Exploring new foods can often seem rather risky, especially when you’re unfamiliar with certain types of cuisine — The owners of Queen of Sheba are no strangers to this risky business. As Louisville’s first Ethiopian restaurant, Queen of Sheba has been remarkably successful with its diverse and flavorful offerings. Whether you’re a frequent visitor of this small Ethiopian eatery, or you’re a stranger to the cuisine, we’ve got everything you’ll need to know to plan your next (or first) trip to Queen of Sheba.
What to Wear:
This dimly lit restaurant is the perfect setting for a romantic date or a causal meal with friends. Casual attire is typically the norm here, but depending on the occasion, dress accordingly.
Where to Park:
Located on Taylorsville Road, right across from Bowman Field, Queen of Sheba offers its own parking lot. However, during the restaurant’s busiest hours, the parking lot will fill very quickly. In the event that it fills, street parking is also available.
What to Order:
Unlike most restaurants that serve individual meals separately on their own plates, it’s custom to serve Ethiopian meals together on the same large plate lined with a layer of light and spongey flatbread called Injera. It’s different from what many Louisvillians are accustomed to, but it offers a delicious family dining experience.
Image (Combination Plate): Yelp
Beef lovers will go crazy for the Derek Tips. This dish is a combination of perfectly seared beef with authentic Ethiopian spices and special hot sauce. It pairs deliciously with an order of Kik Wot, or Ethiopian lentil stew.
Vegetarians will be right at home at Queen of Sheba. Try an order of Gomen Wot, a thick stew of fresh onions, collard greens and potatoes combined with a mild garlic sauce. A chilled side salad is the perfect side to this dish.
How Much:
When ordering an appetizer, an entrée and a glass of Queen of Sheba’s mead, honey wine, expect your total bill to be $14 - $23.
Wait Time:
Expect to be seated upon arrival when dining here for lunch and for dinner during the week. However, expect to wait for a table for up to 30 minutes when dining for dinner on the weekend.
Queen of Sheba is located at 2804 Taylorsville Road. To make a reservation, call 502-459-6301.
Hours:
Sunday: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 9pm
Monday – Thursday: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 10pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5pm – 10:30pm
Photo courtesy of Yelp.
