Ethiopian Restaurants of Footscray

As I draw near to the end of my 9 week holiday, must reflect on all the Ethiopian restaurants I have been eating at in Footscray.

Off the top of my head, have been to 9.

Divided by location, they are:

Nicholson Street (in the south Mall)
. Africa Town
. Africa Cottage Cafe
. Das something or other

Nicholson Street (south of Irving St)
. Cafe Harambee
. Addis Abada

Irving Street
. Cafe Lallibela

Hopkins St (opposite the Footscray Market)
. Awash

Barkly Street (towards Victoria Street)
. Dinkhesh (Lucy)
. Shabelle

They all seem pretty good, although I think some have better ranges than others. Dinkhesh is my favorite as it is good fun to chat with the feisty owner. Africa Town is the largest (in an old State Bank of Victoria building) and probably has the widest range. Cafe Lallibella has been there the longest, and probably has the best decor. Shabelle seems to have larger servings than the other places. The particular quality of the food at Awash seems really good.

Of course, I need to visit all of them more often, so as I can form a more precise opinion as to which is the best.

There are another 3 I haven't been able to try:

. Axum - in the south mall in Nicholson - currently shut (change of management???)
. Abesha - in Barkly just near the Plough Hotel - are they on holiday or have they closed down?
. Africa Tastes - in Victoria Street south of the railway line - on a long holiday til next month.

And as I am writing so much, I might as well mention Abul, which no longer exists, but where I had a fairly happy evening about four or so years ago, and which was in Leeds Street.

As an interesting coincidence, there was an episode of the Simpsons on TV last night where Marge accidentally takes Bart & Lisa to an Ethiopian restaurant, causing the three of them to become foodies. Perhaps it making it onto the Simpsons means that Ethiopian food will become the new Thai?!?

I sure hope so - whilst I love Footscray, it would be great to have an Ethiopian restaurant in Avondale Heights, in easy walking distance.