Set on the second floor of a townhouse just outside Little Ethiopia, this tidy dining room may have the bright walls and exposed brick so often seen in mom-and-pop spots, but rest assured that it delivers more than just a spicy stew with a home-kitchen feel.

It’s the under-the-radar and off-the-menu dishes that lure locals and expats with bated breath. Diners can expect authentic items native to the culturally rich region of the namesake mountains. Rip off a piece of the cool and lacy injera before digging into the lamb wat, a tender stew fueled by the fiery notes of berbere. Simmered vegetables add a welcome dose of earthy flavor on the side; while the go-to vegetarian combo platter can deservedly be described as deluxe.