Lete's Injera & Cafe in Indianapolis city (balance) - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Now I see why this place has 5 stars. The owner and her husband are very welcoming! The establishment is very clean. Restroom included! I happened to come in here and had the entire restaurant to myself. She allowed me to watch tv and cooked an entire meal, enough to feed a family of 4…..JUST FOR ME. The service was IMPECCABLE. She checked on me consistently and I almost cried because I felt like I had been adopted into the family. Simply because as soon as I came in, I was treated like I’ve known them for years. The shiro, meat combo, coffee and meat fir fir is the best around. Taste just like eating traditional Ethiopian food from Addis Ababa. You will NOT be disappointed. Tell them I sent you, if you go! Whether with family or by yourself, you will be welcomed and you will leave feeling full yet light. TRY TRY TRYYYY!

5 stars for a reason. Best coffee and injera!

The food was great. But Ethiopian food is usually great. I gave it 5 stars because of the service. Such a nice family. After I ate a huge meal, the owner asked me if I was full 😂. I loved that she asked, felt like it was my mom asking me.

This is perhaps the best food I’ve had for the money in my life. As good as fanciest Ethiopian restaurants. Really amazing vegetarian platter.

We were traveling through Indianapolis and were pleased to find an Eritrean/Ethiopian restaurant. The 5.0 star review surprised us, but it turns out to be accurate. Lete's has great food (berbere and tibsi were just the right level of flavor and spiciness; alitcha was done well to cool the palate). Even more impressive is the coffee--better than I've had in New York and New Haven places. The chef (Lete?) roasted it in a big cast iron skillet and ground it fresh on the spot. Best of all was when Lete joined us at the table for a few minutes to serve it and share a cup (we were early for dinner and there was nobody else sitting, so it was like an informal coffee-drinking ceremony). Excellent food and very friendly service!

this place is AMAZING! The owner is so incredibly nice and hospitable. We had never eaten Ethiopian cuisine and she helped us order. The food was fantastic and we also tried the Ethiopian coffee (which was the best coffee I have ever tasted). She even put incense on our table and let us smell the roasted coffee beans. Do not miss out on this wonderful restaurant!

Wonderful food, lovely family who owns it! Highly recommended!!

Had lunch here with my wife and daughter today. We had a variety of dishes that were absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was like being at home. Mainly because you felt more like being at a family meal than in a restaurant. Lete sat with us and talked for a bit while we drank the most delicious coffee. I highly recommend this restaurant. It is not just a place to eat, but a cultural experience.

I don’t eat gluten and I’m vegan. The Chef (Lete) came out and offered to make my injera with only teff to make it gluten free. (This is not something I requested, she just offered.) I was so grateful. My husband and I got the veggie combo. It was delicious!!! The food was amazing! We will be back with friends!!!

Incredible food and the owner is so friendly. We will be back very soon!!

My husband and I came here for our anniversary because we had never tried Ethiopian food before. Lete was very kind and friendly throughout our visit. We got the meat platter and the zigni and tibsi. Everything was incredibly delicious, with a bit of spice and lots of flavor. Lete even brought us some extra sautéed vegetables. The injera is so good and all the flavors combine so beautifully. Lete served us hot tea that had a lovely flavor and felt like a hug for our stomachs. My only complaint is we were too full to order coffee — we are already planning to come back!

We had a party of three and shared the meat combo and the veggie combo. The food was AMAZING. It was all so fresh and flavorful and delicious. We were all full but not bloated. If you order coffee, it's served after the meal. The owner came and poured for us. The coffee was delicious! It was freshly roasted and so fragrant and smooth, no bitterness at all. It comes with a side of popcorn and it goes together really well. We all had a really lovely time. Worth coming back, 100%

Food here is delicious & service is great! It is authentic & clean. Lete is very hospitable. I love more than anything that she roasts her coffee beans, then makes the coffee she serves. It doesn’t have the burnt taste that I have tasted in other roasted coffees. I recommend this place 100 fold!

Must EAT HERE!!!! I walked in and the owner greeted me promptly!! She customized my meal, being I only had $20(which I shared with her). I got the beef tips and both lentils, they food is phenomenal!! Super fresh, the meat isn’t chewy, injera is perfect!! ! I will definitely be back. Thank you, Ms. Lete.

