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Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant Reviews List
Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Dining in Ethiopia is characterized by the ritual of breaking injera and eating from the same plate, signifying the bonds of loyalty and friendship. Injera, the traditional Ethiopian bread, is part of every entree. It is a large crepe/pancake upon which the various stew-like dishes are served. The traditional way of eating is with the fingers, which in itself a delicate art. In this manner, a bite sized piece if Injera is broken off to pick up a mouthful of the chosen dish. Come experience our tradition and savor our cuisine!
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27 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Rating Breakdown 27 reviews
5 stars
(4)
4 stars
(9)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
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Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(10)
- neighborhood gem(10)
- fit for foodies(4)
- kid-friendly(2)
- special occasion(2)
- great for brunch(1)
Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Sad slide down
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Meskerem has been a DC mainstay, once regarded as one of the city's top Ethiopians but no more.On a re-visit, the food was bland, insipid and dull. It also has gone up in price even as the portions have shrunk. A group of five of us all order the messobs -- a platter of various meats or vegetables -- and the stuff that shows up looks as if it might have been enough for two or three. Of course, once you begin eating, you're probably grateful for that... Won't be back."
Dined on 6/04/2013
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Review 2 for Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fine Restaurant
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I went here on a Friday night - parking in the neighborhood is horrible -to be expected in Adams Morgan. We were sat quickly upstairs. The low seating, low tables, and unique food make for interesting dining. The staff was very good. We were seated quickly, our server was attentive, and food was delivered promptly. We ordered the vegetarian platter for two. That with an appetizer filled us up pretty well.
The food was good, but a little bland, which I found surprising. I would go back, but not very often."
Dined on 5/31/2013
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Review 3 for Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Definitely had better in the DMV
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I'm surprised this place is recommended so highly for Ethiopian food in the DMV area, because quite frankly I've had a lot better. We made reservations, arrived early and were seated, but, unfortunately our food didn't get to the table for another 40 minutes. The food was good, but it's been better spiced at Sheba (Rockville) and Etete (U Street). Also, the seating was incredibly awkward - I get the look they were trying to achieve, but it is not convenient sitting for over an hour on stools and bending to get to your food."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 4 for Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I've been there many times
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've been there many times before and it's always the same - kind of nice 'same' not like boring same."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2012
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The most important part, the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The most important part, the food was good but it got cold quickly and the staff was not attentive to see if you needed anything like more bread until after the food was too cold to continue eating. They were nice but perhaps it was too crowded to give each table the best service. I won't be going back on a Friday but I may try it during the week to see if they can be more attentive."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 6 for Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambient Ethiopian
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This multi-tiered restaurant had very pleasant ambiance, decorated with traditional musical instruments and ottoman like chairs with pretty wood carvings had a nice, lounge look and feel to it. It would be easy to imagine how full the place must be on the weekends with large groups gathered around massive trays of injeera and chili-spiced meats. The food was solid, and the service very quick."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 7 for Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good for Vegetarians
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We really go for the food, especially the vegetarian sampler. The restaurant has charm but its a bit worn down. The chairs are in dire need of replacement. Service tends to be slow too. However, it's the "best" Ethiopian restaurant I've found in NW."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 8 for Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
This was a nice restaurant,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was a nice restaurant, bustling with activity. We had a great seat by the window, our dish was really tasty (beef and vegetable sambussas and the vegetarian platter for two). It was plenty for us, and it felt very authentic. My friend was visiting from out of town, and it was just what we were looking for."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was delicious! My
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was delicious! My boyfriend and I tried the zilzil tibbs and the meskerem messob. Both were flavorful and fun to eat. I wasn't crazy about the honey wine, but you win some, you lose some. Be prepared to sit very close to the tables around you. Our server was a little hurried when we first sat down but eventually stopped rushing us to order and eat. Overall, Merkerem was a good dining experience, and I will definitely go there again!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant
Based on the average of (18) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate