We were recommended to this restaurant by our hotel concierge. It was our first morning in Addis with majority of us arriving during the night and morning hours. Everyone was hungry. We were here for a conference. The place is charming, people are kind and food was delicious and excellent. Throughout our conference we kept comparing the food we ate here with all the other places, this one still came up 1st. This restaurant should definitely be on your must visit list when in Addis. The coffee was also some of the finest. The service was excellent although I think our server was overwhelmed with the sheer no of us- 18 or 19 but still tried to deliver to his best. One of the highlights of my trip. The food was just yumm and delicious.
Overview
Totot Traditional Food Hall | Gerji | ቶቶት | ገርጂ in Addis Ababa is a hidden gem for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Ethiopian flavors. Located in the vibrant 2R54+2W4 area of the city, this food hall brings the essence of traditional Ethiopian cuisine to the forefront, offering a dining experience that connects you with the roots of local culture and food traditions.
The moment you step into Totot Traditional Food Hall | Gerji | ቶቶት | ገርጂ, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It's a place where locals and tourists alike come together to enjoy the rich, bold flavors of Ethiopia. The decor, featuring traditional Ethiopian art and motifs, creates a cozy and authentic vibe. It's more than just a place to eat-it's an immersion into Ethiopian culture, with each dish telling a story of the country’s diverse regions and culinary history.
The menu at Totot Traditional Food Hall | Gerji | ቶቶት | ገርጂ offers an extensive selection of dishes that showcase the best of Ethiopia’s traditional food. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned Ethiopian cuisine enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. From the iconic injera-a spongy, sour flatbread that is a staple of Ethiopian meals-to stews like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and kitfo (minced raw beef), the food is as varied as it is flavorful. One of the highlights is the wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options, which are common in Ethiopian cuisine, making it an ideal spot for plant-based eaters.
One of the standout dishes at Totot Traditional Food Hall | Gerji | ቶቶት | ገርጂ is the beyaynetu, a platter that features an assortment of vegetable stews, legumes, and salads, served on a large piece of injera. This sharing dish offers a chance to experience several flavors at once, from the spicy lentils to the tangy greens and rich chickpea stew. It's a great way to sample a little bit of everything and is perfect for groups or anyone who wants to explore Ethiopian cuisine in one meal.
The service at Totot Traditional Food Hall | Gerji | ቶቶት | ገርጂ is another reason to love this spot. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for something mild or want to dive into the more daring, spicy options, they’ll make sure you get exactly what you're in the mood for. On top of that, the pace of service is swift, ensuring you can enjoy your meal without waiting long, which is especially important during busy hours.
An essential part of the experience at Totot Traditional Food Hall | Gerji | ቶቶት | ገርጂ is the opportunity to enjoy food in the traditional Ethiopian style. The custom of sharing meals from a large platter promotes a sense of community and togetherness, making it an ideal venue for family gatherings, celebrations, or even casual outings with friends. The meal is typically eaten with your hands, using pieces of injera to scoop up the stews and vegetables, making the experience feel even more personal and connected to the culture.
For those looking to try something a bit different, Totot Traditional Food Hall | Gerji | ቶቶት | ገርጂ also offers freshly made t'ej, a traditional honey wine that is sweet, slightly fermented, and often enjoyed during celebratory occasions. It pairs beautifully with the rich, flavorful stews, creating a well-rounded Ethiopian dining experience. If you're not sure what to pair with your dish, don't hesitate to ask the staff for their suggestions.
Located in Addis Ababa, Totot Traditional Food Hall | Gerji | ቶቶት | ገርጂ is easily accessible and offers a perfect stop for those exploring the local food scene. Whether you're a visitor to the city or a local looking for a taste of home, it’s a restaurant that delivers on both flavor and authenticity. It's a place where food is not just a meal, but an experience-one that brings people together over shared flavors and stories.
