Restaurants

With walls the colour of an African sunset and the sounds of uptempo Ethio-pop mingling with the buzz of expat and local diners, Addis brings more than a ray of light to King’s Cross. It is the only Ethiopian restaurant in central London, and offers a generous selection of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. Diners are seated at western-style tables or traditional mesobs(woven tables with near-floor seating); if you fail to book at weekends, you may have no option but to sit at the latter. Service is friendly but slow, giving you more than enough time between ordering and eating to have a couple of Batis (Ethiopian beer). The charcoal-grilled lamb kebab was delicately spiced and tender, while yetesom beyaynetu (chickpeas, cabbage and carrots, served with fresh injera or pitta) was a delicious mini-platter perfect for vegetarians. We suggest you take advantage of the weekday lunch offer (£1 off any dish) to try something a bit different, such as the Horn of Africa favourite fuul (fava beans with feta and falafel), or for the intrepid, dulet (spiced lamb innards).

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009