MESKEL ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT: A FAMILY LEGACY IN SEATTLE FOR 30+ YEARS
OUR STORY
For over 30 years, Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant has been a cultural and culinary landmark in Seattle’s Central District — not just for our food, but for the story behind it.
Our mother founded Meskel after immigrating to Seattle from Ethiopia, carrying with her recipes passed down through generations. She believed in creating not just a restaurant, but a second home for those craving the warmth and flavors of traditional Ethiopian cuisine. From injera to kitfo, doro wat to tibs, every dish is made with care — the same way she cooked for her own children.
As a family-owned restaurant, we’ve served countless Seattle families, neighbors, and visitors — all treated like relatives at our table. What began in a converted house has now become a destination for authentic Ethiopian food across the city. We proudly serve guests from neighborhoods like Madrona, south lake union, queen anne, magnolia, madison park, leschi, bellevue, renton, Columbia City, Mount Baker, Capitol Hill, and beyond — including Mercer Island, Laurelhurst, and the entire Greater Seattle area.
Whether you're dining in for the first time or returning with generations of family, we welcome you to experience the spirit of Ethiopia and the love of a family that made this house a home.
“She didn’t just open a restaurant. She created a place where everyone could feel at home — with food that tastes like tradition.”
RECOGNIZED & LOVED
Featured in CNN Travel, The Stranger, and featured as the “Editor’s Pick” by the Seattle Met.
500+ 5-STAR GOOGLE & YELP REVIEWS
RECOMMENDED ON TRIPADVISOR
A HOME FOR ALL
Meskel has become more than a restaurant — it’s a place where generations of Seattle families gather, celebrate, and feel at home. We’re honored to serve a diverse community that spans neighborhoods like Madrona, Mount Baker, Columbia City, Leschi, Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, and beyond. From longtime locals to new neighbors, and families visiting from Mercer Island and Laurelhurst.
our guests know that at Meskel, every meal is served with heart. Whether you’re enjoying a weeknight dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or introducing someone to Ethiopian cuisine for the first time, we welcome you like family — and we always have a seat at the table for you.
Our food is made fresh to order and can be tailored to suit your taste. We proudly offer healthy choices, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. The spices used in our dishes are carefully selected by the owner and imported directly from Ethiopia. We prioritize quality and attention to detail in our ingredients and preparation. At Meskel Ethiopian Restaurant, we take pride in being recognized as the premier destination for Ethiopian cuisine in Seattle.
“Seattle has one of the largest Ethiopian populations in the U.S., and of the many restaurants in Little Addis Ababa, none are as homey as Meskel. After all, it’s in a converted house. The generous main dishes — the gomen be siga (beef ribs and collard greens) and the doro wat (braised chicken) are popular — come with stacks of spongy, filling injera bread.”