This simple outdoor restaurant receives high marks from locals, expats and tourists alike for its quality Ethiopian fare. The yetsom beyaynetu (variety of fasting foods) is perfect for vegetarians, while yedoro arosto (roast chicken) and gored gored (raw, cubed and unmarinated meat) or tere sega (raw meat) assuage carnivorous cravings. Half the neighbourhood comes here for an afternoon drink. After dark, take a taxi to and from the door.
Elsa Restaurant
Addis Ababa
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.88 MILES
Set within Haile Selassie’s former palace, and surrounded by the beautiful gardens and fountains of the university’s main campus, is the enthralling…
2.23 MILES
The collection on show at the National Museum is ranked among the most important in sub-Saharan Africa, but sadly many of its exhibits are poorly labelled…
'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum
1.29 MILES
‘As if I bore them all in one night, they slew them in a single night.’ These were the words spoken by the mother of four teenage children all killed on…
2.67 MILES
Commissioned by Emperor Menelik II to commemorate his stunning 1896 defeat of the Italians in Adwa, and dedicated to St George (Ethiopia’s patron saint),…
1.64 MILES
This massive and ornate cathedral is the second-most important place of worship in Ethiopia (ranking behind the Old Church of St Mary of Zion in Aksum)…
2.91 MILES
The Washa Mikael Church is a few kilometres east of Addis Ababa's town centre. Though local priests date it back to the 3rd century AD, it most probably…
3.25 MILES
Wading into the market chaos known as Merkato, just west of Addis' centre, can be as rewarding as it is exasperating. You may find the most eloquent aroma…
1.95 MILES
Long the symbol of Ethiopia’s monarchy, the Lion of Judah is ubiquitous throughout the country – and although images of the almighty animal abound in…
Nearby Addis Ababa attractions
1.22 MILES
Built in 1961 by Emperor Haile Selassie, Africa Hall (near Meskal Sq) is the seat of the UN’s Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The Italian-designed…
1.29 MILES
Despite only being founded on Addis' centenary in 1986, the Addis Ababa Museum is the city’s scruffiest museum. That said, perusing candid portraits of…
4. 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum
1.29 MILES
‘As if I bore them all in one night, they slew them in a single night.’ These were the words spoken by the mother of four teenage children all killed on…
1.44 MILES
The Bete Maryam Mausoleum is located just south of Menelik’s palace and offers what could be an enchantingly eerie experience for travellers (were it not…
1.47 MILES
This is where the Ethiopian president lives. Don't even think of taking a photo.
1.64 MILES
Facing the entrance to the Holy Trinity Cathedral is the tomb of the famous British suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst. Pankhurst was one of the very few people…
1.64 MILES
This massive and ornate cathedral is the second-most important place of worship in Ethiopia (ranking behind the Old Church of St Mary of Zion in Aksum)…