Abyssinia
Ethiopian · Rochester
Deals available
Be flexible, save more
Be flexible, save more
About Abyssinia
At Abyssinia, we serve classic Ethiopian fare with a touch of elegance. As you step into our upscale-casual surroundings, our bar beckons you to unwind and savor the flavors of the Horn of Africa. Our customers rave about our expertly prepared dishes, from hearty vegetarian options to rich meat stew...
At Abyssinia, we serve classic Ethiopian fare with a touch of elegance. As you step into our upscale-casual surroundings, our bar beckons you to unwind and savor the flavors of the Horn of Africa. Our customers rave about our expertly prepared dishes, from hearty vegetarian options to rich meat stews. The cozy atmosphere invites you to linger over cups of fragrant coffee or glass after glass of wine. We're proud to offer exceptional service with a warm smile, making every meal feel like a celebration of Ethiopian hospitality.
What Customers Say About Abyssinia
Abyssinia is a highly-rated Ethiopian restaurant known for its delicious and authentic food, friendly service, and generous portions. Customers rave about the vegetarian options and the Abyssinian Special. Some note slow service, especially for takeout.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: Order the vegetarian combo for a variety of dishes or the Abyssinian Special to share. Be prepared for potentially slow service, especially for takeout orders.
Features
Frequently asked questions about Abyssinia
Abyssinia Rochester Reviews
We have been regulars here for a while and plan to have this place cater our wedding. This is food with the most flavor I’ve found in the area. It’s absolutely delicious. Doro wet is always a good option to go with. Also the Coffee is amazing. The staff is super nice and have memorized our orders. Please try their injera- I could honestly never go back to forks if I had that all the time. Authentic too- similar to the Tribes food in the spices.
Absolutely delicious vegetarian (maybe vegan?) options on the menu and I'm looking forward to trying their proteins too someday. I also enjoyed the honey wine and their Ethiopian coffee. I first added sugar (because I am a sugar and cream person); but then realized the coffee was great as it was without sugar. Very generous portions and am currently enjoying my leftovers at home.
My partner and I love eating here. Highly recommend visiting! Best restaurant in Rochester!
If you’re ever in Rochester, you must try Abyssinia — it’s truly one of my favorite restaurants of all time. When I’m craving Ethiopian food, I’d drive hours just to have another bite of their dishes. I haven’t found anywhere else that comes even close to what they create here.
Love the food, family, and atmosphere. Authentic Ethiopian cuisine is beyond all others. Absynia is the most delicious & ital option for any being or higher life form to enjoy !! The atmosphere is quiet & peaceful. with artifacts & artwork from Ethiopia. Haile Selassie’s glorious image painted on a mountain nyala antelope skin. The family are the most lovely and amazing Sistren and momma’s we could ever hope to be graced with their presence. We are grateful every time
A fantastic friend of mine is vegan. We were trying to decide on a spot for lunch, and he suggested Abyssinia. I've never tried Ethiopian food before, and I was excited for something new. We headed over when they opened, and my mind was absolutely blown. The flavors, the spices, everything is married perfectly and packs the best punch. I enjoyed every single bite and can't wait to come back and try some of the non-vegan options as well! The people are fantastic too! Excellent, courteous, and kind service! I also loved the vibe of the restaurant. Very comfortable and low-key. Can't wait to go back!
Been coming here for over 15 years, a loyal customer since the University Avenue days. The food is always wonderful, the service is always kind, and the portions are always large. Highly recommend if you want a delicious, amazing, memorable meal! I don't have a lot of Ethiopian food to compare this to, but out of all of the Rochester area Ethiopian restaurants, Abyssinia is the best! Can't wait to come back!
One of my favorite places for vegan options. Excellent coffee with or without sugar! Servers are polite and attentive and food is authentic and delicious. My favorite it the timatim salata 😍 but everything is well seasoned and delicious! It's real Ethiopians in the kitchen and serving your meals, that's how you know the food is real! ❤️
Easily the best vegetarian options I’ve had at an Ethiopian restaurant. They’re friendly and personable, the food is amazing, and their honey wine is delicious. You can pick up to five different dishes with their vegetarian combo. Kind of bummed that I didn’t come sooner, but happy I’ve tried it!
The service here is a little slow, but if you ask for something, the attention is prompt. If you're in a rush, the atmosphere is probably too laid back to get in and out. That being said, the food is amazing. Fragrant, cooked to perfection, and things that you think shouldn't go together do. If you like Indian food, this is a great alternative.
Phenomenal food quality! Only downside was the wait. I called an hour ahead and asked for our take out food to be ready at 6:15. When I arrived for pick up I had to wait 20 minutes - just as long as the walk in customers. Not thrilled about that during the pandemic. The staff was super apologetic and helped me carry everything to the car.
I selected this place because one of my favorite Ethiopian restaurant in Buffalo has the same name. Unfortunately this place was underwhelming and food mediocre. It did not have the rich and bold spices and flavors I am used to. The vegetables sambusas were only filled with cabbage & carrots. The lentil version was ok. Ordered the Beyaynetu with Mesir We't, Tikil Gomen (×2) and Kik We't Bozena Shiro We't also had Doro We”t. None of the spicy options were spicy…but they were more flavorful than the items that were mild. The Doro wet literally had 2 tiny drumsticks in a whole bunch of sauce and they decided instead of asking me what my sides would be. Just brought it out and said we gave you… Possibly dine in is a better experience as I noticed everyone speaking on large portion size and that was not our experience.
Sign in to leave a review
Sign inRemove ads and manage your menu
Explore Your Area
Osteria del mare
Taichi bubble tea
Mercury Coffee Company
Seoul Drop
Lin's Garden
Jasmine Restaurant & Cafe
Sultan
Poke Sushi
Cafe Phoenix
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse
73 Photos
Explore Abyssinia's photos
About Abyssinia
How to get there
1657 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
Highlights
Services
Dining Options
Restaurant Info
Amenities
The Neighborhood
Location
1657 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
📍 Explore the Neighborhood
Upcoming Events
Always a Bridesmaid
28 May 2026, 19:30
Meadow Brook Theatre
Rochester Red Wings vs. Syracuse Mets
29 May 2026, 18:45
ESL Ballpark
Airplane! Live with Julie Hagerty and Robert Hays!
29 May 2026, 19:30
Kodak Center
Sarah De Vallière & the Rhythmwell w/s/g Katie Haverly
29 May 2026, 19:30
Lovin' Cup
Gaming
🎮 Earn Points While You Explore!
Play Find Me and redeem points for discounts at Abyssinia and other restaurants
Earn Points at Abyssinia!
Play Find Me and redeem rewards here
Earn extra points and redeem them for rewards at Abyssinia
🏆 Rewards at Abyssinia
10% Discount
At Abyssinia
Free Appetizer
On your next visit
VIP Table
Premium experience
to redeem rewards and earn points
📋 How Do Rewards Work?
Play Find Me
Every 100 score points = 1 reward point
Collect Points
Workers earn 2x points per game
Redeem Rewards
Discounts, free food and VIP experiences
Is it yours? Claim it FREE!
Remove ads and manage your menu