Addis Red Sea - (617) 426-8727

The comments here really reflect my feelings about the place. The most favourable comments are generally from people who have enjoyed their first experience with Ethiopian food. If you have never had Ethiopian food, then this place is as good as any to start. It is a delightful, unique experience that everyone should try, if not here, then somewhere else. My wife and I love Ethiopian food, and seek out Ethiopian restaurants when we travel. I always consider them better than 90% of the alternatives, and hence give this 5 stars. However, those who have had Ethiopian before are rating this place lower, and that is because they are rating it compared to other Ethiopian places. I would agree. The big thing this has going for it is the atmosphere. This is exactly what I expect for an Ethiopian restaurant. All basket seating, with no tables. I love it. On the other hand, I agree with those who note that the food is lacking flavour. The doro wot was by far the worst I have had, and lacked the zing that you would expect. Similarly, the injera was really bland, and didn't have any sourdough flavour at all. Then again, the beef tibs were really good, and among the best I have had, and there was a good veggie dish with green beans, potatos, and carrots. So it is a mixed bag. But if you've never had Ethiopian before, these things should not stop you from trying it out. If I were in Boston again, I would probably check out another place, just to compare, but given the option of this place and most of the other restaurants in town, I'd choose Addis.

The food was great and the staff was very helpful (a giant plus when dealing with food ones not accustom to). It was a great experience with great food.

Addis Red Sea is an amazing spot for dinner with friends, especially if your friends happen to be vegetarians. It's the only place I've ever had Ethiopian food, so I can't compare it, but I can state for the record that everything I've had there has been delicious. If you're thinking of going, but not sure--don't be intimidated! The spongy bread (Injera) made a perfect palette for the variety of vegetable stews and mixes we ordered for the table, some spicy, some with hints of sweetness, and all very rich and satisfying. The staff is courteous both on the phone and in person, and patiently answer questions even if there's a full house. The atmosphere upstairs is especially great. We were once seated in a cramped corner downstairs, but that was just so we could get some drinks started and our orders in sooner--they moved us to a more open table as soon as they could. I'd recommend trying the honey wine as well. It's not to everyone's taste, but I thought it was pretty good and definitely unique.