Two Maryland restaurants have earned recognition on Eater DC’s list of the “Best Ethiopian Restaurants Around DC,” underscoring the strength of the region’s Ethiopian dining scene and the continued impact of family-owned establishments.
Beteseb Restaurant, located at 8201 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, has become a staple in the local dining community and is frequently cited as one of the top Ethiopian restaurants in the region. The family-owned restaurant is praised for its authentic flavors, vibrant atmosphere, and consistently high-quality service.
The dining room offers a casual yet refined setting that is spacious and filled with natural light. Guests often describe the environment as cozy and welcoming, with a clean, modern aesthetic paired with traditional elements such as background music and occasional live performances.
One of the most recommended menu items is the Veggie Combo, a colorful platter that includes lentils, chickpeas, collard greens, and cabbage. Meat dishes are also standouts, particularly the Derek Tibs, featuring sautéed beef cooked dry, and the Special Beef Kitfo, served with homemade cheese and gomen.
A frequently mentioned highlight is Beteseb’s injera, which is noted for its flavor and texture. The restaurant also offers a 100 percent teff, gluten-free injera option. Guests often complement their meals with imported Ethiopian beers and wines or finish with the traditional coffee service, which is roasted on-site and sometimes infused with cardamom.
Shagga Coffee & Restaurant, located at 6040 Baltimore Avenue in Hyattsville, also earned a spot on the list. Established in 2009 by chef Kelem Lemu, the family-owned restaurant has grown into a neighborhood favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere and approachable Ethiopian cuisine.
The space is often described as cozy and intimate, with a simple layout that encourages communal dining. Reviewers frequently praise the customer service, noting that staff are attentive and happy to guide diners through the menu and traditional eating style.
Popular dishes include the Doro Wot, a spicy chicken stew served with a boiled egg, and the Lamb Alicha, which offers a milder but richly seasoned option. The Beef Tibbs are a top seller, especially when ordered “derek,” giving the dish a firmer texture and deeper flavor.
Vegetarian diners often gravitate toward the Shagga Veggie Combo, which typically features seven or more plant-based stews such as shiro, misir wot, and gomen. Gluten-free teff injera is available upon request, and the restaurant is also well regarded for its traditional coffee service and selection of Ethiopian wines and beers.
