Where to Eat in Lalibela: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 5, 2018 Natalie Tallman

Lalibela (Amharic: ላሊበላ) is a town in Amhara Region, northern Ethiopia famous for monolithic rock-cut churches. The whole of Lalibela offers an exceptional testimony to the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia. Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Aksum, and a center of pilgrimage. Unlike Aksum, the population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. Ethiopia was one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity in the first half of the fourth century, and its historical roots date to the time of the Apostles. The churches themselves date from the seventh to thirteenth centuries, and are traditionally dated to the reign of the Zagwe dynasty king Gebre Mesqel Lalibela (r. ca. 1181–1221 AD).
Things to do in Lalibela

1. Blue Lal Hotel Restaurant

Lalibela, Ethiopia Seating, Reservations, Waitstaff African, Ethiopian Lunch, Dinner +251 33 336 0008
Excellent
13%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
38%
Poor
6%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 30 reviews

Blue Lal Hotel Restaurant

Reviewed By Elinorush7 - Israel

great staff, making cheap and clean laundry! the cheapest room is 120 Birr (6$) and the most expensive is for 300 Birr (15$). the cheap one has shared bathroom with very hot water in the shower! stayed there for two nights and it was perfect!! you don't need to look for anywhere else in Lalibela..!

2. Jerusalem Guest House

Lalibela, Ethiopia American, Pub
Excellent
48%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Jerusalem Guest House

Reviewed By stigos - Vossevangen, Norway

Very friendly staff / atmosphere, good food, both ethiopian and international. Order beer, not wine.

3. John Cafeteria & Lalibela Restaurant

Lalibela, Ethiopia Seating, Waitstaff Cafe, African, Ethiopian Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks
Excellent
57%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

John Cafeteria & Lalibela Restaurant

Reviewed By Moonbathing - San Francisco, California

The cafe and restaurant look great, but I was here for the souvenirs. This is the best place in town to find an interesting memento, with a great variety of arts and crafts from the surrounding areas. The owner is very hospitable and gracious. Next time I'll try the juices and food too!

4. Roha Hotel Restaurant

Lalibela, Ethiopia Reservations, Waitstaff Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excellent
11%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
35%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 17 reviews

Roha Hotel Restaurant

Reviewed By arctickids - Brussels, Belgium

The location is fine. The rooms were clean and the shower was warm. We did not eat there as our guide was not welcome to join us and we were told that the food was not so good. The breakfast was bad though. The man at the reception was very friendly. The staff at breakfast not really.

5. Seven Olives Hotel Restaurant

Lalibela, Ethiopia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar African, European, Ethiopian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch, Late Night +251 33 336 0020
Excellent
27%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 439 reviews

Seven Olives Hotel Restaurant

Reviewed By Holy_Innocent - Brampton, Canada

Very nice setting with very quaint setup, simple good food and relaxing environment. Good menu choices although every time we visited they ran out of chicken. Not expensive but excellent value.

6. Unique Restaurant

Lalibela, Ethiopia Seating, Television, Serves Alcohol, Waitstaff African, Ethiopian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

Unique Restaurant

Reviewed By Pippa354 - Shaftesbury, United Kingdom

Cosy, intimate and run by a wonderful Ethiopian who is so friendly and delightful. She makes the place so homely that one does not want to leave it and it is fun to to just talk to her about Lalibela

7. Ben Abeba

Sekota Road, Lalibela, Ethiopia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi African, European, Ethiopian, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$24 - HK$63 +251 33 336 0215
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Ben Abeba

This is a new restaurant which I visited several times on a recent visit to Lalibela. It is an amazing structure and serves excellent food as well as having wonderful loos.

Reviewed By martingomez2014 - San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

it is located in a top of a hill with a shape of a witch hat, with 360 views. good meal at a reasonable price, deserve to be the visit

8. Mountain View Hotel Bar & Restaurant

North Wollo, Lalibela, Ethiopia Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar Ethiopian, African, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch +251 33 336 0804
Excellent
23%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
28%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 132 reviews

Mountain View Hotel Bar & Restaurant

Reviewed By Hanie501 - Kigali, Rwanda

I don't know why this restaurant is so highly rate, we were very disappointed. We went for dinner, my salad was uninspiring and my friend was unable to finish her meal. And what view? The curtains were closed and it was dark, however peaking out all we could see were trees on the other side of the garden. There are definitely better restaurants in Lalibela.

9. Maribela Hotel, Restaurant & Lounge

Sokota Road, Lalibela 1000, Ethiopia Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Television, Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Delivery African, Ethiopian, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Drinks, Lunch, Dinner HK$31 - HK$94 +251 33 336 0345
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Maribela Hotel, Restaurant & Lounge

Our unique full service restaurant services Ethiopian and Continental food. The menu offer tasty and nutritious dishes prepared by a team of culinary experts led by our highly experienced chef, Our restaurant prides itself on providing quality food in a clean and delightful atmosphere. Our guests' comfort and satisfaction is upmost important to us, and we strive to provide the best quality possible and are always looking for improvements. Our talented chef uses the finest ingredients available to prepare all of our food, and every bartender and server is dedicated to providing swift service without sacrificing quality. Ethiopian Traditional food as well as a variety of international dishes are available at all times and are prepared by a highly-trained staff. According to the season and availability of ingredients, our menu changes slightly throughout the year.

Reviewed By BenefacTours - Vancouver

This is a lovely hotel. Food was good and the staff invited me to a traditional coffee ceremony in the garden. The hotel looks out at a stunning view.

10. Old Abyssinia Lodge and Restaurant

PO Bos 141, Lalibela, Ethiopia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff African, Ethiopian, European, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +251 91 202 7992
Excellent
70%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Old Abyssinia Lodge and Restaurant

Reviewed By struppi - Trousvierges

My daughter and myself had the pleasure to be invited to this unique and top class restaurant last week
Great food,fantastic music performance by some local students,coffee in an unbelievable quality and ceromony
Whoever travels in a group should ask Melkamu to make arrangements in their special dining room. Great memories for us

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