Messob Ethiopian Restaurant
(323) 938-8827
1041 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles,
CA
90019
34.0572
-118.3645
Neighborhoods: Central LA, Mid City
What People Are Saying About Messob Ethiopian Restaurant
The Editor
Tara Lis
Citysearch
In Short
Pleasant smells waft through the air as diners are greeted by one of the pair of brothers who own the restaurant or an equally attentive hostess. A neat row of glass-top tables sit comfortably on both sides of the room, with special Ethiopian straw tables known as the restaurant's namesake, mesob, in the center of the room. Two larger ones are perched communally in the front window. The menu includes traditional vegetarian sampler dishes, house specialty chili-spiced beef kitfo and more mild chicken breast.
User Reviews
maaaason
February 15, 2009
This was the worst dining experience of my life - a real sin. First, we were shuffled out of the cute, cozy dining area into a drafty room in the back of the restaurant. The walls were yellow, cracked and peeling. There were tears in the tablecloths. The room wasn't even arranged symmetrically - the chairs were scattered haphazard among tables. The lights were yellow. We waited exactly 58 minutes from when were ordered to be served our food. During this time, a man lurked around, handing out napkins and assuring us our food would arrive in a few minutes. He gave us a free appetizer when we "reached" the 45 minutes mark. The appetizer was really good, but the rest of the food was disgusting. The chicken looked like it was coated in plastic; it was all slick, stringy pink-in-spots dark meat. The vegetable dish consisted of boiled cabbage. After a few bites, everything was nauseating - it was like a zesty swamp. It was such an awful dining experience we found it hilarious. Although we left, feeling sick, and still unsatiated. This restaurant is a piece of sh!t.
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valifornia
January 31, 2009
We've been here a couple of times and we've always liked it. We went again last night. The food does not disappoint -- particularly the lentils. The service is friendly, albeit a bit slow at times. We'll definitely go back. The only thing to warn about is some of the lower tables in the center of the restaurant have proportionally low chairs, which may be uncomfortable for people with back problems.
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dawn826
August 13, 2008
My friends and I go out to dinner every month and pick a different restaurant. This month was Messob. We arrived at 6 PM on July 30. There were only a few people in the restaruant but when we left it was full. I wanted to try Ethiopian food. We ordered the meat and vegetable platter. Though I did not like one or two items on the platter overall the food was delicious and the service was good. The owner came over and spoke to us twice. I really love it when the owner or chef comes to the table. A restaurant goes up a few notches in my book when that happens. It shows they care. We ordered the coffee. They give you a great deal of coffee and it was the BEST coffee I have ever tasted.. Better than any of those coffee places that you find on every corner. So, if you are a coffee nut you NEED to go.
read full reviewThe Details on Messob Ethiopian Restaurant
What to Drink:
The restaurant serves a range of beer and Ethiopian honey wine, but not hard liquor.
Where to Sit:
The hut-like set up in the front window with traditional mesob tables is great for small groups of four or five, or can be combined for a larger group of 10. Reservations are recommended for groups of five or more.
Look Good:
As a tradition, the restaurant suggests that before you take your first bite, you feed one to someone else at your table.
The Extras:
Gift certificates are available for purchase at the cashier.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Historic Setting, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining
