Addis Red Sea

I went to Addis with a friend who loves this place. I’d never had Ethiopian food before. The food was okay but took a long time. I had one of the beef dishes. In all honesty, I am just not used to this type of food. It was a good first experience. However, for me, the restaurant itself was too small and there were just too many people in there to enjoy the new experience. Plus, I hate having to pay for refills on soda. Unnecessary! Our waitress was very nice and did her best with the busy kitchen. I’m unsure that I’d go back, but that’s as much a reflection of my picky eating as it was just a not so wonderful experience.

Decent Ethiopian food in the South End, but I prefer Lucy’s Ethiopian to this. We went on a weekday night and it wasn’t busy, but it took them 30 – 45 minutes to get us our food, and it was lukewarm. The actual food was pretty good, but the wait and price made it not worth it. Lucy’s has on par or better food, friendlier service, and is closer to where I live. Would recommend that instead.

We visited Addis Red Sea for our anniversary dinner as we wanted to try out a different cuisine. I tried Ethiopian food before but was I find it delicious. The parking scene was a nightmare and we ended up spending an hour parking somewhere and walking. So beware of that! The Doro Wat was delicious and I recommend anyone coming here to get it. Portions seem a bit small but the bread will fill you up quicker than you think and you’ll have had just enough. I did not like the colored bread though which I guess is the fermented one and had a weird taste to it. Over all it’s a decent place to try Ethiopian food.

Delicious food and friendly staff. Portions seem a bit small but the bread will fill you up quicker than you think and you’ll have had just enough. Very authentic and cozy.

Food was what you’d expect. Nothing really to write home about but in fairness not horrible. What really bothered me was the service. When you start your meal you get a lovely hot towel similar to restaurants in China to wash your face and hands. I love service like this. When our meal had ended they dropped the bill and inside the pouch was alcohol wipes like you’d get when you eat wings.
Now I was wearing nice clothes, had been eating curries and the like with my hands all evening, licking my fingers, and wanted another warmed towel to clean my hands. I stopped a passing server and asked that I may have another hot towel. «No, we only give those in the beginning». Sure to appease my request I again reiterated the question with «oh ok but could I please have another, I’d prefer not to use an alcohol wipe» to which she just flat out said «no you can’t». Not wanting to accept that a member of staff wouldn’t fulfill such a simple request I asked another passing staff member and again was rebuked. Really? At that point in the evening you’re willing to risk losing a customer over a damp wash cloth?

***Review suitable for an average Ethiopian food consumer
I tried Ethiopian food for the first time here, and it was delicious. Now, given that I’ve never had it before, I guess I don’t have much of a reference for what it should taste like. Had the lamb something — go with lamb; ditch the chicken.
I originally thought portions were small, but you eat so much of the yummy pancake bread stuff dipped in the sauce that it doesn’t really matter.
I agree with the service concern, but I think that’s more because the managers/​waiters are foreign — can’t ding them for that. However, when I asked for a box, I was given a bag. Then I asked for a box again, and was given a used container…

Good Food. Could really use some improvement on the service end of things. Not sure if it’s a language barrier issue, but the service is not good.

I LOVE Ethiopian food and this place was DISAPPOINTING. Food was not good at all. It was cold and Luke warm. My friend and I were terrified we were going to get sick. Injera was not authentic. It was white and not grey. I feel bad writing a negative review because I want Ethiopian places to become more common and I know the hardships of having your own business but I don’t want anyone to get sick or have this food and write off Ethiopian all together. My favorite Ethiopian restaurant was in New Jersey and closed and I have yet to find a replacement. Still searching.

I haven’t been to this restaurant in many years. I had good memories from my old visits, but I was a bit disappointed this time. There was a bad smell in the restaurant, the food was not warm and it was a bit bland. If there is one good thing it’s that i liked the injera bread better than in another local Ethiopian place.

