Addis Red Sea Restaurant: The Best Romantic Dinner in Boston

Fall in Love with Ethiopian Cuisine

It's a breezy, star-filled night in Boston, and you're looking for a place that'll sweep your mate off his or her feet. You're tempted to try to snatch a seat at the most pretentious, impossible-to-get-into restaurant. Or maybe you want to treat that special someone to dinner at "Top of the Hub," because that's where all the tour guides say to go.

Let's hang on just a second here. While those establishments may have excellent drinks, superb front of house staff-- and hey, there's no denying that spectacular view of one of the greatest cities in the world-- I have a far better idea for you.

Take a walk down charming Tremont Street to Addis Red Sea for a magical evening of culinary enlightenment. This Ethiopian treasure will be sure to satisfy the deepest curiosity... not to mention hunger.

Dining at Addis is a very sensual experience. Just as in traditional Ethiopian style, here you eat with your hands. So feel free to feed each other if the mood inspires you-- just please be mindful of the other guests, won't you?

That aside, the food is sensational. In a dimly lit wonderland, you and your partner sit around your "Mesob," which is first covered in a layer of delicately delicious bread, then topped with all the items you've ordered.

I recommend the "Vegetable Combination for Two," which allows you to choose eight of their outstanding vegetarian dishes (which also happen to be vegan) from the menu as well as the house salad (which I like to mix right in with the main courses-- you'll see when you get there).

I particularly like the "Yesmir Wot," which consists of lentils simmered in a spicy hot berbere sauce, and the "Tikle Gomen," which is cabbage cooked with vegetable oil, garlic, ginger and green peppers.

And don't worry-- the baskets of bread at your side are miraculously bottomless.