Wass Ethiopian Restaurant

5.0 star rating
5 reviews Rating Details

Category: Ethiopian  [Edit]

207 James St S
Hamilton, ON L8P 3A8
(289) 389-5294
Hours:

Mon-Fri 12 pm - 10 pm

Sat-Sun 3 pm - 10 pm

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Price Range:
$$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Has TV:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
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5 reviews in English

  • Review from Cooper W.

    • 2 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Dundas, ON

    5.0 star rating
    4/2/2012

    The key here is to not judge the book by its cover, or more aptly: do not judge the restaurant by its facade. We decided to give Wass Ethiopian Restaurant a try based entirely on internet reviews. When we drove by, scouting for a parking spot, we almost decided not to go because from the outside it looked a little sketchy.... I am VERY glad we shook off our misgivings and gave the place a chance.

    The food and service is spectacular. Delicious doesn't begin to describe the flavors and experience.... I wish I could remember our server's name - she was really great; super friendly and helpful as my wife and I stumbled through our first experience with an Ethiopian menu. I remember the bill saying "Amber" but that Amber wasn't our server (I just want to give credit where credit is due!). The room itself, is, although subterranean and somewhat sparse, it is charming and leaves nothing to really be desired.

    We had the big Vegetarian Platter with Lamb stew - our server GAVE us a small snippet of the chicken stew too, just to sample. There wasn't one disappointing mouthful throughout the night. Absolutely amazing.

    Eating with our hands was fine, so long as we kept using the crepe-like soft sour bread as a make-shift utensil (a sort of scoop, pinch, and shovel manuevre). When my wife said she'd had enough bread, she asked for a fork and received one without delay or hassle. Utensils are available if you want them - no sweat.

    The Ethiopian Dark Ale was easily one of the best beers I've ever had. I will ALWAYS choose it over Rickard's Red or Newcastle wherever possible. A truly excellent beer.

    My wife had the sweet dry honey wine. She enjoyed it, though not to my liking. The server recommended it as a good accompaniment to the spicy menu.

    The Ethiopian coffee to round out the meal was, again, very excellent. Strong without being bitter - I may even go as far as to say it was refreshing!

    I look forward to going back again and again.

  • Review from Volunteer G.

    • 2 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Santa Barbara, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    3/17/2012

    Great service, excellent Ethiopian beer. Wife requested her dish spicy, and she got what she wanted!  Ordered the lamb wat, amazing lentils, and beef kutfo. They were excellent, the best Ethiopian I've had!

  • Review from Dave R.

    • 30 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Hamilton, ON

    5.0 star rating
    10/1/2010

    It was a bit late in the evening, say around 10pm when we finally got to Wass to eat.  Previously, we'd been sitting at a patio all afternoon getting loaded on empty stomachs.  Needless to say, we were HUNGRY.

    At 10pm, the buffet opened and a DJ started playing in the back room.  I quickly paid my way into the buffet and started loading up my plate.  As I loaded up, Wass himself (the owner) explained to me that his methods of cooking with minimal exposure to low heat in order to keep the nutrients in and keep it crispy.  They certainly were crispy and very tasty!

    Nothing was overly spicy, and everything tasted fresh and delicious.  

    After my second round at the buffet within an 8 minute span, my stomach started to hurt.  It wasn't the food.  It was how fast I ate it.  Recall, I was drinking on an empty stomach all day.  

    After a quick cigarette, my friends and I came back inside to watch and listen to the DJ.  He was spinning some great old motown and jazz, and pretty soon everyone was dancing.  

    Except me.

    My stomach was so bloody full and I was getting so tired, that I had to go home and sleep it off.  Next time I go, I will have to pace myself.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Stephen C. of Wass Ethiopian Restaurant 5/14/2011   
    Just want to make you aware the closing time is now… More »
  • Review from Adrienne L.

    • 1 friend
    • 13 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    4.0 star rating
    2/17/2011

    A great new experience overall.  This was our first time eating Ethiopian food, and we ordered the vegetarian combo and the Wass special.  The vegetarian combo was really great in terms of flavour and variety (beets, cabbage, lentils, split peas, kale).  Very healthy.  The Wass special consisted of beef, onions, and red peppers on a hot plate.  No complaints about service either.  

    I don't know how authentic Wass actually is in terms of Ethiopian food, but this was a really enjoyable dinner.  The injera which we used to eat most of our food was a bit much for me after a while (sour isn't a flavour I particularly enjoy), but I'm glad it wasn't fried and oily, as it was reminiscent of Indian roti for me.  

    Highly recommend this place for a new culinary experience!

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Stephen C. of Wass Ethiopian Restaurant 5/14/2011   
    The Ethiopian Cuisine is incredibly authentic.  Wassie's… More »
  • Review from Anders K.

    • 0 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Hamilton, ON

    5.0 star rating
    4/1/2010

    awesome place - been just once for lunch but I'll give it full points for that. I was addicted to Ethiopian in Toronto so this place opening up is a boon. A real boon.

    For lunch we had the veg and meat specials, $8 a piece and lots of food. The injera is home-made, which you can't say for most places in TO. Had lamb and chicken dishes, plus cabbage, lentils, salad, collard greens, cottage cheese, and beets. The veggie dishes were fresh and the meats nicely stewed and spiced. Lunch for two, $20 including tip! The setting is okay, downstairs with a bar and a cozy alcove.

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What's This?

About This Business

Provided by business

Specialties

Experience a taste of Africa in downtown Hamilton, Ontario.  The WASS Ethiopian Restaurant offers meals for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

History

Established in 2009

Open since August 2009, The WASS Ethiopian Restaurant has seen steady success with a growing customer base of Vegetarian Diners.  Meat Lovers don't need to be disappointed as The WASS Ethiopian Restaurant also serves 9 meat dishes in addition to the vegetarian offerings.

When dropping by, ensure you order the Ethiopian Honey Wine or participate in an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony.

2010 Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year - The View Magazine
2011 Nomination for Restaurant of the Year - Hamilton Tourism Awards.

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