Ibex Ethiopian Kitchen
5111 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32217
Ibex Ethiopian Kitchen Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Jacksonville for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Jacksonville for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Jacksonville for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
5111 Baymeadows Rd
Jacksonville, FL, 32217 - Phone (904) 551-0403
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Bob G.
This was our first time trying Ethiopian food and it certainly will not be out last. The waitress and the owner (assuming) took time and answered all our questions about the cuisine. Being a vegan, they made sure the Vegetarian Platter was prepared for me correctly and as for the rest of our party, they enjoyed both the beef and chicken tips. During our meal the chef herself came out to make sure the meal was to our liking. The food, and the service, were great. Not to mention that the portions we quite large. LEFTOVERS!!!
(5)Amy K.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in Jacksonville. I have never been disappointed by a meal here. I'm a huge fan of the kitfo. The seasoning is always on point. I really hope more people start going here. It's really a hidden gem!
(5)Juliet H.
So WHOA! I just had my first bout with Ethiopian food and what an experience it was! "I bookmarked, I came, I conquered!" I walked in like deer in headlights, plopped myself down at the bar, smiled and said, "Ok, Help!" Tsione (my owner/chef/waiter/new friend) was incredible! She helped me with the menu, that meant absolutely nothing to me, as I basically only recognized the words "chicken, beef, lentils, and cabbage!" First, she tried to explain each item to me, then she decided to order on my behalf. She customized a sampler meal for me that wasn't on the menu! I had a veggie (I live for the lentils) and meat combination mixed with Alicha Wot and Chicken Sambusas! One word... AMAZEBALLS! (I just want to go on the record and say that, if given a choice, CHICKEN SAMBUSAS might just be my last meal on earth!) Along with my fabulous meal, I got an amazing "Ethiopian Culture & Customs" from Tsione and another Ethiopian customer that came in. They taught me how to eat my food after I asked for a fork, and I even sampled Ethiopian Honeywine! After all the aforementioned, Tsione had the nerve to charge me $5.30 for my meal! Are you kidding me!? Ok, fine, ridiculous tip it is then! Needless to say, I had an AMAZING "Ethiopian newbie" experience and I'll certainly be back, and often!
(5)P C.
Ok.... SERIOUSLY.... When food makes you cry .... Not from spice, but from utter joy you MUST TELL others!!!!! Jacksonville people if you like Ethiopian please go to IBEX!!! Chicken Tibs literally brought tears to my eyes. We polished off every bite. The restaurant was practically empty on a Saturday night from 645-9 when we were there. This should NEVER be!!!!! Keep this business alive and go love the hell out of that food and support this amazing chef who deserves WAY more recognition than she is getting!!!! This is coming from a picky foodie. This chef puts love in her food. Help her business thrive. She came to the table and asked which food was too spicy for me and I got to tell her that she was seeing tears of joy not spice!!! She works hard and cares.... SOOOOO excited to have found this place. I would literally mourn if this business closes.... I cannot wait to go again and almost ordered a to go chicken tid hits it was so good. I however decided I will role more friends into going next week :)
(5)Jean L.
I was in the mood for some gored gored tips (spicy beef tips slightly rare in Ethiopian spices). This is my second time here and Isaiah is a great host. My sister is visiting from New York and never tried Ethiopian cuisine. We had the pastry filled with lentils as a appetizer and it was tasty and the dipping sauce was outstanding. The last time I was here I had the gored gored and I loved it. This time however I was a little disappointed at the lack of spicy kick to the dish. My sister ground beef tips was cooked to perfection and tasted great with the authentic Ethiopian spices. The injera bread was good as usual and we had a great time eating with our hands.
(3)Martha H.
If your looking for something different to try, head to Ibex! The food is amazing at this little hole in the wall. Service was exceptional also.
(5)Jaclynn W.
I had never tried Ethiopian food before, but after this experience, I can't wait to go back! A friend and I shared the Chef's Special (tender beef in a gravy-like sauce, spiced ground beef, chicken on the bone and a hard-boiled egg cook in a vibrant sauce, greens, potatoes, carrots, green beans, cabbage, three different styles of lentils). We each ordered the St. George's Amber as well. Everything was delicious, and the portions were plenty for two people. As we were settling the check, a woman behind the counter (I believe she's the owner) offers us a sample some honey wine. So, of course, I have to go back and do it all over with honey wine too! I can't wait to share this place and how amazing Ethiopian cuisine is with my other friends.
(5)Jason P.
