One of the best parts of living in a place like Cleveland is the easy access to international eats, especially when it comes to foods you've never tried before. If you've never tried Eritrean cuisine before, you'll want to step into a world where the aroma of exotic spices dances through the air and every bite tells a story of tradition and culture. Nestled in Kamm's Corners in Cleveland, Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant invites diners on a culinary journey that will take your taste buds on an international adventure unfolding 7,000 miles from home. With its vibrant ambiance and mouthwatering dishes, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable dining experience that transports guests to the heart of East Africa.

At first glance, the first thing you'll probably notice about Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant is the abundance of color.

In this case, looks aren't deceiving. If you've never had Ethiopian or Eritrean cuisine, you're in for a colorful world of flavor. But there's a deeper story here... in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Eritrean–Ethiopian War humbled two unique East African countries. Habesha is a word that nods to the unified people that span both countries, sharing traditions despite political borders keeping them separate.

Once you step inside Habesha, you'll get to know the story of this unique Cleveland restaurant.

The three owners of Habesha are all immigrants, and finding unity together here in Cleveland is just a small piece of the magic behind the restaurant's story. Truly, at the core, it's a distinctly human tale about how distance and borders may separate us, but the breaking of bread has the power to bring people together. Food unites people, and the food at Habesha is meant to be shared.

One of the culinary stars at Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant is injera, a bread-based dish topped with all sorts of goodies.

While it looks a bit like a pancake, injera is made from a fermented batter and has a distinct flavor. It's often served with meats and veggies piled on top, and it's a dish that is meant to be shared.

Rolled pieces of injera bread are served alongside the bigger flatbread, and they allow diners to dig in without getting their fingers dirty.

In a way, these rolled pieces of bread are like edible silverware. They're the perfect way to scoop up portions of the entree and dig in!

Of course, there's also familiar dishes like samosas awaiting diners.

I love a good crispy, flaky samosa, and Habesha does it right. While these are also a perfectly sharable dish, you might just want to order your own plate to be safe... they're likely to go fast!

After every meal, a coffee ceremony allows you to relax and unwind.

Many cultures around the world enjoy coffee after a big meal, especially dinner. It's a tradition I really enjoy... an opportunity to kick back and relax while your food digests. Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant offers delicious, freshly-brewed coffee that's served with a stunning presentation.

If this is your first visit to Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant, let yourself unwind and take in the colorful artwork.

Looking around, hand-painted elements and cute knickknacks greet visitors. While there's an abundance of art, it's spread out, so the restaurant never feels stuffy or crowded.

This certainly won't be your last visit to this Kamm's Corners restaurant... it's seriously that good!

The restaurant, which opened in the midst of the global pandemic in 2020, survived a tumultuous period and managed to amass a loyal following despite the uncertainty in the world. If that doesn't speak to how delicious their options are, check out the photos on the Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant Facebook page to let your imagination tempt your taste buds. Colorful, flavorful, and unabashedly bold, it's easy to see where tradition meets innovation in every dish.

Don't be afraid to order takeout after your coffee ceremony. You won't regret it!

I'm of the opinion that if the food is good, you might as well grab a to-go order. It'll be just as good as a snack later!

There's so much to love about Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant in Cleveland.

Look for it at 16860 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44111.

From the food to the colorful ambiance, Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant in Cleveland is always a hit. It's located in a strip mall with parking right out front, so it's easy to get to. After just one visit, you'll be planning your next one!

If the coffee ceremony has you inspired to relax and take it easy, you might love a trip down Valley Parkway. The leisurely pace and gorgeous windshield views simply can't be beat!