Ethiopian food in Finsbury Park is not in short supply but the unassuming St Gabriel Ethiopian Delicatessen is perhaps the most delicious. It is a quick eat type place rather than the location of a romantic dinner but if you are after a nutritious, filling and super tasty meal then this is the place for you. It’s worth noting you eat Ethiopian food with your hands so you won’t be offered any cutlery but this is part of the experience so go with it!
Officially the opening hours are 7am – 8pm, however having tried to go early in the morning on numerous occasions I can confirm that they are not the early risers they claim to be. We usually go for breakfast (once they are open) and have the super tasty Fuul (mashed beans in a tomato type sauce with Ethiopian spices), it’s £6 and fills you up all day (probably since it comes with a ridiculous amount of baguette to mop it up). Sometimes it comes topped with crumbled feta style cheese. Sometimes not!
Try the Ethiopian tea as well. It’s £1 and comes with a spiced water and a tea bag for you to dip in. It’s great with a teaspoon of sugar.
The other reason to go is for the injera. There is a steady stream of people arriving to collect theirs in a blue plastic bag so it must be famous for it. The Yetsom Beyaynetu (a selection of vegetable and lentil dishes served on injera) is the thing we always order at an Ethiopian restaurant and the one at St Gabriel’s is far superior to the others on Blackstock Road. Its not beautifully presented (unceremoniously dumped on top) but each dish is full of flavour. There is usually a selection of lentil dishes, a tomato and chilli salad, beetroot dish and spinach type one. It costs £8 and would feed 2 for a light meal. If you are hungry then order 2 of the beyaynetu and it will come on the one injera for you to share (with extra injera on the side). You will be stuffed but oh so satisfied.
St. Gabriel Ethiopian Delicatessen, 12 Blackstock Road, London, N4 2DW
Nearest tube station: Finsbury Park
more than lentils... 