We were the first ones for dinner and the only ones but don't let that fool you. Amazing taste that just pops in your mouth. If you like spicy, then this is the place. They have other entrees that were not spicy as well. Teddy greeted us with thankfulness and kindness and his knowledge of the food and menu was outstanding as this helped us to decipher Ethiopian food. The food: the taste exploded in your mouth. All of the combination dishes were enough to fill up a family of four. Each has its own unique flavor and each were a high quality food. Since we had never eaten Ethiopian food, Ibex encouraged us to learn how to make Ethiopian food. The vegetarian dish was very tasteful as well. Prices are a little high but our bill came to $44 and that included water and no deserts which at the end was a great deal considering all the food was homemade and made fresh each day. The service was great and the company we were able to have with Teddy was delightful. The restaurant building itself is nothing great and is located in the corner of a plaza. The seating is benches/booths or tables and chairs. The restroom was very clean and well lit. Teddy played Ethiopian music in the background. Wifi was also free. I totally recommend this place.
(5)Amanda G.
Sweet aroma of spices, cozy seating, authentic menu items, and a warm cup of Ethiopian coffee is what you should expect. I came here for lunch and was in/out in less than an hour and incredibly satisfied with having paid $12 for what is truly authentic Ethiopian. Their veggie platter 1 was perfect for sampling a variety of different flavors. Finish off your meal with a cup of coffee (no cream needed, just sugar) & baklava.
(5)Tanya J.
What the place lacks in atmosphere, it makes up with your taste buds. The server was wonderful and the food was amazing. I tried the vegetarian platter. Everything was delicious. This is definitely a place to visit.
(5)Elizabeth M.
This place is absolutely wonderful! If you have never tried Ethiopian food then I highly recommend this place for your first experience. They have amazingly long hours however please note that they are closed on Mondays now despite what yelp says. We were cordially greeted and were offered any help with the menu. We ended up getting two of the platters that were a mix of veggie specialty dishes and meat dishes. At first I was kind of scared as I didn't know what to expect but the food was very good. I won't lie and name anything specific because I can't remember but they had this cabbage that was yum! And the chicken and other meats were very tasty. The injera (sp?) was just as expected and the food overall was good. The sambusa's are my favorite! The description says it has jalapeño but do not be deterred like I almost was because they are really good and for me they didn't burn my tongue off, and I don't eat any spice at all. Just make sure you ask about what foods are spicy because some things can be spicy. Def look forward to going here again.
(5)Allie A.
I had a fantastic experience checking out this fairly new Ethiopian restaurant last week! Do you remember the old Cattleman's BBQ location on the intersection of Old Kings and Baymeadows? Well there ya go, it's taken over, remodeled and cleaned up to create this clean, open and airy spot. Started off with St. George Amber (Ethiopian beer) and it was malty, flavorful and not too heavy. (So good in fact, I had three...) The place was empty on a Wed night around 6 pm... but I was greeted immediately. The service was superb the entire night. We started off with a few Lentil Sambusas, lentils, cabbage, and a few jalapenos in there, wrapped up in a delicate phyllo wrap, and fried to perfection. They were delicately spiced, with only a tiny bit of kick from the jalapeno, and they were fantastic. I decided to go with the vegetarian platter which had spicy lentils, regular lentils, cabbage, potatoes, collards and plenty of injera. Artfully laid out on the platter made for perfect portions. I did enjoy the spicy options the best... not too much heat but full of flavor. Next visit, I'll definitely stick to the spicier options. There was a group that came in after us and looked like they ordered a special tea service.... I won't miss out on that on the next visit either! Great experience!
(4)Pat M.
So this place was a first, lots of stewed meats. Actually I think everything was stewed even the vegetables. Went with the meat sampler, and you eat it with this pancake style bread that has some tang to it. The first stewed meats were good, then one was a beef tar tar. Friend I was eating with was turned off after a couple of bites, but I kept eating, regretted it the next day. Tar tar aside the food had great flavor, I would personally just skip the tar tar.
(3)Jen H.
Fantastic! Their injera is thin, light and dryer than what I've had before, which I prefer. The hospitality was fabulous and our group of 10 felt very welcomed! We had some 1st time diners and some who had eaten Ethiopian before...they were willing to walk us through the menu and answer any questions. I had the meat combo with 3 veggies: collard greens, lentils & split peas...YUM!! My husband had the chicken ribs and loved them. We WILL be back!
(5)Eric B.
This was my first experience with Ethiopian food, and all I can say that is if other Ethiopian food is half as good as Ibex, I've found a new favorite cuisine. The food was excellent. The restaurant is very casual, and appears to be family-run (always a plus in my book). The gentleman who served me was very friendly and helpful. The only problem is that I was only visiting Jacksonville on business, and I don't know if I'll ever be in Jacksonville again. But if I am, I will definitely be returning to Ibex.
