E' Njoni Cafe

Cris Bisch
448 reviews
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Swahili for "You Are Most Welcome, Come and Stay"

At E' Njoni Cafe, both the atmosphere and the owner are welcoming and warm, though service can be slow, when busy and understaffed. The subdued yet colorful walls exhibit remarkable artwork from the same regions the traditional foods originate, while the room is filled with the appropriate music to create a balanced fusion of lively conversation, urban life and ethnicity.

Take your time and enjoy something fresh and tasty from their menu featuring Ethiopian, Eritrean and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as beer and wine from Africa. Entrees are served on large round platters lined with "injera", a large, flexible and spongy flat bread made from teff and barley grain flours. As you tear off portions of rolled injera, served on the side, you feast using your hands by picking up your food with your fingers. Note that injera is not gluten-free. I tried it, but immediately discovered there was still too much gluten for my sensitive digestive system. However, the owner brought me some wonderful saffron Basmati rice, as a substitute.

The succulent meats are cooked in pepper (berbere) and curry sauces. And for vegetarians and vegans, I can vouch that their meatless dishes are just as appealing and wonderfully seasoned with traditional spices adjusted to suit individual preferences for mild, medium or spicy. The desserts looked delicious. I had hoped that E' Njoni would offer at least one gluten-free sweet to complete my dining experience.

Entrees range in price from $8.95 - $12.95. E' Njoni also serves appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches.

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 12pm-3pm and 5pm-9pm :: Saturday-Sunday, 12 pm-9pm

E' Njoni caters in-house up to 40 persons. They also do large venues, such as the 29th annual African Cultural Night "African Fusion" at the PSU Ballroom coming up soon on May 30, 2009.

Cris' keywords: ethnic cuisine African Mediterranean food restaurant catering cafe