Rahel

Rahel is a tiny haven in Little Ethiopia: a charming outdoor terrace, an entire family managing the front and back of house, and a lack of liquor license that allows you to BYOB with no corkage fee: and if you forgot to bring a nice bottle of wine, get a six pack at the 7-11 next door. Rahel is entirely vegan, but that shouldn’t change your mind: the veggie options are often the best ones in Ethiopian cuisine, even at non-vegan restaurants like Messob, Lalibela or Meals by Genet. Garbanzo beans, split peas, lentils, veggies, all slowly cooked in spicy sauces along with salads and a few injeras. Chef Rahel Woldmedhin has 25 years of experience, and was the original owner of Messob. You won’t find anything else like Rahel: it seems to be the only vegan Ethiopian restaurant, and that’s quite a niche.