Your first visit, made easy
Ethiopian dining is generous, colorful and communal. Here is everything you need to feel comfortable before your first bite.
Start with a sampler
A sampler lets the table compare several dishes at once. It is ideal when you are curious or dining with a group.
Choose your heat
Some dishes are mild and aromatic; others use berbere for deep, warming spice. Ask the team to guide you.
Share the center
Dishes arrive over injera on a shared platter. Tear a piece, scoop a bite and work your way around the table.
Bread, utensil and the best last bite.
Injera is a soft, pleasantly tangy flatbread. It lines the platter, holds the dishes and absorbs their sauces as the meal continues.
Use a small torn piece to pick up food. Silverware is available, but eating with injera is part of the experience. Many guests save the sauce-soaked layer beneath the dishes for the end.
Order by mood.
Plant-based
Try shiro, misir wet, kik alicha, gomen and ingudai tibs in a vegetable sampler.
Mild and comforting
Look for alicha dishes, yellow split peas, greens and gently seasoned lamb or chicken.
Bold and spicy
Choose doro kay wet, misir wet or tibs wet for deeper berbere flavor.
Classic experience
Order a mixed sampler and finish with Ethiopian coffee prepared in a jebena.
Vegan and gluten-free-friendly choices.
Mesob’s vegetable entrées are vegan. Gluten-free injera is available with at least four hours’ notice. Guests with allergies should always speak directly with the restaurant about ingredients and cross-contact.
Before you arrive.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Mesob’s active booking service is TableAgent.
Can I bring wine or beer?
Yes. Mesob is BYOB and can provide glasses.
Can I ask for mild food?
Yes. Several dishes are naturally mild, and many tibs preparations can be ordered mild, medium or spicy.
Do I have to eat with my hands?
No. Eating with injera is traditional and fun, but silverware is available.
Is the restaurant suitable for children?
Yes. The shared format and “eat with your hands” experience can be especially enjoyable for families.