Merkato, Los Angeles CA

One of my favorite Ethiopean restaurants in town. All dishes are always equally delish. So are all drinks. A must if you are exploring Ethiopean for the very first time. It is a family owned restaurant, a gym of the neighborhood offering not only food but also souvenirs and household items from Ethiopia. It is a locals' hangout. Check it out. You'll love it.

I use to love coming here until I spent over $400 in one month here, just to have the lady mistreat me and spoil my food by drowning the whole platter with oil, but didn’t do it for the other order. It was very heartbreaking and disappointing after the last experience because I wanted to remain a loyal customer before this happened. I have always greeted her and made good conversations, so it makes me wonder what switched.

It was my first time eating Ethiopian food and it was pretty good! The restaurant is clean and culturally decorated. There is a store next to the restaurant where they have African merchandise. The server was attentive and nice. I found out about this restaurant because of the HBO series Insecure, written by Issa Rae. I wanted to experience it because the show kept going there for all 4 seasons, this is where Issa and Molly would meet up.

Great place the coffee is TOO LIVE FOR. THE FOOD THE AROMA takes you to Ethiopia for a moment. This WILL BECOME YOUR GO TO PLACE. Best place to visit for tourists and Los Angelians too. By far the best! Try the Trout dish try the veggies try it all!

Great food for sure, and really flavorful. We ordered family style; which can be a messy as you eat with the bread that is served - we didn't have utensils (didn't ask). Lamb, chicken, beef, and veggie combo was really good. If other people 'digging' in is not your style; order it separately to keep it to yourself.

Service staff was nice and friendly, however they didn't always check in.