Teff

- 84 W Park Pl, Stamford, CT 06901

Teff, located in the heart of downtown Stamford, Connecticut, is more than just a vegan or an Ethiopian restaurant—it is a unique culinary destination that brings the rich, communal dining culture and bold, deep flavors of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine to the local community. It stands out in the Connecticut dining scene not only for its authentic, slow-cooked dishes but also for its exceptional commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs, operating simultaneously as a dedicated Ethiopian restaurant, a gluten-free haven, and a top-tier vegan establishment.

This family-owned, Black- and women-owned establishment has built a stellar reputation over years of service, recently relocating to a prime downtown spot. The concept revolves around shared platters of savory stews and vibrant vegetable dishes, served traditionally atop 'injera,' a spongy, nutritious flatbread made from the gluten-free grain, teff. Injera is central to the experience, doubling as both plate and utensil, encouraging diners to eat with their hands and share in the flavorful journey.

For Connecticut residents embracing plant-based diets, Teff is a true gem. The menu features an extensive and clearly marked section of Vegan Entrées, eliminating the typical difficulty of finding satisfying, authentic vegan options. Dishes like Timtumo (red split lentils slow-simmered in berbere sauce), Shiro (pureed fava beans, chickpeas, and split peas), and Ingudai Tibs (sautéed portobello mushrooms) are prepared with the same care and complexity of spices as their meat counterparts. The ability to order customizable Vegan Tasting platters for one, two, or three people is a major highlight, allowing patrons to explore a wide spectrum of flavors in one visit.

Even for those who enjoy meat, the experience is integrated, as traditional Ethiopian dining pairs meat stews (Wats and Tibs) with the rich, naturally vegan side dishes. Favorites like the Siga Wat (cubed beef slow-simmered in a rich, spicy berbere stew) are served with a choice of two vegan side items, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive tasting of the cuisine. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service reported by customers only enhance the feeling of an intimate and special dining experience, making Teff a must-visit destination in the Stamford area.

Teff is situated in a highly desirable, central location in downtown Stamford, making it easily accessible for local residents, nearby workers, and visitors to the city’s vibrant West Park Place area.

The official address is:

84 W Park Pl, Stamford, CT 06901

Its downtown position places it near cultural landmarks and business centers, making it a convenient choice for dinner or a unique social outing. For guests traveling by car, there are readily available parking options, including:

• Paid parking garage nearby.
• Paid street parking in the vicinity.

The restaurant is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons, upholding strong accessibility standards:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Provides a seamless path into the restaurant.
• Wheelchair Accessible Restroom: Ensures comfortable and compliant facilities.
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Offers inclusive dining arrangements for patrons.

The atmosphere inside is described as casual, cozy, and quiet, providing a relaxing backdrop for savoring the deeply flavorful food. They also offer the option of seasonal outdoor seating, adding to the charm of dining in the heart of Stamford. The welcoming environment is explicitly friendly to all groups, identifying as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace, cultivating an inclusive space for the entire Connecticut community.

Teff’s service model is designed to maximize the pleasure and convenience of the Ethiopian and Eritrean dining experience, whether you choose to eat in a relaxed setting or enjoy the flavors at home.

The wide array of services available includes:

• Dine-in and Table Service: Features comfortable seating, including bar seating, with full, attentive table service in a casual, cozy setting.
• Dinner and Dessert: The primary dining service, with an exceptional menu focusing on unique entrées and traditional Ethiopian/Eritrean cooking methods, complemented by unique desserts like Ethiopian Coffee Ice Cream and Cookies & Cream (Dairy-Free).
• Catering: Provides customizable options for bringing the unique flavors of the restaurant to local events, meetings, or large family gatherings.
• Takeout: Offers the entire menu for customers wishing to pick up their order and enjoy it elsewhere.
• Delivery: Convenient service that delivers the rich cuisine directly to customers’ homes or offices.
• Outdoor Seating: Seasonal availability allows for dining al fresco on West Park Place.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts and recommends reservations, particularly for dinner, which helps ensure a table during peak hours.

Teff’s reputation as a standout restaurant in Stamford is built upon several distinctive features that appeal to a broad Connecticut audience, from committed vegans to adventurous foodies.

• Extensive Dedicated Vegan Menu: A full menu section featuring eight unique entrées (such as Shiro, Timtumo, Kik Aletcha, and Gomen), plus the popular Vegan Tasting platters, establishing it as a serious culinary destination for plant-based diets.
• Gluten-Free Focus: The foundation of the cuisine is the teff grain, which is naturally gluten-free. While traditional injera is sometimes mixed with wheat flour, the restaurant is known to offer a fully gluten-free injera upon request, catering directly to gluten sensitivities.
• Authentic & Bold Flavors: The food is renowned for its rich, deep, and perfectly spiced profiles, utilizing traditional ingredients like berbere and teseme (spiced clarified butter) and slow-simmering techniques—a true taste of Ethiopian and Eritrean culinary heritage.
• Identifies as Black- and Women-Owned: As a family-run business, this identity is a vital highlight, often leading to an intimate, personal, and highly committed service model that customers consistently praise.
• Excellent Beverage Program: Features a great wine list, including local specialties like traditional Ethiopian Honey Wine (often referred to as Mes), a great tea selection, full cocktail service, and local craft beers like Two Roads Two Juicy, complementing the bold flavors of the food.
• Communal & Immersive Dining: The tradition of eating with injera and sharing a platter fosters a unique, convivial, and memorable dining experience that goes beyond a standard restaurant meal.
• Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The interior provides a relaxed yet vibrant ambiance, suitable for solo dining, groups, and family outings, enhanced by a fully stocked bar onsite and modern amenities like a gender-neutral restroom.

For reservations, to place a takeout order, or to inquire about catering services for your next event in the Stamford area, Teff can be reached using the following information:

Address: 84 W Park Pl, Stamford, CT 06901

Phone: (203) 998-7474

The restaurant accepts various forms of payment for customer convenience, including all major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. Given the restaurant’s popularity and the intimate size of the dining area, particularly during peak dinner hours, calling ahead or utilizing an online reservation service is highly recommended to secure a table.

Teff represents a truly unique and high-quality dining choice in the Connecticut restaurant landscape, standing out far beyond the standard vegan restaurant label. What is most worth choosing here is the combination of authentic culinary depth with an uncompromising commitment to modern dietary and cultural inclusivity.

For vegans, Teff is a revelation. Instead of a single token dish, you receive an entire, distinct menu of complex and flavorful Ethiopian stews, all centered around nutritious ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and vegetables. The Vegan Tasting Platter is arguably the best way to experience the diversity of the cuisine, offering a balanced, hearty, and intensely satisfying meal that is entirely plant-based and served on healthy, gluten-free teff injera. This makes it an ideal spot for health-conscious diners and those with celiac concerns.

Beyond the menu, customers consistently rave about the complete dining experience. Reviews highlight super welcoming staff, great service from start to finish, and an intimate and special atmosphere. The food is praised for its bold, deep flavors and perfectly spiced nature. This glowing feedback confirms that the restaurant is not only delivering exceptional food but also a warm, memorable experience driven by a passionate, family-run team. For Connecticut locals seeking an authentic cultural experience, the richest vegan options available, or simply one of the most exciting and highly-rated meals in the Stamford area, Teff is a destination worth making a priority.

Teff

84 W Park Pl, Stamford, CT 06901, USA