This was my first time at an Ethiopian restaurant and I did have a good time and the food was good but there was one thing that kept this from being a 4 star review.
the Doro Wot was amazing and absolutely recommend anyone coming here to get it. I had another lamb dish that for the life of me cannot remember the name which was a little tough. What brought this down a star which i’m sure people are used to but I didn’t care for was the soggy factor. When they serve the food they put it on top of the crêpe like bread that you roll the food up with (with your hands) and the part of the bread under the food gets so soggy that it almost made me gag. Besides that the food and staff were amazing and very friendly and willing to help with suggestions and anything you need.
Very good food besides the soggage factor.

I came here with a group of five on a Tuesday night. It’s a pretty small space but the inside decoration is really beautiful.
The service was pretty slow unfortunately. We waited almost 20 mins to put our order and another 25 for our food. The worst thing was we saw people who had came in after is get their food first.
If you want something quick, I advise you not to come here.

This was my first Ethiopian restaurant (ever) and it was okay. So it’s A-​OK (3 stars). (I thought Asmara, the Ethiopian/​Eritrean restaurant was better for many reasons.)
From best to worst:
++ Nice servers,
++ Nice tables (both the traditional table and Western tables)
++ Tea was good,
+ décor is good
+ They do have vegetarian and non-​vegetarian options
~ Injera was a bit soggy although bland (was hoping for more of a sour dough soft bread)
— Price was a tad high (comparable to above average Indian food)
— Most of the vegetables probably had a bit too much water although tasted okay
– Tough to find parking (this is the South End)
Been there 3 – 4 times; first time: 1996; most recent, 2013.

I liked the cinnamon tea. The tables seem to be traditional, so you will get a good Ethiopian experience. The injera is not what I’m typically used to– it wasn’t tangy and was whiter.

Been going to Addis for almost ten years now. Food is very good. Service, kind. A little slow on a busy night, but manageable. Their kitfo (spicy beef tartar) is my favorite, and their injera is dangerously addictive.

I cannot say enough how much I love this restaurant — everything from the food to the charming décor. It’s located in the south end, in the lower part of a building, so you have to look for the sign and make sure you do not walk past it. The interior is African themed, with masks on the walls, and the tables are brightly covered woven baskets that they cover with the sponge bread dishes.
I usually get the doro wot chicken dish with a Tusker beer from Kenya, or some honey wine. For dessert, I highly recommend the cinnamon tea. It tastes like Christmas. The service here can be a little bit slow sometimes, but the staff is always friendly and I enjoy my experience here, so that doesn’t bother me so much. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Huge portions just how I like it!!! Such a wonderful place and I love the designs inside this place! The waiters could be more attentive but the ambience makes up for it! I had the vegetarian and my friends all had something with meat but we all shared and were so so so full :)

As an Ethiopian cuisine aficionado (and snob) I was excited to try out yet another place. While visiting Boston, we took the opportunity to dine at Addis. The first clue should have been the absence of any Habesha guests.
The décor is very pleasant and all tables were the traditional messob. The menu was traditional. We ordered some of our favorites: kitfo, yebeg wot, and three veggies selections that were included in the kitfo combo (misir wot, gomen, and atakilt).
The injera was obviously made without teff. It was white, white and did not leave the gritty residue on your hands. The kitfo was of could quality but light in spicing. The lamb had a unidimensional flavor profile. It looked gray rather than a lovely deep red. The veggies were super bland.
Overall, really disappointing. Also the portions were very small. We usually have way too much food and we ate all of this. For the Boston area I would recommend Fasika in Sommerville.

Very delicious. Deceptively super filling with soft bread and very flavorful bean dishes.
Great for vegans and vegetarians. Delicious Non Veg options available as well.
Loved the atmosphere, price range and food.

Great place. Not just dinner… this is a dining experience! I felt like I was in the desserts of Ethiopia in someone’s home, eating off their wicker tables with no utensils. Amazing food, polite staff. Speed is moderate-​slow, but that’s culture so it’s part of the feel. Order some mango or guava juice! Wow!!! Can’t go wrong with any dish here.

Came here with high expectations due to good reviews. However, it turned out to be a disappointment. It is a new and unique way to dine, but the food was meh and overpriced.
Dined here with 4 friends and had a variety of dishes; none really stood out (beef, lamb, fish dishes), and I was still hungry after the meal. Portions were not very big. The bread was good, but nothing to shout about.