I could not recommend this restaurant enough. The owner ordered for us (we asked for her suggestions) and gave us a good mix of meat and veggies. Flavors were delicious, service was incredible. We will be back soon. Also, we didn’t get the chance to try the coffee, but apparently it is to die for.

The food is so delicious! It was my first time having Ethiopian food and I will definitely be back.

Best food and service I ever had! God Bless your business and your family!

Great service and hospitality, and delicious food.

Amazing, authentic, affordable. Very clean and the owner is super sweet and accommodating. Will be back!

Fantastic food and atmosphere! A worthwhile visit for a genuine taste of East Africa!!

Upon visiting Indianapolis for the first time because of the solar eclipse, this restaurant offered excellent service and food which was greatly needed after experiencing the immense traffic and crowds brought in by the eclipse. I highly recommend this place for a bite to eat and spot to relax!

Easy 5 star! I enjoy all the Ethiopian restaurants Indy had but Pete’s had the most homemade taste to it!

Delicious, authentic Ethiopian food in a cozy and welcoming environment! Side Note: I have peanut and seafood allergies and enjoyed the food. :) I also have a low spice tolerance and had no issues.

Great food! You can also buy injera and flour to go :D

Lete is amazing! My first time having Ethiopian Food! Im addicted! The food was amazing, the service amazing! She was so kind, funny, smart, gracious! The coffee was incredible. 12/10! Everyone needs to eat here!

This is an amazing spot! The food is unbelievably good - the best Ethiopian food I’ve had in Indy, and maybe anywhere. Lete is so welcoming, warm, and generous. Everything was SO good from the injera to the coffee (OMG the coffee was incredible). Highly highly recommend!

Delicious, good, *amazing* coffee, nicest owner ever. 12/10 recommend

WOW! I cannot speak highly enough. Lete welcomed us with open arms and created such an amazing experience over one meal. She walked us through the dishes and her recommendations. As we ate we chatted and connected about her family and accomplishments. She takes so much pride and love in her work. The food is phenomenal. The coffee experience is absolutely worth it - she roasts the beans in front of you and pours the perfect cups. We invited her to sit and chat over coffee too, making the whole experience even better. What I anticipated being a quick dinner turned into a 2.5 hour meal with genuine connections and a whole lot of laughs. Thank you Lete for such a lovely night, we’ll be back soon!!

The service and food was utterly delightful! Delicious platters with served with injera. We shared the meat platter and it was so good. The coffee ceremony came with deliciously made coffee (you’re gonna wait for it to be roasted and prepared, this is traditional). We highly recommend, and it even came with some cultural education which we always enjoy! Please come check them out!

Ingera is amazing 🫶🏽 a customer service was amazing ! 🫶🏽

The food was so amazing and so much culture

Me and my fiance love Ethiopian food and this place is no exception! The food is phenomenal and Lete is very welcoming and helps with the menu in case you’ve never experienced Ethiopian-style dining before.

Phenomenal Ethiopian food - vegan options available which is such a huge plus. The quality of the food is great and I enjoyed every bit of what I ate. I got the veggie platter, highly recommend!

Went there with my friend from church. The quantity of food you get for the price is immaculate. If you want to experience authentic Ethiopian/Eritrean food come here if you’re in the Indianapolis area (I’m Ethiopian so I can definitely tell you it was amazing).

Sometimes the most unassuming places offer the most amazing experiences. This place is one of them. There is nothing fancy about this location, but the food is the main attraction. Food was delicious! We had the #8 zigni and tibsi with #3 lamb Derek tibs with vegetables. Everything was immensely flavorful and fresh. There was nothing on the plate that we did not like. The Ethiopian coffee was insane. Lete roasts your beans fresh before steeping your coffee in a flat pot that is served tableside. It is served up with warm milk and fresh popcorn. If you're extra lucky, Lete will sit with you and share a funny story from her culture.

Definitely deserves every single star, perfect!

Very delicious food. Bought some injera to take home. The owners are very kind and friendly people. Highly recommend!

So good! Great food and an amazing couple who runs the place

Lovely restaurant with a very kind owner and amazing food. I called ahead to ask about gluten free injera and she made a special order for me. The lamb and chickpea items were my favorite, tho all of the food was exceptional. Definitely my go-to restaurant when I visit Indianapolis now.

