Walia Ethiopian Restaurant

- 11 Village Plaza, South Orange Village, NJ 07079

For residents and visitors in the New Jersey area seeking a truly authentic, flavorful, and welcoming dining experience, Walia Ethiopian Restaurant in South Orange Village stands out as a true local treasure. Open since 2013, Walia isn't just a place to eat; it's an opportunity to share in the culture and culinary tradition of Ethiopia, all while enjoying the hospitality of a locally-owned business. Owner Shewaye Yassin, a long-time South Orange resident, created Walia with a passion for food and entertaining, aiming to make every guest feel like part of the family.

The restaurant has earned a stellar reputation, not only locally but also nationally, having been named one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in the country. This recognition speaks volumes about the quality and authenticity of the dishes served. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Ethiopian cuisine or completely new to the flavors of the Horn of Africa, the staff at Walia are always ready to help guide you through the menu to ensure a memorable meal.

The core of the Walia experience revolves around traditional Ethiopian cooking, featuring varied and colorful sauces meticulously spread out on the spongy, uniquely textured Ethiopian flatbread, Injera. Their menu showcases a strong emphasis on fresh, healthy, and comforting options, with an impressive selection of dishes catering to all preferences, especially those seeking plant-based meals.

---

## Location and Accessibility

Walia Ethiopian Restaurant is perfectly situated in the heart of the bustling South Orange Village downtown district. Its address is 11 Village Plaza, South Orange Village, NJ 07079, USA. This prime location makes it a convenient spot for local residents and a great destination for those traveling from other parts of New Jersey, easily accessible for a lunch break, a family dinner, or a special celebration.

Accessibility is a clear priority at Walia, making it welcoming for all members of the community. The establishment offers wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free dining experience for every patron. Parking options in the area are flexible, including free street parking, a paid parking lot, and paid street parking.

---

## Services Offered

Walia Ethiopian Restaurant provides a full range of services designed to meet all your dining needs, whether you wish to enjoy a meal on-site or take it home.

• Dine-in: Enjoy the casual, cozy, and quiet atmosphere of the restaurant, complete with table service.
• Takeout: Conveniently order your favorites for pickup.
• Delivery: Have authentic Ethiopian cuisine delivered right to your door.
• Reservations: Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant happily accepts them to ensure you get a table.
• Catering: Walia offers catering services, perfect for bringing the rich flavors of Ethiopia to your upcoming events and gatherings.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Open for both mid-day and evening dining, accommodating various schedules.
• NFC Mobile Payments: For fast and modern transactions, NFC mobile payments are accepted alongside credit and debit cards.

---

## Features / Highlights

Walia is known for a number of standout features that enhance the dining experience, from its inclusive atmosphere to its commitment to quality beverages and food diversity.

• Black-Owned and Women-Owned Business: Walia proudly identifies as both a Black-owned and women-owned establishment, reflecting the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the New Jersey community.
• Exceptional Beverages: They are highlighted for having both great coffee and a great tea selection, perfect for concluding your meal or just popping in for a warm, comforting drink.
• Inclusive Atmosphere: The restaurant has a welcoming and safe environment, identifying as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace. The atmosphere is also casual and cozy, making it great for families, groups, or solo dining.
• Dietary Diversity: The menu is exceptionally well-suited for various dietary needs, featuring extensive vegan options, vegetarian options, and healthy options, alongside traditional comfort food and small plates.
• Ample Vegetarian Entrées: A dedicated section of the menu offers numerous meat-free dishes, including Fasolia ($21.95), Gomen ($21.95), Misr Alicha Watt ($21.95), Shiro ($23.99), and the unique Walia Special Vegetarian Kitfo ($29.99).
• Meat and Seafood Selection: For non-vegetarians, the menu offers rich stews and stir-fries, such as Yebeg Kay Watt (Lamb, $31.99), Doro Kay Watt (Poultry, $33.55), Kay Watt (Beef, $30.95), and delicious seafood options like Shrimp Tibs ($32.99) and Salmon Tibs ($32.99).
• Family-Friendly: Walia is good for kids and provides high chairs, making it an easy choice for family outings.
• Dessert Offerings: Don't skip the dessert! Options like Cheesecake ($10.40), Banana Pudding ($10.40), and the highly-praised, house-made Baklava ($10.40) provide a sweet end to your meal.

---

## Contact Information

If you're in New Jersey and planning a visit, or need to arrange a takeout order or catering, here is the necessary contact information:

Address: 11 Village Plaza, South Orange Village, NJ 07079, USA

Phone: (973) 762-2186 or +1 973-762-2186

---

## What is Worth Choosing

Walia Ethiopian Restaurant is truly worth choosing for anyone in the New Jersey area for several compelling reasons that go beyond just the food. It has earned a reputation for being an establishment where the warmth of the staff rivals the richness of the cuisine.

The dedication to authenticity and quality is evident in every dish, from classic stews like Misr Watt (a lentil dish, $22.95) and Doro Tibs (spiced poultry, $30.95), which a customer highlighted as a personal favorite, to unique appetizer options like Sambusa ($13.99) and Yetimatim Fitfit ($10.89). Customers consistently rave about the amazing food and staff, noting the generous portions and the care taken by the chef and owner to personally check on diners—an exceptional touch that fosters a feeling of genuine hospitality.

The extensive menu and diverse offerings make it a perfect spot for groups with varying tastes. Whether you opt for one of the comprehensive Meat Combination For 2 ($54.95) or the equally generous Vegetarian Combination For 2 ($49.95), you get a full sampler of the restaurant's best dishes. For those requiring gluten-free options, Walia even offers Gluten Free Injera ($3.12), demonstrating a thoughtfulness that extends to all diners.

Ultimately, Walia is more than a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience. It is a place where you can relax in a cozy and quiet atmosphere, enjoy food that is both delicious and prepared with love, and support a celebrated local, women-owned, and Black-owned business that has been a pillar in the South Orange community for over a decade. If you are looking for a dining destination that promises excellent Ethiopian cuisine, outstanding service, and a welcoming environment, make Walia Ethiopian Restaurant your next stop in New Jersey.

Walia Ethiopian Restaurant

11 Village Plaza, South Orange Village, NJ 07079, USA