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Das Ethiopian Cuisine

ABOUT US

discover the story behind Das

OUR ORIGINS

What Is Das?

Das means “tent” in Amharic, symbolizing a place where people come together. DAS Ethiopian Restaurant offers a warm, inviting space to enjoy authentic cuisine and connection.

– Meet The Owner

– Media Appearances

Restaurant with outdoor seating and blue umbrellas.

Das means “tent” in Amharic, symbolizing a place where people come together. DAS Ethiopian Restaurant offers a warm, inviting space to enjoy authentic cuisine and connection.

– Meet The Owner

– Media Appearances

Man seated in restaurant, wearing plaid jacket.

MEET THE OWNER

Sileshi Alifom

Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and moved to the United States in the 1970s. After a long and successful career in senior hotel management with Marriott, he opened Das in 2011 with his wife, Elizabeth Wossen. Together, they created a refined yet welcoming restaurant that blends authentic Ethiopian cuisine with exceptional service and ambiance.

B.B. King Henry Kissinger José Napoleón Duarte George H.W. Bush Ronald Reagan Muhammad Ali J.W. "Bill" Marriott Jr. Sileshi Alifom with a guest at a formal event. B.B. King Henry Kissinger José Napoleón Duarte George H.W. Bush Ronald Reagan Muhammad Ali J.W. "Bill" Marriott Jr. Sileshi Alifom with a guest at a formal event. B.B. King Henry Kissinger José Napoleón Duarte George H.W. Bush Ronald Reagan Muhammad Ali J.W. "Bill" Marriott Jr. Sileshi Alifom with a guest at a formal event.

Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and moved to the United States in the 1970s. After a long and successful career in senior hotel management with Marriott, he opened Das in 2011 with his wife, Elizabeth Wossen. Together, they created a refined yet welcoming restaurant that blends authentic Ethiopian cuisine with exceptional service and ambiance.

B.B. King Henry Kissinger José Napoleón Duarte George H.W. Bush Ronald Reagan Muhammad Ali J.W. "Bill" Marriott Jr. Sileshi Alifom with a guest at a formal event. B.B. King Henry Kissinger José Napoleón Duarte George H.W. Bush Ronald Reagan Muhammad Ali J.W. "Bill" Marriott Jr. Sileshi Alifom with a guest at a formal event. B.B. King Henry Kissinger José Napoleón Duarte George H.W. Bush Ronald Reagan Muhammad Ali J.W. "Bill" Marriott Jr. Sileshi Alifom with a guest at a formal event.

NO PASSPORT REQUIRED

our appearance on chef Marcus Samuelsson's PBS show

Sileshi Alifom talking with Marcus Samuelsson over dinner.
Marcus Samuelsson dining with Sileshi Alifom and a guest, with a plate of Ethiopian food on the table. Marcus Samuelsson smiling for the camera. Marcus Samuelsson smiling with Elizabeth Wossen across the table at Das Ethiopian. Exterior of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, showing the restaurant's red door and awning. Sileshi Alifom in conversation with Marcus Samuelsson at the restaurant. Das Ethiopian Cuisine's storefront sign and entrance. Elizabeth Wossen speaking animatedly with guests at the restaurant. Sileshi Alifom talking with Marcus Samuelsson over dinner. Sileshi Alifom greeting guests at the restaurant. Marcus Samuelsson walking along the Georgetown street outside the restaurant. Marcus Samuelsson arriving at the restaurant's red front door, greeted by Sileshi Alifom. Sileshi Alifom welcoming Marcus Samuelsson inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Marcus Samuelsson sharing his thoughts on camera at Das Ethiopian. Sileshi Alifom and Elizabeth Wossen seated with Marcus Samuelsson at Das Ethiopian. A sampler platter of Ethiopian dishes, including sambusas and tibs served on injera. Elizabeth Wossen smiling while seated with guests. Marcus Samuelsson in conversation at the restaurant. Sileshi Alifom and Elizabeth Wossen in conversation with Marcus Samuelsson. Marcus Samuelsson speaking to the camera at the bar.

