The food was delicious although the atmosphere and decor was a bit stark. They had a large bottle of Tej which is a honey based mead. I have had before and it was usually naturally carbonated. This Tej was not carbonated, which was a bit strange for me. For those of you who have never visited an Ethiopian restaurant you should be prepared to eat with your right hand picking up food with the enjerra, a sour dough bread that also serves as a plate and served rolled as an edible napkin. I recommend this restaurant for all except for a romantic meal that is because of the bright lights. Also, save room for the Italian dessert menu and an espresso made with Ethiopian coffee.

Great food at a great value. The vegan platter was worth writing home about.

If you like Ethiopian, go.

This new Ethiopian restaurant is a most welcome addition to the Maryland dining scene. If you crave Ethiopian food and don't want to travel from Maryland to DC, Sheba is your spot.

Sheba offers fresh, flavorful cooking at extremely reasonable prices. If your party is small, the combination plates offer the opportunity to try the greatest variety of foods. As of mid-January 2013, vegan, vegetarian, meat and chicken combination plates are offered. Ask for *both* the sit-down and carry-out menus to see everything. As well, the carry-out menu offers vegetarian side dishes that are not listed on the sit-down menu, so ask for both menus to maximize your choices.

We loved:
--The broccoli appetizer, tender and cooked with oil, garlic, and hot pepper. No, we aren't vegetarians and don't normally rave about broccoli, but this dish is delicious.
--The vegetarian sampler, which included collards, cabbage, spiced lentils, puréed yellow beans and spicy eggplant. All of the dishes were savory, and the selections offer an excellent contrast ranging from mild to spicy.
--The doro wat (chicken stew) and the beef stew, both spicy and both excellent.

Vegetarians and vegans should welcome Sheba, due to the number of interesting vegetable dishes. So should natural food enthusiasts-- the produce is fresh and hand-chopped daily. There is also plenty for carnivores to appreciate.

One tip from the owner: if you would like to sample all-teff injera (the spongy,pancake-like bread that is an Ethiopian staple), call at least one day in advance. This gluten-free injera cannot be made in advance, as the teff will not keep. Hence, it must be reserved. That said, an upswing in demand could bring this gluten-free treat to the menu full-time. If you are a gluten-free diner, Sheba could be an excellent option for you if you arrange in advance for the all-teff injera. (The 'regular' injera served at Sheba, which is extremely good, combines teff and flour.)

If you are interested in flavorful, fresh and interesting Ethiopian cuisine on the Maryland side of the Potomac, visit Sheba. Carnivores and natural food enthusiasts will find much to enjoy, as will vegans, vegetarians and (with the advance order of all-teff injera) those who want a gluten-free dining option. And everyone will appreciate the reasonable pricing found here: great value!