London-Eating.co.uk
''... I wanted an interesting place to impress a girl so I flittered around this website and stumbled across Lalibela. After reading everyone else's reviews, I decided I would give in a try so I rang up and booked- it's an answerphone service and they rung me back to confirm (so far so good!).
After reading the mixed reviews below about serivce and friendliness I was sceptical but we were greeted by smiling, unpretentious staff and taken to our table. We ordered a variety of interesting dishes (2 starters, 2 mains, the communal bread that covers the table and a bottle of wine).
Knowing the service might be slow was an advantage- indeed it was a little slow but I had fore-warned my date and so the anticipation of it made it go un-noticed for us. The relaxed, casual service, combined with the brilliant aroma and decor suggested you actually were somewhere else like when you are travelling or something.
The food was interesting and pleasant (although not incredible) and the meal as a whole was an enjoyable experience. The staff were certainly not rude like is suggested below and the full bill came to less that £50 which was a nice surprise. Going on what happened when we got home I think my girl enjoyed it too! So if you fancy a different dining experience in the NW area then Lalibela makes for a good option. RB ..." >>more
London - TV  ''From North East Africa to North London's Tufnell Park, Ethopian food is latest cuisine making its mark and London TV Lalibela to find out why.
Owner Mulgeta Tsedeke opened the restaurant in 1993/94 because many Ethiopian's lived in the area. He explained that Ethiopian food is also very difficult to prepare at home so people in the area often like to go out to eat.
Once you've ordered your selection of spicy dishes and Ethiopian pancake bread, the fun begins.
Mulgeta describes that the method of eating is very different to what people would normally expect. 'To eat Ethiopian food you have to use your fingers but the hand is the most perfect way of eating'.
A regular customer describes why there is such a wow factor at Lalibela. 'It is very different from your bog-standard European food. It's very spicy and it's nice because you eat with your hand and more people can share from the same plate. And believe it or not, your fingers smell nice for two or three days because of the nice spices'...." >>more
LondonTown.com
''...
Split over two levels with a fairly noisy bar downstairs, this is a very trendy spot at the moment. The service is excellent, relaxed but knowledgeable, and the food is delicately prepared in an Ethiopian style. The menu is divided between vegetarian, meat and fish dishes. And the latter are arguably the best. Expect delicious marinated dishes accompanied by mash, split peas and rice, all served efficiently in a jovial, bohemian atmosphere.
..." >>more
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