Nyala Ethiopian Cuisine

(323) 936-5918

1076 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90019 34.0563 -118.3646

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Neighborhoods: Mid City, Central LA

NYALA-LA.COM

Price:

$$

Last updated 6.04.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

African, Ethiopian, Vegetarian

What People Are Saying About Nyala Ethiopian Cuisine

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – Nyala features earthen colors, tribal music and the sharp aroma of garlic, ginger and red pepper. Both novices and eat-with-your-hands pros head to this African dining destination for injera--a tangy, flat crepe-like bread--to scoop up stews like the yebeg yebere wot with red wine-marinated beef, or doro tibs with chicken in an onion and tomato sauce. –

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
Both the vegetarian and meat combination platters provide an introduction to the menu's offerings.
Know Before You Go:
This is communal eating--be prepared to share your elbow space with strangers.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. The ambience has gotten better over the years with walls that have been painted a warm, rust color and music.
  2. really liked the food and the atmosphere at Nyala.
  3. Although the place has a nice atmosphere, the food was bland, if not downright bad.
  4. The food is deliccious, the prices reasonable, the atmosphere is very nice and the waitstaff friendly.
food quality
75.99999904632568% positive
  1. The flavors at Nyala Ethiopian Cuisine are so fresh and layered.
  2. The asa fish was my favorite, probably because it was the most spicy.
  3. This place was nice and the service was fine but I didnt care for the food.
  4. The food is deliccious, the prices reasonable, the atmosphere is very nice and the waitstaff friendly.
  5. The food is absolutely fantastic!
  6. The food is really good and the prices are reasonable.
  7. You eat with a bitter spongy type flat bread.
  8. I've been to Nyala on four occasions over the last few years and was recently reminded that have always had a GREAT meal there.
  9. Although the place has a nice atmosphere, the food was bland, if not downright bad.
  10. If you've never tried Ethiopian cuisine, then this is the perfect place to ease into it.
  11. really liked the food and the atmosphere at Nyala.
  12. The chicken was ok but the beef portions were awful.
  13. Nyala is a wonderful place for "beginners" to go because it's classy, very clean, and has great food.
  14. The flavors of the meal were certainly not like anything we'd had before.
  15. was with my family of four on fairfax when we decide to try some ethiopian food, when we entered nyala the place looked nice and clean, we ordered the part platter for 4 people for $45.
  16. mediocre food, small portions and inattentive service
  17. The food is terrific here and the prices are reasonable.
  18. One of the best things about Ethiopian food is the incredible spices that are used to prepare it.
  19. the food wasn't good and we were really dissapointed.
  20. If you like Ethiopian food, you should steer clear of Nyala.
  21. The waitress said there had been some change of management since the last time she went, which would explain the bad food.
  22. The vegetable platter was delicious- mainly composed of mashed beans and lentils.
  23. know, it seems obvious but this is LA. tip for first timers: share the combo meat & veggie platter with a friend and see if you're into it then order your own dish next time.
  24. Ethiopian food is so unique and when it's good, it is very good, and when it's not so good, it is time to leave.
  25. The friend who recommended the place went back after I told her how bad the food was, and she agreed.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. Hands down the best Ethiopian restaurant in Little Ethiopia on Fairfax.
  2. This is my favorite Ethiopian restaurant on Fairfax.
service
77.77999877929688% positive
  1. was with my family of four on fairfax when we decide to try some ethiopian food, when we entered nyala the place looked nice and clean, we ordered the part platter for 4 people for $45.
  2. mediocre food, small portions and inattentive service
  3. The waitress said there had been some change of management since the last time she went, which would explain the bad food.
  4. The food is deliccious, the prices reasonable, the atmosphere is very nice and the waitstaff friendly.
  5. The staff was nice but we did have to grab their attention.
  6. Very nice and courteous staff.
  7. The service is friendly enough, although not extremely attentive.
  8. This place was nice and the service was fine but I didnt care for the food.
  9. Wonderful flavors and beautiful people are abundant in Nyala restaurant.
value
60.0% positive
  1. The food is really good and the prices are reasonable.
  2. mediocre food, small portions and inattentive service
  3. The food is terrific here and the prices are reasonable.
  4. The food is deliccious, the prices reasonable, the atmosphere is very nice and the waitstaff friendly.
  5. The chicken was ok but the beef portions were awful.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/01/10

yummy healthy budget-conscious eats

by the mad hatter at Citysearch

lentils, veggies, stewed meats, injera bread... all are excellent. dishes can be made mild and utensils can be provided for those less adventurous. been to this place a million times and have never been disappointed. wine and beer served so pick out a designated driver beforehand. great for small groups of people as the staff have no problem pushing tables together as long as you have the sense not to go when it's packed and without a call ahead. i know, it seems obvious but this is LA.

tip for first timers: share the combo meat & veggie platter with a friend and see if you're into it then order your own dish next time.

  • Pros: inexpensive
  • Cons: some parking issues on busy nights
1 Star Rating: Poor

10/14/07

Terrible place stay away

by lazus7 at Citysearch

I was with my family of four on fairfax when we decide to try some ethiopian food, when we entered nyala the place looked nice and clean, we ordered the part platter for 4 people for $45. When we've received the food we were in shock, the plate had enough food to feed maybe 1 person. the food wasn't good and we were really dissapointed. will never go back again, if you are hungry stay away...

  • Pros: none
  • Cons: not enough food and not that tasty
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/22/07

Yummy!

by moni603 at Citysearch

I really liked the food and the atmosphere at Nyala. We ordered the meat & veggie combo plates and the asa fish dish. The asa fish was my favorite, probably because it was the most spicy. My friend loved the lentils and the cabbage on the veggie plate. The staff was nice but we did have to grab their attention. I don't mind doing that but I know others do. Overall, a great experience and I'll be going back with other friends!

  • Pros: Great Food, Great Atmosphere, Cost
  • Cons: None
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/20/06

Best Ethiopian in Los Angeles!

by happypants37 at Citysearch

This is my favorite Ethiopian restaurant on Fairfax. The food is deliccious, the prices reasonable, the atmosphere is very nice and the waitstaff friendly. They have large sampler platters for both vegetarians and meat eaters - a real bargain. The honey wine and Tusker beer are a plus.

  • Pros: food, price, atmosphere, friendly service
  • Cons: parking
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/02/06

My favorite place for Ethiopean

by dmenkes at Citysearch

I was first introduced to Ethiopean food and Nyala's a couple years ago. It remains my favorite on Fairfax. The food is really good and the prices are reasonable. Parking is extremely difficult, however. We've shown up just before noon to park behind the restaurant in the alleyway and enter from the rear, but there are only two spaces. Otherwise, you have to find street parking either on Fairfax (good luck!) or up to several blocks away on residential streets. Beware of street cleaning days! I've gotten a ticket before. For dinner the lights are dim and the atmoshpere is warm and inviting. For lunch, it's lively. I highly recommend the honey wine to go with your meal!

The Details on Nyala Ethiopian Cuisine

Place Categories:

  • really liked ethiopian food
  • nice place
  • very nice atmosphere
  • mediocre food
  • layered wonderful flavors
  • reasonable prices
  • best ethiopian restaurant
  • flat spongy type flat bread
  • good ethiopian
  • warm music
  • great recommendations
  • favorite asa fish
  • great meal
  • order dish
  • warm rust color
  • great lunch special
  • friendly service
  • good ethiopian places
  • awful beef portions
  • mediocre inattentive service
  • beautiful people
  • loved lentils
  • best nyala
  • very nice staff
  • mediocre small portions
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