Horn of Africa

11/13/09

I can't believe the favorable reviews

by ldr1960 at Citysearch

The worst dining experience I have had in years.

Server was uninformed about what was in the dishes. A "vegeterian platter" is on the menu and listed at a "variable" price -- but she couldn't tell us which items were in it or how much it cost this evening. She went to ask and then someone else (owner? chef?) came to our table to make suggestions.

We opted for the buffet at his suggestion. But every single item was a disappointment - and some were so awful that we simply decided to leave.

Add in he lack of decor (wooden tables with no tablecloths; bright "security" type lights glaring from outside into the glass front of the restaurant) and an uncomfortably chilly dining room, this place is a wonder -- wonder how the devil it has so many favorable reviews.

• Pros: I can't think of any
• Cons: decor, pricing, menu, food

04/23/09

Fabulous Food!

by abyron at Citysearch

This a unique "Ethiopian" restaurant that stands out among the many different Ethiopian offerings available throughout Portland. This restaurant blends spices and flavors from the geographic region that includes the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and India, to create complex flavors that are delicious and refreshing.

If you are new to this cuisine, try the lunch buffet or better still, the Sunday dinner buffet! You'll be able to sample most everything from the menu, and creative innovations from the Chef.

The restaurant has moved to a beautiful new location at 5237 NE MLK Blvd/Vanport Plaza. It is a family friendly place, and even offers a party room for private events.

• Pros: Food/Service/Family Friendly Envivornment
• Cons: None!

02/21/09

Simply the Best!!!

by sns97239 at Citysearch

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!

12/05/08

Food that makes you Feel Good

by anonymous395 at Citysearch

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!

• Pros: the flavors, kind friendly service, homey
• Cons: none

11/23/08

A Superb Cuisine in a Delightful Setting

by AGormet at Citysearch

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.

11/19/08

Portland's best African food

by fredlf at Citysearch

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.

10/26/08

Fantastic food. Beautiful restaurant. Family-run and friendly.

by MarkSilver2 at Citysearch

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.

10/26/08

Amazing Hospitality & GREAT Food!

by happygirl5555555 at Citysearch

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!

• Pros: Great prices, yummy food, AMAZING hospitality
• Cons: NONE!

09/25/08

Gorgeous food, beautiful owners, awesome private upstairs room!

by mandelotti at Citysearch

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!

• Pros: Upstairs loungy space, great neighborhood "step outside the norm" food choice
• Cons: none

12/08/07

It's not about the decor

by vixenmonkey at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: Yummy food, Mango Lassi (the yummiest)
• Cons: Ambience