E'Njoni Cafe Reviews

Parking is limited to curbsides around the restaurant. Our dishes came after just a short wait--which was great because we were really hungry! The injera (ethiopian bread/pancake) seems to be a hybrid of t'ef and something else (as opposed to t'ef alone) so it wasn't as sour as we're used to, but it's good for an introduction to Ethiopian food if you're new to it. A few of the wots (viands) are toned down; some are definitely American in taste, but they do go nicely with the injera :) The beef wot is commendable. There was a buffet set-up at the far end of the restaurant, but it apparently only available on certain days. Probably have to check with them in advance. There were a few desserts available (which is a nice surprise since there's actually no such thing as an Ethiopian dessert) so we finished with a generous serving of tiramisu. I can't really rate E'Njoni's against other restaurants in the area because this is the only one we visited, but it is probably a good place to start if you wan to try Ethiopian food.

This was an awesome little Ethiopian cafe with the nicest service imaginable. Our waitress was very helpful in helping us order exactly what we wanted. And the food was amazing with hearty portions.

I accidently stopped by this restaurant and authentic Ethiopian food experience was good. Ambience here is pretty enjoyable too, but little bit problem with the service -there was only one person covering the whole restaurant table -.

By far, the best Ethiopian restaurant in Portland!. The food was magnificent especially their vegetarian combo. The decor was fabulous & the staff was always friendly & helpful. Prices are within the price-range of other Ethiopian restaurants in America. I used to dine there a lot & it never ever disappointed me. If you're ever in the mood for Ethiopian cuisine, go to E'njoni Cafe & when you're done with your meal, you can visit the famous Portlandia feminist bookstore that's only three blocks away from this restaurant!

We arrived at 4:15 Sunday afternoon, starving since we hadn't had lunch. We were pleasantly surprised to find they have a buffet on Sundays. $15 for 20 dishes - 1 beef, 1 chicken, several veggie stews, 2 lentil stews, 2 soups, salads and of course injera. Our favorites were the beef stew and the green beans with carrots, but all dishes were quite flavorful. Of the soups, I preferred the peanut yam and my daughter preferred the lentil. Usually we just have water with the meal, but we splurged on beverages, too. The eastern African chai tea was unusual, very interesting flavor. We enjoyed it most at the end of the meal. The spices were wonderful, but it isn't the best thing right after spicy dishes - hot spicy tea after hot spicy stew kinda kicks the spice into high gear. My husband enjoyed authentic Ethiopian coffee, and the fourth member of our party (the novice) really enjoyed her chai latte. One down side of having the buffet is you don't get the traditional presentation - the large injera platter in the center of the table with all the stews. We had a novice with us, so this was probably a good way to introduce her to the food in a more familiar setting (plates! forks!). We also spent more than we needed, since one or two combination plates would have been plenty of food, with maybe some to take home. Still, it was nice to have the full spectrum of choices that the buffet offers, so I recommend it if you really like to try a bit of everything.

I enjoyed the food and the service at E'Njoni Restaurant . The food is delicious and It is a place to go back again. Thank You for the services and Hospitality.

We've been twice and loved it both times. We got the combo platter. One combo will feed two people easily. This makes dinner very economical!

Located in a non-descript neighborhood and building, it is easy to miss this restaurant however don't. The food is very good. In my opinion, the buffet is the "way to go".

