Walia Ethiopian Restaurant

The best Ethiopian food right here in South Orange at Walia restaurant. Food from the heart!
Loved all vegetarian option - lentils too good. Cabbage and potato were delicious snd samboosa and mushrooms were divine! My favorite was surprisingly tofu in coconut sauce and shrimp in tomato sauce … it was just the right number of people to create a great vibe.
Restaurant owner loves to serve and the hospitality of this place goes a long way.

Gluten free injera and incredible stews/sides! Got take out and ate in the little park right next door, so food was super fresh. Hard to find Ethiopian food in our area of NY, so this was an absolute treat. Felt confident with the kitchen and their GF preparation.

This is a cute little place. We arrived around 4pm and had no problem finding a table for 5 (4 adults and a baby). We ordered two meat combos for two, it was delicious and everybody enjoyed it and had enough food. We did waited longer than usual for the dishes to arrive but it was totally worth it. Staff was friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this place.

Had a great 1st time experience at Walia. Neither my partner nor myself have ever had Ethiopian food, yet I am a very curious person. We visited Walia's on May 24th, and the place was empty. This was great because we were able to talk to the waitress a bit. I explained we were new and didn't want to try anything too spicy. We were guided in our decision and chose the lamb and chicken. We also had a mushroom appetizer. I do not remember the specific names of the dishes, but we were pleased! Eating with our hands was an intimate experience. I remembered something about feeding the person next to you as a sign of love and / or respect, and we enjoyed this practice. I had some of their spice tea and this was very nice. The place was flooded within 30 mins of sitting down, yet the owner, who's the cook and the waitress, took very good care of us. I look forward to returning sometime in the near future 💜

My first experience here wasn't the best because of the waiter we had but the food is so good, I've gone back numerous time and, thankfully, have been met with better service.

If it's your first time trying Ethiopian food (as it was mine, my first time here), the combo for the 2 is a great place to start. That way, you get to taste difference dishes. You also get plenty of food.

During my first visit, my friend and I got the Kay Watt, Doro Tibs, Minchet Abish Kay Watt, Yabege Kay Watt (I think) with String Beans & Carrots and Cabbage & Carrots

We didn't love the Yabege Kay Watt (I think). That is the meat with yellow color to it.

When I've gone back, I always get the and 2nd serving of the Minchet Abish Kay Watt (my favorite) along with 2 other meats.

I'll say this about one restaurant, and one restaurant only...This is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE restaurant! Moreover, this is my daughter's and wife's favorite too, which is astounding, since none of us agree on anything ever!
Ethiopian food was new to us 15 years ago. Since then, we've tried a bunch. Truth be told, I loved every one. But Walia is in a league of it's! The food is beyond words! Atmosphere is simple, but pleasant (part of the charm). And the staff and the owner in particular as as warm and friendly as your grandma would be if you stopped by her house on a Sunday!
We stick to the vegetarian dishes only, and every single one of them are incredible! Very hard to pick just 4 or 5!
Unless you're daring, request it mild!

Had dinner with a friend our first time there went on a Thursday night, food was amazing didn't disappoint . It's BYOB
So paired dinner with red wine🍷
Nice cozy spot I might add.
Parking in back.

Is aways a pleasure come to this place. Food is aways amazing. The server was great. And the best thing: they allow you to bring you own wine. Thank you guys. You are amazing!!!

Excellent service Camile answered all of our questions as this was only our 2nd time trying Ethiopian cuisine. Spiced Ice Tea was so good, Camile melted some sugar so it would dissolve better in an iced drink :). We had the Inguday Tibs - spicy sauteed 🍄 so good I would have gone vegetarian :D. Meat combination for 2 which is 4 meats and 2 veggies. Kat Watt (cubed beef in berbere sauce), Minchet Abish Kay Watt (minced beef), Yesega Alicha Watt (cubed beef with potatoes) and Yebeg Kay Watt (lamb) with String Beans & Carrots and Lentils all served over Injera Bread with extras on the side. Everything was delicious! I've tried Ethiopian cuisine in Manhattan at the restaurant that was touted to be the best Ethiopian restaurant in the TriState but didn't really enjoy... Walia was 100x better and highly recommend if your 1st time trying Ethiopian cuisine.

This was actually my second visit to Walia and it was just as I remembered it - great food and friendly, attentive staff. The injera bread is tender & flavorful and all the entrees were well seasoned & delicious. Walia is a great restaurant to go to if you love Ethiopian food or want to give it a try.

I hadn't had Ethiopian food in a very long time. Walia came recommended and I was completely knocked out. I chose the Kitfo (mildly spicy steak tartare) and the two sides (carrots/green beans and lentils) were just sweet enough to add a wonderful balance to the spice. Farm fresh mild cheese was a nice touch too, esp paired with the Kitfo. And the slightly sour injera had a fantastic texture. In all this was a wonderful experience. BYOB.

Good food, extremely pricey.

First time ever having Ethopian food and I plan on having it again. Its extremely different from West African food but still great and light. We walked in and on Saturday I'm sure they get packed since they had reserved table when I went. However, the staff is extremely friendly and answers any questions. I will definitely be back.

First time trying Ethiopian cuisine!! It’s super delicious and special🤤🤤🤤The staff is also very friendly, just ask for recommendations if you have no idea how to order👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

If you love Ethiopian food, or if you don't know what Ethiopian food is, you should try this place. This place is a gem in a South Orange village laden with American stile restaurants and college student hangouts. The only thing is, make a reservation! This place is packed on a Friday night, but that's because the food, staff and atmosphere are superb.

Amazing food, amazing staff. Extremely welcoming. We came here for my birthday and they were nothing but nice the whole entire time. They even sang happy birthday!

Excellent ethiopian restaurant. I've been here few times and I was never disappointed. Good service, great prices and BYOB. Highly recommended. Parking can be a bit difficult on weekends.
Addendum after 3 years. Take-out only for the pandemic, still excellent!

Even though they were busy, I was seated without a reservation.
Staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.
The food was delicious! Try the vegetarian meal for two. I have been here twice. Parking is easy. Will return.

The entrance is handicapped accessible but no idea about the bathroom.

I got the vegetarian meal for two, and omg did we devour the food or what!!! Loved the food! & the lady who served us was very polite.

This place is great. Amazing food and service. Do yourself a favor and go try the delicious dishes. Staff are extremely knowledgeable and make great recommendations, friendly and welcoming too👏. I recommend for everyone. I would like to come back here again and again!