African Palace Restaurant

What is African Palace Restaurant? Located at 977 Bloor Street West just west of Ossington, African Palace is a longstanding, family-run fixture serving soulful Ethiopian and Eritrean cooking under chef-owner Mary Tesfamariam. The room is humble and warm, adorned with East African tapestries and art, offering cozy banquettes and communal tables made for sharing. During summer months, a small handful of sidewalk patio tables lets diners break injera al fresco along the lively Bloorcourt stretch.

African Palace Restaurant Menu & What to Order Feasting here revolves around massive, spongy rounds of teff injera topped with fragrant wots and sizzling sautéed meats. The Vegetarian Combo is an essential order, heaping spicy yemisir wot (red lentils), velvety gomen (spinach and greens), and kik alicha (yellow split peas) across the platter. Carnivores should lean into the tender Beef Tibs tossed with awaze chilli paste and the slow-simmered Dero Wot finished with a hard-boiled egg. Cap off the meal by ordering a traditional Ethiopian coffee service, served aromatic and freshly brewed alongside bowls of popcorn.

Know Before You Go Service runs at an unhurried, hospitality-first pace, so plan for a relaxed sit-down meal rather than a quick bite. The restaurant operates primarily on a walk-in basis, though larger groups can phone ahead to secure one of the bigger dining tables. It sits a quick two-minute walk from Ossington subway station, with metered street parking available along Bloor.