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Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Ethiopian Ethiopian [Edit]
418 College StToronto, ON M5T 1T3
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
(416) 963-5527
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 4 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 12 am - 11 pm
Sun 12 am - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
20 reviews for Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant
20 reviews in English
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Review from Mel D.
Toronto, ON
4/25/2012
Good food and great coffee!
-
Review from Ben S.
2/11/2012
I love Ethiopian food; if this had been my first experience I probably would never have tried the cuisine again. The food was just bland. We ordered a vegetarian combo, and a meat combo (which had raw kitfo and tibs). Really the only thing that was flavorful was one lentil and the kitfo. On top of that it took forever for our food to come out and almost as long to get our bill. I wanted to like this place because it was convenient, but I just don't. It was probably the most disappointing Ethiopian meal I've ever had (which we agreed still makes it better then mediocre pizza). It wasn't wildly expensive, but it wasn't cheap. Will be walking further next time.
-
Review from Kat T.
7/20/2011
Definitely not my first Ethiopean, but I took my Mom here for her first experience.
I do wish they served food in baskets as we all sat around them. But, a glass-top table and a plate works OK.
Of course the food arrives and Mom asks, "Where is the silverware?"
I forget people don't know the protocol. So much food my mom and I shared a plate and still couldn't finish all of it. Veggie plate- mouth watering. Ask for hot sauce on the side, if you like it hot. -
Review from Joyees Y.
Scarborough, ON
9/2/2011
I've been led astray!
After a wonderful meal at Nazareth I think I've been a bit spoiled for Ethiopian food. I had the chickpeas and the lamb.
I was first presented with the large plate of injera and the center was a small salad. It was okay, the dressing was bit too vinegary for me especially since injera is already sour. But there was no shortage of injera so I was happy.
Then came the stewed (poached?) lamb, the menu was a bit vague so I didn't know it was stewed so the menu could be more descriptive since they all sounded similar. Anyways the lamb was like six pieces with four more pieces of injera soaked in the stewing liquid. By weight there was more stewed injera than there was lamb, which were in small pieces but with large bones. So it was tender but horribly bland, I will need a microscope to make sure there are flavour in this lamb.
Than came the chickpeas which i thought would be whole chickpeas with various vegetables but instead was pureed which was a shame because with the lamb I could really use some texture. Also a puree made is significantly harder to eat. I thought the chickpea was good though, unfortunately again, it was too too little and it was just lacking some more textures to give it depth. Also again, IT WAS VERY LITTLE.
In the end it was like 90% injera and 10% other stuff. I thought I was full but I was left wanting more and had to stuff myself with the bread. Now I love injera like crazy but if I continually eat it as is it'll just taste more and more sour until it was just way too overwhelming.
So to compare again last time at Nazareth I was satisfied sharing two orders amongst a group of five (with extra injera) and at this restaurant I shared two orders in a group of three and was still left wanting more. While the price range was similar...
I wish I loved this place, there needs to be more Ethiopian restaurants and the lady who was working here was really nice! -
Review from R.J. G.
Toronto, ON
1/30/2012
Although not the best Ethiopian in the city it is a local place and on a cold day is close to home. The place is long and narrow with a small window that looks out on the traffic of College street. This window hosts two ratty, although comfortable chairs for having coffee. The rest of the tables run along both walls leading to a raised floor that hosts the serving counter and a small kitchen. The place is decorated with a small selection of Ethiopian-inspired paintings and curios hanging on the walls. The tables and chairs are simple and straight-forward and dressed with table cloths. We opted for the vegetarian platter for two, which consists of a giant injara covered platter with a selection of the vegetarian pulses in small piles. The plate comes with a small basket of more injara for soaking everything up. There are always some parts that are better than others, but the food is good.
-
Review from Catherine L.
Toronto, ON
6/12/2011
As far as food goes, I thought this was one of the best Ethiopian restaurants I've been to in Toronto. For comparison, I've been to Ethiopian House, Addis Ababa, and Lalibela. I really enjoyed their Cha Cha Tibs (lamb dish that comes on a sizzling platter) and while not normally a fan of Kitfo (their raw dish), I actually liked it here. However, I didn't really like their Awaze Tibs - way too dry!
I also liked that their Injera comes separately and I didn't have to tear it away from the bottom after it's been soaked through with the sauce. Another bonus - they had Ethiopian honey wine, which was nice to try.
BUT...
The reason this only got 3 stars is the service. It was S-L-O-W. I came on a Saturday night and they had a big group of about 10 to serve so that may explain why it was slow so it may be better on another night. We waited half an hour for them to bring us our coffee service that we ordered at the beginning of the meal, but they never did, so we finally gave up and left.
So it's definitely worth trying if you like Ethiopian food, but just beware of the slow service! -
Review from Ayesha A.
