Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0111-571757; Mahatma-Gandhi St; mains Birr60-90; noon-2.30pm & 7-10.30pm
Mon-Sat)
Very much an Addis institution, this famous Italian restaurant has fed Swedish
royalty, Bob Geldof, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and ex-US presidents. The food is of course
good (but maybe not as good as the price tag indicates), but sadly the whole experience
can be somewhat marred by the attitude of the owner who seems disappointed that all his
guests do not fall into the above fame category! Reservations are wise, but not always
honoured.
Serenade $$
( 0911-200072; mains Birr120-170; 7pm-midnight Wed-Sat, 10am-3pm Sun)
Just
east of Piazza, off Tewodros St and tucked up a dark cobblestone alley, is this mixed-bag
Mediterranean eatery. You're unlikely to be disappointed by its creative menu of Beirut-
meets-Milan dishes, including such succulent treats as braised lamb with caramelised
onions, lentils, lemon and
raison orange
couscous. But on the downside, we've heard
some customers say it's not always as good as it should be considering the price.
MEDITERRANEAN
Raizel Café $
(Hailesilase St; mains Birr20-45; 7am-9.30pm)
This slick modern cafe speedily serves
tasty cheeseburgers, tuna melts, French fries and breakfast omelettes to a fashionable,
young crowd. It's one of several similar places around here.
INTERNATIONAL
BOLE ROAD & EAST ADDIS
This area, taking in Bole Rd, Cameroon St and environs is the undisputed culinary centre
of Addis. This is where the well-to-do and expats of Addis like to hang out, so you can
expect high-quality and higher than normal prices. Food types from around the world are
represented here as well as flash Western-style coffee shops by the dozen.
La Mandoline $$
( 0116-629482; behind Bole Medanyalem Church, off Cameroon St; mains Birr55-80;
closed Mon)
This upper-crust French restaurant serving superb, and authentic, tradi-
tional French dishes might well get our vote as the best-value restaurant in the city. How
traditional is the food? Try an excellent salad for a starter, a delicious steak with Roque-
FRENCH
