for great food and even better hospitality!
- accommodatingincredibly accommodating and hospitable
- amazing hosthe was an amazing host
- attentive staffThe attentive staff and excellent service further enhance
- bad experiencenever had ANY ounce of a bad experience here
Frequently criticized
- servicetook 35 mins ro recieve our 2 drinks, plus another 10 mins to get the straws
- serverthe server asked if we wanted more of anything. We pointed at one of them and she brought two bowls of the wrong one.
- waiting timetook 30 mins after order for are 2 easy appetizers
- attitudeowner's attitude was incredibly rude
- customer servicecomplete lack of restaurant ethics and customer service
- hospitalityHe bluntly told us that if we didn't like the food, we were welcome to leave. To sum it up, my visit was marred by terrible service and a complete lack of hospitality. I have no intention of returning, and I cannot recommend this establishment to anyone else.
- hoursThe hours are misleading
- refillshad to go find her to ask for refills
- respect for Ethiopian customersshocking lack of respect for Ethiopian customers
- restaurant ethicscomplete lack of restaurant ethics and customer service
If you're looking for a place with warm hospitality and attentive staff, this spot is often a winner. Just be prepared that on some occasions, service can be slow or inconsistent, especially during busy times.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 89.7%. Guests frequently praise the welcoming atmosphere, great vibe, and clean setting, with 61 positive sentiments highlighting the authentic decor, enjoyable music, and overall pleasant environment. Many find it a perfect spot to unwind.
However, a small number of 6 opinions did raise some concerns. A few found the atmosphere not the coziest, with mentions of hygiene concerns, noise levels, and cleanliness issues occasionally detracting from the experience. While not widespread, these points suggest there's still a little room for improvement in certain areas.
Ambience
68
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
61
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Spotless cleanliness
- Great music vibe
What people don't like
- Occasional noise
- Less cozy feel
Often praised
- atmosphereFrom the atmosphere, food, service, everything was top notch.
- ambianceThis culinary delight served as a nostalgic reminder of my beloved grandmother, Elsas, and her exceptional culinary skills. The establishment offers delectable flavors and a pristine ambiance, making for a memorable dining experience.
- AtmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a small but warm bar and restaurant located in a newer apartment complex. The vegetarian combo was spot on, offering great flavors and variety.
- restaurantit is the best restaurant in seattle in my opinion
- vibethe vibe! ... perfect atmosphere
- dining experienceThe staff were incredibly attentive, ensuring our needs were promptly met throughout the meal. The cuisine was exceptional, with each dish bursting with flavor and authenticity, making it a memorable dining experience.
- musicAMAZING music that tunes out everything
- Seattle gemA worth going to Seattle gem.
- amazing ambianceamazing ambiance.
- authentic decorwith authentic decor setting the stage
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereNot the coziest atmosphere
- Hygiene concernsHygiene concerns arose as he scratched his head
- cleanlinessit's dirty, nasty servers
- inconsiderate neighborsI give you 1 star for being inconsiderate neighbors
- noisethey scream and yelp, and it disturbs the apartments
If you're looking for a spot with a generally inviting atmosphere and good vibes, this place is a solid choice. While a few minor concerns about noise or cleanliness popped up, the vast majority of guests find the ambience very positive and comfortable, making it worth trying.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners definitely found things to appreciate, with 6 positive remarks among the 14 total. They often praised fair prices and felt they received value for money with generous servings for a very reasonable price. While customer satisfaction for value is a mixed 42.9%, the overall score sits at an average 4.9, indicating some positive aspects.
On the flip side, 8 negative comments suggest that value can be a sticking point. Many customers felt the portions were extremely small and not worth the money, describing the experience as overpriced or an expensive price. Some even noted it was not a great deal compared to other options, indicating a need for better portion-to-price balance.
