What types of Ethiopian dishes do you serve?

We offer a variety of traditional Ethiopian dishes, including tibs, wots, and vegetarian options.

Do you have a lunch menu or daily specials?

Yes, we have a lunch menu available from 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday, and daily specials are posted on our social media.

Where are you located?

We are located at 2425 El Cajon Blvd.

Do you offer catering services or takeout?

Yes, we offer catering services for events and parties, and takeout orders can be placed by phone or online.

Is the restaurant family-friendly and do you have high chairs?

Yes, we are family-friendly and have high chairs available for young children.

Reviews (619) 228-9811 Call Photos About

Abay Ethiopian market and restaurant in San Diego

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4.8 (164)

Ethiopian Restaurants Restaurants with Outdoor Seatings

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About

Abay Ethiopian Market and Restaurant is a unique dining experience in the heart of San Diego, offering a fusion of traditional Ethiopian cuisine and a vibrant market atmosphere. As a premier Ethiopian restaurant in the city, we take pride in serving authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients and spices. Our menu features a wide range of options, from classic Ethiopian favorites to modern twists on traditional recipes. Whether you're in the mood for tender tibs, flavorful wots, or savory vegetarian dishes, our chefs use only the freshest ingredients to create a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more. Located at 2425 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104, Abay Ethiopian Market and Restaurant is the perfect destination for foodies and families alike. Our market section offers a variety of Ethiopian spices, coffee, and other specialty items, making it a one-stop shop for all your Ethiopian needs. Come visit us today and experience the rich flavors and warm hospitality of Ethiopia in the heart of San Diego.

Abay Ethiopian market and restaurant Review Summary

The summary was generated by AI, based on reviews.

Savor the authentic flavors of Ethiopia at Abay Ethiopian Market and Restaurant, where tender injera bread and rich stews come together in perfect harmony. With generous portions and attentive service, this hidden gem is a must-visit for adventurous foodies.

Review Rating Chart

Yelp: 4.5/5

Google Reviews: 4.4/5

TripAdvisor: 4.5/5

Foursquare: 4.3/5

Zomato: 4.2/5

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Reviews & Ratings

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4.8

(164 Reviews)

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James Sharcot -Google user

3 years ago

Excellent dining experience at SD's newest Ethiopian restaurant utilizing the outdoor patio space. Everything was made fresh to order, and the awazé (hot sauce) was super savory and spicy! Will definitely be coming here again our my next trip. Highly recommend for Vegan, vegetarian, carnivore...Read More

Dine inBrunch$10–20

Chandra Kanth Reddy -Google user

Edited a year ago

The place is great. Being vegan I tried vegetarian combination, the food is so tasty with reasonable prices. I have also been to Ethiopia and the food here tastes very close to the authentic Ethiopian. I highly recommend it

Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5

Patrick Mazzuca -Google user

2 months ago

This is a delightful little place. Restaurant is in back of store and it is absolutely delicious. Really cool staff and it’s hard to describe the tastiness of the food. Absolutely authentic- don’t expect silverware and don’t complain about it. Use the fantastic injera bread...Read More

Dine inDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Vegetarian Combination

Armando Blancarte -Google user

2 weeks ago

Imaging eating healthy food, it digests so easy, very nutritious food, just look ethiopian people. Their longevity and life style, this includes their religious life, they promote education to their childrent,plus their respect this great country called UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, by heart...just to...Read More

Dine in$10–20Atmosphere: 53-4 peopleIndoor dining area, Bar area, Outdoor patio / terrace

Charlie Spirko -Google user

4 months ago

The ye siga wat was phenomenal! Super friendly staff, with a very clean and quiet dining area in the back of an Ethiopian food store

Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 4

Casimiro Alvarez -Google user

a year ago

Delicious food, friendly service and good prices. Portion sizes were super generous and staff was attentive. Definitely recommend

