The Abyssinian
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The Abyssinian
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
African, Ethiopian
Meal types
Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Is this an Ethiopian restaurant?
Order delivery
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 5:30 PM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Contribute
4.6
114 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
38
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Susan C
Melbourne1535 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
We quite enjoyed our meal at The Abyssinian. Even though they were short-staffed the night we dined, the service was still speedy and very friendly. We dined outside but the restaurant interior had a very rich interesting decor that reflected the ethnicity of the food.
We had the chef's platter which included meat, vegetable, chicken and fish dishes served on injera, the slightly sour flat bread. We were thus able to sample many of the other meals available and had Ades (green lentils), Shiro (chickpeas), Dubba (pumpkin), Dorho Kulwha(chicken), Zighini (lamb), Goat, Asa Kulwha (fish) and a rocket salad. It was a nice introduction to what was available and all were tasty. We dipped the bread in the containers but other diners recommended pouring the contents onto the bread.
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scientist22
Melbourne29 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
Fantastic food and really friendly service. We have been going there regularly for 12 years. My daughter insists on celebrating every birthday, every occasion by coming here for dinner.
Jonathan and his crew make you feel special. In addition to food they have wonderful tea and Ethiopian coffee
Written December 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ajr_ta
Yarra Glen5 contributions
Jul 2019 • none
Excellent Ethiopian food, friendly staff, warm atmosphere. Food is very generous and fantastic value at around $25 a head. You can order a la carte or a vegetable or meat platter for groups.
Written June 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nilintentum_reliquit
Melbourne2560 contributions
Nov 2021 • friends
Return visit did not disappoint. Jonathan has not lost any of his natural charm and the food was exceptional. The sharing entrees and main plate makes it an enjoyable experience. Plenty of variety to suit all tastes, the goat and the fish in rich sauce were sensational standouts.
Thanks for the vote if you found this review helpful.
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nilintentum_reliquit
Melbourne2560 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
The mixed meat platter accompanied by the soft blanket injera bread was simply sensational. Goat, marinated chicken, fish and lightly spiced lamb along with beans, lentils and pumpkin was an absolute treat. Terrific, friendly service just added to the whole experience. Highly recommended.
Thanks for the vote if you found this review helpful
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMMills
Bendigo37 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
The meal was a wonderful dining experience. Great food, great ambiance; good service; reasonable price. Well worth travelling to Melbourne to enjoy the meal with a friend. It's not a big restaurant - I would recommend that you book ahead. You can see the menu on line. Close to a railway station.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TwoSheds57
Melbourne8898 contributions
Sep 2023 • friends
Really nice food. My companion and I enjoyed it all - a variety of meats, pulses, vegetables and salad. And all encased in the traditional bread. Utterly delicious
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheNuttyNomad
Phuket3 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
The Abyssinian Ethiopian restaurant is a true treasure for those seeking great value and mouthwatering food in a peanut-free environment. As someone with a peanut allergy, finding a safe dining spot can be a challenge, but here, it was an absolute win. The warm and inviting ambiance, coupled with friendly and attentive staff, made for a delightful experience. The Ethiopian specialties were a burst of authentic flavours, and the peanut-free assurance on the menu made for a very relaxing dining experience. From the traditional injera bread to the flavourful stews and meats, every dish was a treat. The Abyssinian Ethiopian restaurant is a must-visit for both allergy-conscious diners and food enthusiasts looking for a fantastic dining adventure. Can't wait to go back!
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohammad C
Melbourne33 contributions
Apr 2022 • family
Amazing, authentic and tasty Ethiopian and Horn of Africa food, great and friendly service and reasonable prices. Highly recommended.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirk M
19 contributions
Jan 2022 • family
I rarely wrights reviews because. I'm not great at gramma.
However. When I say something..its gospel.
We arrived early, and I had booked. In fairness I thought it would be a major restraunt and that was necessary.
It was! See ..
When I arrived it seemed like any other small restraunt on a Suburban street. Just surviving, and competing with neighbours.
I felt that I'd gone to too much effort for this new place, when I could have just parked a car? I mean 3 guys sitting out front didn't even eat?
Yet...it was more than that...
We had a reserved spot the staff knew us. The obviously knew just how busy it would be! Yet. They smashed it.
The food? 100% There is no question. The Service? 100%.
The ONLY THING...I could criticise?????
It deserves to be a MUCH BIGGER RESTRAUNT!
Please. Enjoy.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mobydick59
Broadbeach123 contributions
Dec 2020 • friends
Fantastic night on the 23 of Dec 2020 thanks to the so welcoming and smiling Jonathan and the beautiful food. We were there a group of 7 to celebrate my son's birthday (one of his favourite restaurant) For a lot of us it was our first time experience with Ethiopian food so they choose the chef's platter..Soooo delicious ...The meat was so tender the flavours were new and delicate.We will be back for sure And please Jonathan don't change you are terrific..And By the way Happy New year 2021❤️❤️❤️
Fantastic night on the 23 of Dec 2020 thanks to the so welcoming and smiling Jonathan and the beautiful food. We were there a group of 7 to celebrate my son's birthday (one of his favourite restaurant) For a lot of us it was our first time experience with Ethiopian food so they choose the chef's platter..Soooo delicious ...The meat was so tender the flavours were new and delicate.We will be back for sure And please Jonathan don't change you are terrific..And By the way Happy New year 2021❤️❤️❤️
Written December 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alan c
Williamstown26 contributions
Oct 2019 • none
family and friends event.
From memory we all took chefs platters for 2. $40 per plate vegan or $50 meat/fish/poultry served on Injera bread.
Great tastes. very filling.
In fact a number were not able to finish.
well worth more visits.
Written October 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusanB131313
43 contributions
Oct 2019 • none
We went here the other night and I tried the vegan platter, and the other 3 had the mixed meats platter. Firstly, the staff were so friendly. We had a wonderful waiter who was very efficient and polite, and had the best smile. Plus on top of that the food was amazing. Fresh, tasty, and a good variety on both of the platters. We live 40km on the other side of town, but we will definitely travel to go there again. Loved it
Written October 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunkot
Sydney11 contributions
Jul 2019 • friends
The vegetarian platter was very good. A bit dissapointed with the goat curry, however everything else was great. Be prepared to eat with hand ( it adds to the taste).
Written July 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrisTravel1
Brisbane57 contributions
Jun 2019 • friends
Went in a small group of 5 on a Fri evening. Menu looks great but settled for the chef's platter with variety of 7-8 ingredients served over flat bread on a large platter. The combination was quite spicy & delicious. Dipping our fingers into the food amongst friends was quite an experience. We found the flat bread was going soggy & falling apart after a short while which made it impossible to scoop up the food. Got to a point were some of us gave up as we were literally scooping up beans or sauce with our fingers alone.
It also became a bit messy trying to serve wine with only a few paper napkins to wipe our hands.
The menu seems to be more interesting than the shared tasting platter. Would try the individual dishes next time.
Service was good_nothing special.
Written June 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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