A must-visit for the newbie or the indecisive, this Killingsworth Ethiopian and Mediterranean spot’s bright atmosphere, with sunny yellow walls covered in art, matches the restaurant’s cheerful use of spice and aromatics. Visitors should try the curried cabbage alicha, an aromatic stew, and chickpea-laden bamia, an okra stew, alongside a mix of falafel. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery is available.

Just a stone’s throw from E’Njoni Cafe, Enat Kitchen dishes out an extensive mix of vegan, vegetarian, and meat-centric entrees, from the garlicky collard green dish gomen to buttery minced beef. The traditional stewed lamb arrives rich with berbere, a spice blend of red chili powder, garlic, nigella, and fenugreek. Available for takeout only, but picnic tables are available outside next to the restaurant’s colorful murals.

The casual-but-lively Queen of Sheba introduced many unfamiliar Portlanders to Ethiopian food when it opened in the ‘90s, quickly snagging local accolades and distributing injera, berbere, and other Ethiopian imports at markets around town. The folks at Queen of Sheba don’t play, spice-wise; all dishes arrive at a solid medium-hot. Those who can’t handle the heat should order mild dishes like an aromatic alicha. Conversely, heat-seekers can expect a real kick by ordering dishes like tibbsi kinttishara, sauteed mushrooms in a spicy berbere sauce. The restaurant is open for takeout.

This no-frills Ethiopian spot comes with welcoming and attentive service from the get-go. Ethiopian incense looms throughout the restaurant as the family-run kitchen turns out traditional platters, like the Aberus combination sampler with a taste of the most popular meat and vegetarian options. The restaurant is open for takeout.

One of Portland’s older Ethiopian destinations sits snugly on Alberta Street with a bright green exterior. While the color grabs attention, the mere 28-seat Bole, formerly known as Gojo, is a cozier space laced with brightly colored dresses and scarves hung from the ceiling and walls. The restaurant’s version of kitfo, a beef tartare, arrives alongside house-made ayib cheese. Available for takeout. 

While Sisters doesn’t offer an extensive menu, it more than makes up for it with the amount of flavor packed into each dish. The restaurant’s veggie combo is an excellent way to try both its spicier misir wot, creamy with red lentils, and the mild alicha kik, sunny with yellow split peas. The restaurant is offering takeout only at the moment. 

Located in Gresham Town Fair, Try Me Ethiopian’s cozy space is a respite within the hustle of the busy outdoor mall. The kitfo can be ordered raw, medium or well done, served with gomen and mitmita, and is a worthy partner to Try Me Ethiopian’s house-made ayib. Available for dine-in and takeout.