Desta Ethiopian Kitchen Reviews

4.6

7 of 3,496 Restaurants in Atlanta


Reviews

Great food

By wasmith59 |

Ate here with my niece based on her recommendation. Excellent food. We both got the chicken tibs with aten and gomen. Also tried mead for the first time. Great meal.

Different experience

By Geffellz18 |

Ate here for a business outing at the request of a co-worker. Pleasantly surprised. Food was prepared very quickly and presentation was great. Everything was very flavorful. Plan to bring the wife back for our anniversary!

Perfect Pre-Theater Meal on a Sunda

By Everellie |

We've been to Desta several times before, but this time we caught it just before a show at the Fox. It's the perfect place to go for a pre-theater meal. Because they don't have dinner hours--they are open all afternoon. So you can catch dinner at 4:30 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon, while every other restaurant is closed. It was delicious and completely inexpensive. We had the Meat Lovers Tibs to share: Chicken, Salmon and Filet. So so good. We also got the Miser--which is a spicy red lentil dish, and we got the collards and the cabbage. We had our served with Injera bread--if you've never had Ethiopian, you use that to eat with--although they will give you forks, too. For my husband and me it was only $50 including a generous tip. We didn't order drinks this time, just iced water. Every bite was amazing. If it weren't an hour from our house, we would come more often. This is a great place to take family, and have an experience. Their kitchen is pretty quick, too. We also had great service. Love this place.

Authentic Ethiopian food!

By Michelle Peck |

Desta is one of my favorite places to eat in Atlanta. I have been a customer for many years. The new location is very modern and nice, and it’s only a couple miles down the road from the old location on Briarcliff. However, it’s a little difficult to see from the road as it’s on the corner in a strip mall and it’s behind some other buildings. The new location is also much smaller. However, the food is still amazing, the service is outstanding, and the vibe is great. Some of my best friends are Ethiopian and their home cooking taste just like Desta. The tilapia and salmon are out-of this world, and the injera is soooo good!

Delicious Tibs

By Patricia K |

We got the vegetable platter, the salmon tibs and the filet mignon tibs. The filet was the best meat I have had at any Ethiopian restaurant. The shiro was excellent. We had to wipe up every bit of sauce with our injera. The tomato fitfit was also amazing. The salmon was really good. The helpings were generous.

Friendly and efficient service and vey good food!

By Fida N |

This is a casual Ethiopian restaurant and great for a nice lunch. The food is very good. Our favourite was the meat lovers platter with three sides. Make sure you order the lamb and the short ribs as they are divine. The potato stew is also very good.

Delicious Ethiopian Flavors

By Liz Yang |

Delicious, Ethiopian food. Friendly service, I enjoyed the chicken rice and lentil. The chicken was cooked perfectly. I liked the vibrant seasonings and the injera bread. They have a nice outdoor patio. My partner liked the vegan platter. The food is cooked perfectly.

Fantastic dinner and wonderful staff

By Cincy45209 |

We went with a large group of 10 for a later dinner while at a conference and were delighted with the entire experience. Most of us had not had Ethiopian food before and we all really enjoyed it. At our waitress’ recommendations we ordered several vegetarian and meat sampler platters and it was amazing! That with some Malbec and the night was complete. The restaurant is nothing fancy - just really good food. Definitely stop in and try it. If we are there for another conference, I would definitely go back.

New experience

By marcy S |

We’d been wanting to try this place since it’s always packed & it’s consistently rated highly. We finally got the chance & it was great! Our server was very helpful in guiding us through our order since the food is very different. Our meat was flavorful and delicious. Not a fan of the injera...but I’m sure that is just a personal taste thing. It was a little to spongy for my liking. Everything else was really good and it was fun trying something new!

1st time Ethiopian dining. I've been missing out !

By 1Tomahawk |

Oh my word !!! This was so amazing! In Atlanta visiting and wanted to try the top rated places. Thus was out of this world. We got the meat lovers platter to share for 2 to 3 people. Chicken and lamb with all kinds of sides and stews to dip your pita and injera bread in. Plus the Ethiopian hot tea with cinnamon and cardamom. Loved thus experience as we don't have these ethnic choices back home in Huntsville AL. Loved it!!! Thank you to the people who know how to cook this wonderful food!!

Great restaurant but bad experience!

By Amin P |

I recently revisited Desta with friends at their new location, hoping for an improved experience, and while some things have definitely gotten better, there were some disappointments. I had the Bozena Shiro with lamb, which, although flavorful, was unfortunately unchewable. The lamb was tough and indigestible. On a previous visit, I had the salmon, which was absolutely delicious, so l expected a similar experience. However, I would advise steering clear of any meat dishes here! The price for the Bozena Shiro was $14.49, and I added Teff injera for an additional $2.99. With an 18% tip, my bill came to $30, which was quite a shock - only a magician could make that math work! On the positive side, the waitress was very kind and attentive, but the overall experience left me with a bitter aftertaste. Sadly, this visit didn't live up to my expectations!

Love this place.

By Ryan R |

Anytime I am in Atlanta, I will stop by and get food that I have come to love. Food is great, service relaxed like the atmosphere, and I always walk away full and happy. I started eating Ethiopian food in Oregon, and was a skeptic at first like most, now I love it, and enjoy visiting Atlanta knowing that I will eat good when I stop by.

Great Ethiopian spot!

By AppleyPeach |

The food was tasty and different. I recommend you ask the server architect the dishes and they'll make a suitable recommendation. I've been three times and can't wait to go back!

Underwhelming

By Isaac T |

Haven eaten Eritrean/Ethiopian food my whole life, I was underwhelmed by the quality of food and service at Desta. I was traveling for work and this restaurant, although out of the way from the conference, was told that it's worth the trip if I like this cuisine. The food was rather standard, if that. We excitedly ordered the vegetable sambusa...standard, lamb tibs gomen and cabbage dish...same. Should I travel to Atlanta, GA again, I would not be saddened if I miss this restaurant.

Ethiopian food that is amazing!

By capecjf |

We went for the first time for Ethiopian food. It was great! Definitely would recommend! Very well spiced, great service, very friendly knowledgeable staff. A well hidden gem at the bottom of the parking lot. They are expanding their outside eating.

You can create your entire whole meal

By luv2travel33549 |

Place is hidden in a small strip mall. We ate upstairs, very casual and cozy. The service was fast, friendly and informative. The grouper was moist and delicious with sauce and injera with atera for dipping. The vegetable dish was more than enough. The taste was much better than any Ethiopian restaurants in Tampa. The server explained all the dishes. The servings were large and the food was excellent. And the prices were very reasonable. This is one of the best places to eat real authentic Ethiopian food. If you are ever in Atlanta, it should be on your list.

Food is good and presentation is good

By S S |

The restaurant does not look very inviting from the outside. I will give an average to the ambience. They can do a better job at this. But the food is really good and the presentation is also very good. It is quite busy and expect to wait especially if you go on weekends for dinner.

Lunch

By Terrance S |

Was definitely impressed with the meal. First time experiencing Ethiopian cuisine, wasn't disappointed. Although, a little spicy I was tremendously pleased with the trio platter and the lamb.

Love Love Love

By Deborah B |

I really enjoy the food at this restaurant and this is why I keep coming back for more. The food is prepared fresh and the customer service is always excellent. Exceeded my expectation.

Twice as good the 2nd time...