In PBS's No Passport Required, Chef Marcus Samuelsson visits Das Ethiopian Cuisine in Washington, D.C., to explore Ethiopian culinary traditions. Owners Sileshi Alifom and Elizabeth Wossen share their journey of building a successful immigrant-owned restaurant, highlighting the cultural significance of hospitality and dishes like tibs and their house salad. Their story reflects the fusion of tradition and innovation in Ethiopian cuisine.

Marcus Samuelsson dining with Sileshi Alifom and a guest, with a plate of Ethiopian food on the table. Marcus Samuelsson smiling for the camera. Marcus Samuelsson smiling with Elizabeth Wossen across the table at Das Ethiopian. Exterior of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, showing the restaurant's red door and awning. Sileshi Alifom in conversation with Marcus Samuelsson at the restaurant. Das Ethiopian Cuisine's storefront sign and entrance. Elizabeth Wossen speaking animatedly with guests at the restaurant. Sileshi Alifom talking with Marcus Samuelsson over dinner. Sileshi Alifom greeting guests at the restaurant. Marcus Samuelsson walking along the Georgetown street outside the restaurant. Marcus Samuelsson arriving at the restaurant's red front door, greeted by Sileshi Alifom. Sileshi Alifom welcoming Marcus Samuelsson inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Marcus Samuelsson sharing his thoughts on camera at Das Ethiopian. Sileshi Alifom and Elizabeth Wossen seated with Marcus Samuelsson at Das Ethiopian. A sampler platter of Ethiopian dishes, including sambusas and tibs served on injera. Elizabeth Wossen smiling while seated with guests. Marcus Samuelsson in conversation at the restaurant. Sileshi Alifom and Elizabeth Wossen in conversation with Marcus Samuelsson. Marcus Samuelsson speaking to the camera at the bar. Marcus Samuelsson dining with Sileshi Alifom and a guest, with a plate of Ethiopian food on the table. Marcus Samuelsson dining with Sileshi Alifom and a guest, with a plate of Ethiopian food on the table. Marcus Samuelsson smiling for the camera. Marcus Samuelsson smiling with Elizabeth Wossen across the table at Das Ethiopian. Exterior of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, showing the restaurant's red door and awning. Sileshi Alifom in conversation with Marcus Samuelsson at the restaurant. Das Ethiopian Cuisine's storefront sign and entrance. Elizabeth Wossen speaking animatedly with guests at the restaurant. Sileshi Alifom talking with Marcus Samuelsson over dinner. Sileshi Alifom greeting guests at the restaurant. Marcus Samuelsson walking along the Georgetown street outside the restaurant. Marcus Samuelsson arriving at the restaurant's red front door, greeted by Sileshi Alifom. Sileshi Alifom welcoming Marcus Samuelsson inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Marcus Samuelsson sharing his thoughts on camera at Das Ethiopian. Sileshi Alifom and Elizabeth Wossen seated with Marcus Samuelsson at Das Ethiopian. A sampler platter of Ethiopian dishes, including sambusas and tibs served on injera. Elizabeth Wossen smiling while seated with guests. Marcus Samuelsson in conversation at the restaurant. Sileshi Alifom and Elizabeth Wossen in conversation with Marcus Samuelsson. Marcus Samuelsson speaking to the camera at the bar. Marcus Samuelsson dining with Sileshi Alifom and a guest, with a plate of Ethiopian food on the table.

