This place was amazing! The food was excellent, good price, quality and quantity. The service was lovely and the environment was super cozy. Totally recommended!!

Fantastic place, good food, nice people. I´ll always recommend and bring friends.

My go-to and favorite restaurant in Amsterdam! Amazing food cooked and served by the friendliest people.

Service was really good. Attentive, fast and funny. Thank you. We had a great dinner. Big bonus: open late!

An amazing dining experience. If you've never had Ehtiopian food or were just thinking about it, I highly suggest Lalibela. They help ease you into the spice and will take the time to thoroughly explain their dishes. Menu is in both Dutch and English - big plus! Thank you so much!

My favorite Ethiopian food restaurant for many years already. Quality is consistent and it’s a simple yet good restaurant. Definitely one to try if you want to have Ethiopian food

This is definitely my favorite African restaurant, phaps even my favorite in general. I used to come here when i was little, now went again for my 18th birthday and it was just as good as i remember it!

Inviting atmosphere with friendly staff. The food was an amazing experience and we enjoyed every bite we had!!

First time trying Ethiopian food, and I absolutely loved it! Incredibly delicious food, can't wait to go back again.

Suuper delicious food and very warm and friendly service. The pricing was also a happy surprise! Would recommend hundred percent <3

There’s something about this place that I like so much. The family vibe, the food quality… really difficult to put into words. Every now and then I wonder when I’ll be back here to eat and return home happy, and that? Few places achieve that.

Perhaps my favorite Ethiopian restaurant outside of Ethiopian (and I eat Ethiopian in any city that has it!) the mixed vegetarian plate and mixed meat plate is a great place to start. Love the farmers cheese, kitfo, and greens.

Fantastic authentic food and lovely owners. This is a hidden gem of you like Ethiopian food (and who wouldn't?)

Wonderful place with unique atmosphere and great service.

Food was amazing, great atmosphere! Really recommended

First time eating Ethiopian food, and we we're blown away!! Definitely coming back for more :)

I loveeeee Ethiopian food so much and I'm happy I got to have it again! So flavourful and it's fun to share and eat. The lamb and beef dishes are perfect. Love the decor in the restaurant as well!

A wholesome experience ! We were hanging out for the NYE and found this place randomly. It was absolutely delicious, the waitress was really nice ! We also were surprised to find a restaurant actually that cheap in Amsterdam. For two person + drinks we paid less than 30€. Definitely recommended place !

Very tasty! A lot of vegetarian options. Nice employees. Thank you.

Lovely authentic Ethiopian food. Special beers and drinks. Affordable. Friendly service. Deserts need some work though, the choice is poor. So we went somewhere else for desert. We come regularly.

Friendly staff Good price Tasty food Artistic decoration Good experience

Everything we had was delicious. Mango is the best of the fruit beers

Very tasty Ethiopian, great for groups with easy mixed platter options in both vegetarian and meat forms. They also serve a selection of Ethiopian beers. Service was very friendly. Relatively small restaurant, although had some tables free on a Friday evening. Reservations only by telephone. Recommended. If it's your first time for sure order the mixed platter. The minced beef was my favourite.

Dining in restaurant Lalibela brought back sweet memories from our stay in Ethiopia. Food was not as spicy as we expected. For some of good, others (me) hoped for more 🌶️. Service came with a smile, although they kept on forgetting the water. Nice Ethiopian beers. Vibe was good.

DELICIOUS ethiopian food. So fun to eat with (close) friends and family

Incredible food! Comes with a huge bread and sides. We had the cod and the pumpkin, would highly recommend! Full of flavour, not too heavy on the stomach but very satisfying!

We really enjoyed our meal. Delicious. Smiling waiters. Welcoming place. Not expensive. We do advise you to try and love (for sure) !

My wife and I, we went to celebrate our anniversary there and to try out new restaurant in Amsterdam and to add a different cuisine to our tastes. But to our imagination, Ethiopian good came as a surprise and we are delighted that we chose Lalibela as the restaurant for this night. The food is exceptional and the vibe is different from other restaurants in Amsterdam, different in a good way. We ordered 2 vegetarian dishes which come in a big plate that people have to share, which we also loved how this food has to be eaten/taken. We will surely go there again. Highly recommended.

I love this restaurant! Me and my boyfriend go here regularly. The restaurant ambiance is really cool, and the food is always amazing (as is the service). We always bring friends here when they're visiting us. I've seen the restaurant be both fully booked and totally empty, but don't be fooled if it's empty, you won't regret your experience!

