02/04/09

Just the place I was looking for

by alicia6

I have been in Phildelphia for 6 months and have been looking for a place that is cozy/comfortable, serves coffee, has a good selection of food, and most importantly has good, friendly service. This place fits the bill. The food is flavorful and very reasonably priced. There is also a great vareity on the menu, plenty of vegetarian options! The place had a great energy to it. Even the other patrons were friendly. Coming from the midwest, this is just the type of place I have been looking for.

• Pros: Great food & service

12/17/08

Good food, Good service

by pchak

We used to live just by there for almost a year and half and never knew this place existed. Me and my husband went there for dinner yesterday with some friends, and have to say the food was really good. Its a small cozy place with great food and a very polite owner. The food hits the right spot the only reason I give it 4 stars is cause I thaught the meat (chicken in our case) wans't great, probably frozen....although the gravy was soo good it made up for it.

It is really a pleasant surprise in this area

• Pros: good food, ample portions ....ture value for money
• Cons: The meat could be better

12/14/08

Fab Ethiopian in Rittenhouse area

by lviolano

I knew there were Ethiopian restaurants in Philly but was unaware there was one within walking distance of my apartment. My first week of living in the city I went there twice! The food is delicious, well-seasoned, served hot and steaming after you order it with loads of spongy injera. The portions are ample and well seasoned, and the service is friendly and attentive.

On Thursday I had a long talk with the owner who said they order everything but the meat directly from Ethiopia so it tastes authentic and is prepared properly. They also have lots of vegetarian options, although I had the Doro Wat - a chicken stew served with a hard-boiled egg, a vegetable side and their homemade cottage cheese. Amazing - and plenty to have for another meal! I suggested that they have pictures of the food in the window because from the outside it just seems like a coffee/ice cream house. Oh - and they have great coffee too! I had the "Voltaire" on another night that had hot chocolate and coffee blended and topped with whipped cream.

They have a brunch / breakfast menu too and I know I'll be back. I'll post an update once I've tried their omelettes. But I will say, I am thrilled I have found this inexpensive, delicious neighborhood gem.

• Pros: Great food, friendly service, healthy portions, wonderful value

12/06/08

Incredibly Rude Owner

by CynC

I'm sorry to have to give this place a bad review, especially since they are a small business and I'm sure it's difficult enough, but I have to give this place two thumbs down (six if you count my two friends). I went to Almaz on November 1, 2008. I went because my friend was there doing work on her computer and I wanted to sit with her for a while before heading to dinner. I ordered a tuna wrap only because I didn't want to sit there and not order anything. I ate half of it and was going to save the other half to give to a homeless person - as I said I was heading to dinner later that night. The server was very nice and the food was okay. There were flies flying everywhere but it was bearable. The real problem occurred when the owner, a man, came upstairs and instructed myself and my two friends that we were not sitting properly and that was why other patrons were leaving. We were sitting in the upstairs portion of the restaurant and at least two other groups of people came upstairs and sat down briefly before getting up and leaving without ordering. I overheard one group saying that they were in the wrong restaurant and that there was somewhere else they were supposed to be and that is why they left. The other patrons looked at the menu and left without ordering seemingly based only on not wanting to eat there. The owner pinned the other groups leaving on myself and my two friends saying, "I know my customers and they are leaving because you are not sitting properly." I was in shock. My friends have patronized this place for a while and they have always remarked how nice the owners were. I was totally incensed but just grabbed my things and paid vowing to give them a bad review on City Search.

I would never return to this restaurant as the food is no better than Wawa and the service is atrocious. There are dozens of restaurants on Rittenhouse. Try Pietros, Irish Pub, Rouge is very nice. Don't go to Almaz where paying customers are not appreciated.

• Pros: Generous portions - enough to give away to the homeless
• Cons: Rude owner

09/13/08

Great!!

by EE99901

Great coffee, great food, and the friendliest service that I've experienced anywhere in Philadelphia.

• Pros: Quality, service

03/18/08

good & filling

by phillylovefood

I dropped in to this chic center city coffee shop after passing by it on several occasions. I somehow think they would do more business by more explicitly advertising that they are an Ethiopian cafe-- it appears to be another sandwich / coffee shop in center city until you look at the menu. I had the foule (smashed bean stew) which was perfectly seasoned and perfectly priced, the service was extremely friendly and prompt. I plan on going back this weekend for lunch!

• Pros: great vegetarian options, great location, great price, great great great....
• Cons: i live on the other side of broad street

Editorial Review by Christy Buena

by Contributor

American sandwiches and salads are served at the coffeehouse and restaurant that features Ethiopian dishes in a casual atmosphere.