Walia Ethiopian Restaurant – Ethiopian
At Walia Ethiopian Restaurant, the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted spices and clarified butter, drawing guests into a warm, communal atmosphere where tradition is served on a shared platter. Diners use pieces of tangy, sponge-like injera to scoop up vibrant mounds of slow-simmered wats and earthy legumes, transforming every meal into a tactile celebration of bold, aromatic flavors. This soulful sanctuary captures the essence of Ethiopian hospitality, offering a rich tapestry of colors and aromas that invite deep connection with every shared bite.
11 Village Plaza, South Orange, NJ 07079 +1-973 762 2186 https://waliarestaurant.com/Rating: 4.6/5 (520 reviews)
Cuisine: Ethiopian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, high-protein, keto, 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, gerd, raw-food, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, zone, low-fodmap, carnivore, mayo-clinic, slow-carb, pegan, candida, macrobiotic, lectin-free
What diners are saying
Diners consistently rave about this Ethiopian gem, celebrating the impeccable food and exceptionally warm hospitality. Guests highlight standout dishes like doro tibs, fasolia, misir watt, and handmade baklava, with many noting the chef's personal touch of greeting tables. While parking can be challenging, reviewers agree the welcoming atmosphere, gluten-free options, and generous service make the trip well worth it.
Menu
Appetizers
Traditional Ethiopian starters
- House Salad - $9.35: Romaine lettuce, tomatoes and green Peppers with house dressing. Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Yetimatim Salata - $9.35: Diced tomatoes, onions and Jalapeno peppers tossed with house dressing. 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, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Yetimatim Fitfit - $9.35: Diced Tomatoes, Jalapeno peppers, onions mixed with Injera and seasoned with olive oil and lemon. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Azifa - $9.35: Lentils mixed with onions, Jalapeno peppers, lemon juice, olive oil and a touch of mustard (served cold). 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, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Sambusa - $11.43: Pastry shells filled with chopped prime beef or lentils mixed with onions, scallions, garlic and Jalapeno pepper and herbs. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Kategna Injera - $11.43: Toasted injera coated with seasoned butter or olive oil and berbere. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, Low-Fodmap
- Ingudai Tibs Appetizer - $12.47: Sautéed Portobello mushrooms with onions, tomatoes, garlic and herbs. 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, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
Beef Entrées
Every Entrée comes with two side dishes: Misr, Misr Alicha, Fasolia, Gomen, and Tekile Gomen
- Yesiga Tibs - $25.99: Sautéed Tender beef cubes with Ethiopian spices and cooked with onions, tomatoes garlic and seasoned butter. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Candida
- Kay Watt - $25.99: Lean beef cubes simmered in Ethiopian berbere sauce, flavored with seasoned butter. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Candida
- Minchet Abish Kay Watt - $25.99: Ground lean beef simmered in berbere sauce with seasoned butter. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Candida
- Yesega Alicha Watt - $24.95: Tender Beef Cubes and Potatoes cooked in mild sauce with seasoned butter and turmeric. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating
- Kitfo - $27.03: Ethiopian steak tartar from prime selected Extra lean beef flavored with seasoned butter and mitmita (served cooked or raw). Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Candida, Lectin-Free
Lamb Entrées
Every Entrée comes with two side dishes: Misr, Misr Alicha, Fasolia, Gomen, and Tekile Gomen
- Yebeg Kay Watt - $27.03: Tender lamb stew simmered in berbere sauce with seasoned butter. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Lega Tibs - $27.03: Sauteed Lamb cubes with Ethiopian spices and cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic and seasoned butter. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Candida
Vegetarian Entrées
Every Entrée comes with two side dishes: Misr, Misr Alicha, Fasolia, Gomen, and Tekile Gomen
- Fasolia - $18.67: String beans and carrots simmered in mild sauce. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Gomen - $19.71: Mixed greens cooked with onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers & spices. 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, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Tkile Gomen - $19.71: Cabbage, carrot and potatoes cooked with onions, garlic and spices. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, 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, Pegan, Candida
- Misr Watt - $19.71: Split lentil stew simmered and seasoned in berbere sauce. 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
- Misr Alicha Watt - $18.67: Mild split lentils simmered and seasoned with turmeric and herbs. 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, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Shiro - $20.67: Milled chickpeas simmered in mildly spiced sauce. 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, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Duba Alicha Watt - $18.67: Pumpkin cubes simmered in onions, tomatoes, garlic and turmeric. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Pegan
- Dinich Watt - $19.71: Potatoes simmered & seasoned in berber sauce. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic
