Toronto's most iconic Ethiopian restaurant — Ethiopian House has been downtown Toronto's window into East African cuisine since 1976. The injera, doro wat, and kitfo are made with genuine care in one of the oldest Ethiopian restaurants in Canada.
Neighbourhood: Downtown (Irwin Ave) · Address: 4 Irwin Ave, Toronto, ON M4Y 1K9 · Hours: Mon–Thu 12PM–10PM | Fri–Sat 12PM–11PM | Sun 12PM–9PM · Price Range: $$ · Phone: (416) 923-5438 · Website: https://ethiopianhouse.com · Editorial status: Not yet verified
If you've never eaten Ethiopian food with injera before, this is the spot—nothing pretentious, just soulful dishes and service that feels like someone inviting you into their home. It's also open late compared to other downtown East African spots.
Ethiopian House is one of Toronto's oldest East African restaurants, with recipes passed down and perfected since the '70s. The injera is locally renowned—soft, tangy, and never soggy—and they’re among the few offering classics like kitfo and shiro with real attention to detail. Their dining room hosts a lively mix of cultures, making it an honest slice of downtown Toronto life.
Ethiopian House has been serving Toronto since 1976, run by a family deeply steeped in Ethiopian culinary traditions. The kitchen turns out classic stews and raw kitfo alongside tangy, house-made injera that regulars swear by. The dining room is cozy, with traditional art on the wall and a crowd that spans longtime locals to curious students. Staff are always welcoming and happy to introduce newcomers to the no-forks, all-hands approach.
Not usually, but it's smart to book on weekends or with groups.
Doro wat—the intensely spiced chicken stew served on pillowy injera—is the signature, but kitfo is a close second.
Perfect for small to mid-sized groups (up to 8); the shared platters are made for communal eating.
Most mains are $18–$24, with sampler platters for two around $40.
WTF Toronto creates guides using independent editorial research, official sources, local knowledge and firsthand experience where available. Commercial relationships are disclosed where applicable.