Why go: This light-filled newcomer to the area’s Ethiopian-restaurant scene doesn’t tone down its spices. The chef, an alum of Zed’s and Dukem, spikes her dishes with healthy doses of jalapeño, ginger, and garlic.
What to get: Butcha, a fluffy mixture of ground chickpeas and jalapeños; doro wat, a spicy chicken stew redolent of garlic and ginger; kitfo, minced raw beef that comes with a mild house-made cheese; vegetarian sampler with boiled lentils, split peas, potato-and-cabbage salad, gomen (collard greens), and tomato-and-onion salad.
Best for: Big groups who like to share.
Insider tip: Entrées tend to be very large—two people could fill up with a couple of appetizers and one main course.
>> See all 2010 Cheap Eats restaurants here
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
