 Little Ethiopia is a one-block strip of shops and restaurants on South Fairfax, and Meals By Genet is the neighborhood’s crown jewel, offering better flavor and a more inviting space than its neighbors. Genet Agonafer’s handsome restaurant features framed Ethiopian paintings and decorative dark wood silhouettes. Every meal involves a platter lined with injera, the sour, crêpe-like bread made from teff. One may tear off hunks of injera to use as a utensil, or silverware is available upon request. A great way to sample different flavors is to order the Vegetarian Combination, ten distinct piles highlighted by sinus-clearing green lentils with hot Ethiopian mustard, collard greens and a mix of thin-sliced potato, carrot, green bean and onion. The top meat offering is Hirutye’s Yebegsiga Alitcha, on-the-bone lamb shank stewed with garlic, ginger, “other spices” and more tufts of injera. Chicken tibs is also first-rate; boneless chunks are sautéed with onions, green chilies and Ethiopian butter---clarified butter blended with cardamom. Agonafer’s spices are sun-dried in Ethiopia. There are also Italian dishes, but better to stick with the Ethiopian classics. To drink, order a bottle of sweet Ethiopian honey wine.
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area. Also, check out our picks for the Top 40 Cheap Eats in the U.S.