Dine inBrunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5

Hani Harieg -Google user

a year ago

Excellent taste, highly recommend the vegetarian as well as meat combos. Fresh and authentic, they also carry an Ethiopian bread called Dabo, perfect for snacking or with coffee and tea. Ask for “a little Ethiopian butter on top” of your meats. It will...Read More

Dine inDinnerAtmosphere: 5Injera, Ye-Shiro Wot, Spaghetti Ethiopian Style, Ye-Beg Siga Wot, Ye - Shiro Wot

B d -Google user

3 years ago

Came to visit San Diego and went to try Abay restaurant. The food was so authentic and delicious and the service was great. We really enjoyed the good customer service and the food. I would say this is by far my favorite place to eat...Read More

Sharon Brown -Google user

2 years ago

Best Ethiopian Spaghetti EVER!! Its has a spicy meat sauce that is flavorful and delicious!! Their veggie combo is great as well!!

lulit yimam -Google user

2 months ago

As an Ethiopian the food here reminds me of home! Before I moved from San Diego i use to shop and eat here :) i visited recently and of course i stopped here to eat and to buy some Injera!

Dine inLunchService: 5Vegetarian Combination

Garrison Chen -Google user

3 months ago

Ive been here a handful of times and the food is always great and the store in the front was super helpful when I wanted to try making the food myself. Owner was super friendly and going out of his way to be helpful

Dine inDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Injera, Vegetarian Combination, KitfoHighly recommendVegetarian menu or section

M -Google user

a month ago

Fantastic food. Staff was really friendly too. I’ll definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Sara Mitteer -Google user

a year ago

Such incredible food, oh my goodness! A true hidden gem in San Diego. Very kind staff, very much family owned and operated kind of vibe. It’s not a place you go for ambiance, it’s one of those super authentic hope in the wall kind of...Read More

Dinner$20–30Service: 5Plenty of parkingFree parking lot

Pete Souvall -Google user

3 years ago

This was our first experience with Ethiopian food and it definitely won’t be our last. Abay is great. It’s such an inviting place. We ordered the dry prepared beef t’ibs and veggie combo. The food was so flavorful and beautiful. The injera was great as...Read More

Dine inDinner$20–30

Daja “KB” Yanez -Google user

5 months ago

There are “cuter” spots but we went with our gut - and our taste buds were not disappointed in the slightest. In fact, this spot has the best Ethiopian food (and service) that we’ve ever had.

Dine inAtmosphere: 3Meat ComboHighly recommend

Paige C -Google user

a year ago

We came here after going to the zoo and we were all hungry. Abay didn't disappoint! They are currently doing renovations so we were seated in the market area. The food was delicious! We ordered the veggie combo, Abay Special T'ibs, and the Ye -...Read More

Dine inDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 4The vegetarian combo was a favorite: many types of veggies and lentils cooked in different styles.

Mike Mudgett -Google user

2 years ago

This was my first time having Ethiopian food, and it was a great experience. We got the vegetarian combination and fish, and both were excellent and very fresh. The service was also great!

Dine inLunch$10–20

Cris Carri -Google user

11 months ago

The food was amazing. Some of the best Ethiopian I’ve ever had service was great. Can’t recommend enough!

Dine inDinner$20–30Atmosphere: 4Injera

Enze “Alex” Liu -Google user

3 years ago

Great food! Tried their spicy beef stew. Definitely well made! Gonna try their meat combo next time. The bread is a bit sour but you won’t be able to feel it if you have it with the stew.

Nicole Gambino -Google user

3 weeks ago

Everything was amazing!! Will absolutely be back and I’ll bring some friends next time. The owner was a delight to talk with too. Wonderful dining experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Features

Service options

Outdoor seating

Curbside pickup

No-contact delivery

Delivery

Takeout

Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Coffee

Comfort food

Healthy options

Small plates

Vegan options

Vegetarian options

Wine

Dining options

Lunch

Dinner

Seating

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual

Cozy

Crowd

Groups

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards

Debit cards

NFC mobile payments

Children

Good for kids

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