Out of Africa: L.A.'s Little Ethiopia
By Mar Yvette, Senior Editor
There's more to Fairfax than The Grove. Head just a few minutes south to the one-block area between Olympic Boulevard and Whitworth Drive and you'll find a cozy cluster of Ethiopian restaurants, old school bakeries and funky thrift shops. (Even Bono's been here.)
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Merkato Restaurant
1036 1/2 Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Take a walk on the wild side at this longstanding Little Ethiopia dining den. -
Messob Ethiopian Restaurant
1041 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Since 1985, this warm and inviting family-run eatery has served authentic cuisine in the heart of Little Ethiopia. -
Rahel Ethiopian Vegetarian Cuisine
1047 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Fragrant spices waft from this vegan institution where upside down hanging umbrellas and right-side-up dining ethics converge. -
Nyala Ethiopian Cuisine
1076 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Ethiopian specialties and casual atmosphere in a communal setting. -
Rosalind's Ethiopian Cuisine
1044 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
One of the neighborhood's most popular eateries, this large restaurant features colorful indoor/outdoor seating, a full bar and late-night dancing. -
Meals By Genet
1053 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Little Ethiopia's only white tablecloth restaurant features much praised dorowat stew, traditional tibs and more, all using imported native spices. -
Little Ethiopia Restaurant
1048 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Named after its relaxed neighborhood, this not-so-little restaurant reels in families and business folks alike. -
Marathon Restaurant
1043 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Simple storefront leads to small, unassuming eatery where traditional Ethiopian meals are served alongside Italian classics like spaghetti.
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Regal Cake Gallery
1068 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Specialty South Fairfax District cake shop features everything from simple half-sheet desserts to extravagant wedding displays. -
Hansen's Cakes
1072 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Unique cakes and a celebrity clientele have made this bakery a local favorite for more than 60 years. -
Merkato Ethiopian Market & Gift Shop
1036 1/2 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Stock up on Ethiopian groceries and African treasures or lounge at the coffee bar (replete with framed Bono sighting) at this spirited shop. -
Helping Hand Thrift Shop
1033 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Huge, funky warehouse of hidden finds and secondhand treasures in the heart of Little Ethiopia. -
Alva
1086 S Fairfax, Los Angeles, CA
The godfather of modern skateboarding sets up shop--from storefront to art department--on one of Fairfax's liveliest stretches. -
Jah Lambs & Lions
1030 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
The go-to shop for tees, hats and other urban threads--for both men and women--in Little Ethiopia. -
Casa Victoria Furniture
1051 1/2 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Refurbished, repainted and reupholstered vintage finds for the home abound in this cozy pre-owned-furniture store. -
Sneaker Joe
1021 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Where sneaker hounds go for inexpensive old school kicks.