Many people cite Addis as being the go-​to Ethiopian joint in Boston. I whole-​heartedly disagree. I’ve eaten Ethiopian in New York, DC, and Atlanta, at some of the best in the country, and I always feel disappointed when I come to Addis.
First off, they don’t use the traditional Teff flour in their injera, they use white flour, making the entire dish just a little bit off. I really enjoy the tang of good teff injera, and it adds such a depth of flavor to the entire meal. Instead, Addis takes the cheap route and doesn’t even use a little bit of teff. We went with a gluten-​free member in our party and had to ask for special injera (which I’ve never had to do at any other Ethiopian restaurant, ever). Especially when the bread you eat is basically your utensil for your food, it’s really important to strive for perfect injera. Especially if your dishes are going to lack flavor… leading to…
Secondly, they focus all their energy on producing good meat dishes that the vegetarian dishes get the shaft. Ethiopian food is a boon to vegetarians and vegans for making hearty, healthy, protein-​filled dishes with a wallop of flavor. Not so at Addis. Even the Yemisir Wot (lentils with berebere) were lacking in strong flavor. And the usually yummy and mild Tikil Gomen (cabbage with turmeric and ginger) was watery and bland. And without that injera to add the sweet tang, the vegetable dishes just end up boring and uneaten.
That said, though, their meat dishes are quite good. Their Gored Gored is excellent and they even have raw Kitfo on the menu. But it isn’t fair to sacrifice the amazing flavor of great vegetarian dishes to focus on the meat.
To top it off, the service is iffy and slow. The people are kind, but we ended up waiting a long time for service, and then getting the wrong type of lamb than what we ordered. Additionally, they were out of two of the types of wine we tried to order and both of the Ethiopian beers on the menu. It was only a Thursday, your menu shouldn’t be out of so many options. And if they are permanently removed from your menu, then you should update your menu. And considering how much this place costs, there is no reason to sacrifice so much from your kitchen.
For a really astounding and caring place to go in town for Ethiopian, go to Asmara in Central Square. Their service is amazing, their vegetarian combo is out of this world, and they use real teff flour for a much more authentic experience and much easier on your wallet.

Got there around 630 on a Friday night and the place was pretty empty, but it got quickly filled up.
Between Christine and me, we shared a addis Red Sea combination dish that comes with four meat dishes and two veggies. Including tip and tax, the total came out to be $ 35. Everything was very flavorful and satisfying!
I asked for utensils because I had a cut on my finger. Not sure if it was because of miscommunication or misunderstanding, but they didn’t seem too happy about it. I had to show them the cut and then the waitress brought us forks.

Delicious delicious delicious!
The food is awesome. If you’ve never had Ethiopian, I’d describe it as a mix of Indian food with West African and Creole/​Caribbean food. Lots of spice, lots of root vegetables, and lots of distinct flavors. You won’t find yourself adding condiments to anything, because the food is packed with flavor. My favorite part is the bread, which is like a giant fluffy pita that also serves as your plate. You eat with your hands, using smaller pieces of the bread to scoop the food on top of the pile, and pulling up the bread plate to eat the lower levels of the piles. The bread expands in your stomach, and is really filling. Totally unique item.
The only downside to Addis Red Sea is that the dining room has seen better days. The carpet is a bit shabby, the tables are a bit worn, and the service can be slow. That said, the servers are incredibly friendly if you engage them, and they’re not disinterested; it just takes a bit. Also, the prices are a bit high for what it is. Not back breaking, but everything could be $ 2 – 3 cheaper.
If you’ve never had Ethiopian, you should make the trip to Addis Red Sea. If you enjoy it, come back, especially when there’s a Groupon, which is a good deal.

I’ve been going to this restaurant about once in several months in the last 5 years and mostly by using Groupon. I love Ethiopian food and this restaurant was working perfectly well providing me with those special flavors.
However, In the last year or so I’ve noticed a decline in quality and quantity of food as well as in service. Also, there are changes in how one can use a Groupon in the way you’re limited only to certain items in the menu. Perhaps the most annoying of all is the service that was always slow but recently started being extremely slow and the waitress asking for cash when giving the bill.
I hope they resolve these issues and give another chance to delicious Ethiopian food in downtown Boston.

Very neat little restaurant tucked away on Tremont Street! I loved the atmosphere and décor of the restaurant and enjoyed experiencing the traditional Ethiopian etiquette of eating with your hands. The food was very tasty, but my only wish is that the portions were bigger.

On my insistence, a large group of close friends and myself headed to Boston for most everyone’s first dose of Ethiopian.
Having closely studied the dining customs of the culture (aka googling «how to eat Ethiopian») I informed everyone in the «what to expect department». Despite their training, my fellow diners managed to not only complain, but made absolute fools of themselves. The staff, being accustomed to first-​timers, were quite patient, helpful and friendly.
As a strict vegetarian my options were limited, but I found something that would hold me over. Atop the spongy, traditionally-​made injera bread, that serves as a dish, I received a smattering of what can only be described as scoops of similarly-​textured, earth-​toned mush. The tiny piles of chickpeas, lentils and two other veg dishes were interestingly seasoned, but far from satisfying — at least for the price ($ 14.95).
I have to imagine that what patrons here are really paying for is the experience that comes along with the novelty of eating with your hands and what have you. Now, I am not questioning the authenticity of the dishes by any means. I have since however done some experimenting in the kitchen myself and made some pretty slamming teff-​based stew for next to nothing, on the cost front, and that also really filled me up.
It is a nice restaurant, unquestionably, but for this reviewer, Addis Red Sea really falls short in both value and variety.
Again, I found the service outstanding.

Diverse foods and my pallet get along swimmingly, so it’s with some pause but no regret that I give these all a solid ‘meh.’ The food is just okay, the service takes some time and the overall experience wasn’t worth the wait or cost.
I was also hanging out with a ringer who was disappointed. The injera (bread) was stickier than I hear it should be (so said my friend with me who was in Ethiopia for 6 weeks). Most dishes were pretty moist and textureless. I dug one dish — the lamb — though there was barely enough to share a few bites despite it costing ~$ 20.
For the money and time it takes to get in there and get a full meal, I think it’s best to hit somewhere else up.

Ya know… it’s weird. I thought I liked this place. I have been dining here sporadically over the last few years because 1) I like Ethiopian food, 2) the veggie dishes are all actually vegan and that makes me happy, and 3) it’s fairly priced.
I went here last night for dinner and waited for way too long to be seated even though there were plenty of available seats. I thought at first, «oh maybe they are REALLY busy right now… including that one guy just sitting there and reading the paper…» I believe that I was mistaken because over the course of my meal, I noticed the same trend: people would walk in and be forced to cluster in the tiny doorway while the staff kept telling them to «wait just a few more minutes.» I swear I saw one couple eyeing my food and wondering between my dining companion and I which one of us was the weaker link.
Moving on to our food — I usually get misir wot, just a basic lentil dish cooked with some spicy berbere (yummy in my tummy). It’s not that it wasn’t yummy this time around, it just seemed like lesser quality than I have had here in the past. They randomly gave me some gomen as well, a kind gesture that I certainly appreciated. However, bad gomen doesn’t make up for free gomen.):
I do like the décor here. I think it’s cute and charming with the comfy seating and mesabs (traditional Ethiopian tables with a large tray like area that holds your meats and/​or veggies plus injera). These little decorative touches add authenticity and warmth to the restaurant making you forget that you’re actually dining in a subterranean space.
But all around the staff was exceedingly slow (starting with the first encounter, as detailed above) and throughout my meal as well. I had to get up and seek my waitress to request things like napkins or the bill. In fact, when it came time to pay, we just left a note on the table inclusive of tip rather than wait for a credit card to be processed because who knows how long that would’ve taken.
Idk, maybe I’ll give them another shot but I guess I’ll have to choose a day when I literally have nothing else better to do than to wait around.