Insider Pages Reviews for Makeda Ethiopian Restaurant

1 Stars: Humiliating service, bland food (by Div S.)

Div S. — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:57:00 GMT

I found the experience horrible. As my party of four were finishing our meals, which took a while to be served, were were asked to move to the bar. The waitress informed us that there was another reservation waiting for the table, so would have to move to the bar if we wanted desert. Being informed that my reservation was not as important as the next one and that we would have to leave our reserved table, was humiliating. I am very disappointed. Asked to leave after spending $120 on food. I still have the receipt.

5 Stars: An experience to remember (by STAYCE M.)

STAYCE M. — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:24:00 GMT

What is there to say - I have been to Makeda's many many times and have never been dissapointed. The food in fantastic, the ambiance is great, and they hire very good entertainment. Definately try it if you like food that is a little different.

4 Stars: Excellent food and great ambience (by George V.)

George V. — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:17:00 GMT

I have only been here on one occasion, but it was highly memorable. I ahd never tried Ethiopian cuisine, so the experience with both exciting and delightfully surprising. The restaurant is self is nicely designed with nice attentive staff, but the food itself was the real winner. A definate must if you are interested in expanding your pallet, you won't be disappointed.

4 Stars: great food (by Janell W.)

Janell W. — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:58:00 GMT

The restaurant is tastefully decorated, dimly lit, and gives off a classy, but cozy feel. The ambiance was delightful.
The prices are on the high side, but the food is well worth the price.

5 Stars: An Amazing Eatery (by Alexander D.)

Alexander D. — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 20:03:00 GMT

My wife and I dined at Makeda earlier this evening and I am happy to report that it is a unique eatery offering exotic and delicious cuisine amidst beautiful decor.

We'd never been to an African restaurant before, and were more than pleased with our initial experience. We shared an Ethiopian tossed salad to start, leaning over it at one of the traditional African tables in the front (which I suggest for the more adventurous who really want to soak up the full experience). It was a curious mixture of flavors, with a spicy flare that woke up our tastebuds right away. For the main course we split the Sampler Platter, which we figured was a good way to get a feel for the overall character of Ethiopian cuisine. The portion was more than enough for two people (and I'm a bit of a big eater) and a dining experience to truly savor.

Makeda is a bit expensive (most entrees are around $25) and so diners on a budget can't go too frequently, but I heartily recommend it when financial constraints permit. It really was a first-class dining experience. For any culinary adventurer in Central NJ, it really is a must. I'd been meaning to go for a couple of years since I first learned of its existence, and am kicking myself for waiting so long.

5 Stars: First Class Ethiopian Restaurant (by Sakeenah M.)

Sakeenah M. — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 22:25:00 GMT

I love Ethiopian food but it is hard to find any place outside NYC in this area. Makeda is a really nice restaurant, the cuisine is authentic and well presented. The setting is classy and servers are professional.
You can choose to sit at a regular table or traditional African table which is fun for something different. Some of their dishes are very good like lamb. Can be a bit expensive. If you would like to go more frequently they have a lunch special for about $12 per person (made for 2 people) you get a selection of different foods, a very good bargain!

4 Stars: A great experience (by Regina B.)

Regina B. — Thu, 03 Nov 2005 07:51:00 GMT

Makeda is the only African restaurant I've ever been to, but I'd definately go back sometime. A very classy place, with great Ethiopian food. It's worth the experience if you want to try a cuisine that you rarely see in America.