The food and service was amazing! I will be coming back again, soon!

I went to Letes Injera and Cafe for the first time and had such a great experience!! I really enjoyed the food and service. The owner Lete has great food recommendations and even served freshly brewed coffee and popcorn. Highly recommend coming here if it’s your first time trying Ethiopian food. :)

Wonderful food and a very accommodating host. I had the veggie platter along with some wonderful stewed beef as well. I will certainly return!

Such good food! Great service and a large variety of food makes for a wonderful meal! The Kilwa Begie was especially delicious

My partner and I came here on a Sunday evening, an hour before they close. A gentleman immediately greeted us, and invited us to sit at one of the tables. Per their recommendation, we ordered the veggie combo and awaze tibs. A woman soon came out of the kitchen to check on our spice preferences, and we asked for spicy. (For reference, we love Thai and Indian dishes with level 3/4 spice out of 5.) There was only one other customer dining at the time, and our food came out quickly. The injera was very light, and perfect for both picking up the food and sopping up the sauces. If you haven’t had Ethiopian or Eritrean food before, one is meant to tear off pieces of the injera with their hands and pick up the food (as opposed to using utensils, though they do have utensils available upon request). The veggies and beef were quite flavorful, though not as spicy as we’re used to in Texas. Last, but not least, we had ordered tea when we first got seated and the tea arrived at the end of our meal. This didn’t bother us, but for anyone who plans to come here for the first time and is interested in hot tea, note that it may be offered with the intention of aiding digestion at the end of the meal (so if you want it before your food arrives, just ask and I’m sure the staff would be happy to accommodate). We would happily eat here again, and if you haven’t experienced Eritrean food, I recommend giving it a try. As an added bonus, you’ll be supporting a small, local business!

We ordered three combos. We get one big plate, and we get charged for three combos. Almost $70 before tips.

Lete is a fantastic chef, but she's also like a doting aunt or sister who comes by the table to ask if everything is okay, how everthing tastes, and whether you need more injera. She is very proud of her food -- as she should be -- and she works hard to ensure you have a wonderful experience.

I was very skeptical about this place because I thought the reviews were too good to be true.... but let me tell you, the folks didn't lie. Really nice authentic Ethiopian food, Ms Lete is the epitome of hard work and great service. She sat down and ate with us, chatted with us and made us feel so comfortable. God is taking good care of her for sure! I will drive to Indy from Bloomington just for her food and her company.

Miss Lete’s is very inviting.. The food tastes homemade, so delicious and The spaghetti and veggie combo are our favorite!!

Okay the first thing I will say is, this restaurant is definitely not located downtown, and you may be questioning if you're going the right way before you get there but once you step through the doors, you are transported to Ethiopia in the most delicious way possible! This was born on the best Ethiopian food I've ever had, and I have had it in many cities. The service was incredible, we felt like we were in a family members kitchen. I cannot rate this highly enough, you owe it to yourself to go!

Lovely experience, the proprietors were wonderful. The injera was different than others I've had and it was delicious! I had the vegetable platter, incredible collard greens, all kind of legumes, very nicely spiced. My husband had the same plus beef and chicken and he loved it! I will go back and take people with me!!

Let me start by saying I don't have a pic of the food I had to go because it smelled amazing and I was starving. I inhaled whatever my husband had ordered. I was. Waiting to try injera since I heard about it a few years ago. Being Indian this is a twist on the south Indian Dosa. And it didn't disappoint. My husband went in and ordered. The staff was super nice. He got injera with beef and I got with Chicken sorry I am not sure what it was called on the menu and my other half didn't bother to read 😂 but I will give it 5 stars. My 11 month old ate the injera with the lentil mash that was served. All in all it was great. I can't wait to go and dine in with a fresh cup of coffee.

This place is perfect for Eritrean food I and many more recommend you to come here.😁😁

Amazing and delicious food and hospitality!!!

Wonderful hole in the wall. Let Lete just pick food for you she is attentive and knows what she’s doing.

If you don't look carefully, you might miss such a solid addition to Indianapolis's great list of restaurants. Although they offer really good coffee (Nigerian style, is my understanding), their food is unbelievably fresh and perfectly seasoned. You can eat at a regular table or a traditional mesob if you like. The wonderful chef there asked us if we would like to try the daily special, although she offered to make both chicken and beef versions of the entree since our group was sharing the full injera plate experience. It sort of looks small when you're hungry but we were stuffed after eating the whole thing! They offer different levels of spicy, for those of you sensitive to heat.