By Dave D |

If a tasty Ethiopian meal coupled with good service is your thing while in the Atlanta area, I tender a hearty recommendation for Desta. I ate there on successive evenings this last week because of price, quality and service. The tomato fit-fit and and lamb tibs are prepared with a nod to the Motherland, while the teff injera reminds me of my time in Gimbie. While nothing replaces the being in east Africa, the Ethiopian staff, mixed clientele, and diners eating with their fingers brings back fond memories. Highly recommended.

Wonderful food, lovely waitress

By Ann S |

We are still sitting here, having finished and are waiting for the check. This place is amazing. The sambusa was tasty. And the lamb Tik was great, the lamb perfect. We also enjoyed the mushroom stew and tomato fitfit.

A restaurant to experience

By FrV20142014 |

The old house atmosphere makes the restaurant appealing,the atmosphere is nice with great music, the smell of spices arouses your senses, the staff is very pleasant. As the evening goes on a panic mode seems to set in and the staff has too many customers to handle. The food is very good and seems to be a bit Americanized but never the less delicious. Some inconsistencies in the cooking and presentation of dishes. Overall Desta is a must visit, It is a very good experience.

Pleasantly surprised and will return!

By ErnestB60 |

My wife and I are focused on trying new cuisines. She suggested Desta based on a recommendation from a friend. I checked their online menu and was game to try them. We probably got there at a good time (about 5:30p on a Sunday) as we did not have to wait to be seated. There is outside seating however we chose to sit inside. We got the Kitfo Wrap with Salmon as an appetizer. Based on the suggestion from our server, Rahel, we ordered the Meat Lovers, so we could try different meats. On that, we got the lamb, ribeye and grouper. Everything was delicious and provided with large portion sizes. We got a carry out given how much food was served. Also, by the time we left, there was a wait to be seated. We plan to visit again and definitely recommend others try them also.

Loved the vegetable platter!

By Dominic Jackson |

I have to say that I really love the food here. Super delicious and tasty. It's very flavorful and there are so many dishes to choose from. One of the best spots in Atlanta to get some quality healthy quick eats. I highly recommend them.

So Good!!

By Kat L |

Desta. We’d been hearing about Desta for years, but Atlanta traffic usually prohibits us from getting near here. Thursday we landed Kusama tickets at the High, so it was a perfect opportunity. We got the Tibs (two of us got grouper, two got lamb) and we chose the ‘make it spicy’ option. This dish was a hallelujah food moment. My husband’s plate looked like he licked it clean afterwards. The injera was great. Our waitress, Martha, was extremely patient with us and wonderful. I wish they had a Chattanooga location! We definitely would be adding this to our weekly rotation if it was closer. Thank you, Desta.

Once again wonderful food

By Marc S |

Always excelent food and very nice service from very friendly and nice people. Always a nice experience to go, or eating inside.

First time but there with regulars!

By KBazz |

During our visit to Atlanta, we met up with friends who live there. We asked them to go out to eat anywhere of their choosing and they chose Desta. They have been to Ethiopia and eaten here before so they were able to guide us. We have never had Ethiopian food so we needed help ordering and a tutorial on how to eat. Everything was SO GOOD! I'd go back again if I were local!

Sold Me!!!!!

By Pippisue |

This was a new experience for my husband and I and I can honestly say one of the best! Beth was wonderful and patient with us newbies and was a joy! I had the vegetable platter and my husband had the Rib Eye Tibs and both were amazing. If you have never eaten Ethiopian cuisine this the place. If you have eaten Ethiopian cuisine before this is the place! A must stop for destination Atlanta!

Continues to be good

By viajeroastuto |

I was here a long time ago. Revisited last week and I'm still in love with the place. The quality of the food is very good. The employees are very nice. Portions are also very appropriate. I always try something new from the menu and have not been disappointed.

Some of the freshest best Etheopian Food in Atlanta

By Heatherina |

It's no secret this place is popular for a good reason... Their food is fantastic, I really like the way they season and prepare the food. I went to 6 Ethiopian places in town before going here. I should have started here... I have been back several times now, because everything is great. Very fair price for what you get as well. Desta's seasoning is a little hotter then the rest but it's done perfectly. If you can't handle heat ask for the dishes without chili's. Looking forward to my next trip back.

Try it, you’ll like it!

By FamSiam V |

We’ve experienced the well established Ethiopian restaurant scene in DC, and Ethiopian food in Africa, so were really curious how Atlanta would muster up. Wow! Desta was fantastic - and heartily endorsed by several teenage picky eaters. To accommodate one vegan, we got the vegetarian platter, and a side dish of steak bits for the meat eaters. It was amazing, authentic, and everything was mouthwatering and delicious. The service was superb, providing helpful tips and friendly banter. The Ethiopian beer was a nice touch. And, Destra offers a drive-through window for takeout. Cool!

Healthy food, fabulous African spices, GF/V

By Kimberly |

Desta is a local favorite!!! Get there by 1130 am or wait in line. Don’t miss the freshest best flavored tilapia you will ever put in your mouth.

Unique cuisine in a comfortable setting

By Athena N |

Desta is a very busy restaurant in Northeast Atlanta with unique Ethiopian food. The building is old and a bit crowded so reservations are definitely recommended- or patience! I believe they are opening another location soon near Emory which will be welcome. Once seated the wait staff is very helpful, prompt without being overbearing and will answer questions. The menu has definitions of foods for those of us who are new to the experience. The tibs are highly recommended and we also thought the vegetarian plate was excellent.

Best Ethiopian in ATL

By David S |

We come to Desta a lot, and love to bring friends who have never tried Ethiopian food. Desta’s offerings are so flavorful and fresh and the setting is always lively. The outdoor patio is great for dining on a warm night. We usually get one vegetarian plate to share and one order of the beef tibs (with the Awaze spices, if you like it a little spicy), along with the Miser (a delicious lentil dish). The Ethiopian beers are very good and the sweet honey wine goes great with the food.

Give it a try!

By Jessica K |

I don’t have any Ethiopian food where I live, so I was happy to try something new during my stay around Emory Point. I’m glad I did! They were patient with my extended reading of the menu. When I did ask for advice, they gave it willingly. My food was delicious and fresh. I got the tilapia tibs with tomato fitfit. I’ll try to make it back to try something else, I’m sure it’ll be just as good.

If you can, book a table

By hilarymunro |

Yes, it gets that busy! We came at 6 pm and waited 40 mins. Its Ethiopian run and patronised by the Ethiopian community in droves it seemed -- always a good recommendation. My friends had been many times before so they knew what to order, but I'm sure you would be guided if you wanted from the friendly service. It arrived dishes which were tipped onto a huge leaf in to middle of the table. We used the rolled 'bread' to scoop it up. Delicious, and a great communal eating experience. The fish tips and injere were exceptional, we ordered more. The Ethiopian beer was good too -- try it. Definitely a very different cuisine and a memorable evening

Consistently Delicoius Food

By KeppyKap |

Flavorful, reasonably priced and all round interesting place to eat! We dine here regularly- it's a favorite restaurant!

One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta

By A.R. Martin |

I love visiting this place for dinner. The food is exceptional, the service is very nice and quick. They're more than willing to explain menu items today. I'd suggest ordering the lamb or beef tibs with injera and the spicy lentils on the side. They also have an assortment of Ethiopian beers which are always fun to try.

Delicious Ethiopian food...

By MANU P |

We drove for nearly 2 hours to enjoy Ethiopian cuisine... this is one of the sought out restaurants during the weekend. We waited for nearly 45 minutes for a table... the service was excellent and food tasted great and yummy...Good location for family dinner...Sambusa was a great appetizer and for the entree the platter with lamb, fish, chicken with injera tastes great...it’s definitely a try out spot...