11/18/2010
I went to Sheba with 2 friends who wanted to go to another place that we know and love. I said no, let's try Sheba. My friends are holding a grudge against me now and frankly, I don't blame them.
The atmosphere was nice-nice art, nice smell...
the waitress blatantly lied to us about the price (no prices on the menu)
ONE meal to share with 3 scoops of curry and 2 SMALL scoops of meat cost $65. I asked before ordering, and she said it's not charged per person but you get 3 veggies for $12 and then a meat. Turned out she "misunderstood" me and really it was charged about $12 per scoop.
Awful experience. The meat was bad, the veggie curry was quite good, though....but never again would I go there.
I love Ethiopian but am by no means snooty about it. But I know when I've been scammed and were scammed big time.
Recommendation: go to the many Ethiopian places on Bloor near Ossington, instead! -
Review from Monica B.
Toronto, ON
9/24/2010
My first experience with Ethiopian food was at Sheba. This restaurant has a very Ethiopian feel to it. They have ethnic paintings, nice decorations and frankincense burning in the restaurant.
The staff is super friendly, but I found the service to be slow even though very few tables in the restaurant were occupied. Prices were reasonable, and the food was good and spicy; the injera bread served with the dish was interesting- a sourdough type taste with a moist spongy and stretchy crepe bread texture. Also, you don't have any eating utensils since Ethiopian food is consumed while using your hands, like Indian food.
I always like to have dessert after my meal, this place has no desserts! So I got their spiced tea instead, which was nice.
The major downfall about my experience was that I lost my appetite a little after noticing that some of their tables were stained with food from previous customers, it really grossed me out-sorry.
Overall, I had an okay experience. -
Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
10/7/2009
I went to Sheba earlier this year and whatever I got was just typical Ethiopian, but you simply must go for the coffee.
Typically in coffee shops you have a choice of countries and Ethiopia is always represented, so why not go directly to the source (in terms of Toronto)? Sheba offers an amazing coffee ceremony (yes, ceremony!) that takes a while but is sooooooooo worth it.
It's served with popcorn which is bizarre but, hey, you are going for the experience!
PS Get the injera, it is delish. -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
11/21/2008
I had never tried Ethiopian food before coming to Sheba, but this was the location of my conversion. It is SO good. It reminds me of Indian food except with delicious injera (that awesome crumpet-style sourdough flatbread) instead of naan. Mmmmm....
Anyway Sheba is a great place to lose your Ethiopian food virginity. It's usually not too busy, the interior is really cozy and cute, and the staff are so attentive and nice!
The restaurant is owned by two sisters who are really sweet and helpful (apparently they own that Bakery on the Go in Bathurst station that always smells like freshly baked bread). They're understanding if you have no idea what to order -- our first time here we got a sampler platter of a couple different dishes, it was the special of the day and it meant we got to try a bunch of things instead of sticking to one. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who has never tried Ethiopian or who just isn't sure what to get.
Sheba has lots of vegetarian and meat-eater options, and they provide you with tons of injera to scoop up all the savoury spices and curry-style dishes. They also have forks in case you get tired of using your hands (or if they're really dirty).
I definitely recommend getting the Ethiopian coffee on a trip here -- last time my boyfriend got it and I was jealous I didn't have one for myself. No idea what's in it exactly, but it tasted like heaven so get some to have the true Ethiopian experience.
And apparently this place has a breakfast buffet from 8:30am-11:30 am daily...haven't tried Ethiopian for breakfast but I can't see my stomach telling me that's a bad thing! -
Review from Jaime Y.
Toronto, ON
5/26/2011
YUM!
After stoping by the Ethiopian Spice Store in Kensington, I was craving some Ethiopian food! The owner recommended Sheba as a close and yummy option, and I had a great experience here. I enjoyed the tibs, kifto (they default serve it cooked, so make sure you ask for it raw if that's how you want it) and mama shiro (veggie dish) along with a salad.
Loved the food, it really hit the spot. The service was super friendly and courteous! While I've only been to a handful of Ethiopian restaurants in Toronto, my half-Ethiopian eating-partner confirmed that this was really great food.
No Ethiopian beers to enjoy on their small patio, but they have a nice open space by the front with lots of natural sunlight - a great place to enjoy a spiced tea in the summer time.
Not sure if they changed the menu since one commenter before went, but all of the prices were clearly laid out when I was there last week. For 2 meat, 1 veggie, 1 salad, 1 beer and 1 macciato for 2 (HUNGRY) people it was about $65 tax and tip in - could have easily fed 3 regular people. Great spices and can't wait to visit again. -
Review from Frank R.
Toronto, ON
3/25/2011
food quality is consistently good. Service is better when Seble is working there. This place grows on you but things like waiting for the bill can sometimes take eternity
The 5* review below was written earlier this year....