Quite possibly the best Ethiopian restaurant I've ever tried (I've tried several across the Midwest)! The owners are very nice.

The owner was super nice and makes you feel right at home. The food was amazing and it was fun getting to learn about some of the food she makes. Highly recommend coming here.

We came here for my birthday and it was fantastic! We put our food choices entirely in the hands of the owner and it was the correct decision.

Delicious Ethiopian meal 💯 recommend

Overall fantastic experience. The lady was so friendly and made our experience very homely. Definitely would recommend.

Best Eritrean food ever I bought enjera from them was amazing!!!!

Had an incredible meal with wonderful hospitality! Every dish was delicious and the owner brought out a wonderful incense blend to burn as she shared coffee with us. I couldn't recommend it more!

The best injera I have tasted in many years. I try Ethiopian food whenever possible because we do not have any Ethiopian restaurants where we live. We visit Indianapolis every once in a while and one thing we always do is get Ethiopian food. We wanted to try this place as it was new and I was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality of the owners. The cook itself came to talk to me as it was near closing time and she made the best Kenyan coffee. We ordered Doro Wat for kids and us and very thoughtfully kids Doro Wat came with plain lentils whereas ours were spiced. Definitely Recommend!!!

The food was absolutely delicious. We had the veggie and lamb platter along with coffee! Lete's hospitality only added to a already great experience. Will visit again !

So flavorful, great service, niche spot 🥰

I ate here for dinner recently and it was a wonderful experience! The food was very tasty. It was well presented and flavorful. The coffee ceremony at the end of the meal was the capstone of the evening. The owner freshly roasted the beans, prepared the coffee and poured us all little cups of the rich, dark roast. It was a really fun experience! I would highly recommend trying it!

Very good, very delicious and unusual food, if you haven't eaten Ethiopian before. Everything starts with injera, the sour bread that has the texture somewhat akin to a crepe. The minimalist menu is perfect, as you're not overwhelmed with choices, especially as a first time visitor. Highly recommend this slightly off-the-beaten path restaurant.

The best food and atmosphere I’ve found in Indianapolis. It’s something different than I normally eatbut soooo good!

A must-visit on the west side! Lete is the kind host and a talented cook and you will be sure to leave satisfied by the wonderful food and company. Make your way over to Lete's Injera & Cafe, you won't be disappointed.

This place is more than deserving of its perfect ratings, the staff is beyond that of friendly and inviting. Don't let the interior somehow turn you away from it, the food will not disappoint you, and neither will the coffee nor tea.

Delicious food and the service was impeccable I will definitely be going back.

Absolutely wonderful hospitality. I went here with a group of about 10 college students and was treated with wonderful hospitality and incredible food. I can not reccomend this place more.

Everything about it was absolutely amazing! The food was incredible, the injera fresh and timely, the owner incredibly sweet. This is a place worth driving hours just to go too!

This was my first time trying Ethiopian food, and it was an incredible experience. The food was amazing and the service was so friendly. The owner, Lete, is such a hardworking and kind person. Highly recommend!

This culinary experience was amazing! The food was so authentic and delicious. Lete, the owner, was extremely hospitable and explained the dishes and her native culture. It wasn’t like going to a restaurant, it was like being invited into someone’s home and sharing a true Ethiopian experience. I highly recommend this place. You must try the coffee experience. Delicious! I cannot say enough great things about this place. We will be going back time and time again.

Listen, don't walk but RUN to go try this delicious food !!! First time trying Ethiopian food & I must say I'm mad that I waited so long to do so. The flavor was so rich & my taste buds went back to their roots. If I could I would give this place 10 stars because that's how good It was. I can't wait to revisit :)

Incredible food, great service, and SUPER affordable!! My boyfriend and I walked in starving and left stuffed AND with left overs for only 21$! I can’t recommend this place enough

food was amazing. We will be back.

No frills, locally owned Ethiopian restaurant serving scrumptious food at reasonable prices. The owner is the chef and personally makes sure the customers have an enjoyable experience. Private room for boccette (variation)? Bonus!

