AWASH
RESTAURANT

One of Adams Morgan's Ethiopian owned establishments, Awash keeps the menu simple and concentrates on the bar and live music scene.

Only open since the summer of 1996, the restaurant doesn't draw the crowds that the older and larger Ethiopian restaurants up the road can. Open windows at the front draw fresh air into the poorly lit main room. Upstairs dining is available for large groups.

Washington CityPaper
by Todd Kliman

"... But although it might not meet most specs for a first or second date (or, for the fusspots among us, a third or 30th date, either), Awash, named for a river, delivers good, authentic Ethiopian cooking with impressive consistency. An appetizer called azifa , made of beans, diced green chilies, and mustard, and served at room temperature, sets the tone-this is food that makes no accommodations to more delicate sensibilities, that knows how to be assertive without crossing the line into being overpowering. The vegetarian platter, a handy barometer of quality in any Ethiopian restaurant, is first-rate, boasting as it does a light yet buttery gomen , almost creamy yellow lentils, and a red-lentil stew with a fine peppery character; and both its potato-carrot stew and tomato salad are the best of their kind in town..." >>more