Tasty food, clean ambient, nice atmosphere and the staff very friendly, the two ladies that were running the business with very good energy! We loved

Traditional Ethiopian cuisine served with a flair for drama. This is a place where time to enjoy your food is emphasized. Don't expect a quick in and out visit as each order is lovingly prepared from scratch. Since this is traditional Ethiopian food you are also expected to eat the traditional way, meaning with your hands, using the bread as your utensils. Very impressive flavors and assortment of traditional spices bring out the best of African cuisine right here in the Dutch capital. For a few hours you can feel transported out of grey Holland to sunny Africa...

One of the best meals I’ve ever had

Authentic little Ethiopian restaurant with interesting art and decor and instrumental lounge music. The staff are very friendly. The banana beer is refreshing and I had a platter of various Ethiopian dishes. All very tasty. The kitfo was raw meat but the waiter said it wasn't fresh so he cooked it. It was still delicious. The only downside is that the toilets aren't wheelchair accessible. You need to go down the stair. Overall it is a great place for a quick bite with good ambiance!

+3

Quick service and very friendly server! All smiles and good food. Not to expensive either: good value for money. Fruit beers are good too, but very sweet.

I had an incredible experience at Lalibela! The food was absolutely delicious — so flavorful and authentic, it felt like a real taste of Ethiopia in Amsterdam. The injera was soft and perfect, and every dish was cooked with so much care and spice balance. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the service was super friendly. I left feeling happy and full definitely one of the best meals I’ve had in the city. Highly recommended!

Delicious! At first I was a bit underwhelmed by the amount of food we got, but wow was I surprised. I was totally stuffed, in the best of ways. Delicious flavours and a great way to spend an evening with friends. I would also totally recommend the coconut beer!

This is the best Ethiopian restaurant in the Netherlands, and I have tried them all. Very welcoming people, delicious food and fantastic atmosphere.

Very good restaurant with Ethiopian meals. It tastes very good, the meals are spicy. You have all ordered dish on one injara and you can share with your friends. And for dessert cinnamon glaces with coffee and liquor. All things really delicious!

A nice and cozy Ethiopian restaurant. The staff are nice and helpful. They helped us to understand the different types of meals on their menu with some recommendations. Expect eating by your hand because this is the Ethiopian way and it is a nice way to have the full experience but they also will help you with a fork and a spoon if you would like.The prices were reasonable and we were completely full after finishing eating. Highly recommended.

Eat here!! Not only was the food incredible and full of flavor but everyone was so kind and welcoming. Will absolutely come back!!

Great Ethiopian experience! delicious food that rewards a long waiting time for it in a very warm room. The restaurant staff were very friendly and smiley. I will definitely be back.

Extremely lovely meal. Great options, cheap, communal plate of food served with every dish in a group. Mango beer served with a coconut shell to drink out of. Friendly and happy service. Would come here regularly if I was a local!

Went here in 2003 when on honeymoon with my wife and it's still one of the best meals I've ever had. Returning this summer, 22 years later with two teens. Can't wait..

Incredible little restaurant! What a surprise, the food was fantastic, the staff very friendly, the atmosphere as cosy as it gets. Loved the authenticity of the experience.

Great small place with delicious food. We really like the spinach with fried and feta. Can't wait to eat it again!

My first time here (despite the continuous attempts of my gf to bring me here earlier) and i have to say that i absolutely loved it. Totally different experience. We order the several meat dishes to share and everything was very tasty very balanced flavors. Totally recommend :)

Lalibela is the best Ethiopian restaurant in Amsterdam. Cultural interior design, Ethiopian music in the background, big portions, authentic flavors and plates. You’ll always find Ethiopians eating there. It is truly an experience, but it can only be that if you, as a customer, are willing to learn something new and fit in with the culture. You must eat with your hands because that is how Ethiopians enjoy their food. So do not expect Western service standards, those do not apply in an authentic restaurant like Lalibela. Go and enjoy the food with humility and an open mind. Cheers!

Word can not even begin to describe how good this place is

Wonderful all around. We enjoy coming with our kids before it gets busy. They love the art and the food.

Absolutely marvellous food 🌌 Will go again ASAP. Waitress was friendly and found us a seat and the food arrived very fast! Had never tried Ethiopian cuisine before but was very impressed. 10/10 Flavours, colours of the rainbow and wonderful smells. To top it off, the restaurant felt like a home and was decorated beautifully with a lot of love :) ❤

Just an incredible experience🥰 Amazing Ethiopian food, great service, the ambiance is just perfect! Couldn’t recommend it more!! The mango beer is my absolute favorite We order a fish dish and a meat one, have also tried the veggie ones before and I just love them all.

Arlex Contreras Gruber

Everything I have ever ordered here is delicious! It takes a while to be served, but the wait is so worth it!! Recommend it for sure

sarah carr

1000/10 every time. Grew up in East Africa eating lots of Ethiopian dishes, and this place hits home every single time. The family who runs this restaurant is so lovely, I always look forward to going! For meat eaters, Zegni & Lalibela special is where it’s at. For veggies, the pumpkin dish is amazing.

Grace Bishton

Best restaurant !!! Highly recommend especially good for groups. We walked in when the kitchen was just about to close and the staff were so lovely and let us sit down anyway. Service was amazing, food was great. Lucky to live close by so will definitely be back!

Thesa T

First time trying Ethiopian cuisine and it was such a unique experience! You’re supposed to eat with your bare hands… which made my first date kinda funny but also super cute, lol. 🤣 The food was tasty and the owner was absolutely lovely. The vibe of the place is cozy and welcoming. Definitely worth a visit!

Kyle Holmes

Lalibela is a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, and wow—does it deliver. Prepare to dive into a culinary masterpiece eaten the authentic way—with your hands. Half the time I had no idea exactly what I was eating, but every bite was fantastic. The restaurant has a homey, welcoming vibe, almost like stepping into the owners’ home. It’s intimate, comforting, and full of flavor. We all left talking about how much we wished we could find something like this back in the States… but this feels like one of those special places you can only experience here. 😌

Mark van Tol

Been wanting to check out Lalibela for awhile and it was absolutely delicious! Went for the spicy option and did not disappoint — full of rich, bold flavors. The food was fresh, super tasty, and beautifully presented. Make sure you wash your hands before you get the food 😉Great experience overall — recommend!

Humam Soeti

What a beautiful restaurant in Amsterdam. The food was undoubtedly fantastic and enjoyable. I would definitely come back and recommend people around this area to give it a try.

Foodie

Unfortunately, the pictures I took don’t do justice to the lovely, warm atmosphere of the restaurant—or the food. Beyond the unique experience of eating with hands and the deliciously unorthodox flavours, what really stood out was how surprisingly filling the meal was. I joked at the end about needing something more after, but not long after leaving I realised I was completely full—and that feeling only grew stronger. Such a satisfying experience overall!

Frankie ott

This was our first experience with Ethiopian food. The style of eating was different than we’re used to (eating with our hands), but the spices and flavors were amazing. If you’re visiting Amsterdam I definitely recommend you check this place out. The mango and coconut beers were also really delicious. The service was a little slow, there was only one person serving and taking orders (not sure if this is the usual), so if your in a rush maybe come back another time. Overall great food!

Will Toker

Easily the best food I have had in Amsterdam. If you're deciding where to eat, stop looking, you've found it! The food was delicious, the service impeccable and the ambiance lovely.

Carina G.

From the food to the service, everything was great! I loved the decoration inside and most of all the experience. The food was so tasty, the meat - I chose chicken and my friends chose beef - was so soft and juicy and loved their injera :) It's a bit pricey, but would definitely recommend!

Zara Vucko

First time trying Ethiopian food, and I loved it. Everything was so flavorful and delicious. The mango beer served in a coconut shell is a must. Great service too. Definitely coming back!

Jeana fb

Fantastic dining experience. We ordered the mild and spicy versions of several meat and fish dishes and it was all fabulous. Very tasty and delicious. The banana beer and coconut beer was good too! Friendly service was much appreciated as well. Very affordable! Breads are gluten free.

Lu B

It was my first time tasting Ethiopian food, recommend by my friend who tried many Ethiopian restaurant. She said this one is one of the oldest and most original. I was pleasantly surprised with the food. Didn’t know what to expect actually, but it turned out to be very nice! It’s very affordable, highly recommend the minced beef and eggplant dish.

+2

Akshita Yadav

What an absolute treat! 😊 Excellent food, service and ambience! I took my parents here and it was their firsts time trying Ethiopian cuisine; the staff kindly helped them with ordering. The food looked and tasted delicious! Will surely be back again. Thank you for a lovely evening 😊

Tony

Been to this cute little Ethiopian place for so many times. During covid, they also provided pick up. Very generous portion, great taste. The indoor decor brings you a sense of exotic dining experience. The service at the restaurant is very welcoming and kind. They always make the utmost effort to ensure a good dining experience. Very appreciate the easy access and great food.

+1

The food was tasty, the service is nice, prices are OK. Warm and cozy restaurant, if a little on the "garish" side. There are no glasses, you use coconut shells instead ;) And WASH YOUR HANDS because you will have NO cutlery at your disposal. You will eat with your hands from a single enormous plate which you will share with your partner, using the soft bread provided as an aid.

