The Spicy Ethiopian

5 (466 reviews )
$$
Restaurant
Kerbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
On-site services
+(16)

About The Spicy Ethiopian

The Spicy Ethiopian is a restaurant located at 175 Queen St E, Toronto, specializing in Ethiopian cuisine with a price range of $20–30. The menu features a variety of shareable plates, including vegan and meat options, that highlight traditional flavors accompanied by injera bread and house-made sauces. Customers often note the generous portions and diverse selection of lentil and vegetable dishes.

The restaurant is recognized for its cozy and warmly decorated interior, creating an inviting atmosphere with dim lighting and culturally rich decor. Reviewers consistently mention attentive and friendly service, as well as an overall comfortable dining environment suitable for groups or intimate meals. The combination of authentic flavors, thoughtful presentation, and a welcoming ambiance makes it a recommended spot for those new to Ethiopian food as well as seasoned diners.

Reviews (466) 5

  • Aayushi Jha
    Mar 13,2026

    I love ethiopian food so much it’s insane. Spicy Ethiopian offers a wonderful expierence especially with there shareable plates. Being able to eat with my hands and enjoy the variety of lentil and vegetable dishes with the injera was an amazing expierence. Life is about exploring flavours and new things while being grounded and rooted. The restaurant itself is really cozy and has a homey vibe and nice mood lighting. Would reccomend this if you’re trying ethiopian food for the first time. Also tastes eerily similar to north indian dishes

  • Nasrin Amin
    Mar 13,2026

    Highly recommend this Ethiopian place. We got the Vegan Sample Platter, Beef Tips and Kitfo to share between two people and we had enough leftovers to take home. The food and service were both great.

  • Melat Getu
    Mar 13,2026

    The food was of course delicious but I absolutely love the atmosphere and experience! The restaurant is so beautifully decorated every corner has a little piece of history! Our favourite dish was the meat platter!

  • Bambi
    Mar 13,2026

    Finally tried The Spicy Ethiopian after months of having it saved. I’m so glad that I did. I ordered the vegan platter, which was such a joy to eat, with the variety to try—some spicy, vegetal, rich, hearty. The portion is quite filling. I highly recommend the vegan platter to everyone. I think that the atmosphere is perfect for date night: cozy, dimly warm ambience, beautifully decorated, and flowers at all tables.

  • Kahraman Koprulu
    Mar 13,2026

    Really loved this place. The food was super delicious and full of flavor. The staff were friendly and respectful, and the whole vibe felt warm and cosy. The beautiful decor made it even better. Definitely coming back.

  • Lovlyn Andawey
    Mar 13,2026

    This is such a hidden gem. For anyone who has never tried Ethiopian food, and are curious, then give this spot a visit and bring your friends. We were a group of 3 and tried the meat platter, and Cha Cha tibs (a.k.a. pan-fried lamb ribs). Everything was delicious! And the service was so genuine warm and friendly! The lower level was, colorful, cozy, and charming. Felt like we were in someone's home living/dining space. Overall, this was a wonderful find and I hope you get to discover it too!

  • Paul Zapotochny
    Mar 13,2026

    Had a lunch earlier today. What a cozy place, great decor. Service was friendly, and our server answered any questions we had about spices and dishes with a pleasant smile. Food had some nice heat. Lazied and ate for a good 1.5 hours. We will be back.

  • Simarjot Sidhu
    Mar 13,2026

    A fantastic new Ethiopian restaurant, full of charm and soul! The staff were wonderful! So welcoming, helpful, and genuinely kind. The menu has an amazing selection, and everything we tried was outstanding. The vegan platter was excellent, and the meat platter and doro tibs were incredible, we keep wanting to come back for more! The injera and lentils were absolutely amazing, pairs perfectly together. And we were welcomed with crispy injera bread and house-made hot sauces to start, as well as extra injira during our meal. We also tried some traditional drinks (can’t remember the names!). One made with sunflower seeds and another with flaxseed, both unique and delicious. The ambiance is beautiful and warm. I truly hope to see this restaurant thrive. Highly recommend!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of dishes can I expect at The Spicy Ethiopian?

    You'll find delicious Ethiopian plates like vegan and meat platters, spicy lentil and vegetable dishes, and traditional injera to share and enjoy.

  • Do I need to make a reservation or can I just walk in?

    The restaurant accepts reservations, but walk-ins are also welcome depending on availability.

  • What dining options are available at The Spicy Ethiopian?

    You can choose to dine in, get takeaway, or use their kerbside pickup and delivery services.

  • What is the atmosphere like at the restaurant?

    The Spicy Ethiopian has a cozy, warm vibe with beautiful décor and dim lighting, perfect for date nights or casual gatherings.

  • Is parking available and what payment methods are accepted?

    Yes, there is paid street parking and a wheelchair-accessible car park; they accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

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