Shewa Ethiopian Restaurant: A Culinary Journey Through Authentic Ethiopian Flavors

First time trying ethiopian food, tasted the meat platter and fish, and it had a good balance of variety, spiciness and flavor. They also gives veg sambousa for appetizer

I'm not usually into Ethiopian food as much as others but I saw the reviews and had to check it out. Tldr it was worth the visit. We got the veggie sampler which is already big points in my book. Sampler platters are such a great way to try a bit of everything and I wish more restraunts did it. We came in hungry and we couldn't finish the entire dish even with everything being pretty good. Each option was unique enough that they didn't blend together too much. The bread they give you felt fresh and tangy. The parts that were under the meals got soggy but that's the nature of the dish. I found myself wanting the vegetables to be a little less cooked and pickeled but that's probably not the way they do it in etheopia so I can't complain to much. Each was cooked well with a good amount of spices and the act of eating anything with bread makes it instantly better. They also started us out with a free starter of samosas with a slightly spicy and tangy sauce that paired well with it. Honestly it was my favorite part of the meal. The samosas we very fresh and had a great crispy bite. The lentals paired well with the sauce too. The service was super friendly and quick as well with her checking on us whenever we needed and giving great recommendations. The atmosphere was nothing special but also didn't take away from it either. The only other small thing was that when we asked for water, they only had bottles, which is a let down. Overall a good Ethiopian restraunt and if you like Ethiopian it is a great option.

Shewa is so delicious! You truly taste how the food is made with so much love and intention. The service was also great and the atmosphere was comforting. I would definitely come back here again!

Love this restaurant! The food is amazing and the entire atmosphere is so nice and friendly. They were giving out appetizers on the house to everyone while I was there, even the people who came for takeout The parking outside is super shady..heads up. Oh yeah, lots of vegan options hereeee

I had an absolutely wonderful experience at Shewa tonight. The owner served me and he was very attentive. It was my first time eating Ethiopian food, so he guided me and I ended up ordering the Shewa Meat Combo. Comes with injera, chicken, beef, lamb and 2 veggie dishes. All of them were very flavorful! Paired it up with their homemade honey wine which was delicious as well. I will definitely come back to try more of their menu!

If you’re looking for an authentic and heartwarming Ethiopian dining experience, Shewa is a must-visit. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality that made me feel instantly at home. The atmosphere is cozy, inviting, and filled with the comforting aroma of rich spices. We ordered the Veggie Special Combo, and every single item on the platter was bursting with flavor. The lentils, collard greens, cabbage, and split peas were perfectly seasoned, and the injera had just the right tangy bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels nourishing for both your body and soul. The staff was incredibly kind and happy to explain the dishes for first-timers, which made the experience even more enjoyable. You can really tell that Shewa is about more than just food, it’s about culture, community, and connection. Highly recommend this gem whether you’re new to Ethiopian cuisine or a longtime fan. I’ll definitely be coming back!

This place is incredible. I think it's my favorite restaurant experience I've had living in DC. My husband and I have tried Ethiopian food once before, and we weren't enamored. But I really wanted to try again, and I'm so glad we found this spot. We had the three meat Shewa combo plate that came with chicken, lamb, and beef ribs and the waiter suggested the split pea and lentil veggie sides. First, we were served lentil sambusas on the house, and when I tell you the sauce was incredible, I need you to understand that we kept the sauce for the entire meal and kept on dipping everything in it. The waiter said he'd never seen that before, but he was glad we liked it, haha. The server's dad was the one cooking in the back, and he had told him it was our second time and he added some roasted potatoes and carrots just to be nice. Our platter came out hot and fresh, and I loved everything on it. Each meat dish was unique, everything had the perfect amount of savory and spicy flavors. My husband didn't love the lamb, but I thought it was great--the seasoning was reminiscent of Cincinnati chili in the best way possible. The three meat platter left us, two pretty big eaters, quite full. We will absolutely be back, and we will bring friends. Also, they have an adorable black cat. Extra star for the cat. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My kids and I loved the food here! Such excellent food—we had a meat and veggie sampler. The owner was so nice and even gave us a complimentary appetizer. Desserts were also delicious—baklava and red velvet cake were very moist. The atmosphere is very simple but the food more than makes up for it. My 3 kids and I had a $75 dinner that included 2 desserts and left us very full—an outstanding value!