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Lacto
Delivery
Take-out
Gluten-free
African
Ethiopian
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. Ethiopian restaurant inside Optimist Hall. Offers a variety of typical vegan Ethiopian dishes, such as lentil sambusas, mushroom tibs and a vegan platter that includes miser, gomen, fosolia, tikel gomen and ater (gluten-free injera available). Also offers a vegan family meal option. Open Mon-Thu 11:00am-9:00pm, Fri-Sat 11:00am-10:00pm, Sun 11:00am-9:00pm.
4 Reviews
First Review by RemiOkamoto
zacsaltzman
Points +1309
Ethiopian Gem in Charlotte Food Hall - Edit
While on the road, we wanted a casual dinner before another long day of driving. We decided to check out The Optimist Food Hall in Charlotte, NC.
Read moreThere were plenty of interesting stalls with vegan options, but Enat and its Ethiopian offerings were the winner.
I ordered the vegan platter which featured 5 dishes: miser, ater, tikel gomen, fosolia, and gomen. There was also a sizable portion of injera included.
Dishes featured ingredients such as lentils, greens, carrots, cabbage, and green beans. Everything was full of flavor.
The food hall venue is a great spot for Ethiopian cuisine as people can try it or see someone order it in a much more approachable space. As it is a super vegan friendly cuisine, I’d love to see more Ethiopian restaurants thrive nationwide.
Updated from previous review on 2026-03-30
Pros: Robust Vegan Platter, Large Portions, Approachable Venue
Guest
SydJG
Points +128
Hidden Gem 💎 - Edit
Tucked away in a bustling Charlotte food hall, an Ethiopian eatery is redefining vegan cuisine with flavors that'll make your taste buds dance! This unassuming spot is serving up plant-based perfection that's got locals and visitors alike buzzing.
Read moreThe Vegan Plate: Prepare for a feast! The vegan offering here is a flavor explosion paired with portions that'll have you wondering if they accidentally doubled your order. It's a colorful array of Ethiopian delights that proves vegan food is anything but boring.
Speed and Service: In a hurry? No problem! The friendly staff here work like well-oiled machines, whipping up your meal faster than you can say "injera." But don't let the speed fool you - every dish is crafted with care and bursting with authentic flavors.
Atmosphere: Nestled in the heart of a vibrant food hall, this Ethiopian gem offers a unique dining experience. It's the perfect spot for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or an adventurous date night.
Value: With generous portions and reasonable prices, your wallet will be as happy as your stomach.
Bottom Line: This Ethiopian spot is the definition of a hidden gem. It's proof that sometimes the best culinary adventures happen where you least expect them. Whether you're a committed vegan or just looking to expand your palate, this place is a must-visit. Don't let its humble food hall location fool you - this is Ethiopian cuisine at its finest, and it just happens to be vegan-friendly too!
Pros: Price , Portion , Quality
Guest
VeganWithATwist
Points +483
Delicious option in a food hall - Edit
I am so happy to have Enat in Optimist Hall! The vegan platter was every bit as good as it is in the stand-alone restaurant.
Read moreGuest
RemiOkamoto
Points +756
Good vegan plate - Edit
It was my first time eating Ethiopian food and it was delicious. I had a vegan plate and I could enjoy different flavors.
Read moreHighly recommend!
Guest
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