What a WONDERFUL experience we had on New Year’s Eve. We allowed Lete to make us two giant platters and choose whatever she wanted for us. The food was the BEST Eritrean food I’ve ever tasted. The Injera was made by Lete herself. Come to find out, she makes it for other Eritrean/Ethiopian restaurants in Indianapolis, too. We were lucky enough to ask for some coffee. Lete roasted the beans herself while we ate our dinner. She then served it to us with incense burning, creating a little ceremony. Just wonderful. The best part was that Lete sat down with us for 20-30 minutes and shared some of her life with us. We learned about Eritrea, her daughter’s and their successes, her work ethic. It brought tears to my eyes. I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively and had some tremendous dining experiences. I never thought in a million years I would have such a worldly experience in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was one of my ALL-TIME favorite meals. WE WILL BE BACK FOR SURE!!

Lete was such a sweet person, just like many of the reviews, she sat down and talked with us. She was very nice and it was so hospitable and not only that the food was amazing I wanted seconds haha. The coffee smelled so nice and it was a pleasant experience.

First time trying Ethiopian food in Indy. Very friendly and welcoming owners. Food super cheap with good variety but my favorite was coffee. Highly recommend to try. Neighborhood is ify. Felt safe enough though.

Came from out of town and wanted something different, so we googled and ended up here because of the amazing reviews. We were not disappointed at all. The food was delicious! Lete was so welcoming, it felt like walking into someone’s grandma's house. She sat with us and talked a little while we drank our coffee, which was freshly roasted in house by Lete herself (pic below). The veggie combo was absolutely fantastic. Perfectly seasoned and didn’t make me feel gross and sleazy after eating it. We had so much fun we couldn’t stop smiling and giggling, one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve ever had.

Fantastic! A hidden gem of Eritrean and Ethiopian food in Indianapolis. We got several vegetable and goat dishes served on injera, and it was amazing. Highly recommended!

I had an amazing experience! I wish I could come here everyday. The food is excellent and Lete is outstandingly nice and generous

5 stars is not enough stars for this amazing place to eat. The food is so good and so well priced and we were treated like family from the moment we walked in the door. My husband grew up in Asmara and this reminded him of his childhood.

Delicious. I’ve been to over 40 different Ethiopian restaurants, mostly in US and this was one of the tastiest. The Injera was some of the best, soft and springy and slightly sour. Food was well spiced. Not too oily or salty. Lete’s service was excellent. A great Sunday lunch. We also had the full coffee ceremony. I only took one photo though.

Amazing food! I had a combination plate with chicken. Fresh, hot, the right amount of spicy. Definitely plan on a return.

This restaurant is my go-to whenever I want to eat out in Indy! The injera is always fresh and soft, the dishes are flavorful and varied, the portions are generous, and the coffee ceremony is delectable. The owner is the just sweetest person and will surely brighten your day. The veggie combo is a must-have: The recipes are naturally and traditionally vegan, and even if you're not vegan I'm sure you'll love it as the veggie stews are so wholesome and flavorful.

Incredibly delicious food! The service was great and the variety of food is fun and the Kilwa Begie was a particular favorite.

Amazing service and the best coffee experience I have ever had!...she walked around with the roasting coffee beans just to give us a smell! Overall, great experience!

You won’t find better hospitality, and the food is as good as it gets! Lete is a gem and goes above and beyond for the customers’ experience. Ask the chef to make a special sampler if you want to try a bit of everything, and don’t miss the cultural coffee experience!

Delicious food and hospitable service.

Lete is a gifted cook and brilliant woman. Her business started with her selling her one-of-a-kind injera (bread) to others in the Eritrean diaspora. Now we all have the chance to experience her gift. DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY to support a hard-working entrepreneur who shares a slice of her life in Eritrea.

Loved this place, food was great and the staff was so sweet! I can't wait to go back!

Delicious food and such a lovely owner!

I love it the delicious food and best welcoming service I love it i will recommend you should try it too 💯👍

another 5 star review. the owner is so so sweet and her food is incredible. get the veggie combo! Lete and her husband were so kind to offer us some popcorn and culture coffee after we finished our food. it was all free. they go above and beyond 😭♥️

Kind staff and fantastic food to share with friends.

Very delicious food and nice people work there