Horn of Africa

Recommends

sns97239

Joined 4 years ago

Simply the Best!!!. Without a doubt, the Horn of Africa served the most flavorful, authentic, and freshest African food in the area (and we have certainly tried them all multiple times). The food is prepared with great care and attention to detail. The owners came and spoke with us multiple times regarding the different flavors, presented us with various spices to try, and talked about the origins of the food. There is a banquet room upstairs for parties of six to 12 that we can't wait to try with couches, plush curtains, and "family style" low tables. We understand they have applied for both a liquor license and are looking into having live African music in the next few months. We can't wait to return!

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anonymous395

Joined 5 years ago

Food that makes you Feel Good. I stumbled across this wonderful little restaurant about two months ago. Kind owners who are always welcoming - they are like neighbors. They are famous for their homemade chai, made fresh to order. The spices and flavors will make your mouth water. Using ingredients native to the horn of Africa their food is truelly ethnic and worth a try. This restaurant is like none other. Make sure to ask for an order of Somosas and with your meal, Serrean (a Naan-like bread). The food is incredibly fresh, good for the mind, body and soul. If you are on a time budget try the lunch buffet!

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AGormet

Joined 5 years ago

A Superb Cuisine in a Delightful Setting. Superior Ethiopian Food/Superior Ambiance

The Horn of Africa really rocks in its new location in Vanport Square ( 5237 Ne MLK Blvd). The cuisine is superbly prepared and presented in a beautiful setting. They advetise on their take-out menu that the food is lovingly prepared, and it most certainly tastes as though it is. Last night we were part of a party of 12 to celebrate a friend's birthday. How delighted we were to find ourselves seated in a beautifully decorated private room as we settled in to the amazing feast that was served to us. The spicing and seasonings were done to perfection, and the many different flavors complimented eachother well. The Ethiopian "bread" (Ingira) was the very best I have ever had. My only complaint was that it was difficult to stop eating! This restaurant is head and shoulders above any restaurant of its kind in town. We will certainly be returning.

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fredlf

Joined 8 years ago

Portland's best African food. Now that Horn of Africa is in their new space, there's no reason not to visit. Their food is consistently remarkable. The flavors are complex and intriguing, they have fresh, seasonal ingredients and the new clay oven has expanded the offerings in delightful ways. The prices are very reasonable and the buffet is lavish. Every time I go I taste some new, wonderful flavor I've never experienced before. Mohamed and Khadija are warm, friendly people who make you feel welcome. You can tell that they put care and love into their food and their business.

If you're looking to kick the winter blahs, a visit to Horn of Africa is like a dose of African sunshine. This place is not to be missed.

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MarkSilver2

Joined 5 years ago

Fantastic food. Beautiful restaurant. Family-run and friendly.. This restaurant has moved a few blocks north: 5237 NE M L King Blvd, Portland - (503) 331-9844 and it has done them a world of good. The food was already fantastic, but after Khadija visited her family in Africa this past year, her already delicious food has an extra-level of subtlety to it.

And, now they're in a brand-new building in the same plaza as Old Town Pizza, and the decor and ambiance matches the food. Go, go with friends, eat, enjoy.

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happygirl5555555

Joined 5 years ago

Amazing Hospitality & GREAT Food!. Eating at the Horn of Africa was one of the BEST dining experiences i have ever had thanks to the warmth and hospitality of the owners! Mohammed talked with us about how they prepare the food and how they got their start. He was such a delight! The food was amazing and so fresh. We will come back many, many more times to this gem of a restaurant!

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mandelotti

Joined 5 years ago

Gorgeous food, beautiful owners, awesome private upstairs room!. Seven friends and I went to Horn of Africa two days ago for the first time and left amazed at how delicious every item we had was AND just how friendly and warm Mohammed, the owner, was. This was a first but definitely not a last; we are all definitely coming back!

It's pretty comical though because we heard there was no wine or beer served at the restaurant and were about to leave when Mohammed started talking to us about the food and new space. We ended up staying and ordering the chef's special (name I am giving it) and sitting upstairs in their unique loungy room where Mohammed proceeded to bring dish after dish, all the way to dessert. (makes me salivate just thinking about it).

I personally had never had Ethiopian food before and was impressed (as was my husband) by the various tastes, the quality of Mohammed's food (some organic), specifically, and also by his hospitality and friendliness.

The eight of us had a great night out and are so pleased we ended up staying, even without the beer and wine (we would have so missed out). So excited to have another great pick in the NE neighborhood! Cheers to the Horn of Africa for a job well done on all counts!

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vixenmonkey

Joined 6 years ago

It's not about the decor. If you're looking for a place with an intimate atmosphere (or even a place where the heat is turned on), this isn't it. But, if you're looking for an affordable Ethiopian restaurant with decent food, this fits the bill. The curried chicken and spicy lamb were pretty good and priced reasonably (at least for this town), The couple at the next table over ordered the vegetarian platter to share, which looked huge and tasty. Service was slow but friendly. Try the mango lassi--it's very tasty. Overall, I would reccommend it, and I hear they're moving to a new location in the near future.

Doesn't Recommend

binta

Joined 6 years ago

Sorry to report~. Sorry to report this restaurant is nothing like the reviews listed ~ Just a huge disappointment on all fronts. Grant you, the interior decoration is down right stark, desolate and uninviting, but good food and good service will always make up for a lack of surrounding ambience at any restaurant. But in the case of ?The Horn of Africa? the poor service, and definitely the quality of the food served was abysmal and made the lack of effort spent on the interior ambience clear evidence of what is to come from food and service. I have dined at many Northeast African inspired restaurants and the sheer slothfulness of the decor, the food and the service at The Horn of Africa should inspire someone out there to start a good Northeast African inspired restaurant in Portland. Perhaps there is one already, but it?s sure not The Horn of Africa. On a scale of 1 to 10, a 2 is being more than kind.

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lorrai

Joined 6 years ago

Best African Food in Portland. Favorite lunch spot. These people have taken no classes in U.S. restaurant management. I was confused at first, but love it now. You walk in, find a table, and go directly to the buffet where you will be dazzled by the array of freshly made African food -- and everything is organic. The owners appear with icewater and fresh spongy bread. They sell products, and have real Spanish Saffron for the best price I have found anywhere in town.