Best Ethiopian Food in Toronto
A Taste of Ethiopia’s Arat Kilo in the Heart of Toronto
By Dimetros Birku
If you’re on a mission to find the best Ethiopian food in Toronto, your journey isn’t complete without a visit to Jolly Ethiopian Bar and Restaurant. Tucked along Bloor Street West, between Christie Pits Park and Ossington subway station, this spot isn’t just another place to enjoy Ethiopian food— it’s a cultural hub that channels the spirit and soul of Ethiopia, right here in the heart of the city. It is like a travel experience.
Jolly Bar and Restaurant was founded more than a decade ago by Michael Zewge (many call him Mike), a longtime Toronto resident who grew up in Arat Kilo, one of Addis Ababa’s most iconic neighborhoods. The restaurant’s name and ambiance pay homage to the original Jolly Bar in Arat Kilo, a beloved gathering place for Addis Ababans for decades. In Toronto, Michael has recreated that warm, welcoming energy, transforming his restaurant into a second home for those seeking authentic Ethiopian cuisine, music, and community.
Mike is passionate to talk about what inspired him. “ I love Toronto ! was inspired by bringing a combination of the very vibe of Jolly bar from Arat Killo with the best Ethiopian food experience, who would not love that? “ he asks back.
A Taste of Home
Toronto is home to a growing number of Ethiopian restaurants. Jolly Bar and Restaurant distinguishes itself through its rich flavors, exceptional hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere. The menu is a feast of tradition and taste, offering dishes that are both classic and inventive.
The restaurant’s meat dishes are particularly popular, and for good reason. Tibs — small, tender pieces of beef or lamb sautéed with garlic, onion, and Ethiopian spices — are one of the house specialties. They arrive sizzling at the table, aromatic and mouth-watering. Another crowd favorite is Kitfo, a minced beef dish traditionally served raw but also available lightly cooked, seasoned with mitmita (a chili powder blend) and niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) – undoubtedly one of the celebrated Ethiopian delicacies.
Cha-Cha — a lively dish of chopped beef or lamb stir-fried with vegetables, sizzling hot and full of depth is mesmerizing. And of course, no Ethiopian culinary journey is complete without Doro Wot, the country’s national dish. At Jolly, it’s prepared with slow-cooked chicken simmered in a deeply spiced berbere sauce, served with a hard-boiled egg and plenty of injera.
Speaking of injera — the spongy, tangy flatbread made from teff flour that serves as a staple is what makes Ethiopian food fun for first time eaters. No cutleries. No worries – not as hard as the first time chopsticks were used. Jolly’s injera is made fresh, and its earthy flavor perfectly complements the heat and complexity of the stews.
“What would you recommend for someone trying Ethiopian cuisine for the first time, Mike?” I asked.. His answer was instant! “Metal lover and vegetarian como!” It is sharable and rich with flavours for both vegans and meat lovers, he added.
Feast For Vegan
Vegetarian platter unfolds like a story told through seven vibrant chapters, each revealing Ethiopia’s mastery of plant-based alchemy. At first glance, the key meser beckons with its velvety red lentils, slow-cooked until they surrender to the spoon, their earthy depth amplified by a whisper of garlic and ginger. Nearby, the habesha gomen offers its own revelation—collard greens tangled with slivers of fresh chili and ginger, each bite unfolding like a love letter to the garden.
The tekel gomen brings sweetness to the ensemble, its cabbage and carrots gilded with turmeric until they shimmer like edible stained glass. This plays in perfect harmony with the defen meser so rich you’d swear it held secrets.
For texture, the kike meser presentssplit peas bobbing in aromatic broth, their delicate skins giving way to buttery centers. Then comes the dramatic flourish of key ser—ruby-red beets stained crimson by berbere, their earthy sweetness cut through with spice. The finale arrives with fosoliya, crisp-tender green beans crackling with garlic and rosemary, a rustic counterpoint to the platter’s more refined notes.