A taste of Africa

By Papadog815 |

Quite a busy place(which is the best review)Great service, food was brought out quickly. It was my first time eating Ethiopian cuisine and my server explained all the different choices. It tasted wonderful. I will definitely be returning.

Really Great Ethnic Food and Presentation

By Trek-Always |

Four in the family went to try this cuisine. Great menu, waiters helpful with selection, service is professional, food was excellent, owner was around to speak with customers. We will be back. Really fun experience. $84 for four with tip is not expensive especially for this quality and quantity of food. If this review is helpful then please indicate so below.

Amazing food and great service.

By Marco |

Amazing food and great service. First ethiopian restaurant where I have eaten where it was possible to customize your meal with a meat choice, starch or bread and side dishes. The foul was very amazing and probably the best ethiopian restaurant where we have eaten and we typically eat ethiopian once per city on out travels, so this beats a lot of cities all over the world

Wonderful flavor. Worth the drive

By MyFamilyAndUs |

Desta was highly recommended by a friend. I had never eaten Ethiopian food before and it was well worth the drive. I told the waitress that this was my first time eating Ethiopian food. She warmly welcomed us and explained the menu options. We asked her for recommendations and we were not disappointed. The sauces were so flavorful - spicy but not burning hot. Our sampler platter was large enough for two people to share. I can’t wait to go back and introduce this restaurant to more friends.

Delightfully delicious

By lawilliams2 |

Although we had to wait for 20 minutes to be seated, it was well worth the wait. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The food was amazing. The portion sizes were enough for two people. I’m not sure what type of salad dressing they used in my salad, but it was really good. The salmon pasta was delightfully delicious. I look forward going back and trying other dishes. This place has a great atmosphere where families, couples, friends, or even if you want to have dinner by yourself would be great. This is a must try. This was my first time going, but it won’t be my last.

Great first experience with Ethiopian food

By TheOneTrueGoat |

My wife and I tried this place because we had heard good things about the food here. The food was awesome! We both ordered the vegetarian plates and had a ton of food left over for dinner that night. The only thing lacking was the service. We sat outside and it took a while to get out drinks and take our order. Besides that I would highly recommend

If you’re looking for something different

By GRLwood |

This is your place! The restaurant was cozy and comfortable and busy. We chose to eat in the upstairs dining area. It was quaint and was easy to have dinner conversation. The wait staff was fabulous - attentive, patient, and knowledgeable. Great recommendations! I had the chicken tibs, injera, and lentil stew. We split the lentil sambusa. I ended my meal with berry cheesecake. Everything was flavorful and well prepared. You can control the spice and have multiple options in building your meal. Wine, beer, spirits, as well as unique Ethiopian drinks are available.

No mystery why so many want to come here

By PeachtreeCorners2013 |

This was our 1st time and wish we had come sooner: it was an enjoyable experience. Parking was plentiful. We arrived on Fri a little after 6 and only had to wait 10-15 minutes, but that gave us time to look over the menu. It is a colorful upbeat loud energizing place and we were seated inside; outdoor seating on the deck with many fans looked just as comfortable. Our server was friendly attentive and knowledgeable. We were hungry and we did not have to wait long to enjoy our dinner. The lamb tibs were moist, flavorful...just delicious. The colorful vegetable platter had many contrasting textures and flavors and was as delicious. We will be back again...just wished we had heard about Desta years ago.

Don't be afraid to try Ethiopian!

By Pat L |

Our group of friends who met monthly for dinner decided to try Ethiopian. We found Desta's online. It was amazing! The waitress was perfect! She explained the menu, made recommendations and explained the eating style. All of which made the experience much less intimidating. And the food was outstanding! Of the two hors d'oeuvres and 5 different entrees, everything was perfectly prepared, presented and delicious!. I can't wait to go back. Beware that it's a very popular restaurant that doesn't take reservations; even on a weekday, it was quite busy.

Amazing

By Frederick Charles Hanson |

Their food is the best i have ever tasted. The flavors are something else. I actually recommend this one to y'all

Simply marvelous

By dustythoughts |

I came here with friends while my partner and I were visiting, and the restaurant was simply outstanding. It was my partner's first time eating Ethiopian food, and it's really the kind of cuisine that has to be eaten at the right restaurant because it's easy to get wrong, but this restaurant got it absolutely right. The sambusas are crispy and filling, and the entrees are generously portioned. We ordered a meat injera and a veggie injera to share, and we were all stuffed by the end of it. The meat is well cooked and tender, the veggies are sublime (try the shiro and the gomen), and the staff were all super friendly and answered any questions we had. The atmosphere was welcoming.

Yummy food, service is spotty

By MakeUpchurch |

The food here is delicious. We usually get the meat lovers platter with lamb, fish and filet and the vegetarian platter. Tons of food for 2 people, easily shared by 4. The injera bread is tasty and the honey wine is good too. We've been numerous times and sometimes the service is great and other times we've been ignored for the better part of dinner. Still, we go back for the food!

First time eating Ethiopian cuisine

By Amanda H |

When my 14 year old daughter asked if we could go to Desta Ethiopian Kitchen, I gladly said yes. Happy that she wanted to try something new. The wait for a table was pretty long, but it was probably because this place was so popular. It was worth the wait. Our server, Bethel was amazing and went above and beyond to make our first time experience a good one. The food was absolutely delicious. I recommend the Tibs, Tinjera, potato stew and greens. Yum. Looking forward to going back.

Great Food and Great Service

By RondaJS |

My husband and I both enjoyed our meal at Desta. I had the vegetarian combo meal and my husband order a few meats and all the food is outstanding. The restaurant is small and busy...but worth the wait!

Bring your appetite!

By Antioch07 |

The diversity in Georgia is amazing. We skipped on the southern fried chicken and decided to be adventurous. The portions are huge and the food is very good. Service is also very good. I had so much food, I might skip meals for the next few days. Not a fancy place, so dress casual.

Best Ethiopian In ATL

By Kevin G |

I've eaten here a dozen times and always had a fantastic experience. Everything is good, you can't go wrong. If you're looking for quality Ethiopian food in Atlanta, this is the place for you. I like to get a veggie platter + some fish tibs + extra miser. Because I am a disgusting monster that eats too much food. But it's so good, how can I say no?

Excellent food!

By lovetheworld53 |

We had not been to Desta's in a umber of years, but on are recent trip to Atlanta, we remembered why we enjoyed to so much a few years back! The food is amazing!

EAT HERE!

By lsnead |

This place is amazing! The food is excellent and the customer service was top-notch. I met a friend for dinner and we sat on their heated patio. I got the Lamb Tibs, Gomen, and miser. I was in heaven. This was the best Ethiopian restaurant I have ever been to in the US.

Fantastic food and staff

By mexicotrip1208 |

This place is SO good...I ate there twice in my 2 days in ATL and took to go food back home. I lived in NYC before moving to Florida and desperately missed this kind of cultural treat. Don't miss eating here. The chicken Tibs, veggie platter and Miser are to die for. Enjoy!

Ethiopian like Momma makes

By Milthill |

This is where my wife fell in love with Ethiopian cuisine. She had some bad experiences elsewhere. We were part of a group of eight. We chose the Meat Lovers Tibs and had lamb, grouper, chicken, injera, rice, pita, a beet and potato salad, gomen (collards), and mushroom stew. The menu said this was for two or more and it certainly was. As seniors, we had four or five servings. Since it was all delicious, the excess served us well! Service was much better than I generally experience. This is a great place to eat.

