Where to start with this place! My family and I had our first experience here about two years ago and it has easily become one of our favorite restaurants. This place feels alive on any given Friday or Saturday night, which is usually when we go. Their playlist includes soulful Caribbean music and Afro Beats. I have heard many of my favorite Bob Marley songs in one visit. They stay open until 12 am on Fridays and Saturdays which is perfect for us because we usually stop by after a day out in Atlanta. The prices are very reasonable and you can access the menu with prices from their website so you can know before you go. (Is that cheap of me? Haha)

They have two floors that are spacious and can easily accommodate just you and your boo or the whole family. I love trying foods of different cultures and saw that Desta had great reviews, so I convinced my family to tag along. We were not disappointed.

If you have never had Ethiopian food, there isn’t another that I can compare it to.  Desta serves traditional Ethiopian cuisine in a modern way. Traditional Ethiopian restaurants may not give silverware unless you ask for it because they use the injera as a “utensil” to eat the food. I love that Desta has a “dictionary” on the menu to help you understand the flavors and consistency of the food you are ordering. Injera is described as a “soft spongy, flatbread with tiny holes and a slightly sour taste”. Their descriptions are very accurate and capture the true essence of the taste. They also have Amharic terms underneath the Desta Dictionary on the menu. I appreciate the way they infuse their language and culture into the menu so those who choose to enjoy their food can get to understand a little bit more about their culture as well.

The Menu

Appetizers

So many delicious options. I have tried the Sambusa with minced beef. The meat is flavorful and the outside layer has a delightful crunch that is soft, yet crispy at the same time.

Entrees

We usually get the Tibs. For your first time I would recommend this as well. You can customize it how you like and add extra spices or ingredients to make it even more delicious!

You choose your meat: lamb, ribeye, filet mignon, chicken, fish, salmon, ground beef, or shrimp! Is your mouth watering yet?

Suggestion: If you love spicy food, get your meat cooked with awaze (spicy red chili paste). I also like to have mine cooked with potatoes.

You then choose a carb: Injera, rice or a variety of breads.

Last you choose your sides. My favorites are Gomen: collard greens steamed with spices, potato stew, Miser: spicy red lentil stew simmered with berbere (cayenne pepper). I love to use the injera to eat the potato stew. Those flavors mix together beautifully.

The spices and seasonings used at Desta Ethiopian Kitchen are top notch and I honestly haven’t tried a Tibs customization that I did not like. They also have a lot of vegetarian and vegan options that are packed with flavor.

If you are of age you should definitely try the Tej (honey wine). It’s not too sweet, but not dry either.

I am usually too full after dinner to try dessert, but they have a large selection on display next to the bar area on the first floor.

I absolutely Desta! Have you or would you try Ethiopian food? Comment below!

Until next time,
Lacadia.