Value
14
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
8
negative
0
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Generous servings
- Quality for price
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Overpriced food
- Poor value
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- fair pricesFair prices
- invoices and billingThe invoices and billing were clear and organized
- pricevery reasonable price for the quality and quantity
- pricesThe prices and the food are amazing.
- value for moneyMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The food was very tasty and the servings were generous, offering great value for money. While I'm not an expert on Ethiopian cuisine, everything I tried was flavorful and well prepared.
Frequently criticized
- priceTo worsen matters, the food arrived cold, seemingly because delivery orders were prioritized over in-person diners. Furthermore, the portions were ridiculously small and not worth the wait or the price. The restaurant clearly needs to hire more staff and revamp its service and food quality.
- pricesthe service, food quality, and prices are subpar
- dealnot a great deal compared to many ethiopian places
- moneyThe portions are extremely small, and the wait time is excessively long. Not worth the money or time.
- overpricedDefinitely over priced
This spot presents a mixed bag for value; some find it fair and generous, while others feel its overpriced for small portions. If youre sensitive to portion sizes versus cost, you might want to manage your expectations or explore other options.
How are the prices at Shewa-Ber?
On average, you’ll spend around 36 per person – from 70 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For an Ethiopian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, it’s interesting: while the average is 36$, a good number of diners actually spend less, with the biggest group falling into the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly choices to slightly higher-end experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 70 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for an Ethiopian Restaurant in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for different budgets, which is always a plus for diners.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Shewa-Ber
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Disappointing Ethiopian Food Experience
As another African and lover of Ethiopian food, I wanted to love this place. Unfortunately, it wasn’t really good. The service was okay, but the food was a 4/10.
The prices were high and the portions were small. I am new here, but last week I tried Adey Abeba and it was superb, with great portions and great flavors, etc. , so I would recommend them instead.
- service6
- food4
- prices3
- portions3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Food, Excellent Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was delicious and authentic. The gentleman working here provided excellent service, making the overall experience truly 5-star worthy.
The atmosphere was also great, rated 5/5, and the noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing First-Time Experience!
My first visit here was an amazing experience. The food was incredibly authentic and delicious. The place was very clean, including the bathroom.
The service was excellent. I will definitely be back and recommend everyone to try it!
- food10
- place cleanliness10
- bathroom cleanliness10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Incredible Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible! We ordered both the meat and veggie combos, and they were both fantastic. We were also advised by the server to try the fish, which turned out to be an excellent recommendation.
The overall sentiment as we left was that it was so good, a sentiment echoed by everyone in our group.
- meat combo10
- veggie combo10
- fish10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Ethiopian Food & Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and the Ethiopian food was delicious. I also experienced great customer service, with the owners being kind and welcoming.
It's my favorite Ethiopian restaurant. 🔥😃❤️
- restaurant10
- Ethiopian food10
- customer service10
What Shewa-Ber offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- 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
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Shewa-Ber® in Seattle?
At Shewa-Ber®, you can enjoy various service options including comfortable dine-in seating, convenient takeout, and no-contact delivery. Outdoor seating is also available for al fresco dining. You can plan your visit for lunch, dinner, or just dessert, with full table service provided.
Is Shewa-Ber® a family-friendly and accessible restaurant in the Central District?
Yes, Shewa-Ber® is welcoming for everyone. It’s good for kids, offering high chairs for younger guests. The restaurant ensures full accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, making it a comfortable dining choice for all patrons in Seattle’s Central District.
How does Shewa-Ber rate overall?
Shewa-Ber holds a **7.9** overall score, reflecting a good experience. Its **Food** (8.1) and **Ambience** (8.3) are highly rated, while **Service** (7.5) is good, and **Value** (4.9) could see improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Shewa-Ber's food?
Many customers praise the delicious food and perfect balance of flavors , highlighting dishes like kitfo and the veggie combo for their authenticity and taste.
Are there any common concerns about Shewa-Ber?
Some guests have noted small portions and overpriced items, particularly concerning value . There have also been mentions of long waiting time and occasional rude attitude regarding service.