Hirut Restaurant

Top choice in Harar


Decorated with traditional woven baskets and specialising in authentic local cuisine, this is the most atmospheric place in Harar to sink your teeth into a filling kwanta firfir (dried strips of beef rubbed in chilli, butter, salt and berbere) or swill a glass of Gouder wine. It also serves a selection of pizzas, salads and sandwiches.

The choice between the cosy lounge and the well-shaded garden is a difficult one.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Harar attractions

1. Ras Makonnen Statue

0.22 MILES

In the centre of Ras Makonnen Sq stands a rather Italian-looking, equestrian statue of the ras (duke) cast in bronze by the well-known Amhara artist…

2. Selassie Church

0.23 MILES

This church doesn't really deserve a gander, but it's a useful landmark off the main thoroughfare.

3. Smugglers’ Market

0.39 MILES

The Smugglers’ Market is chock-full of counterfeit clothing and electronics (some real stuff, too) from China. Most of it is smuggled in from Somaliland…

4. Recycling Market

0.46 MILES

Near the Shoa Gate Market is the Recycling Market where men repair metal materials and beat scrap into useful utensils. The whole area is undergoing a…

5. Shoa Gate Market

0.57 MILES

Elbow your way through the Shoa Gate Market (also known as the Christian Market) to find etan (incense) from the Jijiga area; it’s used in the famous…

6. Feres Magala

0.79 MILES

The main square is a bustling place with several minor points of interest. Most conspicuous is the monument to those who died fighting against Menelik’s…

7. Old Town

0.79 MILES

Harar’s old walled town (known as Jugal) is a fascinating place that begs exploration. The thick, 5m-high walls running 3.5km around town were erected in…

8. Livestock Market

0.79 MILES

North of Fallana Gate the weekday livestock market features cows, goats and sheep, but no camels – these are sold at Babille.