Red Sea Restaurant & Bar

Reviews

• Antonia L.

  star star star star star 2 June 2026

  The wait was long but the food was fresh and delicious! I had chicken, lentils, cabbage specially made for me because I have a tomato allergy!

• Zara S.

  star star star star star_border 22 May 2026

  I've been coming to Red Sea for years, both at the old location and the present one. They are a Charlotte staple for Ethiopian food for a reason. There are very few places I will say this about but you literally can't go wrong with ANYTHING on the menu! Trust me, I've tried most of it. Their sambusas are a must. Their injera is perfection. Even their mitmita tastes better than other places (and I'm not sure how haha). My favorite item on the menu is the kitfo. I've ordered it so often the owner remembers my order, which brings me to the service.
  
  While I agree with other reviewers that a visit can err on the slow side, I've always found the service to be excellent. They don't linger and allow you to enjoy your meal in peace but also pay attention to details and are very attentive. I've never had anything wrong with an order in all the years I've been coming. The service and food quality is consistent.
  
  For drinks, try tej if you haven't. They have a full bar, a few craft beers, a few light beers, and coffee. They usually have traditional Ethiopian music playing on a tv in the background.
  
  The only reason for four stars instead of five is that sometimes they will say they do not have kitfo. I'm not really sure the reason for this since it is just beef. I've always assumed they may not want to take the time to prepare it that day. That being said it is rare that they say they don't have it but it has happened more then once.

• Stefi P.

  star star star star star_border 15 May 2026

  Wow!! Really good food and large portion. We got seated pretty soon but the service was a little slow. Took a while to get the appetizers and the main course arrive immediately. Love the sambusa and first time tried chicken taquitos and I enjoyed them. We ordered the combo and it was a huge portion. Very big enjera. Will definitely keep visiting. A must try here if you want to try Ethiopian food for the first time!!

• Mark H.

  star star star star star 10 May 2026

  Have been here multiple times and never disappointed. It's simple and unpretentious inside. Service is usually pretty quick, but sometimes you do have to grab someone's attention. I like that they leave you alone. Others may find it off putting. The food comes out hot and the flavors always delicious. I've always done the combos and shared with 1-2 people. They're quite large and even with 3 can be tough to finish, if you start out with some great apps like the samosas. It's pretty quiet on weeknights and only slightly busier on weekends, so you never need to worry about if a table will be available or a reservation.
  
  If you've never had Ethiopian food before, this is a great place to enjoy the experience.

• Michelle D.

  star star star star star 7 May 2026

  I ha e been coming to this restaurant for about 20 years. They were located across from CPCC originally. The same husband and wife are the owners and chefs. They are kind, professional and excellent at what they do. I have moved away but I come back for work and visit them from time to time. They always remember me. On each of my visits I take a new person and so far everyone has loved the food and atmosphere. I have lived in several states and I seek out Ethiopian food; so far none of them have been as good as The Red Sea.