Ambo Ethiopian Cuisine

4.9 ( 360 reviews )
$10–20
902 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States
+1 360-756-1627
Ambo Ethiopian Cuisine, nestled in the heart of Bellingham, WA, offers an inviting journey through authentic Ethiopian flavors. With dishes like the flavorful Alicha Wat Lamb Stew and the spicy Doro Wat Chicken Stew, this restaurant has clearly captured the essence of Ethiopian gastronomy. Customers rave about their experiences, highlighting the outstanding service and the generous portion sizes that make every visit memorable. Many patrons, including first-timers, have found themselves enchanted by the unique blend of spices that define Ethiopian dishes. For example, the in-house hot sauce, lauded for its flavorful yet non-overpowering kick, has won hearts. Vegetarian offerings, like the Yekik Wat Yellow Split Pea Stew and the Yemisir Wat Green Lentil Stew, showcase a delightful range of options that cater to diverse palates. Reviewers express a sense of community and warmth at Ambo, as both staff and diners foster a welcoming atmosphere. Culinary enthusiasts remark on how the restaurant reminds them of their travels to Ethiopia, making every bite nostalgic and richly delicious. Overall, Ambo Ethiopian Cuisine stands out not only for its delectable dishes but also for the captivating dining experience it delivers.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves healthy options
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves vegan dishes
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Paid street parking
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Ambo Ethiopian Cuisine

Kayak
May 27,2025
Can't believe we waited so long to try this place! This was the first time we've had Ethiopian cuisine, and it lived up to the hype and good reviews. Service is friendly and helpful. We've been meaning to check it out and finally made it in, so glad we did. We went for a combination plate to try 75% of the menu, which was fun and gave an opportunity to see what it's all about. Definitely loved the "hot sauce" they make in house - really unique with great flavor. If you have a family member that doesn't enjoy "spicy food" this was definitely NOT "spicy-hot" though deliciously flavored with spices. The lamb stew and red lentils were definite stand-outs, but everything was really good. The meal paired really well with Boundary Bay Scotch Ale (definitely appreciate some local beer selection).
Paul Brennan
May 27,2025
Oh my word! The best Ethiopian food I have had since I was in Ethiopia. I was transported right back with the flavors! If you already like Ethiopian food you will not be disappointed, and if you have never had it before, please visit, you will love it. The portions are huge, the food is just delicious and the service was exemplary. My wife and I loved talking with the owner and our server, and cannot wait to come back
Frank Li
May 24,2025
I never thought it's so good. I haven't try African foods before. Today's visit totally changed me. In my opinion, beef is the best choice. Will try others later.
Emily Goodin
Apr 14,2025
Excellent vegetarian options. We've visited four times in person and we got take-out one time (during Covid). Basically all the sides except the "cottage cheese" are veg and three entrees are veg. We have tried all the veg entrees and all the sides - everything was wonderful! Make sure you ask for the hot sauce (I didn't think to, and the owner offered - so glad she did!) It was very flavorful, but not too spicy. TIP: After you enter, order at the counter, then take a seat. There's seating for about 20, with two 3-person tables, an 8 person table and a 6 person table.
Keejaa Wachowicz-Ramgotra (Keej)
Apr 6,2025
The food here is delicious. Wonderful and authentic. I did find it disappointing when the owner didn't have her cook book for sale, and didn't appreciate hearing that I would have purchased a copy if it was on hand. They could use a little more neighborly support, by my reckoning. Opening the blinds, wouldn't hurt either ;)
madison toney
Mar 24,2025
While I have only been to a couple Ethiopian restaurants, this one absolutely is one of the best! As soon as you walk it the entire place smells delicious. The service was good and we got our food quickly. Portions are massive so I recommend if you want to try several stews to get the 1/2 portions and share with a group. We had the red lentil and stir-fried beef stew with the potato/carrot and spinach sides.
Alyssa Springs
Mar 11,2025
I've enjoyed the food at Ambo for years. I visit with friends and family when they're in town. I love introducing people to Ethiopian food & seeing their reaction (it's always good). My father & step-mom recently visited from Pennsylvania. They are not adventurous foodies and were hesitant to try it. They loved the food here! It's served community style, unless otherwise requested. They really liked the injera bread and the flavors. My little sister is vegetarian and had no problem finding several items on the menu. I always suggest trying the owner's homemade cottage cheese because it's quite different from what you'd buy at the store. I love the mix of textures and tastes on each plate.
Dara Marks-Marino
Feb 24,2025
Delicious food and extremely helpful and friendly people. We ordered the yellow split pea stew and the red lentil stew and loved it! (we can't eat dairy but both of these were dairy free, which we really appreciated!)

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