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Wien › Wien › Ethiopian Restaurant - Cafe Lalibela
Ethiopian Restaurant - Cafe LalibelaA-Worth Trying
Schulgasse 7, 1180 Wien, Austria
· Ethiopian restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (1276 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Warm, welcoming Ethiopian spot with standout injera and stews, generous hospitality, moderate prices, cash-only; expect occasional waits and mixed views on portion size.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Cafe Lalibela delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality featuring fresh injera and richly spiced stews, paired with outstanding service warmth that creates genuine hospitality. The occasional consistency variations in portions and speed, combined with a modest, functional setting rather than distinctive ambiance, prevent the higher tier. This is authentic Ethiopian comfort dining with loyal following, competitive with Vienna's respected neighborhood restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and welcoming from the first hello, with Ethiopian tunes and the aroma of spices setting an easy rhythm. Guests describe servers as genuinely kind, sometimes offering a complimentary tea, and praise food that "tastes like home." Expect a compact, cozy space that can feel lively when full. Cooking here sticks to tradition: pillowy injera, lentil stews, tibs, kitfo, and doro wot made with clean, bold flavors. It is not fancy, just deeply satisfying Ethiopian comfort—best shared via a mixed platter. Most find prices fair for the quality, though a few mention smaller portions during busy times or inflation. For families, sharing platters and mild stews make this kid-friendly enough. There is no kids menu, but rice can replace injera and staff are accommodating. Note the cash-only policy; bring euros to avoid an ATM run.
At a Glance
- Big-hearted hospitality and welcoming vibe
- Fresh injera and richly spiced stews
- Strong vegan options with shareable platters
- Cash-only; nearby ATM but inconvenient
- Peak-time waits and occasional portion complaints
What Sets It Apart
- authentic_ethiopian_hospitality
- strong_vegan_selection
- neighborhood_coziness
What People Love
- Warm welcomes that feel personal
- Injera that is fresh and bouncy
- Mixed platters that let you try everything
- Honey wine and Ethiopian beer to set the mood
- Authentic flavors praised by Ethiopian diners
Points of Concern
- Cash-only payment; some guests caught off guard
- At peak times, drinks and food can be slow
- A few reports of cold injera or small portions
- Occasional reservation/organizational hiccups reported
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€24-34 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Lalibela Platte to explore; add Doro Wot or Tibs if hungry
- Vegan guests: Beyaynetu Megan plus Shiro for variety
Perfect For
- Casual dinner with friends who like sharing plates
- A comforting meal with bold flavors after sightseeing
- Vegan-friendly group looking for variety
- Low-key date night with lively music
Location Insights
Area: Quiet, residential Währing side street with neighborhood foot traffic; relaxed, local vibe.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit residential district with steady pedestrian activity.
Nearby: Near neighborhood shops and transit on Gersthofer Straße; convenient for locals and visitors nearby.
WähringWähring is a primarily residential district with a calm and green atmosphere, featuring parks and traditional Viennese architecture. The dining scene is modest but includes a variety of casual and ethnic eateries catering to locals and visitors seeking authentic, affordable meals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–23:00
Saturday17:00–23:00
Sunday17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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