Yummy in my Tummy

By cstlouisesq |

Love Desta's it is the truth! I've been to Ethiopia and tibs and fir fir are not new to me. That said, the flavors brought me back to my travels within Ethiopia. Service was excellent and quick. Must go in Atlanta!

Excellent food and staff

By Justin Towne |

We were looking for something different and saw the ratings on this restaurant so we decided to try Ethiopian for dinner. We were glad we did. The restaurant was clean and all the staff were masked and wore gloves and were very pleasant. The menus are on your smart phone via a QR code on the table. I enjoyed all of my dinner and for the price and how good the food was this was a very good deal. I would suggest anyone who has never had Ethiopian food before to give it a try at this restaurant

Amazing food - get the miser

By Shelly M |

Went on a Thursday night, arrived around 6:30 and had no problem being seated at the outside bar. By the time I left there were a handful of people standing around waiting for a table. Waitress was great and got genuinely excited when I told her I had never been there before. I had the sambusa appetizer (with lentil) and the entree with lamb, injera, miser and gomen. The miser was on recommendation of my waitress and was probably my favorite part of the meal, definitely get it. The whole meal was incredible and I will definitely come back next time I am in Atlanta.

Yum!

By TravelNurse123 |

Great experience and great food! My family and I sat on the patio, the weather was great! The service was fast and the food was well seasoned with flavors I've never experienced before. They offer great meals for vegetarians and vegans. There is definitely something for everyone. Add this to your list of places to try while in Atlanta!

Group Desta Experience

By JYP34 |

The food is just amazing and the service can’t be beat. We asked the server for recommendations and he provided the perfect suggestions.

Desta's the Besta

By Trini Elam |

I LOVE Desta, the food is always amazing, they are accommodating to any of your request, they switch out sides etc and when we couldn't decide what to get hey told us how to combine platters so everyone is happy. We love this place. But if you are going on a. Friday or Saturday night you need to be prepared for wait, they are just a smaller space with amazing food.

Can I copy someone else’s title that Desta is the Besta?!?

By intlgranolagirl |

After all, imitation is the best form of flattery. Always a wait because this food is INCREDIBLE and absolutely worth the wait! Delicious and consistent. Love introducing friends to Ethiopian food, especially the foodies that expect to be disappointed because they’re always impressed. I love the fatira with honey to start, regardless of time of day. Friends that love meat love their lamb, short ribs, etc but being pescatarian I love the salmon spaghetti. Yes, it may sound strange but it’s phenomenal.

Great intro to Ethiopian food!

By jkb619 |

First time having Ethiopian food on a visit to Atlanta. My son highly recommended this spot, and it was awesome! Food was delicious, & our waitperson was so kind & helpful. Would definitely make this a stop on anyone's visit to the area.

The new Desta on Cliffton

By backhoe409 |

We have eaten many times at the original Desta and wanted to try the new one by the CDC. the food is the same, EXTREMELY GOOD, newer, more up to date decor, good staff, nice safe location, roomy. Differences are that you order at the counter and they bring the food to you. We love taking friends to Desta for the first time. Everyone loves it and is fascinated by the quality of the food. You must try it.

Go for it!!!

By Simon R |

We did....We wanted to try something new, so we came to Desta and was not disappointed. We had two signature Tibs dishes and a spaghetti dish. The chicken was spiced up and the lamb normal. The spaghetti dish ground beef had excellent flavors. So with a little help from the menu definitions and the servers everyone can find a meal to their liking. The sides and breads were mysterious and fun to try. We enjoyed everything. Servers were informative efficient and attentive. The restaurant tends to get busy after 7pm so come earlier if you can.

Delicious!!!

By Harrison |

This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to and strongly recommend coming here for delicious food and great service.

Desta Ethiopian Kitchen serves great food

By Jaime Y |

We love Ethiopian food and this place didn’t disappoint. The whole family enjoyed the menu. We look forward to returning again in the future.

A great experience with Ethiopian food !!

By Rajiv S |

As the restaurant is not very big, there was a 20 min wait but well worth it. The service was excellent and the food was yummy. A must visit if you are in Atlanta especially if you are looking for something different. The outdoor seating is a real plus.

Loved it. Delicious food and friendly vibe

By J6467ROjonathanj |

Was honored to partake in the dishes of my ancestors (I’m 1/4 Oromo). Truly enjoyed the atmosphere and the staff was amazing. I was super full. Will be going back. Grace be to God for blessing this restaurant and their staff; may the Lord continue blessing this business!

Excellent meal and experience!

By Michael G |

Loved Desta - got a spicy appetizer that was wonderful - Sambusa, and we each got a different meat for the Tibs. Really great meal!

Lunch or dinner doesn’t matter

By MissyKelly |

Desta is my favorite and the best Ethiopian restaurant in the South. Yes they are that good! Order the fish tibs with an Ethiopian drink to match from their cozy patio.

Super yummy food

By Robineggleston |

I ordered a signature entree. Good value and tasty. Shrimp with gomen added, pita, tomato fit fit. The mushy bread we tasted was not my favorite. But the mushy bread included with the fit fit was good because it absorbed the flavor of the vinegar. If I had to choose again, I may have gotten rice instead of the pita. We tried both types of sambusas and they were both good.

Authentic food and an outstanding experience

By 735darleneh |

The food is authentic. You can taste the quality of the ingredients. The blending of the flavors are exceptional. If you are craving a taste bud stimulating experience that leaves you feeling you have value for your meal exceptional flavor, then Desta is the Ethiopian restaurant for you. Desta is one of Atlanta's favorites. Try it and it will become one of your favorites too.

Best Ethiopian food this side of the Mississippi

By Heatherina |

Many years ago I was spoiled by living so close to the famous Blue Bile as UCB. Their food was amazing. For years and years I have been searing for amazing Ethiopian food. SO grateful to have finally found Desta. Seriously even better then the Blue Nile. What an awesome dinner, kids loved it too. Amazing food quality seasoning and portion size. And Natsanet our Waitress was equally fantastic. Super nice helpful, great with kids. We really look forward to going back. Soon.

The food was different but well seasoned

By G C |

The food was different but well seasoned, I ate at this establishment at least two or three times. The food was excellent, but be sure to take your time ordering as the menu has many variations. The service was very nice, but the location can be tricky when using GPS. It's a different experience, but the food is prepared with passion and care as evident in the taste. The taste of all the meals i ate, were earth toned and not spicy at all.

Perfect culinary adventure and delicious food

By Eric D |

My first time eating Ethiopian food and I thought it was delicious. Since we were a party of 4 with no experience with Ethiopian food we asked the waitress to help us pick our food. She was super helpful, caring that we would have a fun experience, knowledgeable about all the available options to customize the taste of the food to compliment what we like, willing to teach us about the food and spices, and just naturally pleasant and happy to help us. The result was a very memorable meal for all of us and I am sure that all of us will return in the future for additional wonderful experiences.

Phenomenal experience

By Martinawengel |

Yohannes made sure we tried every single dish. The experience is phenomenal and the food is to die for! 5 star experience!

Good food

By 793anitrad |

Wow is the word I used after a few bites of this meal. Flavors were amazing;Shrimp,lamb and steak were perfectly prepared. Collard greens so tender and flavorful. Staff were friendly. Ate on the patio a little hot but less claustrophobic than inside. Will definitely be back.

