Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine Review

We used to go here when we lived in Tucson. It's nice that the food and service are still great a decade later. We went for a late lunch and had the All Veggie Sampler which gives you 3 selections per person from a list of 10 different vegetarian dishes. All of our 6 selections were delicious, and the injera flat bread that comes with it is a treat we haven't had anywhere except in an Ethiopian restaurant. Whenever we're in Tucson we'll definitely be back.

Ate there for the first time food was really good spiced just right had the sampler definitely recommend this place if you have never tried or eaten Etheopian food before give this restaurant a try. I'll be definitely going back it's well worth it and I have had Ethiopian food from California and Texas nothing like this place

Incredibly delicious food served traditionally. There are many vegetarian dishes as well as meat. Also the injera can be made gluten free. Service was great, everyone working was very sweet even when one of our credit cards was not working. Prices are higher than some similar restaurants I have been to but portions are very generous. You will be perfectly full!

Staff was great and food was even better! Would definitely be here a lot if I lived in Tucson. Gonna have to check out the Denver area Ethiopian places now.

Our favorite Ethiopian restaurant in Arizona. Amazing food, really friendly service, and very moderate prices for the quality if food they serve. Highly recommended

Very quick, tasty, and you can try so many dishes on their menu with one order! The lentils were our favorite part of the sampler.

I love Zemam's. Fresh and delicious food, super flavorful, extremely consistent over the years, warm and friendly staff.

2015 - Love it! We showed up on a Sunday about 1:00 with not many patrons there and almost left . . . so glad we didn't. We each had a 3 portion sampler lunch plate (which they combine into a single large platter) and it was wonderful. So many wonderful flavors. Not a single one of the six items was over salted nor missing a wonderful flavor of its own. We left full and satisfied for a very reasonable price. Our thanks to , our host, Noah, he was very helpful and quite friendly.
1/21/2016 - Back again to see if it is as awesome as we remembered. . . . and it was!

Hands down one of my favorite places to eat in Tucson. I am always very pleased with the level of service and quality of food served here. At some times the space can get rather busy, others you are able to enjoy a nice relaxing meal with family and friends. They have a BYOB policy which works out rather well when trying other beers for a nice pairing.

This place has really good food, and the bread injera is unique unlike other Ethiopian restaurants

Was intrigued, as I'd never had Ethiopian food before. We got the sampler platter. The food was delicious and plentiful for 3 people. I would definitely recommend!

Excellent! Our family's first time and there wasn't a dish we tried we didn't like! We got 3 samplers, 6 veggies and 3 meats. I recommend you explore the menu online because there are so many dishes to choose from. We will definitely be back with more people!!! Oh, and their tea is delicious, served hot or cold.

I've never had this kind of food before, it was delicious!

Met a friend here for lunch and we ordered beef, chicken and 4 different vegetable dishes to sample. I would order each of them again. Everything had excellent flavoring. Cannot wait to eat here again.

Great Ethiopian eating experience Reasonably priced and great service.

This was a little gem. Eating is very different. Using small pieces of a soft flat bread to pick up food with fingers. We were two couples and ordered 2 lamb servings 2 different chicken dishes and one ground beef meat. To compliment this we added 1 lentil, 1NC carrot, 1 cabbage and 1 cauliflower dish. It comes as round serving on a large round tray with this grand bread as a base. I thought it was grand and 2orth a revisit. Reasonably priced. I reccomend going with another couple.

The best Ethiopian food in AZ. Big portions and excellent service.

First time at Zemams and trying Ethiopian food! Don t be lame like me and request a fork and a plate. If you re going to eat here, eat the dishes the way it s suppose to be eaten.
Had the spicy lamb & beef as well as a sampler of some of the veggie dishes. Loved the cauliflower. Everything was DELICIOUS, the flavors are unique and delicious. The meats are so juicy and tender, not dry or over cooked at all.
This place is for adventurous foodies who love and appreciate amazing food and cultures.
Although I think everyone should try this place, I wouldn t recommend this place to less adventurous folks. I ll probably stick to taking my parents to Chilis.
No one explained to us newcomers how we should eat the food, so definitely ask if it s your first time. Besides that, food came fast, service was great and staff is incredibly sweet! We will be regulars from now on!

The injera is pathetic, serve only real teff injera instead of the white-person pancakes that are currently served. I bet it probably saves money and maybe Tucsonians don't know what real Injera is supposed to taste like but I do. Very overpriced for what is served. A few small scoops of veg stew dishes and cheapo wheat injera shouldn't cost that much.

This place is amazing. My friend and I have made eating here a weekly event because of the delicious food. There are plenty of vegetarian options and I always leave stuffed for a decent price. 100% would recommend to anyone.

Great Ethiopian cuisine with many classic dishes and a few of its own combinations. Great for veggitarians and meat eaters alike.