“This isn’t just a meal,” the chef explains, watching newcomers navigate the colorful mosaic.
The restaurant offers much more options. Jolly Ethiopian Bar and Restaurant Meu is available here
Coffee, Cocktails, and Community Vibes
One of the most unique aspects of Jolly Bar and Restaurant is its fusion of traditional and contemporary. Where else in Toronto can you enjoy a full Ethiopian coffee ceremony before turning to cocktails and live DJs?
The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a central part of Ethiopian hospitality, and Jolly honors that ritual beautifully. Fresh green coffee beans are roasted to order, filling the room with their rich, smoky aroma before being ground and brewed in a jebena, the traditional clay coffee pot. It’s served with a side of popcorn, as is customary, and enjoyed slowly — a moment of connection, reflection, and community.
But as the evening progresses, the pace picks up. On weekends, Jolly Bar transforms into a lively hangout spot with upbeat music and dancing. A rotation of local and guest DJs keeps the vibe fresh, spinning everything from Afrobeat and reggae to classic Ethiopian hits. It’s a social space where strangers become friends, and regulars feel like family.
Not Just Ethiopian (But Still Ethiopian at Heart)
While Ethiopian cuisine is the heart of the menu, Jolly also caters to diverse palates. Diners can find Western dishes like steak, grilled salmon, pasta, chicken wings, and burgers — all prepared with the same level of care and flavor. This versatility makes Jolly Bar and Restaurant a great choice for mixed groups, especially when introducing newcomers to Ethiopian cuisine.
Drinks
The drink menu is equally impressive, featuring everything from classic cocktails to imported and local beers, and spirits. You have so many options for whether you’re a wine person or you prefer Whiskey. Or Vodka. Jolly bar offers beer bucket specials – imported or locals.
A Space to Gather
Jolly Bar and Restaurant isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a space to gather, celebrate, and connect. Michael Zewge and his team have carefully cultivated an environment where everyone feels welcome. Whether you’re there for a quiet dinner, a special occasion, or a Saturday night out, you’ll feel the warmth that sets Jolly apart.
It reflects Toronto’s diversity and embraces its role as a bridge between cultures, generations, and communities.
Catering services
Mike can’t get enough talking about his catering services. He is confident that his team can prepare a memorable catering experience for any kind of event – whether it is for your staff – whether you have a graduation or birthday party or a community event – consider Jolly Bar. Reservations are needed ahead of time.
Why It’s the Best Ethiopian Food in Toronto
Many restaurants can claim to serve good food, but Jolly Ethiopian Bar and Restaurant goes beyond that. It brings people together. It offers a taste of Ethiopia’s culinary richness and cultural spirit while embracing the rhythm of Toronto life. That balance — of tradition and modernity, flavor and feeling — is what makes it stand out.
In a city filled with food from around the world, finding a place that feels both authentic and inviting is rare. Whether you’re an Ethiopian Canadian missing home, a foodie on the hunt for bold new flavors, or a first-timer eager to try injera and kitfo, Jolly Ethiopian Bar is one of the few places to be.
It isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an experience. And it might just become your new favorite place in the city.
Jolly Bar and Restaurant is located at 844 Bloor St W, Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON. Reservations are recommended for weekends. It is under four minutes walking distance from both Christie Subway and Ossington Subway stations. If you are driving, there are ample parking spaces in the area.
Follow them on Instagram @jollybartoronto for updates, specials, and events.
Do you own and operate an authentic Ethiopian restaurant in North America, Europe, the Gulf region, or beyond? Borkena would love to feature you! Contact us : info@borkena.com
__
Subscribe : https://borkena.com/subscribe-borkena/
Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkena
Like borkena on Facebook
Add your business to Ethiopian Business Listing / Ethiopian Business Directory Business Listing Toronto
Join the conversation. Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter) @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian News updates regularly. Subscribe to YouTube channel To share information or for submission, send e-mail to info@borkena.com