Fast carry out service, good food

By LotsaTraveling |

I was staying at a hotel in the area and stopped here for carry out. My order was ready in about 5 minutes but prepared to my specifications. I had a mildly spiced chicken dish which was good. The Ethiopian bread may be an acquired taste. I wasn’t impressed but I don’t eat Ethiopian food often. Overall though it was an excellent experience and I would definitely eat here again.

Delicious Food and Great Service

By Tom N |

I've been here several times, and I've the taste of their food has been consistent. This is the best Ethiopian restaurant in Atlanta. If you've had a bad experience there, let them know, and they will make things right.

Great first experience - Highly recommend

By EliteTravellers |

On a recent visit to Atlanta, my Jamaican colleague suggested to another Jamaican and myself, Guyanese, we try Desta. It was an amazing experience. A bit out of the city center, it has plenty of parking with both outside and inside seating. In October it was too cool for outside so we waited for inside seats. The crowd was definitely mixed with all ethnicities reflecting the cuisine. We had the sambusa for an appetizer followed by the meat lovers dish with bread, chicken, lamb, salmon. Sides Gomen and Miser. Amazing dish to be shared by all 3 of us. Washed down with a glass of Riesling, rum and coke and for dessert Napolean Cake. Awesome service by Mimi. A really nice evening after a very hectic day of meetings with 3 friends from the Islands just chilling.

Great first experience

By gullivertravels62 |

My daughter and I decided to try Ethiopian for the first time. Waiter was super helpful and we just ordered a number of things. Sambusa and Kitfu wrap beef appetizers. Both were great. Just a bit spicy which was perfect. Both had Tibs for main course. She had lamb and I had grouper both with injera and couple of types if chick peas. Again very good flavor and good portions. Would love to go again.

Great food, service and price

By trifectatraveler |

The servers and staff were as friendly and helpful as they could be. The food was tasty and filling and served in an outdoor patio setting. Dinner for 4 with tip was slightly over $50. We ordered the meat lovers platter with salmon, lamb and vegan and it was delectable. Service was incredibly fast. The only thing that I found strange was that the water served was not chilled but at room temperature, but they did provide ice once we requested ice. A cuisine and service not to be missed.

Potatoes, red lentil and yellow lentils are good here

By NikaNumber1 |

Seated right by the dessert display case for maximum consumption. There is a partly closed in patio seating. We ordered 1 vegan platter with injera to start, along with two club sodas. We ended up ordering a second vegan platter, since the one platter was not big enough for us to share. $45.34. The food comes out here so quickly, first platter was out maybe less than 5 minutes, second platter as You only get two rolls of injera for each of the vegan platters. Luckily I am not terribly hungry. I wasn’t a big fan of the injera and tomato, the one side of the platter wasn’t my favorite. The lemon, collard green puréed wasn’t very good. The green lentil wasn’t so wonderful, neither was the potato or beet and my least favorite was the injera and tomato, too mushy for my liking. The salad wasn’t bad, neither was the cabbage, mushrooms or the collard greens. The red lentil, potatoes, split peas (?) and yellow lentils were all good.

Laid back lunch

By Prasad P |

The place is always busy for dinner with an hour wait. So beat the system and went for lunch. The food is amazing. Especially the chicken and the red lentil curry. You will not be disappointed.

Ethiopian food; different and delicious

By Larry B |

While in Atlanta, Georgia, we decided to eat at an Ethiopian restaurant. What a delicious and unique experience! Every dish was tasty. It is great to experience International food choices generally unavailable to us in rural Texas. The appetizer was Sambusa, a little like a spring roll with a meat filling. Tibs was the main course and can be made with the filling of your choice. Mine was with lamb, and my wife's filling was grouper. You tear off a piece of Injera (roll of Ethiopian flatbread) and use it to pick up and eat the main course. My side dish was Miser, which was a spicy lentil-based dish. Kathy had Gomen, which was a tasty collard green dish. Injera looks a little like a rolled towel, but don't let that deceive you into thinking it isn't absolutely delicious. It has a unique flavor and consistency, probably partially due to the teff starter, a fluid collected from successive fermentations.

Incredibly flavorful experience.

By ajamesbehfar |

Amazing food, simply put. Mildly spicy but nothing overpowering, the lamb tibs were a great choice. Paired with the house salad that served as a great palette cleanser. Honey wine was refreshing, as well as the service. Would definitely recommend and go again.

Best Ethiopian restaurant in Atlanta

By Bruce A |

We have tried several items on the menu and loved them all. My wife keeps coming back for the Chicken Tibs or (for Brunch) the egg "pancake" (don't recall the name). I like the vegetarian platter but am especially fond of Tibs with fish (Tilapia) chunks over Shiro. By all means, add Shiro to your meal for a real taste treat. For a Sunday brunch I like the Foul and often add Shiro. Tomato Fit Fit is another favorite of mine. Top off the meal with traditional (cinnamon) tea with honey.

Over inflated reputation

By Fitness G |

The service here sucked and the space was so tight. There were more servers than necessary and the food order was missing several items. Like most minority run businesses, they cater to every one except minorities.

Well, who am I

By HCovik |

Food was good.Not impressed by flavor. It's awfully bland by those who like spice, I mean BLAND, But who am I to say. Try it out. The restaurant got some good reviews,

Food was ok

By Barry L |

I read some very good reviews and decided to try Desta. Not much atmosphere. Service was okay. I ordered a combination plate to taste many different things. Nothing was bad, nothing tasted great to me. It just might not have been my taste of cuisines.

Delicious Ethiopian food!

By KMR |

I have always heard wonderful comments about Desta, and finally went there. My co-worker and I ordered the vegan platter, and was surprised to see the size of the plate...platter! It was hugh! Definitely more than enough to share. The food was delicious, the servers were very nice, and the restaurant was clean and nicely decorated. I will definitely go there again!

Authentic Ethiopian Food

By Ralph M |

An amazing vibrant place, busy, welcoming and the aroma as you walk in is tantalizing. In my opinion there’s a reason why this place is really busy. We ordered the meat lovers tibs a platter for 2 which included lamb,filet mignon,grouper, teffinjera,potato stew and gomen (vegetables) made the Ethiopian way. The food was tasty and sumptuous. Good beautiful Ethiopian wait staff, we tipped generously because of good efficient service. A must visit for anyone wanting to experience different culture.

Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine

By Shannon |

I have quite a weak stomach when it comes to international cuisine, and though I had a mild stomachache after eating here, it was worth it! Delicious food with a great atmosphere. I had the chicken tibs with the mushroom stew. The spices on the tibs were delicious. The mushroom stew was quite rich and heavy in oil, but delicious as well. My boyfriend had the red lintels as his side, and though it was a little spicy for my extremely sensitive to spice palate, it was the best thing I ate that evening. I also tried the honey mead wine; it was too sweet, but so unique that it was worth it. Four out of five stars because I am a clean freak and like most restaurants, it wasn’t super clean.

Food was excellent.

By CME35 |

We ordered a large platter to share. And we loved everything that was served to us. Our vegan friend ordered a plate for herself that she enjoyed. The only complaint was the 2 1/2 hour wait! Seriously! Do not go on a busy weekend night. The only reason we waited that long, was because we had a foodie friend with us and he insisted. But, once we were finally seated and eating, we were glad we stayed.

Great Place!

By Chelsea A |

I went here with a friend last week and the food was so good! I had the salmon pasta with pita bread and my friend had the salmon pasta with rice. The food tasted fresh and was prompt. I also had mango juice. The prices are extremely reasonable and the place has a cool ambience. I would definitely come here again. Came around 2pm, easy parking as well. Perfect place for lunch.

Great experience!

