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Restaurant

Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant

247 Barkly St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

Recommended by 60 people

Updated

Find Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant

247 Barkly St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9687 2748
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM Friday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 9:30 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant

Footscray’s culinary map runs deep, but Ras Dashen anchors Barkly Street with unpretentious communal feasts built for tearing into by hand. Longtime regulars lean toward the Gored Gored—rare lamb cubes steeped in a rich, spiced butter that begs to be mopped clean with spongy injera. Plant-based crowds get equal care, with massive vegan platters of slow-simmered lentils and chickpeas that make ordering for mixed tables completely painless. The dining room feels easy and genuinely welcoming, steered by an owner quick to talk newcomers through spice levels and dish pairings. The evening winds down over traditional clay-pot buna coffee, pouring beside drifting ribbons of frankincense.

  • Communal Feasts: Generous combination platters laden with meat and vegetable stews, served atop soft injera for hands-first sharing.
  • Standout Gored Gored: Tender cubes of rare lamb bathed in a rich, warming spiced butter sauce.
  • Vegan and Dietary Flexibility: Hearty lentil and chickpea stews that cater effortlessly to plant-based diners alongside meat dishes.
  • Warm, Guided Hospitality: Hands-on menu guidance from the host, helping first-timers tailor spices and navigate pairings.
  • Buna Coffee Ritual: Traditional Ethiopian coffee brewed and poured tableside amid the gentle aroma of burning frankincense.
RestaurantEthiopianRestaurant

What's On at Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant

Discover why groups, newcomers, and traditional cuisine lovers gather at Footscray's Ras Dashen.

  • Interactive Group Feasting on Communal Platters

    Generous sharing platters allow groups to sample multiple meat and vegetarian dishes served atop injera bread, fostering a communal meal.

    I went with 5 of my friends, we shared a large platter and all of us absolutely loved it. I love how this cuisine encourages communal dining and sharing food.

    Deborah G

  • Shared Dining for Friends and Gatherings

    Group platters provide an accessible, collaborative format that lets diners try diverse recipes together in a welcoming setting.

    Would definitely recommend the share plate with a group of friends. The man who served us was so helpful and friendly.

    S R

  • Accommodates Diverse Dietary Needs on One Table

    Extensive plant-based and meat options allow mixed parties with vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and omnivorous diets to dine seamlessly together.

    We enjoyed a delicious birthday lunch with food to suit all our different requirements being normal diet, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free.

    Moira

  • Personalized Guidance and Custom Spice Adjustments

    First-time diners receive thoughtful, patient menu explanations and spice adjustments from the host to navigate the cuisine effortlessly.

    owner was very helpful in giving us recommendations with what to order, made it mild for me too!!

    Bianca Wacker

  • Traditional Buna Coffee and Frankincense Ritual

    The traditional buna coffee presentation is complemented by gentle frankincense aroma, creating an immersive cultural ritual.

    we decided to order the buna to enjoy it the traditional way. It was definitely worth it, not too strong and not too weak, and the gentle frankincense aroma just added to the experience.

    Akmal Yang

  • Authentic Imported Ethiopian Beers

    The beverage list pairs authentic cuisine with imported Ethiopian beers to complete the regional dining tradition.

    Beautiful authentic cuisine matched by imported Ethiopian beers. A family restaurant that is proud of its heritage.

    Jonathan Sherlock

Signature communal platters and traditional stews served on injera

  • Sharing Platter

    Would definitely recommend the share plate with a group of friends.

    S R

  • Vegan Platter

    shared a vegan platter ($20 each, very reasonable). All the food was so tasty

    Happy Traveller

  • Special Clay Lamb Tibs

    Really bold flavours. We had the special clay lamb tibs, Doro wot (chicken stew) and beef Kitfo (beef mince with spices). The meat flavours were out of this world

    William Li

  • Doro Wot

    The doro wot slapped, it was spiced well and the chicken was tender. Definitely worth getting when dining here.

    Sir Bazoongi

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful cultural rituals and personal hosting details that elevate the meal

  • Personalized Menu Guidance and Spice Adjustments

    The host personally greets diners, explains the menu in detail, and tailors recommendations and spice levels for first-time guests.

  • Buna Coffee Ritual with Frankincense

    Traditional Ethiopian Buna coffee service paired with the gentle aroma of burning frankincense.

  • Post-Meal Ginger Tea Ritual

    Warm, soothing house ginger tea served to round off the meal and complement rich dishes.

  • Attentive Dietary and Allergen Accommodation

    Thoughtful guidance accommodating omnivores, vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diets together across shared platters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ordering work if it is your first time trying Ethiopian food?

Communal share platters are the most popular way to dine, combining multiple meat and vegetarian stews served atop injera flatbread. Staff and the owner happily guide newcomers through the dishes and can adjust spice levels upon request.

Are there vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options?

Yes. Ras Dashen provides extensive plant-based and gluten-free choices, including dedicated vegan sharing platters featuring dishes like misir misto lentils and shiro wot chickpea stew.

How large are the portion sizes?

Portions are generous and substantial, with sharing platters easily feeding groups. Diners regularly note taking home leftovers if they cannot finish.

Can you book a table in advance?

Yes. You can reserve a table online, and group bookings are welcomed for dining gatherings.

What is the parking situation like?

Street parking is available directly on the street out front, though it can become busy during peak dining hours. Free street parking and free parking lot options are available nearby.

What traditional drinks and rituals are offered?

Beyond standard beverages and sodas, Ras Dashen serves imported Ethiopian beers, house ginger tea, and traditional Buna coffee accompanied by burning frankincense.

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