Muna's - Ethiopian cuisine

Edinburgh boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with restaurants and cafés bringing diverse traditions to the city. For foodies like me, it’s a gastronomic playground where you can hop from one culinary experience to another. My latest discovery was Muna’s, an Ethiopian restaurant tucked away just off the Meadows on Gillespie Place.

This restaurant is small, welcoming, and uniquely decorated. Its colourful woven rattan baskets are very theatrical but not entirely practical, as they take up most of the space. The atmosphere is vibrant and convivial.

Muna, the charismatic chef and owner, brings warmth to the experience, never missing an opportunity to greet guests or surprise diners with a cake for birthday celebrations.

As we familiarise ourselves with the menu, we learn that dishes are served on a large, traditional sourdough flatbread called injera. It has a spongy texture reminiscent of an omelette and a distinctly yeasty taste.

The drinks menu includes beers, juices, teas, and Tej—an Ethiopian honey wine made by Muna. 

For those keen to explore a variety of flavours, the "combo platters" offer a selection of multiple dishes in one serving. We opt for a slow-cooked spicy beef stew in a rich barbecue sauce, a mild chicken stew in a turmeric sauce, Ethiopian cottage cheese, stewed chickpeas, slow-cooked greens, and three additional stews: one with brown lentils, another with beetroot and potato, and a third featuring cabbage, potatoes, and carrots.

The injera is the perfect accompaniment, helping to scoop up the richly spiced dishes. Be warned—the food leans on the spicy side. We try the Tej, but quickly discover it’s not our cup of tea.

This neighbourhood restaurant serves earthy, hearty food perfect for a quick and affordable meal. 

As my friend put it, she could easily imagine Anthony Bourdain sitting in a corner, eating Muna’s food and enjoying its authenticity.

Muna's; 8 Gillespie Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4HS - 07886 118334

Tue - Sun 12.30-10 pm