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Nestled in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles' Little Ethiopia district, Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine offers an authentic and deeply satisfying culinary journey into Ethiopian and vegan fare. This gem on 1047 S Fairfax Ave brings together the rich traditions of Ethiopian cooking with a vibrant plant-based twist, making it a must-visit haven for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to explore bold, wholesome flavors that feel both comforting and exciting.
The moment you step inside Rahel, you’re embraced by a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that invites you to savor each bite slowly, paired with warm hospitality. The walls hum quietly with the spirit of Ethiopian culture, making it a perfect setting for a casual lunch, a relaxed weekend brunch, or a memorable dinner with loved ones.
The menu is an inspired celebration of plant-based Ethiopian classics made with care and authenticity. You’ll find standout dishes like the Little Ethiopia Special for 3 People, a generous spread featuring nine items including perfectly fermented, gluten-free Teff Injera — light yet resilient, the perfect canvas for scooping up stews and salads bursting with freshness and spice. The Fasolia Wot mixed vegetable stew and hearty TIBS with Injera are testaments to the skillful layering of zest and earthiness that Ethiopian cooking is known for.
Rahel also dazzles with its diverse side offerings, such as the Awaze Fit Fit (Injera Salad) combining fresh tomatoes, onions, and fiery peppers with soft injera, and the zesty Beets Salad. Complement your meal with house specialties like the rich Almond Shay Latte or traditional Tej Honey Wine, which adds an intoxicatingly sweet and floral note to the dining experience.
For dessert lovers, Rahel’s vegan sweets are not to be missed. The Vegan and Organic Baklava offers flaky layers infused with cinnamon, vanilla, agave, and nutty richness from vegan butter, creating a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. Meanwhile, the Vegan Cheesecake made with raw cashews, almonds, and coconut oil melts in your mouth with subtle hints of lemon and spice—a compelling finish that resonates long after the last bite.
Regular diners, like Michael Sandler, praise the weekend brunch buffet for its variety and authenticity, noting the satisfying flavors and attentive service. Kim M highlights the restaurant’s naturally vegan, gluten-free menu and exceptional coffee, making Rahel not only a culinary delight but also a place where health-conscious diners feel at home. Tony Elias commends the perfectly prepared injera and abundant vegan options, while Rachel Metz can’t stop raving about the sambusas—golden, flaky pockets bursting with flavorful fillings that are undeniable crowd-pleasers.
Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine strikes a rare balance between tradition and innovation, indulgence and lightness. Each dish invites you to experience the depth of Ethiopian spices and the freshness of plant-based ingredients in a way that feels both nourishing and celebratory. Whether you’re a devoted vegan or simply adventurous with your palate, dining here is an uplifting and memorable experience that leaves you both well-fed and inspired.
Came for the AYCE brunch buffet on weekend. Ate all the things and really enjoyed hanging out here. Got the coffee at the end and our server was very helpful. Tasty Ethiopian and always a great place to visit to try other types of cuisine.
Delightful experience: family-friendly, tasty, and naturally vegan and gluten-free! Strong coffee and fun desserts, too!
Located in Little Ethiopia, Rahel is an authentic culinary experience that will leave you feeling full (but not overly so) and very happy. There are so many amazing options for vegans and vegetarians, it can be hard to choose but honestly there’s no bad option, everything my partner and I have tried here is VERY good. The injera is prepared perfectly and is so light but not too easy to rip, as it’s easy to pick up all of the different items in the platter (typically an assortment of veggies both hot and cold, spiced to perfection). The sambusas are also out of this world. I would absolutely recommend eating here, I can’t wait to go back!!
The sambusas were the best I’ve ever had, and the next time I visit, I’m probably ordering three. The pastry was golden, flaky, crunchy, and so so flavorful. They were a huge hit with everyone at the table. Our hudade was great too, but the sambusas will absolutely be what we come back for.
Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine at 1047 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019 This is my second time going to this restaurant, it is a vegan Ethiopian restaurant. Both times I came here is for the lunch buffet, also it comes with a nice little dessert at the end. I bought a slice of their vegan cheesecake, but forgot to take a picture lol. Overall it's been an enjoyable time on both trips, I've been here. This time I actually drove and you can park up front if you can get a parking space on Sunday for free. Other than the parking, that's the only thing difficult about this area. It seems to have a lot of other Ethiopian type shops very close walk.
a charming little place with such sweet service! we ordered the feast plate for 1 (but was enough for two) with sambussas. the injera was realllly good and some of the curries/veg were flavorful but other ones felt slightly bland, but with some chutney and pepper it was better. would definitely recommend this food if feeling sick or down, this is perfect home food with less spices and oil. but the sambussa was the star of the show! it was soooo good and crispy! also the bathroom is cute!
This restaurant is an absolute gem. I have ordered from them over and over again have never been disappointed. I also recently tried their desserts and am in loooove!!!! Especially with the mango cake!! Pictured below is the "Paradise" plate for 1 made with gluten free injera. Please support this business because everything they do is done with love.
We had a wonderful experience for lunch for two! They had a lunch special which was a sampler platter and every single thing on it was amazing. We were in heaven! It was the best meal of our trip! We also had a delicious piece of mango cake for dessert. Our server was very friendly and took great care of us, and we were seated by the window which was lovely. By the way, we are not vegans! This place is not just for vegans. Seemed like a family business too, very sweet people and we felt good about choosing them. We can’t wait to go again!