Bete Ethiopian Cuisine & Cafe

My birthday luncheon- my husband researched options in DC area and successfully picked Bete! The service was very good and we enjoyed the meat combo and Kitfo (raw meat) very much.

I was expecting so much more. I read great reviews but unfortunately this isn't one of them.  I called in an order for awaze tibs and requested a tomato salad as my side. I arrived 20 minutes later and I was greeted right away. Very nice gentleman who rang me up. My food came to $22.  Whoa! I pay  $13 at my go to place and they give me tons of extra injera. I should have gone there but wanted to give this place a try and it was closer.

I got home ready to devour my food, but it was very disappointing. It wasn't alot of food, the injera didn't taste fresh, the meat was very bland. I thought awaze was supposed to be spicy.  This food was just all around not great. They included yellow lentils with my meal. I didn't ask for that. I guess I had to specify to substitute that for the tomato salad, which I didn't enjoy either.  
Sadly, a waste of money. I won't be back!

My fiancé and I came here with a friend as we wanted to try an Ethiopian place we haven't yet tried and it's right next to where we were at the Regal. At first they seated us outside but moved us all inside due to the rain. The server was very friendly the entire time. We ordered Awaze Tibs (dry sirloin steak); Lamb Tibs, and Fish Dullet.  We also ordered us all Coronas as they couldn't get the shipment of Ethiopian beer. They put all of our food on one giant injera and gave us extra. The Lamb Tibs and Fish Dullet were similar to other places but definitely not as spicy. However the sauces on the injera platter were spicy. The Awaze Tibs were also unique but personally I preferred the Lamb Tibs and Fish Dullet. If you aren't a huge fan of spicy food this may be the perfect place for you but for us while we had a good meal, probably would prefer the places down Georgia Ave we love such as Langano, Beteseb, and Debab. We would consider coming back especially with someone who does not want the spice in their food. However for ourselves, we will likely be eating at the places that we'd rate 5 stars or try other new places for us.

The food here is great! I ordered the veggie special combo and a Lamb dish!Unfortunately, the veggie special combo didn't come with the stuffed jalapeño, Green beans with carrot, or minced jalapeño like it should have:( AND that cost extra, so that was disappointing (I love jalapeño). Additionally, I wasn't a fan of the way that they played it the food especially since I got to go, the bread under the food it's just a terrible idea because the bread gets soggy, whereas most places will put the bread in a completely separate box. The people were nice, certainly some more than others.

This place was so disappointing. The food was not good. I always get the veggie platter wherever I go because I feel like if you can do the lentils well then you can do everything else. The lentils were not good!!!! I was so disappointed I threw my entire meal away. I would not go back to this place ever again.

I can't believe I have not eaten at Bete restaurant. I almost always eat Ethiopian food when I'm in downtown Silver Spring,. There are so many options, I guess I just haven't gotten around to Bete yet.
I consider myself an Ethiopian food connoisseur. I grew up eating it and I'm eating it even more now as an adult because it's super healthy and deliciously vegan. This meal from Bete is sold at Roots Market in Olney and it's amazing. A bit pricey just over $12, but worth every penny. It's sold with the injera on the side. My only wish is that they start selling gluten-free or 100% teff injera which is what I always order when I'm eating out.

Native approved!  I'm Ethiopian, I cook, and I'm picky. This place is authentic and yummy. We had the vegetarian combo and fish. Delish!!!  Took kitfo home for another day because I don't live close- great also.

Just had a great meal here. Indoor dining is currently not an option due to COVID, but we were offered a table outside on the back patio which was a lovely shaded spot under a large tree. Staff were all very friendly. We enjoyed sambusa with lentils to start which were delicious and the lamb tibs and yeshint tibs (beef with jalapeño).  Everything was fantastic and for only 2 people quite a feast!  Will definitely be back!

So good! I ordered the Vegetarian combo and an order of fried fish! So delicious, will definitely try again !!

While this place took a little while, it was worth the wait! The chicken tibs were perfectly spiced (and not too spicy but had that tang). They gave plenty of injera which was warm, light, and airy. I'd recommend calling instead of ordering IRL but def check it out.