One of our family traditions is to let the birthday honoree choose either the restaurant of his or her choice or the home-cooked meal of their choice. This evening a group of us went to E'Njoni Cafe for a birthday dinner chosen because the honoree wanted some place with some of Marrakesh's menu without the belly dancing. The restaurant has mostly tables for four and two tables for six, one of which suited us very well. The sturdy wooden chairs had comfortable, leather padding. Ethiopian is one of my least favorite ethnic foods but my order of fried tilapia with rice and plantain was unusually tasty and at the upper limit of my hot/spicy tolerance. The others in the group ordered the ten-vegetable platter and other chicken dishes that were served on one large platter. I can't attest to the flavor of those selections as I did not try them. The two young children of the honoree tried the offerings but said the seasonings were too spicy for them. One drained a whole glass of water and was still panting. The honoree ended up taking home a nearly full container of leftovers since the children hardly ate anything. Unlike sushi where the individual determines how much wasabi to ingest (if any), the spicy dishes were seemingly made for people who really like their food that way. The owner or manager gave us a sample of the multiple spices sprinkled on the tilapia and noted that the intensity could be reduced by half. That would be my option were I to go there again. The ambience was fine. Good service too. The $$ estimate was about right as our bill came to $81 for four adults including tip. For the same amount of money, that is a lot of dim sum; but then it was not my turn to choose.

E'Njoni is simply delicious and easily contends for best Ethiopian food between San Francisco and Seattle. We dined with eight people, four adults and four children ranging in ages from 3 - 11. The food is truly magnificent - carefully prepared, served hot and priced well. We had the Vegetarian Feast + two side meat dishes - served communally with two baskets of rolled injera and the falafel plate and fried plantains. Everything is made from scratch and you can taste the difference. The food was well liked by everyone - adults and kids alike. The 3 yo ate falafel, pita, hummus, injera, lentils and stewed beef. We ordered the food moderately spicy and the spice was barely noticeable. The interior of the restaurant is warm, welcoming and clean. There is generally only one server on Sunday mornings, until about 2 pm - so if you go during that time, service can be a little slower than normal. That was not a problem for us because we were talking and visiting with our friends. The appetizers came out quickly! If you are looking for excellent food served with warmth in a real Portland establishment - this is the place. No Portlandia nonsense here - just straight up great food in a great spot. The restaurant was packed with an incredibly diverse clientele - this place is keeping it real in Portland.

What a great way to be introduced to Ethiopian food. Friends in Portland brought us here since they visit this restaurant often. I really enjoyed the buffet because it allowed me to try several meat and vegetable dishes without going to the regular menu. The food on the buffet was in small "crockpots" so it was refreshed and freshly made through the evening. This was just a comfortable, low-key place with singles, couples, families. Our server was absolutely lovely. So glad this was the restaurant choice of the evening!

E'Njoni is one of our favorite restaurants! We drive across town just to satisfy our cravings. Our favorite dishes include the vegetarian combo... their beet dish is a must for this combo. And the Doro Tibs (chicken and onions in special spices) is fabulous. All are served on fresh and scrumptious injera bread. But if you prefer, rice is available as a substitute for the injera. E'Njoni offers a wide selection of meals and side dishes and the owners and staff provide great service.

Linda and I located this restaurant early this winter. I haven't eaten that much Ethiopian food, but I am now. The food is excellently prepared and so good. Be sure and try this cafe.

I liked my spicy chicken but would have preffered it more saucy like my friend's beef...i had a side of split peas that were good...you can get your entree with injera (a spongy bread) or rice...it comes with cold lentils which i wish were warm...i had a hibiscus pineapple uced tea that was tasty and tropical...nice african art atmosphere but wish there was african music playing probably noy going back but thats more because i am not a huge ethnic food person...if i was, id come back and try another dish

I've never had Ethiopian before so I can't say too much for its authenticity. However, from what I could tell, everything was hand made and made to order. The food was warm and full of flavor and the service was phenomenal. Can't wait to go back!

The vegetarian platter was awesome! Luckily we went as a big group so we could try out all 10 of the options across 2 platters. The 10 dishes dont really overlap in taste so it is a great experience to try out the different dishes. Prices were reasonable. They also serve some Mediterranean food but will have to try that another time. The service was excellent and they were happy to answer questions on the food/culture etc in Ethiopia.

Friendly owners with fabulously fresh brunch on Sundays. Delicious vegan vegetarian and meat options. Excellent Ethiopian brunch experience!