Jarra's Ethiopian Restaurant - (503) 230-8990

Jarra's food has been consistently good for the 10 years I've gone. The lamb is just incredible, a full shank and favorite. Never had watery food or thin inerja. Tried everything there, used to go weekly, been to dozens of other ethopian places throughout the US, it's the best hands down. Texture, flavor, portions... yum. The owner is a chatty fellow. Petro's works round the clock there, is server, cashier. His wife is most often the cook. And the children can often be found, unobtrusively, well behaved, in the lobby entrance between the dining room and kitchen. It's a family place. Yes, the bathroom *is* OLD. It won't impress anyone. The owner does sometimes say some very blunt things. If you are thin skinned, blow it off, spare yourself an undue reaction. He's said things that ruffled my feathers a few times, but they were honest and true. He is expressing an opinion. I do not hold waitstaff to not being allowed to have an opinion though, and find his bluntness, even when not in my favor, refreshing. His chattines is a desire to get to know people and his community. If you want to leave with hickeys all over your toosh, wrong business. If you want a better insight to a culture, community, family, food, and person, make conversation - it's great. His big grin always seems authentically joyful to be exchanging with folks. He does very much enjoy people. Suggestions: Order water, and a drink. You can ask for a pitcher of water, recommended if he is busy. Ask for utensils and extra napkins. Plan at a minimum an hour, if the place is slow. When you are ready for the check, walk up to the counter to pay, and you'll be attended to promptly. If you need something, ask for it. He is very accommodating. The food is *great*. It's a terrific place, family, and place to sit back, chat with friends, chat with Petros, and get your hands dirty. (it's tradition to eat with the inerja, not utensils, have fun and dig in). The cons are the perceptions and expectations people go in with. Instant gratification and pretense are not served. Old school home-style cooking, friendliness, and relaxed pace there will make you happy, if you enjoy such things. Get your play, finger food, and food/spice (mild and hot offered) enjoyment on.

I've been to Jarra's several times. I always get the vegetarian combination and it's always good which is what keeps me coming back. I've heard the meat dishes are very good but very rich. You definitely need to be prepared to spend a long time there though. The owner is the only waiter and is in no rush to serve anyone. He can be very talkative which is sometimes interesting and sometimes offensive or excessive. Because there is often not enough injera and there's only so much bread I want to eat in one sitting, I often ask for a fork (i know, i know...) and extra napkins and they're reluctant to get me either.

Ethiopian is not for everyone. It is spicey, exotic and often gruel-like and meant to be eaten without utensils. With that said, this is one of my family's favorite restaurants. Our 9 year old loves the mild lentils and chicken, while the rest of us like it as hot as possible. We have enjoyed Jarra's since before their present location on Hawthorne. Over the years the food has been consistant and delicious. It has been a small, family run business since the beginning. If you are looking for fancy surroundings, efficient, speedy service, this is not the place for you. If you can slow down enough to appreciate the food as it should be appreciated, you will not be disappointed. Many of the things said in other postings do not fit our experience there (shortage of napkins, injera, rudeness from the owner or charging exhorbitantly). Ethiopian food requires much preparation and the prices they charge seem very fair for the dinners they serve. In our opinion, Jarra's is the best Ethiopian in Portland and we often leave the restaurant feeling like we ate the food of the gods.