The restaurant’s reputation is growing steadily, with glowing reviews from diners who appreciate the authenticity of the food and the inviting atmosphere. Many mention how the flavors remind them of home and how the experience transports them to the heart of Ethiopian culture. For anyone seeking to dive deeper into the country's culinary traditions, Totot Traditional Food Hall | Gerji | ቶቶት | ገርጂ is a must-visit.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Drive-through ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fireplace ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live musicPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ All you can eat ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Halal food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Private dining room ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Historic ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a waitPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Good for kids birthday ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 498 reviews
We arrived at Totot Restaurant as an organized group. It is a touristy place, with a continuous show throughout the evening. I don't know about the prices, but we mainly ate traditional Ethiopian food from the buffet. I must say that it was very tasty and the spiciness was moderate (probably for our Western taste). The service was pleasant and the band was loud, but it added to the ethnic atmosphere. Recommended.
Resturant serving traditional Ethiopian food and life music and dance performances. I went on my first day in Addis Ababa, so it's a bit hard to compare the food to other places. I can just say that my meal was tasty. The dance performances were amazing. I had one dish and one half bottle of Tef. My bill was 3400. Expensive, but you're paying for the performances as well. Monday's show started before I arrived at 8 PM and ended around 10:30 PM. Rumor says the shows start later on other nights. Credit cards accepted
The band and the atmosphere is very familiar form of Ethiopian traditional places and the service also gives the best traditional food the food is very good at it all I love everything in there I will recommend who has foreign guests to invite them here thanks “ Tenkir”(owner of the place) for this amazing place to promote your country culture and your welcoming is very nice.
Great ambiance, good authentic food Too loud. They don't pause for too long between performance so you can't talk with your table mates. Service is slow when they're at peak
Tasty food with different cultural promotions, I loved it. If you are a foreigner, avoid the local beer .
Well designed and maintained cultural hall with amazing traditional Ethiopian cuisine Even the waiters are wearing traditional clothing as well. I visited for lunch on a weekday and it was less busy than usual.
Restaurant review – Totot Traditional Food Hall (January 2026) This review is based on my visit in January 2026 to Totot Traditional Food Hall. This is a very large restaurant with a big menu of Ethiopian dishes. I’m not sure if they offer any Western food. I tried one of the local dishes with a lot of raw meat. Clearly, this is not for everyone. The minced/raw beef (similar to steak tartare) was probably what I liked the most. The larger raw meat pieces were too chewy for me. But as I understand it, there was nothing wrong with the food — that’s just how it’s supposed to be. If you want to really sink your teeth into Ethiopian cuisine, I don’t think you can go wrong here. Recommended.
Totot Traditional Restaurant offers an epic cultural experience. The live traditional music and dance create an electric atmosphere, and the local food is rich and authentic. Enjoying it all with traditional tej makes the experience even more special. A must-visit place to feel the true spirit of local culture.
It was a nice experience making my first visit in Addis Awesome.
We are having a great time in Totot traditional restaurants. The shekla tibs were absolutely delicious - perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the portion size was generous. The coffee ceremony was a wonderful experience, with the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans filling the air. The traditional process of roasting and brewing the coffee was fascinating to watch, and the final cup of coffee was rich and satisfying. Overall, a fantastic dining experience at Totot Traditional Restaurant - highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine and culture.
Looks like a touristy place. But hey, it’s Addis Ababa, so I guess not. Food is actually very solid. We tried the kitfo (Ethiopian style steak tartare). So, raw meat. A little bit scary… at least for our European stomachs. But all good, it was very fresh and tasty. No regrets afterwards. Would definitely recommend if you want to try high quality local cuisine.
An amazing experience of local and traditional food along with vibrant musical culture. It’s one of the iconic places in Addis that is a must-visit!
The ambiance was delightful. The culinary offerings and service staff were exceptional. The live musical performance added to the overall positive experience.
The atmosphere alone was worth the visit. The food is amazing. This is by far the best traditional restaurant experience I have ever had. The waiter was extremely helpful and attentive. I will definitely return in the near future.