Amazing food
Authentic atmosphere
Delightful service
Be prepared to wait for the amazing food, good food takes a bit. Highly recommended!!!

Excellent food and service. The perfect place for friends or a date.

My first time for Ethiopian food and it was fantastic! Rather a cross between Indian and Mexican food. BYOB.

The lack of a wheelchair ramp made getting in the front door difficult for one of the members of my party.

Great little place. Sampler plates are easily enough food for 2. Interesting flavors!

Great food, very different but familiar at the same time. Loved it

I've lived in a town famous for its Ethiopian food, and this place is every bit as good as the best there.

Great food and friendly, accommodating, staff for our large group! Amazingly affordable.

The sever was very knowledgeable about the food and helped us pick out a sampler plate. The food was tasty and we enjoyed the spicy flavors.

Good value, healthy, tasty, and compliant with sensitive eaters such as gluten free and vegan. Friendly staff, nice atmosphere.

The sampler plates to share is an amazing experience. Go with your friends and/or family and explore this Ethiopian culinary experience.

Delicious food! A must try! Very nice girls who work there and super patient with first timers like me in ordering. Definately going back when I'm in town.

two thumbs up for this place. the staff was very welcoming and observant.

Our second Ethiopian restaurant in Tucson, came here in the middle of a storm, it was cozy - house converted to a restaurant, not a whole lot of space and few tables, bathroom was a squeeze. Owner was friendly, food came out fast and were delicious

This is my favorite restaurant by far. Fantastic food. Every dish is wonderful with a great variety of meat and vegetarian options. BYOW (Bring your own wine) is always fun. So bring your favorite bottle and enjoy!

Terrible service after 10 minutes I just walked away because somebody was going to take my order.

Tried 2 veggie dishes and all meat dishes minus the spicy bone in chicken. Every food item was delicious with a distinct savory sauce. The meats were incredibly tender. The bread was soft, spongy and just perfect for mopping up the sauce. If we're ever in town again, would love to return.

Amazing food! I had heard many great things before eating here and it was definitely worth it.

Been coming here for years. It's our favorite place in Tucson. Don't be put off that you eat with your hands, it's great food with a lot of flavor. It is small portions of meat and/or vegitable served with a soft 'crepe like' bread. Outstanding food!

I have been enjoying this restaurant for many years. Then I married into an Ethiopian family, and now I take my daughter to Zemam's to celebrate every Ethiopian holiday. They feel like family, and the food is always amazing!

Awesome, as usual! Had the veggie sampler, which consists of 3 veggie dishes, generous helpings, served on a bed of injera. Unless you specify you want teff, the injera is wheat, but tasty nonetheless. Wonderful experience.

Wonderful food, warm and helpful staff. Indura bread a particular treat.

I've only ever had Ethiopian one other time in a fancy restaurant in DC, but Zemam's food was way better than what I'd had before. We got two samplers (one veg, one meat) and both the spicy and "regular" items were excellent. Their injera (flatbread) is yummy and those two samplers filled up the four of us (with two teenagers).

Delicious sampler of wonderful food. Highly recommend it.

I've had Ethiopean food in CO, TX and a few other places. I really think Zemam's is my favorite. I couldn't charactorize why, it just is!

My favorite restaurant. I love Ethiopian food, I love Zemam's THE BEST. (Nice owners and staff, too.)

OMG when I'm back in Tucson I'm definitely going to hit up this place first thing!!! Yummm!!! Miss Tucson's delicious food but this is the best spot for new, delicious and unique international food.

Fantastic. If you have never tried Ethiopian food you are missing out!

Amazing food! We tried the majority of the veggie menu and everything was delicious. The restaurant is in a house, which makes for a nice, homey atmosphere.

Delicious! I loved the variety of meats and vegetables. The hot tea was amazingly good. I will definitely be back.

Fantastic food! Great selection of vegetarian and vegan, but has plenty of meat if you want it. Served family style, share with your table. I recommend the samplers so you can try a few options.

This was the first Ethiopian food I'd ever had, wonderful experience and delicious. I've had Ethiopian at probably 2 dozen places, and this spot is still awesome in my mind.

Delicious Ethiopian food. The portions are generous and there are a variety of dishes to try. I keep going back. It is a gem in Tucson.

I'm kinda obsessed with Zemam's. It might be my favorite restaurant in Tucson... definitely in my top 3.

Excellent, authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Experience eating food with your own two hands, using the delicious bread to scoop up morsels of chicken, lamb and delightful cooked vegetables. Tea is lovely too. AMAZING! Service is excellent, friendly and fast. Byob. Enjoy!! My husband and I love this place, and have eaten here many times.

Excellent tasty food. Just the right mix of spices. Beautiful. I'm definitely going to be back.