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Muzita Abyssinian Bistro Reviews List
Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
“Most Romantic SD Restaurant 2009 & 2010” Urban Spoon.
“Best Vegetarian 2010” 10 News A-List.
“Top Ten Restaurant 2009” Citysearch.
“10 newcomers worthy of the welcome wagon” SD Tribune.
Muzita Bistro is an award winning chic and cozy restaurant featuring exotic flavors and cooking traditions of Eritrea/Ethiopia, combined with our signature Hospitality. Muzita's Head Chef, my MOM, creates the most exciting and inviting dishes using only the freshest and authentic ingredients reminiscent of the old country.
Our guests return because Muzita offers an energizing experience for all five senses and our unmatched hospitality.
See more Muzita Abyssinian Bistro details
74 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 74 reviews
5 stars
(52)
4 stars
(18)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(59)
- fit for foodies(54)
- romantic(32)
- special occasion(28)
- great for outdoor dining(21)
- good for groups(16)
Muzita Abyssinian Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delightful find
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"In all the years I've visited Muzita, I have never been disappointed by the food and service. It is by far my favorite place to bring friends and family."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome Birthday Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I went to Muzita (this is my 3rd-4th timne dining there) for my birthday (6/11/2013) with my parents. It was their first time and they loved it. The food was delicious and the waitress was eager and willing to explain the terms of each dish along with the taste/flavor of each spice. Very cute space, small inside, but that give it an intimate feel. I higly recommend Muzita for any occasion or just for a great dinner!
Monique"
Dined on 6/11/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A great dining experience, hospitality at it's best!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious as always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Muzita is always accommodative to dietary restrictions."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always Outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I brought several friends and an out-of-town guest to Muzita on Friday. My friends ranged from people who had eaten there before to people who had never tried Ethiopian/African food anywhere ever. Everyone LOVED it! The family style food made the event really fun, everyone was trying everything. The food is amazing. The alcohol is terrific as well, I'm a big fan of soju, honey wine and the Ethiopian beer (especially the stout). The buzz in the restaurant is always good, loud enough to give a good vibe but not so loud you can't hear each other speak.
The waitstaff here are always amazing - super friendly, extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating. Very vegan-friendly!"
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Vegan Options
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I brought my wife here for our anniversary. She loved it. The staff was friendly and they had great vegan options."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 7 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Ethiopian Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had a great Ethopian food experience on a Saturday for lunch and server was great too.
We ordered Birsn Korosho for appetizer. The spread was ok, Injera was yummy crispy but too oily
For entree we ordered Hamli with 2 sides (Timtimo and Alitcha Atakilti)
Hamli was very yummy and well flavored. Timtimo was lentils with tomato, tasted superb and Alitcha Atakilti was amazingly flavored too.
For Dessert we ordered in house made tiramisu. It was one of the BEST Tiramisu I've had."
We ordered Birsn Korosho for appetizer. The spread was ok, Injera was yummy crispy but too oily
For entree we ordered Hamli with 2 sides (Timtimo and Alitcha Atakilti)
Hamli was very yummy and well flavored. Timtimo was lentils with tomato, tasted superb and Alitcha Atakilti was amazingly flavored too.
For Dessert we ordered in house made tiramisu. It was one of the BEST Tiramisu I've had."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a great little neighborhood restaurant run by a friendly, humble, hard working, and sincere proprietor (Abel) and a great wait staff. Jennifer served us this time (we're repeat customers) and made our visit very special. The food is unique in San Diego and outstanding, especially if you like spicy Eritrean/Ethiopian food (we do). There are also excellent drink choices (beer, wine, and specialty drinks) that complement the food nicely."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 9 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Never disapponted
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have never been disappointed in visiting this restaurant. It is by far my favorite dining spot and one which I take great pride in brining friend to experience the food, service and friendly atmosphere."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Very friendly service, although
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very friendly service, although a bit slow. Went on a Thursday night around 8:30-9:00, and was quite busy. Probably the noisiest restaurant I've been in. Fist time eating African cooking. Was delicious, although not my favorite cuisine. So take that into consideration when reading my ratings. Particularly enjoyed the red lentil and stewed vegetable side dishes."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2009
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Review 11 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I always enjoy eating here.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I always enjoy eating here. The food is amazing and the service is even better! They really make you feel like a part of their family while you're there."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
They make you feel like family
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We love this restaurant, and have been there perhaps 4x in the last year ( as food lovers we don't usually settle down, but try out new places).
Great staff, wonderful friendly service, a family run with pride ambience to it.
The food is wonderful. You can try everything on the menu.
The food is wonderful. You can try everything on the menu.
