Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine – Ethiopian
Stepping into Altu’s means being enveloped by the warm, earthy fragrance of berbere and slow-simmering legumes, where communal platters become a vibrant canvas of Ethiopian tradition. Guests use torn pieces of tangy, spongy injera to scoop up mounds of velvety lentils, savory beef stews, and golden chickpea sauces that range from comforting mildness to a spirited, spicy heat. It is a soulful dining experience that transforms a simple meal into a shared celebration of rich textures and deep, aromatic flavors.
1312 Michigan Avenue, East Lansing MI 48823 https://eatataltus.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Price range: $
Dietary options: high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, keto, low-carb, halal, pescatarian, diabetic, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, sugar-free, mediterranean, whole30, paleo, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, atkins, weight-watchers, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, carnivore, raw-food, aip, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, candida, lectin-free, pegan
Currently closed
Hours
- Tuesday - Saturday
- 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its flavorful menu from appetizers to main courses, diners particularly rave about the exceptionally fresh and well-prepared seafood. Guests love the inviting ambiance and consistently praise the professional, attentive service that makes for a seamless dining experience. Standout dishes include the various seafood offerings, which reviewers highlight as a must-try for anyone looking for a high-quality meal in a welcoming setting.
Menu
- Spicy or Mild Lentils - $13: Tender lentils stewed in savory spices. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Mild Split Yellow Peas - $13: A distinctive texture and a savory blend of mild spices give this dish an irresistible sweetness. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Spicy Pinto Beans - $13: Whole pintos beans stewed to perfection in a berbere-spiced sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Mild Lima Beans - $13: A family recipe and local legend. Stewed baby limas with onion, garlic, and turmeric. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Spicy Ground Peas - $13: A smooth blend of roasted chickpeas and berbere sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb
- Mild Chickpea Sauce - $13: Smoothly ground chickpeas stewed with tomato, onion, cumin, garlic, and cardamom.
- Beef Stew - $14: Tender sirloin cubes in a sauce with onion, garlic, and savory spices. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Atkins
- Chicken Stew - $14: One spicy or mild drumstick stewed in a sauce with savory spices. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Atkins, Volumetrics
- Spicy Lentils - $14: Tender split red lentils stewed in savory spices. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Mild Split Yellow Peas - $14: A distinctive texture and a savory blend of mild spices give this dish an irresistible sweetness. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Mild Garlic Lentils - $14: Savory whole green lentils with all the zest and sweetness of garlic, stewed with onion, cumin, and tumeric. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Spicy Pinto Beans - $13.5: Whole pintos beans stewed to perfection in a berbere-spiced sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Mild Lima Beans - $14.5: A family recipe and local legend. Stewed baby limas with onion, garlic, and turmeric. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Spicy Ground Peas - $14.5: A smooth blend of roasted chickpeas and berbere sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Spicy Ground Peas & Greens - $14.5: Tender collard greens mixed with spicy ground peas. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Mild Chickpea Sauce - $14.5: Smoothly ground chickpeas stewed with tomato, onion, cumin, garlic, and cardamom.
- Spicy Chicken Stew - $16: Two chicken drumsticks stewed in spicy berbere onion sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating
- Mild Chicken Stew - $16: Two chicken drumsticks stewed in onions and savory spices. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Detox, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Chicken Breast Stew - $17: Tender chunks of chicken breast, available in both mild and spicy sauces. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Low-Fat, South-Beach, Volumetrics
- Spicy Beef Stew - $17: Tender pieces of sirloin stewed in a spicy berbere onion sauce. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Candida
- Mild Beef Stew - $17: Tender pieces of sirloin stewed in onion and savory spices. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Volumetrics, Candida
- Spicy Ground Peas & Beef - $17: Spicy sirloin cubes mixed with our Spicy Ground Peas for an extra kick. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Slow-Carb
- Beef with Mixed Vegetables - $17: Spicy or mild sirloin mixed with peas, corn, chopped carrots and green beans. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Mayo-Clinic
- Lamb Stew - $23: Succulent cubes of lamb meat stewed in onion and spices. Served mild or spicy. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Atkins
- Chicken & Beef Combo - $17: Choose one Chicken Stew and one Beef Stew, served on bread, rice, or half and half with a side of cabbage and salad. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Vegetarian Combo - $15: Quarter portion of spicy lentils, mild split yellow peas, mild garlic lentils, and spicy pinto beans. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Meat & Veggie Combo - $17: A half portion of beef or chicken stew, and a half portion of a vegetarian dish of your choice. Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Lunch Veggie Feast - $29: A lunch portion of spicy lentils, mild split yellow peas, spicy ground peas, and lima beans. Garnished with collard greens. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Lunch Meat Feast - $37.5: Spicy and mild chicken drumsticks, spicy beef, and mild chicken breast. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Atkins, South-Beach, Carnivore, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Lunch Veggie & Meat Feast - $40: Choose any two meat items (excluding lamb) and any three vegetarian items. Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Vegetarian Feast - $34: Hearty helpings of spicy lentils, mild split yellow peas, spicy ground peas, and lima beans. Garnished with collard greens. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Meat Feast - $44: A generous portion of both spicy & mild chicken drumsticks, spicy beef, and mild chicken breast. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Vegetarian & Meat Feast - $44.5: Choose any two meat items (excluding lamb) and any three vegetarian items. Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Tuesday Special - $15: Mild or spicy beef stewed with Altu's sweet and tender cabbage. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Candida
- Wednesday Special - $14: Collard greens stewed in a blend of ground peanuts, coconut milk, onions, and mild spices. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb
- Thursday Special - $13.5: Tender potato chunks stewed in a curry of tomato and onion sauce with whole green beans, baby carrots, and mild spices. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic
- Friday Special - $17: Stir fry: cubes of sirloin beef, fresh onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños sautéed in a uniquely spiced sauce blend. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Atkins, South-Beach
- Lentil Soup - $6: Whole lentils and green onions. Served with a side of injera or rice. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Sambusas - $2.5: A fried pastry filled with garlic lentils and spices. Individually served. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Collard Greens - $7: Slowly stewed with onions, garlic, ginger, and a dash of jalapeño. Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Cabbage - $6: Altu's signature cabbage, cooked in mild spices and caramelized to perfection. Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- House Salad - $5.5: An extra portion of side salad with our tangy secret dressing. Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb
- Injera (Bread) - $2.25: A roll of traditional Ethiopian sourdough bread made with teff. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Gluten Free Injera (Bread) - $3.25: A roll of traditional Ethiopian sourdough bread made entirely from teff. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Fountain Drinks - $3: Coca-Cola, Cherry Coke, Fanta Orange, Diet Coke, Minute Maid Lemonade, Sprite
- Spiced Hot Tea - $2.5: Cozy black tea steeped in cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom
- Iced Tea - $2.5: Our signature spiced black tea chilled over ice
- Coffee - $2.5: Lightly spiced with cardamom
- Sora Passion Smoothie - $7.25: Strawberry, peach, mango, and pineapple blended with orange juice, honey, and banana.
- Lella Favorite Smoothie - $7.25: Raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry blended with orange juice, honey, and banana.
- Altu's Delight Smoothie - $6.75: Strawberry blended with orange juice, honey, and banana.
- Wakgee Special Smoothie - $6.75: Blueberry blended with orange juice, honey, and banana.
- Ice Cream - $5.5: Vanilla ice cream with chocolate, strawberry, or butterscotch Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Lectin-Free
- Altu's Sundae - $6: Blended frozen strawberries poured over vanilla ice cream. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Lectin-Free