By Collier42 |

My wife and I went to Desta on the recommendation of a co-worker. What a wonderful experience! Neither one of us had tried Ethiopian food before, however the waitress was extremely helpful explaining our options. Great meal! We will definitely be going back here!

Best Ethiopian in Atlanta

By OlapCha |

I learned of Desta from an Ethiopian co-worker. Since then, brought family and friends and they have been delightfully surprised with the food. Please come with a open palate and be amazed with the flavors. Started eating Ethiopian cuisine in Chicago, and had a hard time finding another place to satisfy craving for uniquely delicious food. My kids like the food and enjoy injera, but then they are well educated with different cultures. Good service and gentile servers.

Delicious Food but the Drive Thru can be Slow

By kat1dawg |

Desta has the most amazing Ethiopian food! It is so authentic and delicious! I love this restaurant. The only suggestion I would have is to order your meal in advance for pick up if you are not dining in the restaurant. I had to wait 30-45 minutes in the drive through on a Friday night. Other than that, a must try restaurant!

Go to spot for Ethiopian food

By I & Nik |

We absolute love Desta! The quality of the food is consistent, and the service is always great. This is our go to spot when we crave Ethiopian food.

Fast Casual comes to Ethiopian cuisine

By Lorrin K |

Ethiopian food is FANTASTIC...try it in Washington DC and have your mind blown. This place is a small chain and has a fast-casual look and feel. Not the "ethnic" restaurant you see in most places with an Ethiopian population to support it (or college town). But, this place is pretty good...certainly better than having no Ethiopian food around. I was surprised by their kitfo (marinated raw beef) which is my favorite dish. The injera bread was good enough, and the veggies and sides were also not bad. You can get much better Ethiopian at a "real" place but for the price and convenience, Destia is very good. I guess Ethiopian is ready for the mainstream of chrome chairs and modern lighting fixtures, as opposed to pillow cushions and decorative rugs on the walls.

I fell in love with Ethiopian food...

By LHEAP |

I fell in love with Ethiopian food while in, of all places, Louisville, KY. When I saw there was an option close-ish to my hotel, I pounced on it. Desta is wonderful. The food is wonderful. The staff is wonderful. Go there for a treat whether on not you've ever tried Ethiopian cuisine. You most likely will be addicted to the menu.

Not like any other Ethiopian food we've eaten...

By abroadwithashley |

This restaurant was recommended to us by a friend who used to live in Atlanta. But when we entered, everyone was eating with a fork (they’re given automatically with the meal) - which should have been our first indication that we were going to be disappointed (since Ethiopian food is supposed to be eaten with injera). We ordered the traditional vegan platter as always (bayenetu), but this one came without the shared bed of injera and with half of the plate containing foods we had never seen on this dish. Apparently you don’t even need injera for this since they offer bread and pita as an option. We recognize that after years of living in Ethiopia we have to adjust our expectations abroad, but this was quite the departure. We have other critiques, but if you are a fan of Ethiopian food in the traditional style, we would recommend you look elsewhere.

Great food!

By bgox2020 |

Great dinner and service. We have been to Ethiopia three times and had delicious food. This food was delicious. Some dishes are a little different from traditional but really good. The beef and chicken tibs were fantastic. We ordered the three meat platter but substituted one meat with the vegetarian platter. The salad was excellent. We are coming back!!!

Great cuisine and service

By Traveling Man |

We all loved the food and pleasant atmosphere and friendly service. The dinner menu provide many choices and service staff were able to answer and explain the offering on the menu.

Ethiopian experience

By Jarb46 |

You order at a counter from a menu with mostly unfamiliar food. The restaurant is simple, the food is different. The place was a long drive away from us and I am not sure the food justified the long drive.

Always a treat

By Scott O |

A group of 16 sat in the enclosed patio at Desta. Service is typically slow here, so we were in no hurry. Server was very friendly amd once order was taken the food came out quickly. Everyone enjoyed their meals. I ordered the fish tibs with injera and cabbage...it was fantastic!!!

First time and really impressed

By pressthe6 |

Was a delicious meal for not knowing anything about Ethiopian food. Portions were good and the spongy bread to scoop up the food was a delight. Will go back for sure.

Love it!

By govtmule |

Modern setting, very clean and food quality is very high. Staff was very helpful in explaining dishes and offered recommendations that were spot on. Can't wait to go back.

Not authentic, but good food

By Life Is Travel |

This ethiopian restaurant is not very authentic, however it is very popular. Had to wait for some time to get a table, did not see a lot of ethiopians. I would rather go across the road to Bahel

Nice little place in a strip mall

By Eric R |

Cute little spot in a strip mall. Excellent food and great southern hospitality. Order whatever you want and I’m sure you will enjoy it

Ethiopian Top Meal

By Ck_Nest |

I ate here for a business lunch. The food and service was fantastic. The waitress was attentive and gave good recommendations based upon everyone’s various tastes at our table. I had the lamb tabs and beet potatoes. Everyone at my table was impressed by the quality of the food. I’d recommend this for any business lunch or group meal.

Nice dishes

By Sophyaugust |

We ordered takeouts. Good food. Reasonable cost and clean. Its a small place, but worth taking food home.

Flavor on Steroids!

By Travelity |

From the appetizer rolls to the chicken pasta, lamb, pork and beef --you will find rich flavor in every bite at Desta Ethiopian restaurant. We go every chance we get. This restaurant is a foodie's delight!

A Stop Worth It's Value

By aAa |

Desta kitchen was buzzing this evening we went. We gathered around a table as a party of 6ppl and settled in for the evening. Our wait was not too long but I recommend booking ahead if you can. Place was clean and staff were friendly. I was not overly wowed with the menu but I guess there is a trick to ordering. I ordered the fish and potato soup and the local bread which was quite filling. Overall a good experience which I would recommend.

Poor customer service

By TravelingPlacesAgain |

The food is good and well seasoned but due to the poor customer service I will not be going back. I have eaten at this place for many years but over the past year every time I go the service is increasingly bad. The waiters are not attentive. I would wait long periods to order food. After the food is served the waiters don't come back to see if anything is needed. I often have to flag a waiter to either request something that was missing or even request the check. There are too many options close by where they are actually appreciative of my support.

Excellent!

By Sunil D |

Desta is tops for Ethiopian food. Their service is amazing and their brunch platter is outstanding. Dont miss it!

Love, love, love Desta!

By EliseO88 |

I first tried Ethiopian food at Desta about a year ago and loved it! I have been back several times and have always had good experiences. The food is excellent and reasonably priced, and the portions are generous. (Yay! Lunch for tomorrow!) I will most definitely continue to go there and will recommend it to others.

Wonderful Ethiopian food

By Terry T |

We went on a Sunday afternoon on a whim. I had only had an Ethiopian meal once and remember not being real fond of it, but the lunch we had at Desta was wonderful. I had the lamb which was cooked perfectly. The sauces were heady but did not burn the mouth like some hot sauces will do. Two of the others had chicken and raved about it. The waiter was very helpful with the menu and overall we had a great experience. I would definitely recommend it and will be going back.

If you want the best Ethiopian food, make this your Desta-nation!

By Mark R |

Even though Ethiopia's government is getting better and better, Ethiopia's best food is available right here at Desta. Atlanta is the great beneficiary of many people from Ethiopia. They are beautiful, warm and very smart. TT, the owner and manager of Desta, is also incredibly hard-working and the food at Desta is superb, fresh, delicious and beautifully served. The staff are welcoming and the experience delightful.

