Arada Ethiopian Restaurant

Honestly, when you walk into the place and sit down you notice that the place is usually empty. The chair that you sit on are old and the walls are a bit rough in places. Then you are offered a menu from the waitress/owner. A simple and small menu. We ordered an appetizer and the meat entree with three drinks. The appetizer arrived the way the picture shows. You take a bit and BOOM the flavors of the lentils and Injera take to a place where there is peace quite with the fresh breeze that holds the scents of spices and combinations that your nose cannot believe and the tongue doesn't want to stop eating. Then when you are done and trying to settle in the main course wrapped in Injera arrives. For this one we were impatient and dug in and the picture showed that. This place is NOT recommended for weak of heart and once who feel offended by the cove, this place is rugged sharp on the edges and is not polished like a fork and knife dinner table. HOWEVER, if you desire the intricacy of spice (not just hot) in ways you will not fathom then I invite you to drive down here and get a plate. Oh, and do not forget your friends because trust me the fun of eating together is from the same plate without forks or knives is just part of the heart's desire.

Heimeme the owner was so burnt out and it trickles into her business! We took 7 people for a first time experience and the best word that comes to mind was disaster! $$$ !!!DO NOT COME HERE!!! $$$ we spent $195 with a 15% Tip on low grade Baby food mush for 6 people. They charge a $5.50 split plate fee just to share if one of your guests is just joining! Food took eternity to arrive! It was often 20 minutes for a beer to show after ordering, we never got water served or napkins! The bathroom is filthy and your eating with your hands so WHY WAS THE HAND SOAP DILUTED WITH WATER!!! I honestly believe the positive reviews are falsified. I would of rather gone to a steakhouse and had surf & turf for the straight gouging price. Honestly if you come here have everyone order a single dish because you will get more food for your money and the bill would be probably 1/3 the price. All and all, it was certainly a night that will come up in conversation “remember that one time we ate baby food for $200 dollars!”

Food was great! But I wish there was more of it, my boyfriend and I ordered two separate entrees and they arrived on one plate with little protein. In total it was $30! We ended up going to McDonald’s after because we were still hungry. Also we ordered hummus but never received it because she forgot. I wish I could say we’d be back but not for that price and lack of food :(

Being Ethiopian myself I wanted to support this restaurant, especially seeing all of the positive reviews. I came here with my family the other day and it was the worst service I have ever EVER received. It took the woman 10 minutes to acknowledge us and once she did she was unbelievably rude. It turns out she was the owner which makes it even worse. On top of that she had no other patrons so you would think she would be happy for the business. We wanted to still give it a try so she seated us. She did not make us feel welcome, practically threw the menus at us. We did not feel comfortable or welcome so we decided to leave. We said thank you as we walked out and she just rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders. If I could give a zero I would. We ended up going to another Ethiopian restaurant on Colfax. Far better experience and the food was great. I don't care how many positive reviews this place receives, I will never recommend Arada. I will happily support the other Ethiopian restaurants who treat ALL of their customers with respect.

My husband and I have been visiting this great restaurant since it was located on Colfax. This is a wonderful locally-owned business with authentic regional food. The owner does an excellent job with service and cooking. For those not used to non-American dining experiences, the flavors and method of service may come as a shock. Those who are open-minded, welcoming of new experiences, and open to different cultures will love it. Others will post reviews like the one from Ryan Taft below.