Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian restaurant in Alexandria - 1125 Queen St, USA

Excellent food and great service. Red lentils are very spicy for those who can't handle spices.

This place is very good. Not a 5 but not a 4. Everyone is extremely friendly. The service is great, and the prices are a breath of fresh air in old town Alexandria/DC area. Wife and I just happened upon it while driving home from a movie. The beyaynetu and tibs were delicious. I was hoping to get the little salad part on the beyaynetu, but I think it's because they have a bunch of different options on their menu I may have overlooked it. If this isn't your first time trying Ethiopian food/you've spent some time in Ethiopia you'll find the mitmita they serve to the general public is rather mild (still fantastic flavor). I asked about it and he said they have some of the real deal in the back and to just ask on the next visit, which we will definitely be doing soon. Having said that, the flavors in general are a bit toned down, which really isn't uncommon for any restaurant of this type in the US. Like most Chinese, Indian, Thai etc places in the US. It won't be as hot, the menu items are presented a bit differently etc. That's a very minor thing in this case because. While the meal won't transport you to the shores of Lake Langano it also will not disappoint. I'll likely be updating this on my next visit. I will ask about them preparing the dishes a bit less westernized. All that aside, this place is 100% worth a visit. And, to be honest, if you've never been to Ethiopia/don't have Ethiopian friends/1st time Ethiopian cuisine you wouldn't notice anything. As I mentioned, it's the exact same as when people say they love foods like yumwoonsen or chicken vindaloo but they've not had the opportunity to experience them in their 100% authentic state. They do not serve alcohol, but they do allow you to bring your own. ***Update - made it back a second time. We brought a bottle of Chianti and built our own beyaynetu. The timatim and rice pudding are delicious!!! Asked for the real mitmita and still got the normal stuff, which isn't a huge deal because I have a about a half kilo at home 😆 Ordered derrick tibs this time and again not exactly how I have had them before (no clay pot/fire, no freshly sliced jalapenos) but they were still good (go for the awaze tibs) doro wat was also good....but again some of the flavors didn't seem as punchy as normal (they just dial it back to appeal to more people, which is understandable and fine because it is still very good) I assume the abesha gomen was pretty good too because my wife ate it all before I could get any, which I didn't realize until the end of the meal when I mentioned we didn't get it and she looked at me and sorta mumbled "ohhh we got it" 😐😂 Still a 4.5 because everyone here is awesome, and I doubt you're going to find a more authentic place around.

Cute little Ethiopian family restaurant. i felt like i walked into my uncle's place for dinner. the service was super great, and the food was okay.

This place is really great! It's a cozy little spot run by a lovely family. The food they serve is delicious, although I must say it could use a bit more spice. Overall, I highly recommend this place without a doubt. You won't be disappointed!

I’ve been there a couple times would like to say this is the best Ethiopian restaurant I’ve ever been! It feel like home cook and taste is soooo great. Also portion is big so you can share with your friends or family.

Went here to try Ethiopian food for the first time. We got a sampler plate and tried a little of everything. We will defiantly go back. The coffee is so good you don't need nothing in it. Seems to be family run which is always a good spot to eat. If your looking to try out Ethiopian food this is the spot.

Ethiopian food is great !! The meats and eggs are cooked with aromatic spices served on an injera.. that was a great combination! .. the meats taste great with the various spices .. especially the lamb and chicken! The vegetables are cooked with out the spices to bring out their natural flavors !! Beets, beans and the greens had a distinct but interesting tatse. And also the lentils are cooked and served in quite a different styles. So a group of 2-4 people can enjoy a combo with as many injeras as you would like. And try the rice pudding for dessert!

What a wonderful spot! We came here with my mom on a Tuesday after a day of walking around. The family owners/operators of this establishment are incredibly kind and generous to all who enter their business. Three of us enjoyed the vegetarian and vegan platter (with mushroom tibs!), lentil sambusas, babaganoush, and chai. I can’t wait to come back.