************************************************** *
Great place. Wonderful Atmosphere. Friendly Service. Great Music, Healthy, Tasty Food and Great Prices! This is my favourite Ethiopian Food experience in Toronto.
On the other hand, please don't go. I want to enjoy this all myself. -
Review from Maureen P.
Toronto, ON
1/25/2010
Sheba is my 1st experience with Ethiopian food. I was so impressed with the food that I took another friend within a week.
I'm obviously not a pro in ordering Ethiopian food since I've only tried it twice and both times at Sheba. Both times I shared the veggie platter and meat platter with whoever I was with. And I no, I won't be able to tell you which veggie and meat options we chose for the platters... but I can tell you this much. The food was impressive enough for me to go to back to Sheba a few days after my initial visit.
Oh... and I WILL BE BACK. -
Review from Marilyn R.
Toronto, ON
6/21/2011
Absolutely delicious!! The food takes a while, but it's worth the wait. I had the vegetarian platter and my husband the lamb dish that is made with various spices. I haven't tried any other Ethiopian restaurant, but I can tell you that they know how to mix their spices.
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Review from Edward N.
Scarborough, ON
10/2/2009
Came here with some friends who has never tried Ethiopian food before last night for dinner.
For me the food itself its pretty much the same as any other it had vegeterian dishes and meat dishes. The servers were great and very helpful and even prepared a special platter just for us which had all the veggies and meat dishes. My friends enjoyed it as well and were all thinking of going back.
We finished the meal with Ethiopian coffee which was great also very strong in flavor and scent.
Food - 4/5
Recommdations - Mix platter, Kikil -
Review from Sarah L.
North York, ON
4/16/2011
Excellent Ethiopian restaurant. I am quite loyal to Bloor west when it comes to satisfying a craving for Ethiopian food but I decided to head south and give Sheba Ethoipian a shot with some friends for dinner last night. I walked away stuffed as usual but what stood out was their delicious chicken and beef items. The flavour was heavenly, well spiced and stewed. Melted in your mouth. I wish I could describe what was in the chicken and beef but I have no idea, except that it was amazing. Sheba is not a cheap as the outposts on Bloor but certainly worth it as it makes up in atmosphere and friendliness of the staff.
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Review from M P.
Toronto, ON
5/14/2010
First shot at Ethiopian. What a great experience!!
We tried the meat and veggie platter. It was delicious... The coffee was a delight!! Make sure you order ahead of time. They roast the beans right in front of you.... Hmmm!
This place isn't fancy, but you'll find it comfortable and fun!! -
Review from Michael M.
Toronto, ON
4/7/2011
Delicious, reasonably priced, and huge portions.
Sheba was my first Ethiopian experience about 3 or 4 years ago. Since the, I've tried a lot of the other places on Bloor, Parkdale and one just off Yonge st. I've never been disappointed by any Ethiopian place, but I keep going back to Sheba for a number of reasons:
- Their food is the best, hands down. While the others are good, Sheba is the BEST. It's not too spicy, but it has tons of flavour.
- Friendly staff - always willing to accommodate my request for separate injera platters when I don't feel like sharing in the huge platter.
- Large portions - easy to share a lot of things if that's your thing..
- Great vegetarian options (although this is true of any Ethiopian restaurant)
- Nice atmosphere - one reviewer described it as ethnic, I would say cozy and warm instead.
- Coffee ceremony is fun and a perfect end to dinner, especially with a date. Popcorn goes surprisingly well with coffee :)
They are more expensive than some of the places on Bloor, but in this case you get what you pay for. $2-3 more per platter is fine when the quality worth twice that.
I noticed that other reviewers thought it was slow, which it can be, but when you factor in waiting in line at a place like Nazareth, which is also slow to get food out, it's actually much quicker than other places. I think Ethiopian food takes a bit longer to make.
I fully recommend this place. I've taken friends and family there, and it quickly becomes their new staple restaurant. -
Review from Christian P.
Toronto, ON
2/26/2011
perfect place to experience ethiopian food. great quality. regular (20/person) prices. very nice staff.
just a small effort to make on the local setting (tables, chairs, comfort) and it would a fine place (yes they have typical painting hanging on the walls, but the place is not warmth, nor cosy...) -
Review from Max N.
7/8/2009
For the inexperienced, Sheba is a great introduction to Ethiopian cuisine. The menu had all the classic options, helpful English descriptions, and a welcoming atmosphere. However, if you judge an ethnic restaurant by the number of "natives" eating there; Sheba was the first Ethiopian restaurant I've been to without any Ethiopians in sight. Also, the Shiro was a little bland and it was dissapointing they didn't have any Tej (honey wine) or Ethiopian beers on the menu. Still, the food was good, the prices reasonable, and it proved to be a great eating experience. We would eat here again. Ahmeseganalo (thank you) !!!