It is an almost communal experience"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 13 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We very much enjoyed the food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We very much enjoyed the food and service. We arrived early for our reservation and were able to be seated ahead of the scheduled time. There aren't that many nice/romantic restaurants that offer vegan items so this was a real treat since we are both vegan."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The service was outstanding.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service was outstanding. The food was delicious. We did cheat a bit and ask for silverware, which was kindly provided. Give it a try, you won't be sorry."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 15 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great evening
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A fun evening. The employees were incredibly helpful and nice. Ready to answer any and all questions about the food, good choices, where Ethiopia and Eritrea are located, and on and on. A very different but wonderful eating experience."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing as always. Michael
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Amazing as always. Michael is such a sweetheart. When our appetizer went to another table, he brought us a drink of honey wine. And food was, as always, worth the wait!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Muzita is one of our favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Muzita is one of our favorite restaurants in San Diego. We love all of the dishes and each time we go, it feels as if it is a unique dining experience."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The best of the best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is without a doubt the best, friendliest restaurants I have ever experienced. Everyone there is friendly and one feels he/she has returned home went one walks through the door. The food is divine. The place is pure fun and no one rushes you to eat and leave.
I have had the privilege of dining at restaurants through Europe and Muzita is by far my favorite.
And our server, Begum, is truly an divine."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 19 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
no less than amazing.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Absolutely brilliant, will definitely be back. Service was amazing, food was absolutely brilliant."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2008
Special Features: late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Decent Romantic Dining Experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I surprised my wife by taking her here because she had mentioned that she had never had Ethiopian food before. Although I had had Ethiopian food before, I don't go out of my way to look for Ethiopian food, this was more for my wife. We had the calamari appetizer which was awesome. I had the lamb with a side of egglplant puree I believe while my wife had shrimp and a vegetable medley. The entrees were good, but not exceptional. The experience of eating your food with their version of bread is fun and romatic. The service was decent. They weren't quite as attentive as we would've liked. We were seating next to a large and noisy party, so it was difficult to hold a conversation."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love Ethiopian food, and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love Ethiopian food, and Muzita's dishes were wonderful. I especially loved the okra appetizer. The service was very attentive. It is more upscale than the Ethiopian restaurants of North Park and City Heights. We were amazed to see how busy it was on a Monday evening."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 22 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great experience; would definitely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great experience; would definitely return."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best service in San Diego!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Muzita is one of the best restaurants in San Diego! This place has awesome food, awesome service, and a great vibe. Amazing place for date night or an outing with friends. The food is AMAZING....plus, it's a nice treat when you're not normally able to eat authentic Ethiopian cuisine on a regular basis. The servers are all great, the owners are hysterical. Always a good time! ***** 5 stars *****"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 24 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is one of our favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is one of our favorite restaurants in San Diego (or anywhere). Fabulous food and service. We love the owner, Abel, who always finds time to talk to us. Glad to see the restaurant was so busy last Sunday evening. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very much enjoyed the food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very much enjoyed the food and the vibe in this restaurant. It is a unique concept and the energy in there is very positive. We had lots of fun and enjoyed our experience. We return and bring family and friends to share the fun."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 26 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I've never eaten at an Ethiopian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've never eaten at an Ethiopian restaurant before so this was a first for me. I made a reservation on Valentine's day and was pleased the wait staff would agree to my request to have a bottle of wine on the table ready for my girlfriend and me. We are both vegan and was delighted at the food, which was filling even though it didn't seem that way at first. The only thing I'm docking points for here is that the wait staff is a little loud, I had an awkward seat, and the prices are a little high in my opinion. Having said that, I would gladly recommend this place and I would also return."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 27 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, great service,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, great service, great little nook. It can feel cozy or cramped depending on your view of the world. Meaning you will make friends with the people next to you if that is your style, due to their proximity. It's a beautiful place with beautiful people."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food and service!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food and service! They really made us feel very welcome and made out valentines dinner an outstanding one! Would definitely dine here again!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Muzita is a wonderful gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Muzita is a wonderful gem of a restaurant. The food is beautifully presented and full of flavors both familiar and unusual. The staff is always friendly and helpful, recommending dishes and explaining the Abyssinian fare. The decor is lovely and, the family/owners are generous and delightful. I highly recommend you give this place a try. If you've never experienced Ethiopian/Abyssinian cuiside, this is the place. You will very likely come back soon and want to share it with all your friends."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent cultural experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent cultural experience and delicious unique food."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 31 for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was amazing and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was amazing and the service was impeccable.
We will definitely be going back!"
We will definitely be going back!"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
Based on the average of (43) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
9 out of 9 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic