Choosing a place to eat can be a twenty minute conversation. It starts with asking “what sounds good”? You rule out the places in your regular rotation of restaurants where you’ve been too recently. Indecision over whether or not to try someplace new sets in. What if your partner or your family doesn’t feel like Thai? Are you even hungry?

Luckily, if you live in Toronto, there’s an answer for where you should go tonight, and it’s The Spicy Ethiopian. With five stars on Yelp and Google across over 300 reviews, this restaurant– which opened its doors in 2024– is the ultimate Ethiopian experience in the city.

The Food: 5/5 ⭐

The menu at The Spicy Ethiopian is hard to beat, featuring authentic flavours and dishes, while also having options for a variety of diets and tastes. Both the vegan platter and the meat lovers platter are highly recommended by guests; their beef tibs and unique beverages as well. 

Halal options are available, and the injera– traditional bread which dishes are served on and eaten with– is made from a gluten-free flour. While the name might suggest a lot of heat, there are also plenty of plates offered without a spice factor, which are equally aromatic and complex. Ginger, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, clarified butter, (and yes, chili) are among the familiar flavours involved in Ethiopian cooking. 

This place is open for breakfast and dinner, and they even offer delivery and catering! However, you’ll want to visit the restaurant in-person the first time you order to get the full experience.

The Service: 5/5 ⭐

Gelila Belete is the owner of The Spicy Ethiopian, which began as a food truck before becoming a full-service restaurant. She and her husband are said to visit and converse with many of their guests, even imparting pieces of Ethiopian culture. Gelila cooks and runs dishes out every day, despite employing a professional team of servers. 

The dining experience is described by reviewers as laid back and casual, with everything made fresh, and generous portions offered. The words “labour of love” were used by multiple patrons to describe the sense of deep care and passion behind the attentive service they received upon their visit. Despite a small dining area, the restaurant goes above and beyond to accommodate celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries. Just make sure to reserve!

The Atmosphere: 5/5 ⭐

The Spicy Ethiopian is located on Queen Street, across the road from Moss Park. The cozy dining room is chiquely decorated with natural wood, patterned wallpaper, and vibrant plants. Overhead lamps transform the space into a moody and appealing environment in the evenings.

The Outreach: 5/5 ⭐

On top of managing the restaurant, open Tuesday through Sunday, Gelila finds ways to stay connected to an even greater number of Torontorians through participating in food festivals. Her booth at the T.O. Food & Drink Fest was a huge hit in April of this year. Additionally, The Spicy Ethiopian is creating an online store to sell Ethiopian spices and spice mixes. They plan to ship across Canada, and you can join the waitlist to buy from their line of products here. 

In a city with some of the best food culture in the world, there’s a tendency to only see the most hyped and viral spots pushed on social media. Why not opt for the best Queen City has to offer of Ethiopian cuisine, right on Queen Street? The reviews tell you all you need to know, affirming that the owner’s dedication to creating a memorable experience for guests is what makes this place special.