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Restaurant

Jambo

195 Barkly St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

Recommended by 54 people

Updated

Find Jambo

195 Barkly St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9687 7856
HoursMonday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Jambo

Footscray regulars settle into Jambo for slow-cooked Ethiopian stews and airy rolls of sour injera, backed by live jazz, comedy, and African beats. Share platters anchor the unhurried room—layered with spiced beef and hearty vegetable combos—while staff readily bring extra bread when the platter runs bare. The evening often winds down with freshly roasted coffee, served alongside hot popcorn and the faint scent of incense.

  • Injera on repeat: Platters arrive with generous portions, and staff happily supply extra rolls of flatbread at no extra fuss when you run out.
  • Traditional coffee ritual: Evenings feature traditional roast coffee accompanied by bowls of popcorn and gentle burning incense.
  • Live arts & comedy: The room hosts regular local comedy showcases, poetry readings, and live African music sets paired with dinner.
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What's On at Jambo

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Jambo

Why diners choose Jambo for authentic Ethiopian platters, cultural entertainment, and warm hospitality

  • Generous Platters with Injera Refills

    Platters come loaded with rich spiced meats and vegetarian combinations, backed by generous refills of sourdough injera bread whenever you run out.

    they happily bring more injerra bread when you run out!

    Brendan Kaufmann

  • High-Flavour Feasts at Accessible Prices

    Share plates and vegetarian combos provide substantial, hearty feeds with abundant flavour at notably accessible price points.

    The food is incredibly delicious and very affordable

    KT AKT

  • Traditional Coffee Ceremony Experience

    Enjoy Ethiopian dining capped with authentic freshly roasted coffee paired alongside traditional popcorn and fragrant incense.

    freshly roasted coffee served with popcorn

    Jacqueline Banki

  • Live Entertainment and Comedy Nights

    Pair vibrant dining with community arts, from hilarious local comedy and dinner packages to live African beats and jazz ambiance.

    They have comedy nights for 2 people for only 50 dollars with a meal included.

    Dogus Saydar

  • Approachable Guidance for First-Timers

    Welcoming hosts take the time to introduce spices and customize shared platters, making Ethiopian traditions approachable for newcomers.

    The staff were friendly attentive and happy to explain the dishes which made the experience even better especially if it is your first time trying Ethiopian food.

    Adam K

  • Unhurried Communal Gatherings

    A warm, community-rooted setting invites groups to settle in, connect over communal food, and celebrate special occasions at an easy pace.

    a place where people come to enjoy good food and good company rather than rush in and out

    Adam K

Authentic Ethiopian stews, freshly fermented flatbread, and traditional roasted coffee rituals.

  • Vegetarian combo

    I ordered the vegetarian combo and have come back three times already it’s that good.

    KT AKT

  • Injera

    The injera was soft and perfectly sour and the dishes were rich comforting and well balanced.

    Adam K

  • Freshly roasted coffee served with popcorn

    freshly roasted coffee served with popcorn

    Jacqueline Banki

  • Gorod Beef

    The Gorod Beef is incredible, and they happily bring more injerra bread when you run out!

    Brendan Kaufmann

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful cultural touches and welcoming hospitality details at Jambo

  • Extra injera refills

    Guests running low on bread receive complimentary extra injera without hassle so no stew goes ungathered.

  • Traditional coffee ceremony and incense

    Traditional Ethiopian coffee service is accompanied by aromatic burning incense and freshly popped corn.

  • Custom-crafted share platters

    The kitchen thoughtfully designs customized share platters tailored to diner preferences and party sizes.

  • Dinner-and-show comedy nights

    Regular community evenings feature live comedy packages including a full meal alongside local entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jambo offer vegetarian and vegan options?

Yes. Reviewers frequently order the vegetarian combo or veggie platters, and the restaurant serves vegetarian food. Diners also highlight vegan combination options.

Can you get extra injera if you run out?

Staff happily provide extra injera bread when you run out during your meal, and reviewers note that portions for platters and combos are generous.

Does Jambo host live entertainment or comedy nights?

Yes. Jambo regularly hosts community entertainment including comedy nights (with meal and show packages), poetry sessions, and live African music alongside dinner.

Is traditional Ethiopian coffee served?

Yes. Jambo serves traditional freshly roasted Ethiopian coffee accompanied by popcorn and burning incense.

Is outdoor seating available?

Yes. Jambo features a dedicated outdoor area at the back where you can sit and enjoy food and drinks.

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