PROS: Good value for money Ethiopian restaurant serving typical Ethiopian dishes (including tea). Fairly cheap for the quality delivered. Small CONS: quantities are quite scant + desserts are not Ethiopian at all.

Delicious food and friendly staff. The service was a bit slow, but that is to be expected when the dishes take so long to prepare. Lots of food for a decent price (about 12 euro per person).

Lalibela is a nice little Ethiopian restaurant. The food is quite delicious and I like the way they serve.

Good options, decent food, but leaves something to be desired. The mango beer was delicious

This Ethiopian restaurant is an experience in itself. You are here to eat traditional food and there is a nice variety of meals. We went for the beef dishes and while you are expecting to get your own chosen plate of food, the chosen meals have been placed altogether on a big round plate. The base is a huge pancake and the meals have been placed on top in smaller portions. Now for the surprise - to eat your meal, you need to use your fingers. You tear off pieces of the pancake base and use it to scoop up the various portions of the meal. Eventually you are left with a clean plate. The food was tasty and delicious. The beverages were reasonable and there was ample choices.

Amazing food and experience. Totally recommended! If you go with a small group of people you can get different dishes and share them

Really enjoyed the food. It was a nice change from mostly experiencing fast foods in Amsterdam. Even had the full experience for eating the Ethiopian cuisine with our hands. The staff was very friendly and explained / recommended dishes to us. Interesting decoration. The pricing was decent.

We wanted to try Ethiopian food for the first time, overall the host is great and the food was a nice experience.

Nice place to try African cuisine, very pleasant service

It’s a cute restaurant with good service and affordable pricing. My main problem is that a place with such legacy could have more comfortable interior design, and could lose some redundant decor like animal skin on the wall, better lighting and fresher furniture.

Cozy little restaurant. The food is incredibly tasty, we enjoyed every bit. It’s an affordable price. Unfortunately, the day we visited the service was not that good, they have been forgetting us more than a couple of times. Though, we loved it and we will come back for sure. Next time better :)

Laura

Wonderful food (veg mix and cod) but extremely slow service. It took over an hour to get the food - a little upfront warning and an apology would’ve been nice rather than “it’s coming” after having waited 1h already. Go early, armed with lots of patience and you’ll eat well.

Faruk Konyali

Very authentic atmosphere, distinct flavors, and friendly service. It was my first experience with an Ethiopian cousin. It was worth trying.

Eren Mantas

Decent Ethiopian food. Place was close to full on Thursday night with a 7-people group coming in relatively late. You will either like or dislike Ethiopian food and the style of eating, I like it. Fruitful, very light beers are tasty.

Timirtcom

The food was very good. The service can be better. We had beyayinetu (what they call debelek - a mix of different 'wots'- which is always a safe bait cause u will always find something you will like even if you are eating ethiopian food for the 1st time) and Tuna wot. The Injera was good but I have had better and we had to add 4 injeras extra cause what came with the order wasn't enough at all. The service was ok, again not the best. The Tuna wot (which isn't something you find in most ethiopian restaurants) and coffee was on the other hand excellent. We paid 70€ for everything.

+5

Very small portions, takes quite some time to get the food, although everything is usually precooked. Nothing special about the taste. Reasonably okay service, reservation is recommended for more than 2 people.

I am not saying the food is not good. But it is simply not my type. It is unhygienic that the food is supposed to be eaten with bare fingers but no hand sanitiser is provided.to the customers. Also the fact that the pancake is very soggy doesn't help with me feeling full after seeing how the food is shared with bare hands.

Let's start with the food is good. The service was less. We had to almost wait for 2 hours. It's a shame the place it self is good and nice atmosphere. Will go again hopefully service will be better.

Food was kinda tasteless mush for the most part. Some of the pots of curry that came after were ok. Only one serviette and expected to eat with your hands. Service was also terrible, we had to ask for menus after more than 10-20 minutes and food took ages to come out. Even getting the bill took a long time. No apologies for slow service either. Nice decor though.

I went here with my wife during my last night in Amsterdam. The waitress wasn't attentive to us but was very attentive to the other customers. And when the waitress wasn't busy she was busy on her phone. I even had to walk up to the counter to pay the bill. Which made worse we didn't even get the drinks we ordered.

The service was not good. We had to go ourselves to get the waitress 3 times, who was on her phone and didn’t come by our table once. The food was good, but the lacking service was very disappointing. Only positive thing is the nice vegan options though.

Honestly disappointed with my order from Lalibela Amsterdam. I paid €17.25 for a dish that had absolutely no flavor. No spices, no seasoning — quite the opposite of what I expect from Ethiopian cuisine, which is usually so rich and flavorful. Very disappointing for the price.