Just one Ethiopian meal - Lalibela? Demera? Ras Dashen?

I'll be back in Chicago to visit family and friends, and this would be a good time to catch up on my Ethiopian food. Last time I was in town (about 2 years ago), I thoroughly enjoyed Ethiopian Diamond. I understand that Demera and Lalibela are both new (and have both been covered on LTH), and Ras Dashen is here as always. Given that I'm just in town to try one, is either of the newcomers worth trying over the 2 others?

If it helps clarify, I'm not a vegetarian, although I tend to prefer the vegetarian entrees at Ethiopian places (kitfo never did it for me, nor does zilzil tibs, etc.)

I have never eaten at Lalibela, and haven't been to Ras Dashen in some time. I continue to think that Ethiopian Diamond is serving great food, but I have been pretty impressed with Demera on the two occasions I've had to eat there.

I suppose Ethiopian Diamond remains my go-to spot, but when geography or other circumstances conspire, I consider Demera a good option.

Hi,

I've been to both Demera and Ras Dashen, but only once each.

Qualifier: I've recently moved to Chicago from Washington, D.C. D.C. has a large Ethiopian population (second only to Ethiopia) and, accordingly, many many Ethiopian restaurants. I lived close to the main Ethiopian restaurant neighborhood and ate dozens of meals at these establishments. I ate Ethiopian like some Chicagoans eat pizza and hot dogs - - that is to say, I ate it quite often, sometimes more than once in a week.

That said, and knowing that I've only been for Ethiopian twice in Chicago, I feel compelled to say that Ethiopian is not one of Chicago's strengths (the reason why I've only eaten it twice here). Demera bordered on terrible - we couldn't get water or additional injera (the restaurant was nearly empty); and the food was greasy and the portions were teeny. Basically, the entire experience was bad and I have no intention of returning. It sounds like germuska had a very different experience, which is good to hear, because ours was so very negative.

I guess the bottom line is that I would go with Ras Dashen over Demera, without a doubt. I thought Ras Dashen was decent -- it satisfied a strong Ethiopian food craving. My favorite dish, lamb awaze tibs, was rather disappointing, but I really enjoyed the veggie dishes, which look to be your focus. BYOB at Ras Dashen is also very nice. I look forward to trying Ethiopian Diamond and Lalibela.

In any event, I hope you'll post after your trip. I'm interested in knowing which restaurant you go with and how you enjoy it. (And, if you ever plan a trip to D.C., I'd be happy to suggest some really special Ethiopian spots)

It seems like Demera may have some consistency issues. I went a couple months ago and was thoroughly stuffed/impressed. The waitress brought out an extra basket of injera when we clearly didn't need any more, constantly refilled our waters, and we were served massive portions. I normally don't eat until my stomach hurts, but after leaving dinner here, and after ravenously eating everything in front of me, I had a case of the tummy-aches.

I've eaten at all three places, and I prefer Demera (haven't noticed on my two trips any consistency issues)--food and service were excellent both times. I think Lalibela is just so-so; I'd go there over Ras Dashen any day. I find the food at the latter pretty bland and the service unattentive (at least on weekend nights). Like germuska, my preference overall is for Ethiopian Diamond. I think the food at Demera is comparable, but I find the space at ED a little warmer and cozier, and I've been eating there since my college days, so there's some nostalgia at play.

Could we just have ordered wrong at Demera? For folks who've been, what's good? If I recall correctly, we ordered an assortment of veggies and awaze tibs.

Given my affection for Ethiopian, I could be convinced to dine there again, especially after hearing that the terrible service may have been an anomaly. Just to clarify - - I felt we were ignored when we visited. We were never asked if the food was okay or if we needed anything. Basically, we were abandoned once our food was placed on the table. There were only a few other tables with customers, and we struggled to get someone's attention for water or injera. And, when we did get a server's attention, the wait for what we'd requested was at least five minutes. I don't think I should have to wait more than five minutes for additional water or bread, especially when the restaurant is near empty. If my dinner companion reads this, I'm certain he'd say my review is overly generous and that nothing could convince him to return.

Perhaps just an off day?

I agree with others in that Ethiopian Diamond is my favorite. After reading great reviews for Lalibela (and having a preference for BYOB places), I tried it. I ordered the same dishes I love at ED, and maybe that was the problem. Lalibela just did not compare.

REB wrote:If my dinner companion reads this, I'm certain he'd say my review is overly generous and that nothing could convince him to return.

Quite right. The food was bad, the service worse. I don't think it is a stretch to say that Ras Dashen was in an entirely different world than Demera.
It may well be a consistency issue, but with all of the food options available in this burg, why take the risk again?

I look forward to trying ED, but fear that searching for great Ethiopian in Chicago may be a wild goose chase. DC ruined us.

I went to Demera earlier this year, with my boyfriend and another couple we're friends with. It took 20 minutes from being seated (in the middle of the restaurant, no less) to get a menu and water for all. Part of our order was forgotten, and we couldn't get our waitress to look in our direction to bring it over. There's absolutely no point to return to this place when Addis Abeba and ED do a great job.

Every time I have eaten at Demera I was thoroughly impressed, although I agree that DC is much stronger for East African than Chicago (not necessarily in quality, only in quantity and price - much cheaper).

I drive by Blue Nile all the time, never eaten there, but seems to attract East Africans. Anyone had any good (or bad) experiences there?

Any recent recommendations for Ethiopian in Chicago? Demera used to be my go to, but on my last few visits, it seemed as if the spice had been toned down to suit a wider audience.

My favorite of the last couple years has been Awash, as detailed in this post. Here's a picture I snapped there, including the kwanta ferfer and doro wat:



I've also really enjoyed my recent visits to Lalibela. They have some veggie options that I haven't seen at other places in town.

Awash serves alcohol. Lalibela is BYOB.


Awash
6322 N. Broadway
773-724-0784

Lalibela Ethiopian
5631 N. Ashland
773-944-0585