Authentic, fresh, and succulent

By BirdingFreak |

Without a doubt one, if not THE best Ethiopian kitchen in Atlanta. Well worth a visit if you are in the area, especially if staying at a nearby hotel looking for something different and delicious.

Exotic

By Brook KS |

As an Ethiopian, I would have known if the food is flawed but I must say, the food was superb to the highest standard of Ethiopia cuisine and the traditional Ethiopian hospitality was visibly present. The complex Ethiopian menu that usually perplexes both Ethiopians and non-Ethiopians to explain in English is clearly explained making it uniquely easy to understand the menu. The staff members are also well trained to assist. Good Job Desta

I love Desta!

By Elizabeth A |

The food here is very good! I prefer the big platter that you can share. Their salmon is seasoned well and very tender. The meat is seasoned well and the veggies are as well.

Wow!

By LovesComfyBeds |

The food was really tasty and the service was super quick. It was a bargain for the amount of food and the quality. If you have not eaten Ethiopian food before, you should give this a try! You will be back for more!!

Always constantly excellent!

By Bob L |

I love this place and take all of my out of town friends here! Make sure they are familiar with th cuisine as the full effect can come on strong!

Very crowded . . . a bit "rustic" for my taste.

By Kathy C |

Having never had Ethiopian food, I can't comment on how well the dishes were prepared. However, I loved my dinner. The spiciness of the food was amazing without being too "hot." The inera bread was so-so. It had a funky texture. The chicken "nibs" were great. I certainly want to go again and try some more entrees. We also had a bottle of Ethiopian wine. Who knew? It was a bit sweet but I enjoyed it!

FABULOUS! BEST Ethiopian ever!

By A C |

Easy parking, Very nice and helpful staff. The vegan plate is beyond words. TRY IT! For meat eaters and those in your party afraid of ethnic cuisine, lamb sandwich. Oh yeah!!

Sooo good

By cmcmillar |

This place is excellent. The food is tasty, and it's a cool environment -- but it's always insanely busy, so try to get there early or go late.

Mmmmmm

By norar906 |

The food is really fresh and different. Great for vegetarians. The staff and owner are very helpful describing the different options available. If you have never eaten Ethiopian food this is a great place to start.

Not my thing

By SeattleDoc2010 |

Large, friendly, Ethiopian restaurant with reasonable ambience and lots of people. In full disclosure, I am no expert on Ethiopian cuisine, but I thought it should be more spicy. My tibs was kind of bland. They offer paying extra for something to make the food hotter, so maybe I didn’t order correctly.

If you love to eat no matter what you are, STOP HERE!

By CWright |

They have great cuisine for all taste buds from meat eaters to vegans. Try everything on the menu. Who they have as a chef has been very consistent over the past 4 years that I have been a customer. I could go months without eating here and come back to the same level of taste, customer service, and quality.

Thee BEST Food and Service

By kayem3354 |

We loved the food. We had two appetizers and we shared a platter of meats and injera with all the trappings. Everything was amazing. Outside seating was perfect and relaxing. Loved the music. Felt like we were having lunch at a relative’s house. Made me want to visit Ethiopia. Wonderful. Must try if you’ve never been. Don’t be afraid. The waiter will help you order. Really enjoyed ourselves. Planning to return. We were treated like family.

Great ethnic food!

By Sharon L |

This restaurant is a favorite for its tasty dinners. The menu explains how to order and you really can’t go wrong here. The people are friendly and the service is good

Spicy, exotic and satisfying!

By morta |

We'd heard about this place, and checked it out for lunch one day. Love at first bite! We usually share my order of the vegetarian platter, a colorful mosaic of salads and curry-like stews, and the kifto (spicy ground meat, cooked to taste). Kifto, in our case, very rare, is perfect for chili/meat lovers. The variety of the vegetarian sampler, spread out on injera, means lunch is never boring! We tried Desta once by evening, and found the lively atmosphere a little too loud for our taste, but at noon, it's perfection. And checking with Atlanta taxi drivers, majority Ethiopian, confirms Desta's reputation as the best!

Good food and atmosphere

By Thomas B |

I have eaten here for about 5 years and have never had a bad meal or experience. We normally get the lamb with veggies and a bottle of wine. Normally I like the outside patio because the inside can be a little crowded.

overall good food, big portions and good service

By 0504Traveller |

we were in the mood for ethiopian and had heard good things about Desta so went to try it out. we ordered the beef sambusa and the vegan platter. the sambusa was good and the sauce accompanying was really spicy. the vegan platter was plentiful and had a variety of options including lentils, beets, cabbage, spinach, tomatoes and others along with injera bread. the food was plentiful and the flavors good. overall good food, big portions and good service

Below average experience

By Rajeev |

We ate at the restaurant on Sunday because my daughter loves the injera bread. We have eaten here a few times before. In the beginning we were thrilled to eat this food, but as we kept going there we realized that the food has absolutely no flavor. We ordered, lamb, chicken and a mushroom dish, and believe me when I say this, all the three entrees were SIMILAR in taste, nothing unique at all. Even the color (red gravy) was the same. I am not an expert on Ethiopian cuisine, but I and my daughters are foodies, and I am surprised that this cuisine lacks spices (not heat), to flavor the food. The food is unique since it is from a different continent, but I bet the authentic Ethiopian food is much more that the bogus food Desta serves. We will keep eating Ethiopian food, but will look for another restaurant, for sure. Desta is a complete disappointment.

We will be back!

By Orange Bug |

Ethiopian novices. Really enjoyed the chicken, filet and lamb tibs were very good. Gomen (collards) was excellent. Cabbage good. Service was good and staff very polite and helpful. First experience was extremely enjoyable.

Lived up to the recommendations

By Thomas C |

I’ve had several friends recommend this restaurant and it is very good. Also this is the first Ethiopian restaurant that I’ve been to. Quick service and great quality. The tibs shrimp dish is excellent! Will go back, there is a lot to try there. This is one of 3 restaurants at Emory point that is worth visiting.

It's still great

By ColumbiaMDPercolate |

I haven't eaten there since the beginning of the pandemic. I noticed a few additions to the menu since I was last there. It was too cold to eat outside but it wasn't that crowded initially. However, as the noon hour approached it got crowded and unfortunately, noisier. The food was excellent as usual and I tried one of their new additions (mushroom tips) along with their tomato salad.

Fun evening, good food

By Pamela L |

A party of four celebrated a friend's birthday at Desta Ethiopian Kitchen. We dined family style. The food was good. The service was excellent even though it was a Saturday night and the restaurant was full to the brim and hopping.

Great takeout!

By Bluelake8213 |

Visiting my kids in Atlanta and this is one of their favorite places to eat . We split the lamb , steak and salmon platters . It was all great and it was all takeout .

First time eating Ethiopian, and it was very good.

By MiteshP |

This is a new location across the road from the CDC at Emory Point. The seating area is not very large. We were the first customers of the day, service was frienldy, and the food came out fairly fast. As a first timer and vegetarian, I ordered the Vegan Platter (13 items) to get a sampling of everything (very filling). Off course I do not know how each dish is supposed to taste, but everything tasted very good to me. No complaints, but nothing that made me think it was outstanding. Nine of the 13 items were cold, I am guessing that is the way they are supposed to be. Only the bottom four items in my photo were warm. I will go back but will try other dishes. The Vegan Platter ($13.50) was a little to much food for lunch.

Something different from the ordinary !