- Kayser Watt - $18.67: Beets and potatoes cooked with onions, Garlic, Tomatoes and spices. (served warm or cold). Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic
- Ingudai Tibs Entrée - $24.95: Sautéed Portobello mushrooms with Ethiopian seasoning and cooked with onions, tomatoes, and garlic. Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, 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, Pegan
- Seitan Tofu ( SOY ) Tibs - $25.99: Sautéed Seitan Tofu ( Soy ) cubes with Ethiopian seasoning and cooked with onions, tomatoes and garlic. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Zone, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Walia Special Vegetarian Kitfo - $25.99: Spiced Seitan Tofu ( Soy ) with seasoned butter or olive oil and mitmita. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Weight-Watchers, High-Fiber
Seafood Entrées
Every Entrée comes with two side dishes: Misr, Misr Alicha, Fasolia, Gomen, and Tekile Gomen
- Shrimp Tibs - $27.03: Sautéed Shrimp with Ethiopian Spices and cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic and seasoned butter. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, Zone, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
- Salmon Tibs - $27.03: Sautéed Salmon with Ethiopian Spices and cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic and seasoned butter. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, Zone, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
Poultry Entrées
Every Entrée comes with two side dishes: Misr, Misr Alicha, Fasolia, Gomen, and Tekile Gomen
- Doro Kay Watt - $27.03: Chicken drum stick stewed in berbere sauce flavored with seasoned butter (served with a hard boiled egg). Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, Zone, Candida
- Doro Tibs - $27.03: Sautéed boneless chicken thigh with Ethiopian spices and cooked with onions, tomatoes. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, Zone, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
Combos
Platters for sharing
- Vegetarian Combination For Two - $41.59: A choice of four dishes from the above vegetarian entrees. *Add Ingudai Tibs, Seitan Tofu Tibs For $ 12.47 each Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Slow-Carb
- Meat Combination for two - $47.83: A choice of four meat dishes and a choice of two vegetable sides (kay watt, Minchet abish kay, Yebege kay and Yesega alicha watt and Doro Tibs). *Add Shrimp Tibs, Yesega Tibs for $12.47 each Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Beef Combination For Two - $47.83: A choice of four meat dishes and a choice of two vegetable side (kay watt, Minchet abish kay and Yebege kay and Yebege alicha watt and Doro Tibs). Add Shrimp tibs, Yesga Tbs for $12.47 each Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Extra Adds
Additional sides and condiments
- Extra Veg - $9.35: Additional vegetable side Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Extra Ingudai and Tofu - $12.43: Additional mushroom or tofu Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Candida
- Extra Meat / Shrimp - $12.43: Additional meat or shrimp Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Awaze - $1.04: Spicy dipping sauce
- Cheese - $1.04: Ayib (Ethiopian cheese)
Cold Beverages
- Soda - $3.12
- Bottle Water - $2.08
- Fruit Juice (Apple, Mango) - $4.16
- Small Sparkling Water - $4.16
- Large Sparkling Water - $6.24
Hot Beverages
- Coffee - $3.12
- Sini Coffee (cup) ( Ethiopian Coffee ) - $4.16
- Jebena Coffee (pot) (Ethiopian Coffee) - $15.59
- Tea (Assorted) - $3.12
Desserts
- Baklava - $9.36 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Pescatarian
- Cheesecake - $9.36
- Flan - $9.36 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Lectin-Free
- Ice Cream - $6.24 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Lectin-Free
- Banana Pudding - $9.36 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Frequently Asked Questions about Walia Ethiopian Restaurant
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- The price range for Walia Ethiopian Restaurant is considered moderate, as indicated by the price level of $$.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- The main concern mentioned in customer reviews is that parking can be challenging for guests visiting the restaurant.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- With a 4.6/5 rating, the restaurant’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and communal shared platters make it highly suitable for family dining.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- Rated 4.6/5, this moderately priced ($$) restaurant offers generous service that reviewers agree makes the dining experience well worth the trip.
- Where is this restaurant located?
- The provided information does not include a physical address, but the restaurant's website is listed as https://waliarestaurant.com/.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features 15 highlighted dishes and accommodates 39 dietary categories, including vegan, keto, gluten-free, and high-protein options.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes highlighted by guests include doro tibs, fasolia, misir watt, and the restaurant's signature handmade baklava.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- Visitors should expect communal dining with injera, challenging parking, warm hospitality, and popular dishes like doro tibs at this 4.6/5 restaurant.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Walia Ethiopian Restaurant specializes in Ethiopian cuisine, featuring traditional dishes such as Yesiga Tibs, Kay Watt, Kitfo, and legume-based wats.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Diners consistently rave about the impeccable food and warm hospitality, maintaining a 4.6/5 rating for standout dishes and generous service.
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