9. Dama Market and Ethiopian Restaurant
1505 Columbia Pike, Arlington
This family-owned operation on the Pike specializes in both pastries and hearty servings of savory Ethiopian cuisine—including an entire menu page dedicated to meatless fare. All dishes are served with injera, a spongy bread that is used as a vehicle (in lieu of utensils) for sopping up delicious sauces and stews, such as one made with chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños and served with hot curry. For those who enjoy sampling, Dama offers a lunch buffet with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Finish your meal by heading over to the bakery side of the café to try one of head pastry chef Almaz Dama’s “vegetarian delight” pastries.
Other dishes to try:
- Misir Wot (red lentils, red pepper sauce, ginger)
- Shiro Wot (split peas simmered in red pepper sauce)
- Kik Alicha (yellow split peas mixed with onions, green peppers and garlic)