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Hours
Sun
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Mon
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tue
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wed
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thu
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Fri
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sat
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
African, Ethiopian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
features
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
About
This is one of DC's many Eritrean restaurants, but it tends to be overlooked by the better publicized and established Ethiopian community in the city. It's a small place, but offers a fantastic dishes, coffee, and service. There is no review on TripAdvisor for this restaurant (there is one on Yelp!).
CUISINES
African, Ethiopian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
314 reviews
Excellent
220
Very good
75
Average
16
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Shannon1997
Southport26 contributions
Mar 2023 • family
Wonder family owned restaurant with extremely limited seating. Service was great. Very casual but excellent food. Our waitress was very patient with our one daughter who is extremely picky and not open to trying ethnic foods. Make it a priority to dine at this casual gem.
Written March 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamal H
Waco71 contributions
Feb 2024 • solo
I stopped at Keren Restaurant as it was not too far of a walk from the hotel I was staying at.
The wait staff were all friendly and efficient and it took no time at all to get seated.
I ordered the special beef Tibsi with injera which came with a side of Shiro (chickpea stew) and a side salad of lettuce and tomatoes. The side salad was fine and the tomatoes and lettuce were fresh although I do object to the usage of a sour vinaigrette as the injera was already sour. The injera was good but I'm not too good with sour foods so I wasn't a huge fan but the Tibsi was great, the meat was cooked well and the seasoning with the berbere spice was excellent. The Shiro was good as well.
For the value, I think it's a worthwhile stop to try an interesting ethnic cuisine.
Written February 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlexanderD
Jackson5743 contributions
Jun 2023 • family
We had one night in DC. This is where we chose to go. It was a great call. The reviews and ratings are all correct: This is an amazing place at a ridiculously good value.
We showed up on a Wednesday at about 7:30 and got the last table available. While we were there, we noticed quick turn around of tables. No one seemed to have to wait for more than a few minutes to sit. I imagine there is more of a wait on weekends. There is seating for about 20-24 people.
Service = A+. Our waitress was awesome and food came out with bewildering speed. The lady that was managing everything was sweet as can be, too.
Food = A+. I don’t eat Ethiopian food enough, but when I do I am in heaven. I love the flavors and the experience so much.
Value = A+. It was $23 for the platter with beef and it was more than enough to feed two adults and a hungry teenage girl.
We were all blown away by this incredible, wonderful gem of a place. Go there, even if you only have one night in DC.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin M
Ogunquit174 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
We dined at lots of great places in DC during our week-long vacation, and this was by far my favorite. It's a small, nondescript space in need of some updating, but it's also the kind of place where you think mom or grandma might be in the kitchen preparing the food. When we got a peek into the kitchen that suspicion was confirmed. The food was SO good - expertly prepared with perfect seasoning balance. It was also plentiful, and very well-priced. The service was warm and friendly. This is not a fancy place, but for a casual breakfast or lunch you won't find anything better. First on my list when we come back to DC.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alisha W
Madison10 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
We called about 20 minutes before closing to ensure they could accommodate our party of 6. Not only did they encourage us to come in, the staff all were warm and welcoming and made our dinner so delicious and special. EVERYTHING was fire, and amazing. The customer service and food was so great, we went back 2 days later for breakfast. The portions are huge, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. I can’t recommend this place highly enough. The trip here is very worth it.
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Omarimore
Baltimore7 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
Service was great, staff was friendly and food was served in a very short period of time. It was my family's first time trying East African food and Keren was the best spot to do so! It was really the highlight of our day and for sure a meal we won't forget any time soon. The food was exquisite.
Written June 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sugah-n-Pops
Hope Mills1500 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Found Keren while searching trip advisor looking for a place to eat. I am glad it did. The food was really good and plentiful. I had never tried Ethiopian food before, so this was all new to me. The place is very small and dated so be patient if you arrive during a rush. My server was pleasant and understands, like I said this was my first time. I would recommend this place. As you may know parking in the area can be a real task.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FrankT
New Orleans5 contributions
Apr 2020 • none
Good food, not expensive. Tried their Keren special, almost everyone gets some version of that. Definitely recommend checking this place out.
On the flip side, the wait can be long as it’s a small place. Ambience is ok at best, place stinks sometimes
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean-Claude P
Paris27 contributions
Jun 2023 • friends
Authentic East African cuisine that pleases! Dibs (grilled meat), Shiro and tilapia all were fantastic! Just the right amount of spice and packed with flavor. Nice selections on the vegan/vegetarian side. Service was spotty, place was busy. Atmosphere could use a freshen up.
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
desertmidwife
Phoenix347 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
3 stars service, 4 for food. I think I was expecting to be really blown away from the reviews so maybe my bar was too high going in. Delicious and satisfying, service was not great but i think it was due to just one person serving but … not great. I had to keep getting up to ask for things. It’s not a big place but fine if you avoid busy times. I would return :)
Written November 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ella G
11 contributions
Aug 2023 • family
Exactly the place to go if you're looking for delicious Eritrean food in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward G
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • friends
Outstanding authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Friendly staff. Small dining area so usually a wait (worth it) for a table. A wonderful experience.
Written June 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill S
San Diego56 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
Everything was superb. From the service and charm, to the copious amounts of the most delicious food. This restaurant in Adams Morgan needs to be on everyone’s list who enjoys flavorful food!
Written April 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brett J
Casper17 contributions
Jan 2023 • none
Rated #6 restaurant in DC right now, and it's clear why. Nice choice in menu items and delightful tastes!
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anson3000
82 contributions
Nov 2022 • family
Small restaurant near Adams Morgan area. Standard choices, all well done. Warm, pleasant service. Lentils were particularly good.
Written November 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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