By juiceboxx |

Let's start with the good. The restaurant was very noticeable from the main street which is clarmont which is plus. Next the restaurant was very busy and a 35-minute wait which is not bad on a Saturday. A very quite little place with a lot of pizzazz, and home love feel.. (which means small but and controllable). Decor very open and controlled not everywhere. Food was very Different and good. It had a lot of flavor not bland at all. The spicy dishes I love, we had lamb, salmon, chicken, and steak with rice, and stew potatoes with cabbage with they homemade bread. Oh! forgot they delicious egg rolls it's a must have. The honey white wine was also delicious. Now the boo's part lol. It's not that bad it's just there parking situation and waiting seating area. The cars are at the door and not enough parking and when you come in, you have to walk past the people get your name on the list and stand in the face while they sit and you stand or stand outside or in your car or the bar if it's not full. Over all a great experience and a great way to end the night. I'll go back anytime..

Best in City

By Janet S |

Desta is the best Ethiopian food in Atlanta!! The atmosphere is amazing and the food is perfectly seasoned. The staff is great and the customer service is top notch. They also have a South African wine which is everything. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Excellent During COVID

By adscram14 |

Excellent precautions taken during COVID and stellar food make for an easy 5 stars. As far as COVID precautions go, I ordered online via ChowNow for pickup. Once I got to the restaurant, they had clear signage pointing me towards the online order line, and I noticed ample curbside spots for phone orders as well. Once I got to the window, I had my food in about a minute. No other cars, no delays, everyone had masks on (correctly), and I got to enjoy the free smells of Ethiopian food wafting through the parking lot. I got ribeye tibs and the potato stew. Both had tons of flavor, and while I did find a small bone and some fatty pieces of steak in my portion, the steak was soft, the sauce light and had a slight kick, and the veggies were a nice touch. Potato stew was super tasty as well. They gave me plenty of injera which was solid, though not my favorite bread. Absolutely nothing to complain about here. I'd go back in a heartbeat and appreciate how seriously they are taking this pandemic.

Wonderful food and hospitality

By Cassie R |

This was the first time our family had ever tried Ethiopian and our waitress was wonderful explaining the menu and offering suggestions for my little ones. We had the meat lovers platter with shrimp, chicken, and ribeye and it was delicious! Well seasoned and spiced and even my 5 year old loved it! We ordered sambusa as well which were also savory and spicy and so good! Don’t forget to order coffee! Cute atmosphere with lots of outdoor seating and very friendly staff.

Interesting flavors

By mootooaj |

We arrived late afternoon and there were quite a few people there. However we were able to find a place to sit. Two in our group ordered vegetarian platter while one went with sautéed lamb dish. The waitress was very friendly and explained the menu really well. The menu is extensive and we did require understanding of their menu items and spices used. The food arrived pretty quickly and looked good. The waitress had explained that the vegetarian platter has both spicy and non spicy item. My husband preferred his all spicy whereas I preferred some non spicy. Spicy meant the level of heat in the food using hot peppers. Well apparently the waitress must have given me my husband's platter since all items were too hot (spicy) for me. My husband said his was not spicy. Furthermore, the vegetarian platter has many varieties of vegetables prepared various ways. They never explained what was what. I couldn't even find the waitress to ask her since they were not available. I was disappointed with my food and couldn't eat it. My husband liked his as did my mother. The lamb was stir fried and was delicious. Everything was served with Ethiopian bread that was good. Later, as we were leaving I went over to another couple to chat with them and they had ordered fish and chicken. They could not tell what was what due to the spices. I believe the servers need to make sure they give the right dish to the right person and tell everyone what is being served. After all the spices overpower the meat/vegetables.

Delicious Ethiopian fgood.

By Diana Maria Z |

This is always my go to when my husband and I want to go out for dinner but don't know where to go--we have never been disappointed here! Service is great and food is delicious. One of the few places completely worth waiting for!

Dinner w hubby

By Margarista |

Sambusa was great w the ground beef. Crispy w a nice spicy sauce. Lamb tibs yummy w injera and collards. Short ribs were tasty, not a very large portion. My Chardonnay was less than fresh. Should have gone to bar to order or gotten a bottle. We left at 6:45 on a Friday night and the line was out of the door. So make sure to get there early. We will be back. Excellent service.

"Awesome food and courteous staff"

By ivalex2017 |

Desta is always consistent. The food is always great and the staff is attentive to your needs and specific requests. Everyone that I've introduced to this restaurant loves it.

First time for Ethiopian food

By Kim A |

This place is wonderful. We had never had Ethiopian food before and wanted something new so we gave it a shot and we are so glad we did. Food is served family style for the whole table. We had a lamb dish and it is all served with injera to scoop the food up. Wonderful atmosphere and our server was more than happy to explain what food was like. Well worth a visit

Heavenly!!

By rgarg_23 |

We went on mothers day so they were extra busy. We had to wait in line but have to say that it was so worth it. We got the veggie platter and it was so flavorful. I also got the GF injera and it tasted amazing. The servers were very friendly and very efficient . Would recommend the Ethiopian coffee but ask for some extra milk on the side as it is strong :)

Ethiopian Cuisine Adventure

By Faith Wilkins |

It had been a while since I had indulged in Ethiopian Cuisine. Dinner with my friend was delicious Not too much of a wait and were able to enjoy our meal and have a conversation not too loud or crowded just a perfect place to meet a friend The portions are generous and I was able to take the rest of my meal to go Service was exceptional and the food delicious

No Dora Wat??!!

By Loretta S |

The restaurant was crowded and loud but the waitress handled well our table of 6. The food that was served was tasty, but was not served in a traditional fashion (with the wat on a bed of injerra) and I was really shocked that dora wat was NOT on the menu. Having lived in Addis Ababa for a few years in my youth I crave injerra ba wat frequently. I will go to a more traditional restaurant next time to get my "fix".

Desta is the Ethiopian experience in Atlanta

By adjoman |

I've had good Ethiopian in Atlanta, DC and other cities. Desta is one of the best. I frequent the salmon gored gored.

Repeat visit, just as good as previously!

By ErnestFromBaltimore |

This is becoming the one restaurant that I make a point of going to each time I am in Atlanta. This time I took my son (who had been here before and loved it just as much as I did) and his college room mates. All of us just LOVED this place. Simple but truly excellent food and very friendly service. Keep up the good work, I will see you next time I'm in Atlanta!

Best Ethiopian in Atlanta

By Ashraf H |

Love this place. Great authentic food, get ready to eat with your hands. Servers are super helpful to explain how the menu works. The meat lovers plate gives great variety to try a few things and will have leftovers for two people. If you're brave, the kifto wrap (beef tartar) served rare in tortilla is so delicious. Great spice, heat and flavor!

Nice in all regards!

By sparrish5 |

A nice first for me (have not been to Ethiopian place before). If I lived nearby, I'd be back soon. Loved the spring rolls.

Always a treat when we are in ATL!

By SanL |

This was my 5th visit and it was delicious and is consistently a great experience. We had a party of 6, which 2 were newbies to Ethiopian Cusine. They loved it. Downstairs seating is pretty tight, so they offered to seat us upstairs which was much more comfortable and not as loud. Our Server TG was very patient, kind and very efficient. She is a gem! Thank you TG!

Delicious Ethiopian food in a family setting

By Gayle V |

Desta is great for couples or larger families. They also have a drive up window and a patio for sunny weather. The food was delicious. For 4 adults, we ordered the meat lovers platter with 3 different meats. We chose lamb, ribeye and chicken. We added goden (ribs) to the platter. It came with 3 sides which was plenty for the four of us. With drinks and samosa the bill was around $78 plus tip.