Welcome to Keren Cafe & Restaurant
At Keren Cafe & Restaurant, located on Florida Avenue NW in Washington, DC, we celebrate authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Our menu features an array of delicious sandwiches, including the Cotoletta and various specialty entrees served with traditional injera. Diners rave about our generous portions and exceptional service, making it a hidden gem in a bustling neighborhood of mom-and-pop shops. Whether you're sampling our flavorful beef tibsi or sharing a combo plate, each dish is crafted with care—ensuring a delightful experience that leaves patrons eagerly returning for more.
- 1780 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 Hotline: (202) 265-5764
Welcome to Keren Cafe & Restaurant, a delightful gem located at 1780 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC, that invites you to explore the rich flavors of authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine. This hidden treasure may not catch your eye from the street, but step inside, and you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both homey and vibrant.
At Keren, the menu is a mouthwatering showcase of traditional dishes, primarily focused on their delicious sandwiches and hearty entrees. Their famed Special Tibsi—a spicy beef dish served with injera—is a crowd favorite at just $8.63, and it's accompanied by generous portions that promise satisfaction. Vegetarian options are plentiful, like the Vegetables with Injera for $6.81, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
- Tuna Sandwich - $5.45
- Cotoletta (Chicken) Sandwich - $5.91
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich - $5.91
The variety of sandwiches on the menu, including the Steak Sandwich and Cotoletta Sandwich, allows diners to enjoy the culinary experience in a more casual format at prices starting from $5.00. Customers rave about the authentic flavors and the generous portion sizes, often taking leftovers home to savor later.
Don't overlook the salads, such as the refreshing Keren Salad at just $5.00, a perfect side to balance your meal. Diners consistently highlight the freshness of the ingredients and the welcoming nature of the staff, making every visit memorable. One customer noted that even the most complex options on the diverse menu are approachable, ensuring that even those new to this type of cuisine can find something delightful.
As one patron expressed, Keren Cafe & Restaurant creates not just meals but memorable experiences: “Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, and excellent service...” It's this blend of authentic flavors, friendly service, and outstanding value that makes Keren an essential stop for food lovers looking to explore distinct culinary traditions from the comforting confines of Washington, DC.
If you find yourself in the neighborhood, be sure to check out this charming cafe where the food feels like a warm embrace, and every dish echoes the heart of Eritrean and Ethiopian culture. Whether you're sharing a generous combo plate or enjoying a simple sandwich, Keren Cafe & Restaurant is sure to have you coming back for more.

Great place for authentic food, everything super tasty and fresh. We got the combo plate for 2 people but couldnt finish it all, great value for money. Atmosphere was super welcoming and relaxed and really nice service

Aaaammmmazzzinng. This place doesnt look like much from the outside but dont let that scare you. We walked in and had a hard time figuring what we wanted from the menu. Never having this type of cuisine it was overwhelming. I got some ...

Keren is located in a highenergy neighborhood full of momandpop shops. They operate a very modest space with great food and warm smiles. The food was good. The beef could have been a bit more tender. The injera was great. Soft and ...

What a wonderful surprise on our trip to dc. We were looking for something different and came across Keren restaurant. The food was so good and so different than anything we had before,... and the staff was really friendly and welcoming. It ...

Delicious food, amazing atmosphere and excellent service as well. Im so pleased to visit and have this beautiful experience today. It deserves 5 stars ladies and gentlemen. Thank you.

We had a fantastic experience here! Amazing food and such good prices. We ordered the Keren special 4 with chicken and thought it was delicious! It was also big enough for two of us to share granted we dont have huge appetites. I ...

Authentic delicious Eritrean Ethiopian food! Everyone who works here is so sweet and it felt super homey. I loved the food I ordered and would be great to share with a few people. The food is extremely affordable and you could easily go ...

Absolutely fell in love with this place, and I am so exited to return. Got there just in time because 3 minutes later there was no more seating available. Definitely wish to try the dinner menu options, as well as just coming back again ...