Abyssinian Restaurant

African food in Adelaide rarely comes loaded with so much authenticity as at Abyssinian Restaurant down Henley Beach Road. This Ethiopian restaurant in Torrensville is proudly flying the red, gold and green flag for Eastern African culinary culture, with an extensive range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, plus plenty of golden St George’s beer to wash it all down. Abyssinian is careful to source the best ingredients from local Australian producers, making these dishes (try them at Ethiopian spice levels if you dare) as fresh as can be.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner down Henley Beach Road, Abyssinian Restaurant is a vibrant place to sample East African cuisine in Adelaide, with an emphasis on the food of Ethiopia. As the proprietors say, Ethiopian food is usually spicy hot, but never an endurance test. Like the best of South Asian cookery, spices are carefully balanced in such a way that they’re not intended to act as a tastebud demolition crew but as a way to bring out the natural flavours of the meats and vegetables used. That said, when you dine at this Torrensvile palace to African spice be sure to let your waiter know how tough – or timid – your tastebuds are!

Dining at Abyssinian Restaurant is a truly authentic East African delight. The focal point of the table is the traditional mesob, a beautiful wickerwork basket upon which the food is served. Match that with this Torrensville restaurant’s Ethiopian decor and you have a real experience on your hands. And indeed, using your hands – with the aid of pieces of injera flatbread – is the way to dine here. Take your pick of hearty stews and sauteed meats and vegetables, or an equally extensive list of vegetarian meals. And, if you’re looking for a spicy way to celebrate with some of Adelaide’s most interesting global food, be sure to enquire about Abyssinia’s banquets for ten or more people.