Merkato Restaurant
(323) 935-1775
1036 1/2 Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles,
CA
90019
34.0572
-118.3641
Neighborhoods: Central LA, Mid City
What People Are Saying About Merkato Restaurant
The Editor
Mar Yvette
Citysearch
In Short
Just beyond the sunwashed entrance of this well-known Little Ethiopia spot lies a moody, dimly lit restaurant conjuring up an East African opium den. Incense wafts through the long vertical hall, saturating every inch of space. Locals coolly look over their shoulders, grazed by low-hanging silks. Intricately embroidered parasols hang upside down from the ceiling while tribal art and Ethiopian artifacts line the dingy walls. Exotic music rushes in from the adjacent shop as unhurried servers tarry with steaming plates of wat (traditional stews) and tibs (sauteed veggies or meat).
User Reviews
Mamite
January 03, 2009
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.
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Momo3000
March 27, 2008
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.
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soxog
March 11, 2008
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!
read full reviewThe Details on Merkato Restaurant
Know Before You Go:
The service here has a reputation for being slow, so make sure you've got a good conversation partner and a little patience.
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Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Cheap Eats, Hidden Find
