From what the people say who have dined there, it is a unique and thoroughly fine dining experience. We present authentic dishes, in a unique atmosphere.
The majority of our menu is both gluten free and vegan.
HIGHLIGHT
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
This special after-dinner treat is a traditional, leisurely ceremony. It begins with the roasting of green ethiopian coffee beans in the kitchen. The smoking pan of aromatic beans is then brought to your table to thrill your senses. The coffee is served from a jebena (clay pot) and poured into sinis (small traditional coffee cups), while we burn frankincense at your table. This is served with ambasha, a pan-cooked Ethiopian bread.
Welcoming eatery offering Ethiopian fare & many vegetarian options, plus traditional coffee service. Based on 470 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.7 stars. Price $$
Address:
6125 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
Phone: (216) 391-9400
Website:
Social Profile: 
Menu
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Reviews
Fiona Gowan
This restaurant has such a homely feel. It was our first time trying Ethiopian food and based on this experience we’re all looking at eating at more Ethiopian restaurants. Our server explained the menu and made great suggestions for us and the kids. The food was served hot and it was delicious. It’s not fancy and I’m not sure if that’s just how restaurants in Cleveland are since this was our first time there but I loved how it felt like we were outside of the country and perhaps in Ethiopia. Would definitely go back again.
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Manny Suarez
I am from out of town, so I can only visit once a year, but this is absolutely a necessary visit when I’m in town. From the moment you open the door, you’re welcomed by tantalizing smells. The staff is very friendly and courteous. The cooks are absolutely amazing! I would recommend everything on the menu, but be sure to complete your meal with the coffee ceremony for a treat for all senses.
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Kristina Coleman
Loved it! We ordered one of the combination dinners – it was enough to easily feed 3 people. Service was wonderful – quick and professional! If we are in Cleveland again, we would definitely come back!
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Lyle in progress
Made reservations as per website suggestion and was glad I did. They were packed! But we didn’t have to wait for our table.
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mubashir quadri
Tried Ethiopian Cuisine for the first time and I must say I am mighty impressed. Picked a place with a 4.5 rating and that had plenty of Vegetarian and Vegan options to choose from. The ambiance at Empress Taytu was perfect for date, the service was very good and the food was pretty awesome. We tried the Veggie Combination Starter : 4 lentil sambusas, Ayib, Gomen and ambasha bread and then for main course we had a Vegetable Combination Entree a combination of five vegetable dishes: kik (yellow split pea), misir (lentils), gomen (collards), tikil gomen,(cabbage), and kai’sir (beets & potatoes). Finally for Dessert we tried the Taytu Cake : Homemade cupcake served warm with ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce#DateNight#Dinner#EthiopianCuisine#EmpressTaytu#YummyInMyTummy
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CHRISTOPHER THOMAS
I’m disappointed in the amount the food now cost plus the fact I ordered a vegetable combination thinking it has five sides as their website states but no beets and potatoes. For $22.50 compared to the original $16.50, no thank you. You need to update your website and menus. As a business small or large what’s printed is what needs to be honored and respected.
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Chelsea Richards
So delicious, everything that we ordered was great. Server was awesome, great vibes all around. I didn’t know lentils could taste that good. 10/10 will be back again.
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Chili Nelson
The experience is unlike anything you can get anywhere else! The style of eating is communal. Everyone shares of the same big plate and what’s really special, is the coffee ceremony. They bring out the beans as they’re roasting them and let you smell them before they take them back to brew. It’s worth the visit.
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Adil Sharag-Eldin
Empress Taytu is one of the best ethnic restaurants in Northeast Ohio. The food is of exquisite quality and value. The ambiance is exotic and unique. However, the best thing about the place is the genuine hospitality of the owners and the servers. We enjoy the Tips and Kitfo (raw). Lovers of excellent vegetarian meals are at home in Ethiopian restaurants. It is highly recommended to adventurers and aficionados, and foodies of all ages.
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Unbound Faith
Great Great Great Service!
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