(5)Janice F.
Finally, amazing Ethiopian is back in Jax!! I really enjoy traditional Ethiopian fare but sadly have been without since the closing of Queen of Sheeba. After reading the positive reviews on Ibex, I was excited and hopeful for a new place to get my fix. Ibex did not disappoint! Upon walking in, my boyfriend and I were warmly greeted and sat. We began our experience with a comforting warm aromatic, Ethiopian spiced tea and sambusa which is a pastry stuffed with lentils. We then moved on to the traditional doro wat dish (my fav) and the vegetarian platter. The injera is made daily in house and was delicious and fresh. The service was very friendly and attentive, even the chef stopped by to check in. We very much enjoyed our experience from beginning to end and plan on returning frequently for quality, fresh home cooking!
(5)Pedro S. M.
Love the food my kind of food when i have visited other parts of the world. Good thing they are open until 12 midnite
(5)Ernesto M.
We decided to try this place and it was really good, especially the sambusas. I give it 4 stars only because my beef platter came cold. Service was excellent
(4)Rhianna L.
Soo good!!!!!! I've had Ethiopian food before and this place did not disappoint!! The meat combination was DELICIOUS
(5)Brenton R.
Food was awesome. Easily one of the best meals I've had in a pretty long time and it was also fairly priced. Service was fast and friendly. My friend had a lot of questions and the owner came and walked us through the menu. He explained what is in what, what is good, the history of Ethiopian food and the flavor profiles of each dish. He was helpful and helped make the experience that much better. I highly recommend trying this place at least once and despite what Google says this place is absolutely open.
(5)Mary L.
Excited to check out the new Ethiopian restaurant in town! It was spacious and clean with friendly and attentive staff. Booth tables lined one wall of the restaurant with a few 4-tops and a small stage area with ceremonial items. Open kitchen! The bar area was underdeveloped and could use more shelves and decoration to fully utilize the space. There were 3 TVs. My friend and I split the Ibex Special for Two ($29.95) and also a Vegetarian Platter ($12.95). Both came with baskets of injera. The doro wat (stewed chicken drumstick and hardboiled egg) was strongly spiced compared to Nile Ethiopian Restaurant. Not better or worse - just depends on your preference. I really like the curried cabbage which had a kick due to the sliced jalapeños. While the staff was very attentive, checking on us several times throughout our meal, the food took about 30 minutes even though we were the only people there at the time we ordered. Not really a problem if you are prepared to have a leisurely meal, which we were. After your meal you can check out the Colombian bakery next door or get a tapioca drink at Aroma Corner Cafe in the same plaza.
(4)Sivam R.
Very tasty food. Awesome place to eat and great prices. Great service, the injera is very good .
(5)Sable H.
Ibex Ethiopian Kitchen was not difficult to find in the Corner of Bay Meadow and Old Kings Road, perfect location Parking was not a problem in the middle of the lunch hour, even on a Monday. Follow your nose and you will find it. The smells alone convinced me and my friend to stay for lunch. The line was long, most of the tables were full, but since we were not in a hurry, we didn't scramble for a table. The line moved quicks and we did have time to consider our options at the bar "Tej" honey wine is to die for! Turn over was fast and we found a table before out drink order was out. The menu looked very simple yet elegant! From appearances and the presentation of what other customers ordered and what we saw coming out from behind the counter, looked very good. When we got our food we were so happy and satisfied good Job IBEX keep it up! (Yammi Yammi in my Tummy!!!)
(5)Zac A.
I have eaten at Ibex 3 times with different friends. The food is always delicious and plentiful. The vegetarian platter is my favorite--it is huge and there are so many Flavors to sample. The lamb and beef dishes that I tried are also quite good. Gather your friends and family members and try it. The staff members are always friendly, too.
(5)Gina P.
This was my first experience with Ethiopian food, so in preparation, I asked my Ethiopian friends for recommendations on what to order. The lady who seated us was not very attentive at all and we were left alone for quite a while. Being that we were the first customers to arrive for lunch, it was slightly confusing. Finally, we ordered and made some pretty good attempts at pronunciations, yet it was a little off putting to be laughed at by our waitress. Once we received our food, it was very tasty and full of flavor, despite sambusas, which didn't come with sauce (as I've seen in other reviews) and could have been much better if they were not cold in the middle or had several undercooked lentils. We ordered meat and veggie platters, as well as alicha wot, all of which were delicious. The chef brought all of our food out and was very friendly. For that reason, I'd be willing to give them another shot, just maybe for dinner instead.
(3)Daria P.
This is the first time trying Ethiopian food. It was well worth it and very delicious!! We tried the special for two and the portions were perfect. The people were also very nice. Will be coming back when in Jacksonville.