Hidden Gems: Das

our feature on George Washington University's GW Hatchet

Man sitting by window in restaurant.
Exterior storefront, awning, and entrance of Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, giving an interview. Patrons seated and dining inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine's dining room. A chef preparing a traditional Ethiopian platter of assorted stews served on injera. Traditional Ethiopian spices, including berbere, displayed in mounds on a plate. A chef cooking and stir-frying food in a pan in the restaurant's kitchen. The main dining room of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with patrons seated by the front windows. Exterior storefront, awning, and entrance of Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, giving an interview. Patrons seated and dining inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine's dining room. A chef preparing a traditional Ethiopian platter of assorted stews served on injera. Traditional Ethiopian spices, including berbere, displayed in mounds on a plate. A chef cooking and stir-frying food in a pan in the restaurant's kitchen. The main dining room of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with patrons seated by the front windows. Exterior storefront, awning, and entrance of Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, giving an interview. Patrons seated and dining inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine's dining room. A chef preparing a traditional Ethiopian platter of assorted stews served on injera. Traditional Ethiopian spices, including berbere, displayed in mounds on a plate. A chef cooking and stir-frying food in a pan in the restaurant's kitchen. The main dining room of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with patrons seated by the front windows. Exterior storefront, awning, and entrance of Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, giving an interview. Patrons seated and dining inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine's dining room. A chef preparing a traditional Ethiopian platter of assorted stews served on injera. Traditional Ethiopian spices, including berbere, displayed in mounds on a plate. A chef cooking and stir-frying food in a pan in the restaurant's kitchen. The main dining room of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with patrons seated by the front windows. Exterior storefront, awning, and entrance of Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, giving an interview. Patrons seated and dining inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine's dining room. A chef preparing a traditional Ethiopian platter of assorted stews served on injera. Traditional Ethiopian spices, including berbere, displayed in mounds on a plate. A chef cooking and stir-frying food in a pan in the restaurant's kitchen. The main dining room of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with patrons seated by the front windows.

In a video interview with The GW Hatchet, Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine in Georgetown, shares insights into the restaurant's culinary philosophy and cultural values. He emphasizes the importance of traditional Ethiopian spices, such as berbere, and the role of food in fostering community and conversation. Alifom's dedication to authenticity and hospitality reflects his commitment to providing an immersive dining experience that honors Ethiopian heritage.

Exterior storefront, awning, and entrance of Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, giving an interview. Patrons seated and dining inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine's dining room. A chef preparing a traditional Ethiopian platter of assorted stews served on injera. Traditional Ethiopian spices, including berbere, displayed in mounds on a plate. A chef cooking and stir-frying food in a pan in the restaurant's kitchen. The main dining room of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with patrons seated by the front windows. Exterior storefront, awning, and entrance of Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, giving an interview. Patrons seated and dining inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine's dining room. A chef preparing a traditional Ethiopian platter of assorted stews served on injera. Traditional Ethiopian spices, including berbere, displayed in mounds on a plate. A chef cooking and stir-frying food in a pan in the restaurant's kitchen. The main dining room of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with patrons seated by the front windows. Exterior storefront, awning, and entrance of Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, giving an interview. Patrons seated and dining inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine's dining room. A chef preparing a traditional Ethiopian platter of assorted stews served on injera. Traditional Ethiopian spices, including berbere, displayed in mounds on a plate. A chef cooking and stir-frying food in a pan in the restaurant's kitchen. The main dining room of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with patrons seated by the front windows. Exterior storefront, awning, and entrance of Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, giving an interview. Patrons seated and dining inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine's dining room. A chef preparing a traditional Ethiopian platter of assorted stews served on injera. Traditional Ethiopian spices, including berbere, displayed in mounds on a plate. A chef cooking and stir-frying food in a pan in the restaurant's kitchen. The main dining room of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with patrons seated by the front windows. Exterior storefront, awning, and entrance of Das Ethiopian Cuisine. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, giving an interview. Patrons seated and dining inside Das Ethiopian Cuisine's dining room. A chef preparing a traditional Ethiopian platter of assorted stews served on injera. Traditional Ethiopian spices, including berbere, displayed in mounds on a plate. A chef cooking and stir-frying food in a pan in the restaurant's kitchen. The main dining room of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, with patrons seated by the front windows.

