Addis is authentically Ethiopian and offers not just a meal but an experience – and a very reasonably priced one, too. Don’t expect a knife and fork, though…

The Venue
Addis isn’t the kind of restaurant you would walk into on passing. Just minutes away from Kings Cross, it’s as central as possible, but tucked away amongst a row of semi-dilapidated shops on Caledonian road, its exterior promises nothing. Only a look at the menu might persuade you to enter and try their range of interesting Ethiopian dishes.

On the outside, Addis may be slightly grotty, but inside it is both smart and quirky with a traditional African feel verging only slightly on the thematic. Pictures of Africa and African-style drawings adorn the brown walls, African music plays and traditional wooden artifacts hang in doorways.

The Atmosphere
Service is attentive and friendly but extremely relaxed. Low bongo-style stools and tables at the entrance make an interesting place for a drink whilst waiting for a table, building up to a truly different dining experience.

The Food
Split into beef, lamb, chicken, fish, vegetarian and side dishes, the menu is extensive and, within the realms of Ethiopian cuisine, fairly varied. They all come served with the traditional fermented injera bread. A large dish lined with this pancake-style bread is laid on the table and the individual dishes tipped onto it. Extra bread is served to each diner so that they can scoop up the dishes with it – there are no knives and forks.

Quanta firfir (£7.99) – a dish of dried beef in a spicy sauce – is rich and peppery, the beef chewy but not tough. Dulet (£7.99) – chopped lamb stomach, liver and meat – is succulent and subtly spiced and not at all overpowering despite the staff’s warning that “only Ethipoians usually eat this dish”. Yetesom beyaynetu (£7.95) – a mix of spiced vegetables in a vegetable based sauce - is complexly flavoured and only slightly spicy. A side order of misser wot (£3.25) – a spicy lentil dish – is daal-like in flavour and consistency and delicious eaten with the slightly sour bread. Desserts are less exciting and mostly ice cream based, but frozen nougat (about £3.00) is tasty all the same.

The Drink
As far as authenticity is concerned, an Ethiopian beer is the recommended choice. At under £3 a bottle, it’s good value, too. The drinks list is plumped out with plenty of more familiar beer brands and New World wines, all reasonably priced and available by the glass, but the coffee is what they focus on. It can take up to 40 minutes from ordering, but this due to the traditional way in which it is made. After roasting the whole beans, they are brought to the table for you to enjoy their smoky aroma whilst they cool before being taken back and ground to make the coffee, which is served with a surprise extra – a bowl of popcorn.

The Last Word
Addis offers a different and hugely enjoyable dining experience which is worth trying for the delicious food as well as the opportunity to sample something different.

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