It could have been just the gloomy day when I went to Semhar, but the neighborhood is really a little bit grim. Do not let it turn you off though, as Semhar serves wonderful African cousine. I was a little disappointed by the fact that they would not do big mix-plates of things, which I am used to at other Ethiopian restaurants, but the dish that I was served was perfectly delicious and left no room for criticism. I have not yet experienced the other African restaurants in Amsterdam, but this one is definitely worth a visit.

We walked a fair distance from our hotel to find this recommended eaterie. We were not disappointed. Had several coconut beers and the huge platter. We are visiting Amsterdam again in Feb 2012 and will definitely be returning.

Not in the centre, but an easy walk thogh the Jordaan. I have the fish based option which I think was about 16 euro and my partner a meaty one. The food came on a huge tray which was lined with the spongey pnakeas which you use to eat the food with your hands. It wasa ll delicious and despite being peopel who tend not to leave a single morsel on the plate, we struggled to finish it! I washed my meal down with a mango beer which was absolutley delicious too. Service was efficent and the food arrived promptly

On our first night in Amsterdam we were unsure of where to eat and came upon Semhar on Trip Advisor. I've had amazing Ethiopian food before, but not for a while so was really looking forward to it, and hoping it would be good! The restaurant was slightly off the beaten path, but definitely worth the diversion. Once we entered, we already knew we had made the right decision. The smell that hit us as soon as we walked through the door made our mouths water. The waitress was extremely friendly and helpful with any questions we had. The menu is very simple, with few choices, but I felt that was a welcome change so long as the quality was good. It seemed like they knew what they did best, and stuck with that. We don't eat meat so our choice was even smaller, but it wasn't a problem at all. We ordered a mixed plate for two with an extra fish dish added. The man who delivered the large plate from the kitchen placed it in front of us like he was presenting us his masterpiece, he seemed so proud. And as he should be! The food was absolutely wonderful and more than enough for both of us. Lots of veg and spices on wonderful Injera (Ethiopian sourdough pancake-like bread) that we scooped up with our hands. I enjoyed every bite. AND, the Ethiopian coffee was some of the best coffee we had ever tasted. When in Amsterdam, this is one place I will DEFINITELY visit again.

I'm not an expert on Ethiopian food but this place blew my mind. The wait staff were very friendly (though maybe a little reserved at first), the food was phenomenal and extremely well priced considering how much you get. Order a combo plate for however many of you are there, it's e17 pp or something, and in minutes a large ceramic bowl/plate thingy will come to the table draped with delicious cold sourdough pancake-like things which in turn are dotted with piles of meats and veggies spiced in all different interesting ways and stewed to perfection!

Not great before dancing all night though! This stuff is legume heavy, so you may feel a little bloated afterwards. Enjoy!