BEAT BOBBY FLAY

watch Sileshi's apperance as a judge on the Food Network classic

Judges seated at a panel discussion table.
Marcus Samuelsson, celebrity chef and restaurateur, on the set of Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, appearing as a guest judge on Beat Bobby Flay. Chefs Scott Conant and Anne Burrell seated with guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. The Beat Bobby Flay studio audience cheering, with cooking equipment visible in the foreground. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. Marcus Samuelsson's dish of Chicken Doro Wat with potato liver salad and injera bread. Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis seated at the tasting table. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis taking notes during the tasting. Marcus Samuelsson speaking on the set of Beat Bobby Flay. Marcus Samuelsson, celebrity chef and restaurateur, on the set of Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, appearing as a guest judge on Beat Bobby Flay. Chefs Scott Conant and Anne Burrell seated with guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. The Beat Bobby Flay studio audience cheering, with cooking equipment visible in the foreground. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. Marcus Samuelsson's dish of Chicken Doro Wat with potato liver salad and injera bread. Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis seated at the tasting table. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis taking notes during the tasting. Marcus Samuelsson speaking on the set of Beat Bobby Flay. Marcus Samuelsson, celebrity chef and restaurateur, on the set of Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, appearing as a guest judge on Beat Bobby Flay. Chefs Scott Conant and Anne Burrell seated with guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. The Beat Bobby Flay studio audience cheering, with cooking equipment visible in the foreground. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. Marcus Samuelsson's dish of Chicken Doro Wat with potato liver salad and injera bread. Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis seated at the tasting table. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis taking notes during the tasting. Marcus Samuelsson speaking on the set of Beat Bobby Flay.

In Season 12, Episode 9 of Beat Bobby Flay, titled "Deja Flay," Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, serves as a guest judge alongside Sara Moulton and Michael Laiskonis. In this episode, chefs Anne Burrell and Marcus Samuelsson compete for the chance to challenge Bobby Flay. Alifom's expertise in Ethiopian cuisine adds a unique perspective to the judging panel, highlighting the rich flavors and traditions of his culinary heritage.

Marcus Samuelsson, celebrity chef and restaurateur, on the set of Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, appearing as a guest judge on Beat Bobby Flay. Chefs Scott Conant and Anne Burrell seated with guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. The Beat Bobby Flay studio audience cheering, with cooking equipment visible in the foreground. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. Marcus Samuelsson's dish of Chicken Doro Wat with potato liver salad and injera bread. Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis seated at the tasting table. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis taking notes during the tasting. Marcus Samuelsson speaking on the set of Beat Bobby Flay. Marcus Samuelsson, celebrity chef and restaurateur, on the set of Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, appearing as a guest judge on Beat Bobby Flay. Chefs Scott Conant and Anne Burrell seated with guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. The Beat Bobby Flay studio audience cheering, with cooking equipment visible in the foreground. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. Marcus Samuelsson's dish of Chicken Doro Wat with potato liver salad and injera bread. Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis seated at the tasting table. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis taking notes during the tasting. Marcus Samuelsson speaking on the set of Beat Bobby Flay. Marcus Samuelsson, celebrity chef and restaurateur, on the set of Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom, owner of Das Ethiopian Cuisine, appearing as a guest judge on Beat Bobby Flay. Chefs Scott Conant and Anne Burrell seated with guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. The Beat Bobby Flay studio audience cheering, with cooking equipment visible in the foreground. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis at the tasting table on Beat Bobby Flay. Marcus Samuelsson's dish of Chicken Doro Wat with potato liver salad and injera bread. Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Sileshi Alifom on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis seated at the tasting table. Guest judges Sileshi Alifom, Sara Moulton, and Michael Laiskonis taking notes during the tasting. Marcus Samuelsson speaking on the set of Beat Bobby Flay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Das Ethiopian Cuisine's hours?

Das Ethiopian Cuisine is closed Mondays. We're open Tuesday through Wednesday from 5:00 to 9:30 PM, and Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Where is Das Ethiopian Cuisine located?

We're located at 1201 28th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, in the heart of Georgetown.

Does Das Ethiopian Cuisine take reservations?

Yes, reservations can be made directly on our website or by calling (202) 333-4710.

What type of cuisine does Das Ethiopian Cuisine serve?

We serve traditional Ethiopian cuisine, family-owned and operated since 2011 by Sileshi Alifom and Elizabeth Wossen.

Has Das Ethiopian Cuisine been featured in the media?

Yes. Das Ethiopian Cuisine has been featured on PBS's No Passport Required with Chef Marcus Samuelsson, and owner Sileshi Alifom appeared as a guest judge on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay.

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