Elfegne, a charming Ethiopian restaurant located in the heart of Washington, DC, has captured the attention of locals and visitors alike through its vibrant atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Diners rave about the Vegetarian Combo, which offers a delightful array of flavors, reflecting a commitment to traditional recipes. As Asmina Woldu noted, the Ethiopian honey wine serves as a sweet contrast to the spice of the dishes, making for a refreshing pairing.
Customer reviews praise the meal combinations, with standout mentions of collard greens, cottage cheese, and flavorful meats. First-time guests like Oleg Skripnik felt a warm sense of familiarity with the flavors, evoking memories of home-cooked meals despite being a world apart. The atmosphere, enhanced by Ethiopian art and decor, adds a special touch, as highlighted by Keith Blackwell, who enjoyed the eclectic neighborhood vibe.
The service at Elfegne also receives acclaim for its professionalism and enthusiasm, further elevating the dining experience. Despite minor concerns such as parking and slight delays during busy periods, the overall sentiment reflects a passion for exceptional food and shared moments. Each review showcases why Elfegne has earned accolades such as the Washington 100 Best Restaurants Award, inviting food lovers to explore their culinary offerings. For anyone seeking an unforgettable Ethiopian adventure, Elfegne is a must-visit.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid street parking
Difficult to find a space
Photos
Reviews For Elfegne
Asmina Woldu
Jun 11,2025
The Vegetarian Combo offered a fantastic variety of flavors, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to authentic recipes. Don't miss out on their Ethiopian honey wine, which provides a sweet and refreshing contrast to the spicy dishes.
Fredy R
May 8,2025
Service was excellent and the food was delicious! The combination of collard greens, cottage cheese and beef was tasty with a slightly spicy finish!
Oleg Skripnik
May 7,2025
It was my first time eating Ethiopian food, and it was so good. When coming to America I really wanted to try something that I can’t find in my part of the world, and this was an amazing choice. The food tasted so familiar, despite being so different. It was very warming and tasty, the meats and the veggies were perfectly spiced and stewed, and worked so well with the teff bread. Cottage cheese from the Ethiopia tasted exactly the same as the cottage cheese from Latvia, and stewed Ethiopian vegetables tasted like something my grandma would make. All food tasted very homemade, warming, and very tasty. Also, the honey lemonade was very good.
kemila yimer
Apr 20,2025
I still remember the day my husband and I visited **Elefign Ethiopian Restaurant** with our best friends, who had raved about this place. It turned into one of those special moments that I’ll cherish forever. From the moment we arrived in the vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood, the welcoming atmosphere set the tone for a fantastic evening. The food was simply delicious—each authentic dish was bursting with flavor, and we loved sharing different plates, savoring every bite together. What made the experience even more memorable was the outstanding service. The staff was not only professional but genuinely enthusiastic about the menu, helping us navigate our choices with great recommendations. It was clear why Elefign has received accolades like the **Washington 100 Best Restaurants Award** and recognition from Michelin. If you’re looking for a place that combines amazing food with exceptional service, Elefign is a must-visit. That day with friends will always hold a special place in my heart.
Keith Blackwell
Apr 18,2025
MARCH 2025: The family extended our spring break vacation just so that we could visit the pandas at the zoo and visit the African American Museum. We checked into the Line Hotel and walked around to enjoy the eclectic neighborhood, which houses a blend of everything from restaurants and bars to bookstores and grocery stores. The restaurants seem to be super DEI and have a variety of cuisines from different nationalities. The Ethiopian restaurant caught my eye, and I convinced the family to try it, which was not difficult due to the number of people going in and out. We ordered the taste of Elfegne platter, 2 lamb dishes, and 3 alcoholic beverages, which were all very good. The total cost was approximately 118 before tips. Needless to say that we all ate our fill. PROS: * The restaurant decor is kinda cool and has some Ethiopian art on the walls. * The restaurant was clean. When I washed my hands in the bathroom, everything was clean there, which is a good sign. * The food was amazing and flavorful. Upon entry, we were greeted with a quite flagrant aroma that let us know that we were getting the "real deal." Everyone was given bread that was like a 24" pancake that you could tear and use to grab the food. My 6 year old toddler, who is a picky eater, gobbled up her portions to my surprise. * The patrons were diverse. People from all backgrounds, young and old, came in to dine. That is major for them to have non-Ethipoian people, primarily non-melanated people, dine there. * The mixed drinks were potent and reasonably priced. I know my limits and had to stop at one. CONS: * There is not any street side parking. * The service was a little slow as we waited 20 minutes to receive the food. To their credit, it had gotten extremely busy when we arrived. The food was cooked to order, and that was the cost of exquisite cuisine. SUMMARY: I would definitely return.
Madison Ree
Apr 1,2025
Really delicious Ethiopian food. The 10 options veggie combo is a pretty good deal for two if that's your kind of thing. This spot would be very nice for a date. The people are friendly, the food is terrific, and the atmosphere very pleasant.
Tewodros Derbe
Mar 26,2025
I had the most amazing experience savoring Ethiopian cuisine, where the rich, bold flavors of dishes like Shiro Wat and gomen paired perfectly with the tangy, spongy Injera, served in a warm and vibrant atmosphere that made the meal feel like a celebration of culture and community.
A C
Mar 21,2025
The BEST ETHIOPIAN FOOD IN DC! 10/10! There is something for everyone here. We drive all the way here from Maryland almost every week for our feel of delicious traditionally prepared Ethiopian food. I don’t eat meat so I opt for the vegetarian platter, always AMAZING. My husband is a meat eater and he always gets the Goden Tibs. He says it’s tender and always very WELL SEASONED. The samosas are crispy and delicious as well. The customer service is spectacular, they make us feel not like customers, but like family. Look no further and do not think twice! Elfegne is THE BEST!!
Reviews For Elfegne