Lacto
Ovo
Take-out
Honey
African
Ethiopian
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. Ethiopian cuisine includes a variety of vegetable and lentil based dishes. Here you could get a vegan platters with stewed greens, lentils, spiced vegetables, all served with injera bread. Also has salads. Open Mon-Sun 9:00am-9:00pm.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
-
1125 Queen St, Alexandria, Virginia, USA, 22314
-
Loading...
-
- Outdoor seating
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accepts credit cards
-
-
Last update on 24 Oct 2020 by Guest
Update business info -
Are you the owner?
Claim this business -
Added by planetjoseph on 08 Jun 2014
-
-
26 Reviews
First Review by cookiem
mysticalsoap
Points +60
Great Vegan Sampler - Edit
The clearly labelled vegan sampler is delicious and a great size for the money; definitely plan on splitting it. Friendly service and decent seating.
Read moreGuest
toastandjammies
Points +1214
Delicious - Edit
Yummy food, comfortable restaurant. The lentil sambusa were delicious. I’ll definitely stop by again the next time I’m in the area.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-08-11
Guest
sniko
Points +51
The vegan sampler is a nice thought but... - Edit
It's not good, served half cold and bland flavors. It's also not a good inviting place to relax, no atmospheric lighting or comfortable seats. It has the vibe of you sit and eat then you want to leave. If you want good vegan Ethiopian ordering a vegetarian platter at any other Ethiopian restaurant would be better, the vegetarian platters are usually vegan even if it's not advertised that way.
Read moreI think if an Ethiopian restaurant doesn't have a strong Ethiopian customer base, especially in the D.C. area which has the highest Ethiopian population in the country, it's a fair sign the food will be mediocre.
If you want to support the clearly labeled vegan option, and you aren't picky about food, this place is probably perfect for you, but I eat a lot of Ethiopian food and was craving a real and delicious Ethiopian veggie platter so I was very disappointed when I came here.
Updated from previous review on 2024-05-19
Pros: The vegan option is clearly labeled, Conveniently located by Old Town
Cons: Stale atmosphere with bright white lights, Underwhelming food
Guest
HarrietSpy
Points +86
Delicious vegan sampler! - Edit
A large platter of vegan items nestled into injera was quickly inhaled. Perfectly spiced, colorfully arranged. Laid back, wonderful hole in the wall. Just go!
Read moreGuest
edav344
Points +2677
Lovely family owned restaurant - Edit
The vegan sampler was amazing. It was so much food I couldn't eat it all. I wanted to try the falafel and hummus too, but was way too full 😅
Read morePros: Family owned, Vegan options
Guest
D’Artagnan
Points +51
Great vegan options with home-style service - Edit
A friend of mine and I had dinner this evening at Hawwi Ethiopian, and we were glad we did! Great, and many, vegan options. We had the vegan sampler, spinach pastry, and falafel/hummus. All were excellent. The falafel was particularly exceptional if you like your falafel less oily (as I do). The only reason it gets only 4 stars is because non-veg restaurants max out at 4 stars. And if you like strong coffee, don't miss the Ethiopian coffee at the end - a great finish!
Read moreGuest
bigHUNGRY
Points +22
Amazing - Edit
The vegan sampler was slammin. The falafel hummus was slammin. It was all slammin.
Read moreGuest
tyhou
Points +81
Great vegan options - Edit
They have a vegan sampler, and a great vegan mushroom dish. Both were excellent.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-09-12
Pros: Great vegan sampler
Cons: Expensive, but worth it.
Guest
thefont372
Points +48
Try their vegan sampler platter it’s absolutely fabulous. - Edit
Everything was very fresh and tasty. We order the vegan sampler plate and split it and it was plenty of food.
