Ben Abeba, perched on a hill in Lalibela's rural settlement, enchants diners with its panoramic view of spectacular scenery and its unique architecture. The restaurant's hallmark dish is shepherd's pie, which consists of minced meat covered with mashed potatoes. It comes with fiery Ethiopian flavors for the spice connoisseurs.

The three-course dinner traditionally begins with home-baked bread and dekuse or awaze, a red chili paste popular in Ethiopia. With most dinners costing less than 100 ETB ($4), the reward for excellent service is modest. The casserole is the most costly dish on the menu, but it only costs 153 ETB ($6). Try the carrot cake for dessert.

Address: Sekota Road, Lalībela 10100

Phone: +251 91 102 8953

Kategna is a popular choice among many because of its pleasant atmosphere and impeccable service. The portions are fairly huge, with one meal often serving three people. Doro Wet, a popular Ethiopian chicken stew, is one of the culinary highlights.

Kategna special, priced at 286 ETB ($11), is a fantastic introduction to Ethiopian cuisine for both meat eaters and vegans. In the visually pleasing and very big restaurant, diners can also have Ethiopian coffee served in a coffee pot, as well as popcorn. In Addis Ababa, Kategna has four locations. At the Lafto mall branch, you can get the whole Kategna experience.

Type of food: Ethiopian

Address: Gabon Street, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Phone: +251 911512400

When it comes to burgers and sandwiches in Addis Ababa, Sishu Restaurant is unrivaled. It is frequented by Ethiopian diaspora and foreigners. It isn't the cheapest, with some dishes costing as much as 233 ETB ($9), but the clean service and consistent taste make it a decent investment.

A must-try is the cheesesteak sandwich, which consists of thinly sliced beef grilled with onion, linked together with melted cheese, and served on a hoagie bun slathered with mayonnaise. To satisfy a sweet appetite, the flourless chocolate and raisin carrot are excellent options. Sishu Restaurant is in a warehouse near Kera in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital city.

Type of food: American

Address: Sar Beyt and Kerra, Worke's Promise Building Complex,

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Phone: +251 11 8698535

11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Diners are given the opportunity to not only sample Ethiopia's national meal, but also to learn how to prepare it. The Four Sisters Restaurant, which is located 200 meters from Gondar's historic Fasiledes castle, provides a range of Ethiopian cuisine such as Maheberawi (meat-centric mixed plate) and Beyayenet (vegetarian mixed plate).

The buffet is open all week and includes a delectable fried banana and teff dessert. The white-cheeked turaco, a bird species found exclusively in East Africa, is a rare sighting for diners. If the lively Ethiopian traditional dance Eskesta and a cup of Ethiopian coffee aren't enough to keep nighttime guests warm on the porch, colorful Peruvian ponchos are always available upon request.

Type of food: Japanese, Thai

Address: House# 365 Woreda-03 New Road to Korey, Near Home Depot Circle, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Phone: +251 91 354 9750

Totot Cultural Restaurant, a local's recommendation, is located in a residential area and is known for its kitfo. The restaurant is frequently packed, making parking difficult to come by, but the meal is well worth the wait.

The restaurant is arranged in a traditional manner, and it is full with people who are drinking local beer and mingling with their friends and families. Kitfo is traditionally eaten with injera and various types of ayib, a local cheese that is comparable to cottage cheese and is presented on a banana leaf.

For most people, especially foreigners, the meat is often rather hot, therefore the ayib helps to cool things down. The restaurant is in the Bole sub-city, near to Nexus House, on the circular road that runs between the Bob Marley circle in Gerji and the Megenagna Circle.

Location: Addis Ababa

Phone: +251 11 646 0718

Paradise Lodge is committed to environmental stewardship and has received recognition for its efforts. Diners can choose from a variety of Ethiopian and European selections within an hour's flight away from Addis Ababa.

This restaurant in Arba Minch, which overlooks the forest dividing Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, boasts the best view for travelers exploring Ethiopia's southern regions. The ingredients used at Paradise Lodge come from the lodge's own farm. A fantastic choice to consider is grilled tilapia fish.

Location: Abaya Campus Road, Arba Minch

Phone: +251 46 881 2914

Yilma Restaurant is clearly not for vegetarians, as it only serves meat-centric cuisine. Ethiopians love raw meat, especially during the non-fasting season, hence the location is almost abandoned.

Raw meat servings are ordered in kilograms and served with a small knife for cutting the meat, hot sauces, and injera, or bread. The gas light tibs (finely chopped and cooked meat) is the safest bet for guests who enjoy cooked meals. For foreigners, raw meat might be an acquired taste, therefore be cautious, as it can render diners susceptible to tapeworms.

Location: Adama city and Addis Ababa Bole sub city Near shala park, Yilma Butchery, Addis Ababa

Phone: +251 91 149 0909