Merkato Restaurant

Merkato - because sometimes “shady” can surprise you.

by Dawn Garcia

While I have taken the time to write about more extravagant cuisine, there are a few dives in Los Angeles that are among my favorite indulgences. In LA, you can find any kind of food imaginable. There are varying degrees from fancy to the local hole-in-the-wall place and that is the sheer beauty (and often stomach churning) adventure of dining anywhere in the Los Angeles area. So one day, about 12 years ago, I came upon what’s known as the “Fairfax District”. Located at 3rd and Fairfax, this street is filled with textile stores and Ethiopian dining. There are some well known and more upscale restaurants, however they are not among the more tasty. Amidst them all, there is an Ethiopian gem —- Merkato: both market and restaurant. Before delving into it’s offbeat yet endearing qualities, here is a bit they have posted on their home page:

Ethiopian food is like the Ethiopians themselves: spicy, subtle, piquant and most of all, unforgettable.

When you peer through the window you laugh and most likely would run far, far away. The seats near the window are bridle saddles painted in bright colors. Yes, I’m serious. There are tables against the walls that look “sturdy” at best and some booths dressed in African fabric BUT do not let the questionable and shady decor deter you. This is probably the most tasty, heavy, wonderfully filling Ethiopian food I’ve ever tasted. It’s not light and healthy, it is saturated in fat and flavor and once in a while it is an indulgence I welcome. However the real wonder (and genius) is that Merkato offers cuisine for Vegetarians and Carnivores alike.

Onto the food. I think my favorite part is the mystery spongy-tortilla-like bread they bring that looks like a tortilla and a sea sponge mated and then upon tasting it, you feel like you’ve just eaten sourdough bread (don’t knock it til’ you try it). The kicker? You will use this as both a utensil and side dish. I love it! As for what I cannot do without, I tend to gravitate towards the same things on the menu because years might go by and I find myself craving it and I inevitably come back. My menu picks are:

#14 Combo plate: Yebeg Sega Wot (Strips of beef braised in red pepper sauce and spices) and Yebeg Alicha (Mild lamb stew delicately spices with garlic, ginger, and other spices)

#30 Veggie Plate: Combo of Special Shiro, Lentils, Collard Greens, Yatklt Alicha, Yekeke Alicha, and Timatim Fit-Fit

I top it off with Honey wine. No idea if it’s cheap or bad because in truth it is entirely unique to this restaurant and when you take a sip, you run your tongue across your lips and you get remnants of honey. It is part of the experience and experience, in my book, is why any food should be ingested.

So when you’re down in LA and you want something different, go to Merkato. The staff is always really friendly, the food is unforgettable, and while this is “out of the norm”, this is still my LA pick and will remain on my list of favorites until they either: change management or just stop being so deliciously unexpected.

Written by Dawn Garcia

For more, please visit us on the web at: A taste of Dawn, where writer/screenwriter Dawn Garcia takes us on an extraordinary journey in he world of fare

Favorably Impressed - Will Return!

by Mamite

It was our first time eating Ethiopian food and we were somewhat apprehensive lest we got something too spicey for our taste. The waitress was warm and friendly and very helpful in her recommendations. We ordered a fish plate with injera and an assortment of veggies. The fish was a trout, cooked whole, and absolutely delicious. Nothing on the veggie assortment was too spicy for our pallet. Bottom line, we loved the whole experience - the food was great and we ate every bit of it. We did order only one fish plate with veggies, but we ordered 'extra veggies' at the advice of the waitress. It was more than enough for two people. The price was very reasonable. With two sodas and tax, the meal came to approximately $22.00.

We hope we will be able to vist the Mercato on our next trip to Los Angeles.

• Pros: Casual, friendly Atmosphere. Terrific Food! Fun to eat with your hands.
• Cons: None

Horrible

by Momo3000

I got the #6 last night and it was terrible. Chewy, poor quality, weird tasting meat (supposedly beef). I took 3 bites and threw it away. Maybe I am a spoiled American but I don't see how any human could find that edible.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Bad food

best ethiopian food on fairfax

by soxog

delicious, friendly and welcoming. i have eaten here many times and have never been disappointed. a fun scene and the best ethiopian food in little ethiopia. i have sent all of my friends there and they have all loved it. and don't be scared...the waitstaff is very eager to recommend and help you decipher the menu. SO GREAT!

Very inexpensive, large portions, delicious food, great vegi options

by adamgator

We've been here a few times and have never been disappointed. Located on Fairfax in ?Little Ethiopia,? just south of the San Vicente/Olympic/Fairfax intersection. Plenty of street parking. Food is very inexpensive ($6 for a large vegetarian sampler that feeds the two of us just fine). The sampler comes with a wide range of 5-7 different dishes ? all very flavorful and totally different. Food is served traditionally on the spongy bread, no utensils. They are generous with extra bread for dipping. The meat entrees look good, but I?m a vegetarian. We typically get 1 sampler and if we still have room, we order a side ($2) of our favorite for that day. The tough part is deciding which is our favorite dish ? they?re all so good! The sambusa and pan fried bread with spices are also excellent, if you have room! Decor inside is interesting ? range from tables to more traditional floor/pillow sitting. Sometimes there is strong incense burning inside. Outdoor seating available so you can bring a pet. Overall, it is very cheep ? rarely does our bill exceed $10. Great flavors, big portions, large variety. Service can be a little slow at lunch. We've been for Ethiopian in DC when we lived in Maryland and have spent $60-$100 dollars for food that is not half as good as Merkato for $6!

• Pros: VERY inexpensive, good vegi options, large portions, big variety, delicious food
• Cons: Service can be slow, street parking only (but that's LA for you)