Read morePros: Plenty of vegan dishes, Super clean and neat
Cons: Very reasonable prices
Guest
lorik1
Points +29
Meat in mushrooms - Edit
Split a vegan sampler and added the mushroom dish, which was under the vegan section and called "veggie". There were multiple bits of meat (some small, one about an inch) in the mushrooms, which makes me think they aren't particularly careful to ensure that vegetarian food is actually vegetarian. Must have been lazy about reusing a dish to heat up the mushrooms, which was disappointing and gross. The rest of the vegan food was okay but pretty lacking in spice or flavor. Have been to other, better Ethiopian restaurants in the area. Was a shame because I used to like Hawwi.
Read moreGuest
malexander07
Points +160
Quality Ethiopian - Edit
This was a quality, tasty Ethiopian meal. The Price was reasonable, service was good and flavors were there. Not best Ethiopian I’ve ever had but certainly not the worst either. I left satisfied and enjoyed my meal thoroughly. Would definitely recommend it. My favorite was the chickpea purée.
Read morePros: Tasty Vegan Sample platter , Good service
Cons: limited options
Guest
HeatherSullivan
Points +50
Yummy - Edit
The vegan sampler is really great. The staff is always super nice! The atmosphere of the restaurant leaves a little to be desired, but you can't go wrong here for a fast and good meal.
Read moreGuest
AshleyPeters
Points +164
Authentic, friendly and delicious - Edit
A little hidden gem in Old Town. Friendly welcome by the staff (and I believe family) who own the restaurant. The food is delicious and authentic . While the price may be a little more than other Ethiopian restaurants nearby the sambusas are larger and everyone’s meal includes water, salad and desert. Deserts vary,(not all vegan). Even without all the extras it’s reasonable and delicious . They also deliver through 3 rd party organizations.
Read morePros: Lots of options , Friendly , Delicious
Guest
Holtlauraj
Points +44
OMG!!! This place is phenomenal, service was amazing and the food is incredible! - Edit
My husband and I had the vegan sampler and the mushroom dish. Absolutely delicious! The hummus and falafel appetizer was amazing.
Read morePros: Plenty of vegan options
Guest
RichardAoun
Points +443
Excellent vegan sampler - Edit
Very tasty authentic Ethiopian food! The vegan sampler is the bomb!
Read moreGuest
rhymeswithtwee
Points +97
Delicious food + large portions - Edit
Whenever I visit my family, I try to hit up vegan or vegan-friendly spots I haven't been to. This was my first time trying Hawwi and I will definitely be back.
Read moreI called in my order for pickup and they were so nice. No frills in the restaurant but it smelled great in there. Got home and dug into the feast. Only one of the greens dishes was just alright but everything else was so good. My husband and I polished every single thing off and were stuffed so truly a great value. ❤️
Pros: Good date night for vegans, Friendly staff
Guest
dpmammalfree
Points +6
Great food, mostly vegan - Edit
I’ve eaten there several times. I’ve gotten the vegan sampler each time. The place is a little quirky (water is severed in a plastic bottle). Not sure if this is standard, but a salad and dessert were given complimentary. The food was great! Expensive when compared to fast food but cheaper then many restaurants in the area. Leftovers made a great breakfast.
Read morePros: Lots of clearly marked Vegan Options , Great taste, Nice people
Guest
ssluchansky
Points +546
Not good enough to justify the price - Edit
Unlike most Ethiopian restaurants in the DC-MD-VA area, Hawwi had only two veg options on the menu (not including a couple veg appetizers): a vegan sampler and a mushroom dish. The non-veg options were plentiful. We immediately noticed how pricey these options were: $21.95 for the former and 19.95 the latter (at both lunch and dinner). A vegan sampler usually costs less than $15 at area Ethiopian restaurants. We ordered both dishes for two persons to share. The sampler included a wide variety of items: lentils, split peas, cabbage/potatoes, green beans, pureed chickpeas, collards, spinach, and a few others. A small mixed salad for each customer is included, as well as a bottle of spring water for the table. Unfortunately, the food was not as interesting enough to justify the price. Unfortunately, there is so much excellent Ethiopian food in this area, I wouldn't be inclined to return here. Service was quite pleasant and attentive.
