Tesfa Ethiopian Chicago

East African comfort food

Lydia from Chicago

"The food here is prepared by Moses Sake, chef and co-owner of Tesfa, who learned how to cook from his mother. He runs Tesfa with his brother, Samuel Sake."

Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine opened up its second location in Edgewater in January of 2024. The family-owned and run restaurant serves the flavors of Ethiopia — Ethiopian style.

By Ethiopian style, I am referring to the shared way of dining with hands instead of utensils. Cooked vegetables, and sometimes meat, are served on a large platter with injera, a fermented spongy flatbread made from teff flour.

The food is lovingly prepared by Moses Sake, chef and co-owner of Tesfa, who learned how to cook from his mother. He runs Tesfa with his brother, Samuel Sake. Tesfa means hope in Amharic, the most widely spoken language in Ethiopia. Their message is echoed in the restaurant’s mission — which is to help their mother become financially independent and not have to work for anyone else — and their mission has been more than successful.

Tesfa is a great restaurant to visit with a group of friends/family and split a combo platter of different dishes — everyone is guaranteed to leave with satisfied stomachs.

I also recommend the sambusas for an appetizer and a pot of "Momma Tea" for the table!

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Chicago Spotter Lydia

<strong>About me</strong> I'm a traveler at heart with a passion for seeing the world, as well as the biggest foodie I know. Food is a way to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn more about a country, and create unique connections with locals in the community. I prioritize locally-owned restaurants in non-touristy areas that serve high quality, unique dishes at reasonable prices (aka I'm a street food, NOT fine dining, kind of gal). <strong>Why Chicago?</strong> I have spent my whole life in Chicago; consequently, Chicago is the first city I...

About this spot

5352 N Broadway

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3126984481

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Nov 8, 2025

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