Addis Red Sea

Tremont street could be the toughest neighborhood in the city for a restaurant without game. You have 28 degrees, Masa, Tremont647, Sibling Rivalry, Hammerslys' Bistro, Butcher Shop and The Acme Oyster House plus two streets in either direction adds another dozen decent places to eat. Happily, Addis has game. It is a dimly lit interior with ( I am guessing) authentic Ethiopian tables and chairs. We had Samusas for an ap, which is like Indian Samosas. We ordered a chicken and a vegetarian dish for the main course. Ethiopian food as it turns out is somewhat like Chinese Moo shi, meaning you roll it in bread and eat it sans silverware( must save them a fortune in water and related costs)...But it was very different and very tasty The only bummer is that you have to hunt for parking and you may need to stretch out a bit afterward. But for a new food experience, I would(and have) recommend it more

It's a lot of fun to go here with a small group of people so that you can try a wide variety of different things. I actually really love the injera (unsure of spelling -- it's the spongy, honeycomb like bread that you use to scoop up your food instead of using a knife or fork). I do find that the portions are a bit small and you're left hungry, so this is a good place to "fill up on the bread." The staff is friendly about helping you figure out what's what. The stools (cushion type) can be a little uncomfortable since they are low to the ground, but it's all part of the experience. more

In all honesty, I've never been a fan of Ethiopian food. There's something about it that's always just turned me off. Plus, I always feel guilty that I'm probably eatin 100x better than the average Ethiopian. However, this place is amazing. If possible, go with many friends, so you can share and try a number of dishes. They're all dumped onto large sheets of sponge bread, which you of course eat by hand. And if you drink, don't forget to try the actual Ethiopian beer they have on hand. more

I had my first Ethiopian eating experience here and was very impressed. The atmosphere was great – we sat on low seats around a basket table – the food was delicious and fun to eat. I’ve found it best to go with a few different people. That way everyone can order something different and everyone can share it since your meal doesn’t come with any side items. And remember: they don’t give you forks here; you have to eat with your hands! more

People wouldn't expect that a picky eater would love Ethiopian food - or would have even tried it. Well, I am said picky eater - and I love this place! The food is hard to discribe - but it's sort of a mix between Indian and middle eastern, and most dishes are like a thick stew that gets placed on a large spongy, moist pancake type bread. You then break of bits of the bread and scoop up your food to eat it. You almost pinch the food using your bread in your fingers. Some dishes are very spicy and others are just very flavorful. Meat eaters and vegetarians will both find items they life. Try ethiopian beer too - it's surprisingly good! more

Addis Red Sea is a place where you can eat with your hands. In fact, you have to eat with your hands- you won't be given a fork or knife or even a spoon. If you haven't been to an Ethiopian restaurant before, let me give you a quick primer on how they work. First, you and your dining companions will be seated at low stools around a very small, round straw table called a mesob. You will not be given any utensils, which is okay because the protocol here is to scoop up your food using delicious thin, spongy bread called injera. After you order, everything that your table orders comes on one large plate, and everything is served on top of injera, which soaks up the sauce and is very good to eat afterward. At this particular restaurant, you can tell that you are in for an exotic experience the minute you step down into the restaurant. The rooms are dark, yet cozy and inviting, and are decorated with ethiopian art and strong colors. The small tables and stools dot the room, giving an intimate feel to the place. You smell warm and exotic spices, both sweet and spicy. For drinks, Addis Red Sea has a fine selection of familiar wines and beers, but I would recommend branching out and sampling one or more of their Ethiopian wines. My favorite Ethiopian wine that I've tried is made from honey. Be warned: they are most likely not what you are used to and are, in fact, quite sweet. But if you keep in mind that you are trying something different and exotic, then you will most likely enjoy them, as I do, and find that they complement the food very well. For an appetizer, I would recommend the sambus, which are fried pastries that are filled with lentils, vegetables, or beef. The appetizers cost between $3-$5. All of the entrees are different varieties of stews, made either with meat or vegetables or a combination of both. If you are a vegetarian, then you are in luck, as there are many meatless options here. Can't decide or are overwhelmed by the menu? The waiters are extremely friendly and are happy to explain the menu to you and make recommendations. There are many "combo" options available, where you can order smaller portions of a number of dishes. The combination dishes are very reasonably priced from about $11 to $16, and you can try a number of different dishes this way. When I go with a friend, both of us usually order a combo and then share- this way, we get to try lots of different dishes. A couple of warnings: even though the waiters are very, very friendly, the service is always slow, no matter how empty or full the restaurant is when you are there. So don't go if you are in a hurry. The ambiance of the restaurant is very pleasant, so you probably won't mind the leisurely pace. Also, parking in this part of Boston is quite difficult, so plan to look around for a space and walking a bit. That said, this is a really fun place to take friends and I have had many enjoyable meals there. I'd imagine kids would enjoy the restaurant- what kid that you know doesn't like to eat with his or her hands? If you're looking for something fun and different, then give Addis Red Sea a try! more

Addis Red Sea is the perfect place to go if you are ever feeling confined by other restaurant's requirements that you use utensils. Here patrons sit at low tables around a giant plate of food- scooping up mouthfuls with spongy bread. The Ethiopian cuisine is spiced excellently with emphasis placed on ginger and other exotic flavors. Since Coffee originated in Ethiopia, it is served here with every meal and actually is quite a good blend. The hostess and server are excellent and you will feel like they have welcomed you into thier home when you're dining at Addis. more

This is a fun place to go. You sit on tiny stools with a small, low lying table (made like a woven basket) to share for eating. You eat with your hands, as is Ethiopian custom, using a a spongy, pancake-like flatbread. You take a small piece of the bread and scoop up one of the many stews or fried meat for eating. They serve various varieties of delicious and tender stews as well as meat based servings. Im not always sure what type of meat, whether it be lamb or beef, but it is always amazing. Ethiopian food is seasoned generously but not too spicy, just full of flavor. The environment is casual and fun and the wait staff are genuinely Ethiopian and very polite, helpful with suggestions and attentive. I always feel as though I am a special guest in their home; very welcomed. The Addis Red Sea is located in a very cool area of the South End. They have a honey wine which is authentic and delicious, which I love. The prices are very cheap especially considering the location. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!! more

It's one of the affordable restaurants in the South End. It's conveniently located. It's one of those restaurants you have to try because it's not your usual thing to eat with your hands. They have this specially made bread that's so good, which is used to grab your food with. The food has a lot of different spices in them. If I had to choose what other ethnic food it is closest to, it would be Indian food. more