Meskerem Restaurant in Lambeth

No customers in the restaurant when I was there on last Friday evening. Place looked run down with glass shattered on the outside. I figured no problem, the reviews are good, so it must be a hole in the wall with great food and service. I was wrong.They didnt have the dish I wanted, so the waitress suggested 2 others, just saying that one was "hotter of the two". I ordered the hotter one. The dish came and it was VERY overpowering with raw chilli, to the point that I couldn't taste the sauce. Chilli was the ONLY flavour I got and it wasn't even merged with the dish, just tasted raw and far too much. Being of Asian heritage, I could handle the heat, but if a dish is THAT hot, you really need to inform your customer on the level of spice, ensuring they understand what they're in for!The rest of the service was similarly awful. No cutlery was provided once the dish was bought out. Even after asking for a knife and fork, nothing was bought out until I asked again. Then she said I can eat with my hands but bought over a long-handled teaspoon and fork. Firstly, even if I was planning to eat with hands, it's better to give people the option to decide. I may wish to switch to cutlery at any point, it's not dry food after all, so cutlery should be provided without even asking. Secondly, I DID ask for it and nothing was bought over, until I asked for the second time. Thirdly, if a customer asks for a knife and fork (the basics), just bring exactly that - or at least explain how to eat with the provided long-handled teaspoon and fork, if that's the tradition. Not just bring something different with no explanation!I also ordered a beer WITH my food. It was only once the waitress noticed I was sweating (towards the end of the meal) that she finally remembered the drink. I didn't want it by that point, so told her not to worry about it.Forgetting the cutlery and drink when I'm literally the only customer in the establishment because your procrastinating on your phone is unforgivable in a restaurant.Plus point is the meat was cooked okay and they take card, not much else. Maybe Enset next door would be a better experience. I'd certainly avoid this place but will try not to let my first experience of Ethiopian food put me off this type of cuisine altogether.

Excellent hospitality and delicious food.

Delicious food, excellent service. Went with my two teenage sons. Everyone happy. Will return!

Group of 4 for a quick dinner. The staff were very friendly, and showed us other dishes coming out of the kitchen to help us choose. The food was fresh and very tasty. We have the vegetarian shared platter for 3 we were all stuffed and left with a doggy bag. I would recommend

Delicious fresh and well cooked dishes. Friendly customer service and pleasant atmosphere. Very good all!

The restaurant smells and looks lovely.The service was excellent and the food delicious. I can highly recommend a visit.We ate in and also took home lots of takeaway for another day

Didnt know what to expect Inititally. Was surprised by the taste in the food that seemed very authentic from the country. Not sure if I preferred the taste of the food or how nice the lady (not sure if owner) that served us was. 100% recommend it!

Lovely experience! The place meets up with all the good reviews. Friendly service with an unforgettable big smile. The food is so delicious. Fun experience eating it the traditional way with only hands. The lamb dish with hot pepper, rosemary and onion is simple yet so tasty. Gluten free option is available. Very affordable. Totally recommended. I'm sure to return again and again :)

For many years from living in Stockwell, I went to this restaurant copious times. Ethiopian food is fantastic. Full of flavour and spice. I love spicy food and I think overall it is my favourite food from anywhere in the world.Bare in mind that fresh food takes time. So you may have to wait longer than in other restaurants. But that is because the food is being prepared and cooked from scratch. Which is why it tastes amazing. I would often order ahead, but it is so worth the wait.I love their red meat dishes but there are vegetarian and vegan options too. Their customer service is outstanding and always friendly and welcoming. I love their honey wine and the hypnotic Ethiopian music is relaxing and creates a lovely relaxing atmosphere.One of the best restaurants in London. Seriously if you are a foodie, you need to check this out!

Lovely homely food, fast and friendly service. Alot if the locals go there and they are very friendly. You can also take a doggy bag home, plus you must try there honey wine, it's lovely.