Before establishing Ethiopic, the husband-and-wife owners traveled from their homeland of Ethiopia across Tanzania, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and over 20 US states surveying the Ethiopian cuisine-scape—and found it distinctly lacking. Completely attuned to the preconceptions their restaurant would have to overcome, they lovingly created Ethiopic in the image of only the best Ethiopian eateries they encountered on their journeys; the result is Ethiopic, now one of DC’s—and perhaps the country’s—most inviting and authentic Ethiopian restaurants.

At Ethiopic, diners will find familiar dishes, from stew-like wot served on spongy injera to kitfo, a heavily spiced beef tartar. Tasting Table identified Ethiopic’s stand-out dish as the tibs, diced meats sautéed and simmered in hot berbere sauce, while The Washington Post hailed the fosolia, “a deliciously seasoned mix of the most basic of foods: carrots and green beans.”

The décor is an understated mix of modern style and traditional Ethiopian motifs. Diners can choose from candlelit tables or cozy front alcoves where food is served on tall woven baskets. Elegant scripts from the Ethiopic (or Ge’ez) alphabet adorn columns spaced throughout the restaurant, while painted masks and fresh flowers add refreshing doses of color to an otherwise neutral palette. Intimate enough for dates but with portions and sampler plates large enough for groups, this charming H Street favorite continues to win diners over with its impeccable service and flawless menu.

(4 stars and 82 reviews on Yelp)

"We got a bottle of the sweet, red Ethiopian wine---excellent! It was a perfect balance for the spice...Great drinks, great food, and excellent service and atmosphere." - Yelp Reviewer Sarah P., Washington, DC, 11/28/2010
Read more on Yelp

"I've had a lot of Ethiopian food, both in Washington DC and in Ethiopia. Ethiopic stands apart from most of the establishments...It is one of a handfull of places in Washington DC that I frequent." - Yelp Reviewer Bryan S., Washington, DC, 12/6/2010
Read more on Yelp

"I asked my Ethiopian friend, where can I go for food as tasty as your cooking? She said Ethiopic! What an epic place for Ethiopian fare...which included a fried fish (yum) and a wonderful variety of meat/vegetarian dips." - Yelp Reviewer Leenee B., Chevy Chase, MD, 3/31/2011
Read more on Yelp