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Best Ethiopian Restaurant in Winnipeg

Authentic Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine Since 2002

Welcome to Merkato Restaurant — Winnipeg's beloved destination for authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. Located at 352 Cumberland Ave in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, we have been sharing the flavours of East Africa with our community for over two decades. Savour traditional injera-based dining, slow-cooked wots, grilled tibs, and generous vegetarian platters — all in a warm, family-owned setting that reflects the spirit of Ethiopian hospitality.

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Winnipeg's Favourite Ethiopian & Eritrean Restaurant

Since opening in October 2002, Merkato Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Ethiopian cuisine in Winnipeg — earning a loyal following of locals, the Ethiopian diaspora, and adventurous food lovers from across the city. Nestled at 352 Cumberland Ave in downtown Winnipeg, we are steps away from the Exchange District, one of the most vibrant cultural neighbourhoods in the city.

Our name is inspired by the iconic Merkato market in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — one of the largest open-air markets in Africa — reflecting our deep connection to Ethiopian culture and heritage. The restaurant is family-owned and operated, known for its generous portions, reasonable prices, and the kind of warm, personalized service that makes every guest feel like family.

Merkato Restaurant — authentic Ethiopian dining experience in Winnipeg, MB

Our Signature Ethiopian Dishes

Every dish at Merkato is made with authentic spice blends and traditional cooking methods passed down through generations. All meals are served with traditional injera — a spongy flatbread made from teff or wheat that you tear and use to scoop up your stew or tibs.

Chef's Recommendations

  • Doro Wat — Slow-cooked chicken stew with berbere, kibbeh & boiled egg
  • Special Derek Tibs — Lean beef sautéed with onion, tomato & green pepper in purified butter
  • Kitfo — Finely chopped prime beef with seasoned butter & mitmita spice

Best Sellers

  • Vegetarian Combo — Miser Wat, Ater Kik Wat, Dinch Wat, Gomen Wat & Shiro Wat on injera
  • Yebeg Tibs — Marinated lamb with peppers, onions, tomatoes & rosemary
  • Sambosa – Beef — Prime beef with hot peppers, onions & garlic in homemade flatbread

Dietary Options

  • Fully vegetarian & vegan platter options available
  • Imported gluten-free Ye'Teff Injera available
  • Unlicensed (alcohol-free) — focus entirely on the food
  • Family-friendly & wheelchair accessible
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Ethiopian Food Delivery & Takeout Areas in Winnipeg

Merkato Restaurant's downtown location at 352 Cumberland Ave makes us easily accessible to guests from across Winnipeg. We offer dine-in, takeout, online ordering, and catering to the following neighbourhoods:

Downtown Core

  • Exchange District
  • Downtown West
  • Downtown East
  • Centennial
  • Central Park
  • Portage – Ellice
  • South Portage
  • Civic Centre

West End & Inner City

  • West Broadway
  • Spence
  • Colony
  • Daniel McIntyre
  • West Alexander
  • China Town
  • Wolseley
  • West Wolseley

South & Extended Areas

  • Osborne Village
  • Point Douglas
  • Fort Rouge
  • Riverview
  • St. Boniface
  • Crescentwood
  • Armstrong Point
  • Polo Park

For catering or inquiries about areas not listed, please call us at +1 (204) 947-9802.

What Winnipeg Guests Say About Merkato

"Sam, the owner, treats us like we are family. He wants to make sure we enjoy the food. And we ALWAYS do! He will customize food to make sure we enjoy it! The portions are great! Prices are reasonable. We travel 1 hour one way to get to this place. And it's worth every bit! You can taste the richness!"

— Danielle D., TripAdvisor

"Merkato is my favourite restaurant in Winnipeg. Everything, from the decor and music to the food, perfectly emulates the style of a typical Ethiopian café. This is a place where you can disappear into another continent right in the heart of downtown! Never crowded, you won't be rushed. Serving sizes are large despite the inexpensive prices."

— Jeff C., Winnipeg

"Eating Ethiopian style — no utensils, just hands aided by the spongy flatbread — was a fun and unique experience. The mixed platter had seven different dishes, three meat and four vegetable based. The total bill was only $50 Cdn all in, so it certainly was good value. A favourite spot for the local Ethiopian expats — pretty authentic atmosphere."

— Cannuckk, TripAdvisor

Frequently Asked Questions — Ethiopian Restaurant Winnipeg

Where is Merkato Restaurant located in Winnipeg?

Merkato Restaurant is located at 352 Cumberland Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1T3 — in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, just minutes from the Exchange District, West Broadway, and Portage Avenue. Street parking and nearby transit access make us easy to reach from all parts of the city.

Does Merkato offer delivery or takeout in Winnipeg?

Yes! Merkato Restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and online ordering. We serve guests across Winnipeg including the Exchange District, Downtown, West Broadway, Osborne Village, and surrounding neighbourhoods. Order online here or call us at +1 (204) 947-9802.

What are the most popular dishes at Merkato?

Our most popular dishes include Doro Wat (slow-cooked chicken stew with berbere spice and boiled egg), Vegetarian Combo (a platter of five lentil and vegetable stews served on injera), Kitfo (Ethiopian-style seasoned minced beef served raw, medium, or well done), Special Derek Tibs (lean beef sautéed in purified butter), and Yebeg Tibs (marinated lamb with peppers and rosemary). All dishes are served with traditional injera.

Do you have vegetarian and vegan Ethiopian options?

Absolutely! Our Vegetarian Combo is one of our best sellers, featuring Miser Wat (red lentils), Ater Kik Wat (split peas), Dinch Wat (potatoes), Gomen Wat (collard greens), and Shiro Wat — all served on traditional injera. We also offer imported gluten-free Ye'Teff Injera for guests with specific dietary needs.

What are Merkato Restaurant's hours of operation?

We are open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight). We are closed on Tuesdays. For catering inquiries or group dining reservations, please call us in advance at +1 (204) 947-9802.

Does Merkato offer catering services in Winnipeg?

Yes! Merkato Restaurant offers catering for events and group dining of all sizes throughout Winnipeg. Our catering menu features traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes that make any event memorable. Contact us at +1 (204) 947-9802 to discuss your catering needs.

Experience the Best Ethiopian Cuisine in Winnipeg

Whether you're dining in, taking out, or ordering online, Merkato Restaurant brings the authentic flavours of Ethiopia and Eritrea to Winnipeg. Visit us at 352 Cumberland Ave — open 6 days a week — or order online today.

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Find Merkato Restaurant in Winnipeg

We're located at 352 Cumberland Ave in downtown Winnipeg — close to the Exchange District and easily accessible by transit and car.

Merkato Restaurant

352 Cumberland Ave
Winnipeg, MB R3B 1T3, Canada

+1 (204) 947-9802

Opening Hours

  • Monday1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
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