Read morePros: Friendly service, Spices served on the side to customize spice level, Injera was good (see #3 below)
Cons: Price, Limited options, Extra $ for actual teff injera
Guest
MelissaSon
Points +34
weird service - Edit
Food was delicious but limited options and the best way i can describe the service was...weird. We only got a complementary plastic bottle of water which was never refilled or replaced... there was some haggling over priced for restaurant week... it was weird. But memorable and delicious!
Read moreGuest
veggie666
Points +647
expensive - Edit
Clean dining area. Extremely friendly Staff. Limited vegan options. Ordered three vegan sampler $21.95. Was barely big enough for 2 people, decent but not worth that much $. Staff says that baklava is vegan but I have my doubts. Wouldn't return due to price.
Read morePros: very friendly, clean
Cons: VERY expensive
Guest
GMUGrad2002
Points +267
Flavor Town! - Edit
Tried the vegan sampler after seeing all the recommendations. Very flavorful. Not sure what was what, but it was all good.
Read moreVery nice owners.
Guest
XOXO
Points +1836
Good option - Edit
100% teff enjira as a plus. They have a vegan sampler with 9 different dishes.
Read moreGuest
EdanMiller
Points +24
so stupid happy cow only allows 4 stars on non veg. this spot is vegan heaven. - Edit
happy happy haopy, this food is heaven. give it a chance and u will love. amazing vegan options.
Read morePros: lots of vegan options, heaven.
Guest
shoppingviv
Points +22
Happy Belly! - Edit
Chosen on short notice to accommodate 3 hungry diners commuting from 3 different locations on a Wednesday night. One vegan, one sort of vegetarian, and one omnivore. Something for everyone. Relaxed atmosphere and easy parking (or a longish but walkable hike from Braddock Metro). The very friendly staff/owners patiently explained each of the dishes we inquired about. In the end, the vegan platter won the night as well as the tomato salad and lentil soup! The omnivore ordered something non-vegan but ended up eating all the vegan dishes we ordered instead! We'll definitely be back.
Read morePros: Knowledgeable & friendly staff, Good value, Nice variety of dishes
Guest
jel172
Points +178
Delicious... - Edit
In town on business and thought I'd give this place a try. I've only had Ethiopian a couple of times, but can say this about Hawwi:
Read more1) Delightful owners
2) Delicious dinner
3) Satisfied stomach
I highly recommend the Vegan Sampler.
Pros: good portion, good price, friendly staff
Cons: not sure if they have vegan desserts
Guest
cookiem
Points +5888
Vegan Sampler - Edit
The price is good here, but the portions are not as large during lunch as dinner. So, this can help you figure out what to do for leftovers: to have or to not have? Go for lunch, and you may be able to eat it all; go for dinner, maybe unlikely to eat it all? The vegan sampler (about $10) comes with a central serving of misir wot, which has a berbere and tomato based spiciness. Around it, there will be yellow split peas that taste like split peas, not over seasoned by any measure, in addition to cabbage with potatoes, green beans with carrots, a tomato/ parsley/ onion/ jalapeño salad and collard greens.
Read moreThis cafe also has coffee and tea, but no soy milk or nondairy milk. The menu also has lentil sambusas that are passable and lentil soup - 2 more vegan choices. They have also expanded to add in some Egyptian/ Middle Eastern foods like falafel, fatoush (salad with tomatoes, cukes, onions, lettuce, pita chips and seasonings) and others. I wonder if that's why the salad in the sampler seemed less like the Ethiopian salads in most samplers in the DC metro area and more like a tabouleh flavor absent the bulgur…?
Overall, the food is fresh and filling. Some Ethiopian restaurants use frozen greens, but the collards here wet definitely fresh, and the cabbage, too. Because there is no option to order the vegan dishes separately and the spices/ flavorings for the collards, green beans and cabbage dishes were minimalist, 3 out of 4 cows. However, the service is stellar and the people very kind. The parking is easy. The ambiance is relaxed. So…. maybe 3.5 cows.
Pros: Vegan sampler, Fresh veg ingredients, Easy parking
Cons: Nondairy milk unavailable
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 6590 times.