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| - Nazareth was packed as expected when we arrived. We were greeted after a minute or two of waiting in the doorway and were invited to sit at the bar for a drink until a table became available. Shortly afterwards a table at the very front window became free and we were escorted to our table.
FOOD
We started with two beers which were inexpensive considering Toronto prices. All the alcohol is very reasonably priced and the selection isn't bad for such a small restaurant. I don't think I recall seeing any Ethiopian drinks on the menu.
We ordered the beef tibs and the vegetarian platter. Our food arrived in good time considering how busy it was in Nazareth. The presentation and selection was okay; the tibs and vegetarian items were separated by a nice fresh salad and served on a very large circular tray.
The beef tibs were okay. Most pieces of beef were fatty (which I don't like) and the dish was very oily which ruined the underlying injera and soaked its way into the vegetarian portion of the dish making everything difficult to eat and messy (no forks available). There's a photo that another Yelper uploaded (anji b) showing an oily mess of food that they received. I was dismayed when our food looking exactly like that (compare the photos linked in her review... I agree with what she is saying). The flavour pretty bland; there isn't any stew or beefy flavour to this dish.
The salad was fresh and crisp. I liked the vinaigrette dressing they used. Very light.
The vegetarian items were bland, kind of cold; very meh. There wasn't as many different vegetarian items with the meal as I was expecting.
Overall the meal was pretty bland and while I was full from the amount I ate, I was left unsatisfied with the flavour.
I will credit Nazareth giving a sufficient supply of injera for the entire meal right up front.
Atmosphere
Nazareth really has a big city charm to it. Its small, dimly lit and always busy giving it a really nice vibe. There's fake vines all up in the ceiling, plants, candles and the bar warmly basks in a glowing red light. It has a dive bar feel in all the right ways and doesn't try to pretend to be some cheesy African themed restaurant. Cleanliness was okay, everything could use a solid bleaching but in fairness the bathrooms were very clean and nice. I wasn't expecting that. The ventilation isn't that great and you will smell like food when you leave.
Service
Service was adequate. You cant avoid that this place is always busy and waiting for a table is a fact of life. We were seated as quickly as it was possible, our orders were taken promptly and the food arrived considerably quick for how busy it was in there. I think the staff was working as efficiently as they can with such a small space and at such volume. That isn't to say that you are rushed out the door because I wasn't given that impression (I had to ask for the bill rather than it coming mid-meal or when the plates were cleared).
The staff aren't exactly friendly; it's all business with them. Some people see this as rude, cold, etc. and note the staff's forgetfulness. I really think the matter is their preoccupation with keeping things running the best they can as quickly as they can.
Comparison to Lalibela
So here's the big question. Which of the two Ethiopian heavyweights do I prefer?
Décor: Nazareth wins by a landslide for décor. Warm, cozy, dark I even want to say mysterious? Lalibela was worn, dated and too grimy.
Presentation: Lalibela's presentation of their food was superior. Everything was plated cleaner; saucy items were kept from running into other food and were in separate dishes.
Service: Service was adequate at both restaurants. Lalibela was empty when we dined there and the waitress was a little friendlier but a less attentive than Nazareth. At Nazareth the place was packed and the waitress was colder but quicker with everything.
Food: Lalibela's food was superior The vegetarian platter came with more selections and has significantly more flavour. Lalibela had more complex flavours to their food and the food was significantly less oily and was served warmer.
My preference would be to dine at Lalibela as I felt the food was superior in flavour and presentation. Both restaurants are very similar in service and price and while Nazareth has a nicer atmosphere; the food at Lalibela is the deciding factor in my opinion.
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