Sweet Hot
In town for a brief visit. Found Red Sea after a Google search for highly rated inexpensive places open for lunch. It also happens to be only a couple minutes away from our AirBnb. So glad we tried it! Food was extremely delicious & flavorful, portions were very generous and pricing was reasonable. We had the sambusa, yebeg siga wot, yedero tibs, and Tej wine. Didn't know there was parking in the back, but fortunately found street parking nearby. Inside wasn't fancy, but clean with comfortable chairs. There was nice music playing in the background, but couldn't hear it too well because of the news show on the TV that was on at the same time. Didn't think to ask if they would turn it down a bit so we could enjoy the tunes. Pleasant, attentive service that wasn't too overbearing. Overall a good experience and I recommend Red Sea.
Amber Blakesley
This is the only Ethiopian restaurant we will eat at! Everywhere else is not as good food or service and twice the price! By far our favorite! And the owners really make you feel at home.
H Yunus
Great food and service, authentic taste, traditional setting and its Halal. Was in town for 5 days and I like Ethiopian food. These guys do an excellent job with hospitality and quick service. My recommendation is to go for either veggie or meat combinations, or both. This way you can try both the regular and a bit hot version of their offerings. Meat includes beef and chicken; I didn’t like chicken though. I came back a few days and the food quality and portion was consistent. Good value for money as well.
andrea sarvetnick
Red Sea is my favorite restaurant in San Diego...I practically live here! Seriously, go here and eat all the things!! Everything is amazing...gored gored, special shiro, meat combo, veggie combo, the delicious salad, awaze spicy sauce and chili powder, the lamb... plus the owners are the best, super kind and welcoming!! :)
A D
I love this place. The food is great. The service is excellent! Lots of culture inside. Things to look at, conversation starters. Definitely worth a visit!
Maria Verdin-Cobos
Just had late lunch with my son. It's a cute little restaurant with beautiful curtains. My son had the lamb very spicy. Let the server know I have stomach issues and nut allergies. She brought me a lamb plate. Delicious!!! We had the Honey Cider Wine. This was our first time here and will return!
Tanisha Strowbridge
Stop your search and go to this restaurant. I’m from the south and I know good food. They are a stable, being in this community many years. I go here almost every week. When I can’t go in person I order it via DoorDash, and IT’S STILL AMAZING! The food is consistently delicious. The atmosphere is always welcoming. The prices are unmatched. I’m not being paid, I’m committed to continuing to eat here and absorb the energy as long as I live in California. This is an authentic Ethiopian experience in every way. Try it for yourself.
Hani Harieg
The best Ethiopian food in the city of San Diego. Amazing owners, they really take care of the place. Love the vegetarian combo. If you come for lunch you may catch a cup of traditional Ethiopian Coffee
Pietro Galli
Great experience, great stuff and amazing food!
When you come be ready to embrace the culture from the incenses to eating with your hands. The food is delicious the place is very clean and the stuff is extremely friendly and willing to explain the history of the various dishes.
We will definitely be back and absolutely recommend
Elizabeth Kilrain
As always, one of my favourite restaurants. The food quality is always consistent and delicious. Love coming in on weekends for the gomen besiga!
Gluten-free injera available for our celiac friends. Owner and staff are friendly and feel like family!
If you have a group of friends who love coffee, ask for the coffee ceremony for the end of your meal. The toasting of the beans and the lovely smell of frankincense plus the traditional service is an experience. Just prepare to be highly caffeinated!
Martha Welby
Delicious food and fantastic service! Everyone was very happy to answer any questions we had and gave great recommendations. We will definitely be back!
Alcatel Liliana
This place is great! We were walking around and saw through the window and decided to stop.
Place has a unique decoration, menu, and history of Ethiopian on the table. Music in the background transports you to another place.
We enjoyed the tasteful dishes. We ordered 2 beers, 2 appetizers (similar than a samosa), a meat combo, and a veggie combo. It came with a special Ethiopian bread similar to a creep.
Ready for the real experience? You will use this bread to take small amounts of the dishes. We also share between each other.
We love our charismatic server and how respect our meal times, a thing we don't see often in the fast food industry so take your time to enjoy a good drink and conversation while the food arrives.
Definitely, we gonna go back! We took some food at home and the price was unbelievable!! This is a hidden gem even when the owner says they have been in the bussines since 1986.
All of Amy Alexander
My husband and I had the best Sunday brunch at Red Sea. Everything was absolutely tasty. From the appetizers to our dessert! The waitress we had was absolutely so helpful on our questions and warm hearted. We will most DEFF be back!!
Basha Mohamed
This is the best Ethiopian restaurant ever. The quality food is excellent and to add the customer service is top tier. Love coming here for great tasting ethnic food. A must try!
Chris s
Satisfying comfort food
We stopped in for an early dinner. Initially I was looking for something similar to curry or Indian food and this kinda satisfies the same itch. Warm wonderful flavored meats eaten by hand with a soft pancake like bread.
This was my first time eating a meal in this style and it is a great experience- you are going to get a little messy, but this helps with the conversation at a family style dinner. I preferred the chicken that we ordered-> but the beef was just as good. Don’t forget the red sliced sauce that is served with the food.
The ambiance feels super authentic with comfortable arm chairs. There is a pleasant medium strength perfume that you smell when you walk in (if you are sensitive to scents it may be good to be aware of). The only drawback was Fox News was playing pretty loudly over the dinning room detracting from the experience
Paula Whitney
First time trying Ethiopian food, it was amazing! The spices were so good and the flavor was spot on, I also loved that they represent the culture within their atmosphere, very welcoming
Johar Zuber
A Taste of Ethiopia in the Heart University Avenue San Diego.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Red Sea Ethiopian restaurant, and it was a remarkable culinary journey. From the moment I stepped in, I was welcomed by the owners (Yetm & Shimeles) the warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for an authentic Ethiopian dining experience.
The menu at Red Sea offers a delightful array of traditional Ethiopian dishes, each bursting with flavor and served with injera, the spongy and tangy flatbread. The variety of options, from rich stews to colorful vegetable dishes, allows you to explore the vibrant and diverse Ethiopian cuisine.
One standout dish was the Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew that perfectly balanced heat and savory spices. The combination platters are an excellent choice for those new to Ethiopian cuisine, as they provide a sampling of various flavors and textures. Red Sea is a must-visit destination in San Diego.
Amanda Holder
Hands down the best Ethiopian restaurant my husband and I have ever tried. Highly recommend. You will get a ton of food at a low price and everything will be delicious. Also the icing on the cake is that the people are always very nice and friendly :) even our cat approves 😂
Amberly
I’ve been eating here ever since I’ve moved to San Diego, and always enjoy it! I’ve eaten Ethiopian food all of my life, and this place is definitely in my top 3 restaurants of all time!
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