Restaurants

One of London’s older Ethiopian restaurants, the thoroughly enjoyable Lalibela has long been a fixture on the map for Ethiopian expats and Europeans who appreciate the Horn of Africa’s traditional cuisine. The decor – embracing old photographs of Emperor Haile Selassie, examples of national costume and wall friezes of the Queen of Sheba story – errs on the heavy side; this can feel more like an ethnographic museum than a restaurant. But the food holds its own. Our awaze tibs (sautéed lamb) and tsom bayentu (a melange of vegetarian food), ritually deposited in small piles on a sourdough base, were fresh, tasty and promptly served. Made from a mix of grains, rather than the classic, hard-to-locate tef, the injera is less sour in flavour than it should be, but that’s par for the course in London. Food is served on traditional low tables, and diners ordering coffee at the end can luxuriate in the extended Ethiopian ceremony. Set across two storeys, Lalibela offers a quieter and more relaxed experience than some of its smaller rivals. A ground-floor alcove allows privacy for larger groups.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009