7 Olives Restaurant
An Ethiopian restaurant in the heart of Lalibela, 7 Olives offers injera, spiced stews, and coffee ceremony near the famous UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches.
7 Olives is an established restaurant in Lalibela, the sacred city of Éthiopie renowned for its rock-hewn churches. Located near the town centre, it serves traditional Ethiopian cuisine in a setting welcoming to passing travellers. It's a destination frequently mentioned by visitors seeking to experience local flavours after a day exploring the monolithic churches.
What you'll find here
The restaurant serves the emblematic dishes of Ethiopian cuisine: injera (fermented teff flatbread) accompanied by wot (spiced stews), vegetarian dishes suited to Orthodox fasting days, and grilled meats. The menu reflects the eating habits of the Amhara region. Local beverages such as tej (Ethiopian mead) and coffee ceremony typically feature on the menu.
History and context
Lalibela is a pilgrimage and tourist city in the northern highlands of Éthiopie, at approximately 2,500 metres altitude. The restaurant scene has evolved with the development of tourism around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed churches. 7 Olives is part of this local dining offer, serving both Ethiopian pilgrims and international travellers alike.
Tips for your visit
- Fasting cuisine: on Wednesdays and Fridays, and during Orthodox fasting periods, Ethiopian restaurants serve exclusively vegan dishes — an excellent opportunity to discover the richness of this culinary tradition.
- Coffee ceremony: if offered, the Ethiopian coffee ceremony (buna) is an experience worth having on site.
- Altitude: at 2,500 metres, appetite can be reduced in your first days — the generous Ethiopian portions adapt well to this.
Location and access
7 Olives is located in the centre of Lalibela, within walking distance of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. The city is accessible by regular flights from Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines serves Lalibela airport). Local tuk-tuks and minibuses run throughout the town.
Nearby
- Rock-hewn churches of Lalibela — eleven churches carved into red volcanic rock, UNESCO-listed, a few minutes' walk away.
- Bet Giyorgis — the Church of Saint George, Lalibela's most photographed church, hewn in the shape of a Greek cross.
- Lalibela Market — a vibrant market where locals shop, ideal for observing daily life.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Ethiopian cuisine is naturally rich in vegetarian and vegan dishes, particularly on Orthodox fasting days (Wednesday and Friday). Lentils, chickpeas, and spiced vegetables make up a large portion of the menu.
Lalibela is a small town; during peak season (September–January, around Timkat and Genna), restaurants can get very busy. It's advisable to check with your accommodation about making a reservation.
The dry season (October to May) is most favourable. Timkat (January) and Genna (Ethiopian Christmas, January) festivals attract many pilgrims and create a unique atmosphere, but the town is very busy.
In most Lalibela restaurants, cash payment (Ethiopian birr) remains the norm. Bring cash; ATMs are available in town but may run short of notes during peak periods.
Ethiopian cuisine, shared on a large communal platter placed on a low table (mesob), is convivial and family-friendly. Some spicy dishes can be adjusted on request.
A unique culinary experience
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