Uptown Ethiopian Fusion Cuisine

Not bad! It’s close to Compass Coffee, which makes this place a nice spot to eat before heading back over to there!

3.5 stars
Had a nice evening here with my fiancé and my parents, who were trying Ethiopian food for the very first time. I was wary bringing them to a place I had never tried before myself, but at the end of the day I think this was a good representation of what we are used to getting in the area, though decidedly not the best of all that we’ve tried, so I don’t have any regrets that this was where we took them.
As described by others, the restaurant was pretty quiet for a Friday night at 7:30 with the exception of the bar, which was full of folks who looked like regulars. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere relaxed. I definitely would not come here if I were in a rush, but tonight we were not, so that was not too much of a problem. The space was basic but perfectly clean.
We ordered a bunch of things in groups or for the table because this cuisine is so conducive to the more family-​style meal, so that was fun to do with so many people. We ordered vegetarian sambusas for three of us and my dad ordered the hot wings, which were huge and actually came with fries. The sambusa was delicious and packed in the perfect amount of spice. We also ordered honey wine for the table, but I guess the waitress didn’t understand our request because we wound up with a sweet red wine. While it wasn’t what we ordered, it was delicious, and when the manager later came over and brought us a second bottle of honey wine, we realized that the mistake was better than our first choice.
For entrees, the men got the meat combination for two and the ladies got the vegetarian combination for two. The fare was pretty standard from what you get most other places, but the flavors and preparation were tighter than some of the places we’ve tried in and around the DC-​metro area. What I liked was that there wasn’t so much oil in the dishes and that the flavors of the spices could really shine through. The injera was good but not the best I’ve had. One thing that was unfortunate was that even at peak dinner time, the dishes on our platter were not very hot, and some were barely lukewarm. I know that and understand why they prepare them in advance, but since these dishes take so long to eat and are enjoyed over the course of some time, it would have been nice if they had at least started out hot.
After we were all full and happy, they quickly cleared our plates but took quite a long time to bring our check. Luckily, we weren’t in a rush, but we were starting to get fidgety. The only other changes I might make are that none of the drinks are listed anywhere, which probably contributed to our wine mix-​up. It would be nice to at least have a basic drink/​dessert menu. Outside of those few things, though, we really enjoyed ourselves here. I think the place is definitely worth a visit.

More like 3.3 stars, but just not quite enough to get me to feel overall they are a 4-​star place.
This is a popular gathering place for Sunday night football, and I am sure for other sports events. There are about a half dozen TVs, so just be aware when you go. It can be off putting for those who don’t want to hear the high energy associated with sports enthusiasm in front of a TV with friends and alcohol.
I love the late hours if you are dying for Ethiopian food and in this neighborhood, you have this eatery to satiate that hunger. It took me a really long time to come here because the neighborhood does not lend itself to my interest in Ethiopian cuisine– it’s kind of out of place. Perhaps that’s a smart business choice? It makes parking easier than say U Street!
Anyhow, the menu has some classic Ethiopian food staples as well as some Italian food, reflective of the fusion and the time when Italians took over the Ethiopian land, I think.
Nothing to write home about here other than the prices of the appetizers. However, they are large portions and meant to be shared, so it’s justified. They have gluten free injera, even though it’s not on the menu. It does cost $ 2 more, but it’s worth it if you can’t eat gluten. It’s considered more traditional, too! More teff, yes! Ask for it in the tomato fit fit, too– also a charge.
Like all new Ethiopian dining experiences, this one required me to order a combination. Some items are good at one place but terrible at another or great elsewhere. What’s the result here for my palate? I appreciate the salt was minimal in all the dishes– this meant I could taste the flavors. The oil was also minimal except in the cabbage.
There was no green bean fasolia, but they had tomato salad instead, so no loss. The jalapeño spiciness in that was fabulous. The potato wot and yemsir wot were also very spicy, but good, as the other dishes were mild. The cabbage and gomen were not heated up very well, or should I say reheated. The gomen was made to bring out the flavor of the collards, though, not cooked to a mush, so yay there. The kik alicha was not too exciting and rather bland. The green lentils were delicious. The shiro was mildly spiced but nice compliment to the heat of other items.
Overall, the food was well prepared, not salt-​comatosed, comparatively low in oil and good flavor for the most part. The portions were as expected for Ethiopian fare/​take some home for a second meal. The service was fabulous. The parking easy.
It’s a 3.3 star experience but mostly because of service and portions, low salt and relatively low oil…

The food was magnificent and sufficient portions. We had Veggie combo and the food was so great. The staff was friendly, I recommend this place!!!

The food was really good and sufficient portions. We head the platter for two and appetizers. Tomato fit fit. Not likely traditional ethiopian but very good. They need beverages and deserts listed on menu.

We had been here before when it was called Fasil and quite enjoyed ourselves so we decided to stop by tonight when we drove by. It still says Fasil LLC on the door so I don’t actually think that management has changed. We came in about 11:00 and they are open till 2 or so. There were probably about 10 men sitting around the bar talking and drinking and there was music playing in the background. We were seated at a table rather quickly (we were the only ones not at the bar) and handed menus. After quickly deciding on a vegetarian combo and a raw kitfo we waited for about 15 minutes until our food came out. Food was actually pretty tasty, but room temperature. It was definitely the end of the night, we were the last folks in the place and of course all of the legume dishes are cooked well in advance but they could still have been warm. In addition the kitfo was just a bit gritty.
Service was actually rather prompt and friendly without being rushed and we were able to get out quickly. I’d probably be more inclined to come back here for a drink at the bar then for food. A shame because we quite enjoyed our initial visit when it was Fasil.