FASIKA

I rarely go to St. Paul, but if I do, Fasika better be part of the plan! The vegetarian combo is out of this world, and I even love the beet dish t... more

We have been long time customers. We order the tibs and vegetarian sampler. Lately the quality is noticeably lower. The meat has been almost un-chewable - very dry. The sampler, a $15 dollar item, now has very little veggies. It was almost all rice. We are dissappointed that we have lost a good place. I don't know why the changes but we can not go back until we here things improve. more

I stopped here tonight to have dinner with my girlfriend. The food was nothing short of superb! I ordered the vegetarian sampler, even though I'm NOT a vegetarian. My girlfriend ordered the lamb. The food came out quickly, within 10 minutes. The vegetarian sampler has more than enough flavor and substance to make up for the lack of meat, and I was very pleased with the dish. The lamb dish was also wonderful. The food was all spiced very well, and none of it was bland or lacking in flavor. The food itself gets a 5 star review. The reason I knocked the overall rating down to 4 stars is because of the service. Our waitress was inattentive at best, and almost to the point of being rude. She sat at the table in the corner watching us for 10 minutes after we had closed our menus (meaning we were ready to order) before coming over and taking our order. Every time after that we had to flag her down if we wanted something. Luckily our waitress wasn't the one who brought our food to the table, otherwise we probably would have had to ASK her to bring it. Inside the restaurant, the decor and ambiance is nothing special, but not bad by any means. It attracts a diverse crowd of people, from students to Somalis to average white folks, which is good to see. The neighborhood where it's located is sketchy, but that's no fault of the restaurant, just make sure you lock your car! But seriously, going out to eat the bottom line is the FOOD. At Fasika, the food is top notch. Don't let the average ambiance, inattentive waitstaff, or sketchy neighborhood keep you away from trying this amazing hole in the wall culinary delight! Pros: The food! Very reasonably priced. Cons: Service, neighborhood location. more

I have lived next to this establishment for a year, always tempted to go. Today I did. AGH! So rude, never mind the bad food, I will not be going back, maybe the wait staff should take a lesson in friendliness? Sorry, I have a decent palate, and could put up with bad service, but this was too much. Pros: Nope Cons: Everything more

horrible establishment in an already declining neighborhood. one would think that you would treat patrons nicer when they want to spend money at your place of business. chalk it up to cockiness!!! more

I've been to this place a few times, and it's gotten to the point where I actually crave the food, like an itch that must be scratched. I always get the vegetarian platter--a medley of flavorful lentils and vegetables eaten with ingera. My husband has never been disappointed with the meat dishes he's tried. Some would say that the place doesn't have much ambiance, but I disagree... It's small and kind of run-down, but there is authentic art and posters on the walls and usually some Ethiopian music playing. The bottom line is the food rocks. If you like ethnic food and are not afraid to explore new flavors and textures (or to eat with your hands), try this. Pros: great food, parking more

If you are looking for ambience, this is most probably not the place - but if you are looking for GREAT authentic Ethiopian food, it rocks!! We ordered the comob which had everything and it can easily feed 3 (maybe 4). We especially liked the lamb and beef - vegetarian dishes are really nice although a bit on the oily side. Not for the weak stomach guys since they are generous with spices and their ingira is really authentic. They have a good selection of beer which we did not try. Pros: authentic food, great selection, combo's are pretty good Cons: Ambience is not the best - but who cares?? more

Great food, great service! And, as an Ethiopian, I can say that real, authentic Ethiopian food is served here! I come to this restaurant often and have yet to be disappointed. If you are a vegetarian, then this is the place to visit. Plenty of strictly vegan (no meat, no chicken, no dairy, no eggs) dishes. Pros: Food!, Quick Service, Parking in the back. more

One block up on Snelling off of University you find yourself at a cute little Afrikan restaurant with handpainted walls of art & a small little bar area. The place was filled with all people (young, old, and hungry). The food was authentic and all entrees ranged from $8.50-12. With beef, chicken, lamb, vegatarian (and chicken tenders & a cheeseburger for those annoying ones in your group that don't like authentic food). The neighborhood also has 3 african owned stores too. I've had the 1, 3, & 9 on the menu... mmm to all. Pros: Food Taste, Authentic Food Cons: Small Restaurant, Lunch is same price more

After having been to Ethiopia, it is a great treat for me to be able to get real, authentic Ethiopian food here in the twin cities. It is the best Ethiopian Resturant in town. Pros: Good parking in back more

From the minute we walked into Fasika we knew we were in for a treat! Heavenly smells, appealing food, and friendly people made us feel welcomed. The lamb combination plate my wife and I shared was delicious. We look forward to going back soon. more