(5)Fred B.
Really great addition to the neighborhood! Great service and great food ! Don't let the bland exterior discourage you. We knew nothing about Ethiopian cuisine so we ordered the special combination for two. We were delivered a feast. It is a little messy for novices but let the host teach you techniques. It was absolutely delicious.
(5)Christy V.
Food was great, atmosphere was totally lacking, but the food made up for it. We got the Chef's Special for two, and I loved it, my husband didn't like it. I will say the baklava was amazing! And you must try the honey wine! Yum!
(3)Melissa S.
First time ever having Ethiopian cuisine, and very glad this place hosted our encounter. We ordered lentil sambusas as an appetizer, which were very tasty. Then my husband and I shared the Chef Sampler Platter (I forget the exact name, but it has both meats and veggies). It was the perfect way to sample the menu, and absolutely delicious. It could actually feed three people. Service was very friendly, and he gave us a demonstration on how to eat with your hands - using the bread to pinch your food. Made for a great dining experience.
(5)Ryan H.
I've had this place bookmarked for awhile to try out. My date and I really enjoyed our visit here and we both plan to be back. The portions here are very nice for the prices, but when you finish your meal after thinking you couldn't possibly eat that much (mainly because it's so damn good). You're not left in a food coma because the food itself is not a heavy meal. It's very good and light eating. I've never had ethiopian food before and it's delightful. The waitress we had was exceptionally good at her job and the overall feel of this place is genuine, welcoming, and laid back. BTW is totally appropriate to eat with your hands here as that's what the ethiopian culture does. Just be sure to use your right hand and not your left hand as the left hand is considered dirty. My date got the vegetarian platter because she is a vegetarian and some honey wine. I chose the meat platter to offset her. The waitress actually recommended both of them to us so of course that helped in the decision. I think about a fourth of their menu is vegetarian so you folks will be right at home with it. I honestly would of gotten the vegetarian platter as well. It looked really good. My date enjoyed her meal as well as the honey wine. I also tried the ethiopian st. george beer which was alright, but nothing I was blown away with for 4.94 a bottle. When we went to pay for our checks the waitress said that comcast services was down so they couldn't process credit cards that night. She gave me the option of leaving my CC # with her and they'd charge it later on, or going to a nearby ATM to pull some cash out and they would take off the ATM fee on my check for me. Now the latter was quite a nice offer indeed, but I opted and trusted them with my CC #. Which they did charge it later for the correct amount and all is well. Great business. Generally just an overall awesome experience and food. Will be back for sure.
(5)Nivedita G.
Yummy food. The service is excellent. Great place for a home style meal. Our host was so pleasant and generous. We ordered the honey wine. Probably because it was our first time having it, we did not like the drink. Our host noticed that the drink was leftover, took a feedback from us. She even offered to take it of the bill. I was pleasantly surprised. What was a good eating experience turned into a great one with such hospitality.
(5)Chris S.
Amazing food and excellent service. If you haven't eaten here yet you are definitely missing out. We both had the vegetarian platter, we loved everything that came with it. Overall great restaurant and will absolutely be returning again. Don't miss out on an excellent meal, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Sable H.
Ibex Ethiopian Kitchen was not difficult to find in the Corner of Bay Meadow and Old Kings Road, perfect location Parking was not a problem in the middle of the lunch hour, even on a Monday. Follow your nose and you will find it. The smells alone convinced me and my friend to stay for lunch. The line was long, most of the tables were full, but since we were not in a hurry, we didn't scramble for a table. The line moved quicks and we did have time to consider our options at the bar "Tej" honey wine is to die for! Turn over was fast and we found a table before out drink order was out. The menu looked very simple yet elegant! From appearances and the presentation of what other customers ordered and what we saw coming out from behind the counter, looked very good. When we got our food we were so happy and satisfied good Job IBEX keep it up! (Yammi Yammi in my Tummy!!!)
(5)Zac A.
I have eaten at Ibex 3 times with different friends. The food is always delicious and plentiful. The vegetarian platter is my favorite--it is huge and there are so many Flavors to sample. The lamb and beef dishes that I tried are also quite good. Gather your friends and family members and try it. The staff members are always friendly, too.
(5)Gina P.
This was my first experience with Ethiopian food, so in preparation, I asked my Ethiopian friends for recommendations on what to order. The lady who seated us was not very attentive at all and we were left alone for quite a while. Being that we were the first customers to arrive for lunch, it was slightly confusing. Finally, we ordered and made some pretty good attempts at pronunciations, yet it was a little off putting to be laughed at by our waitress. Once we received our food, it was very tasty and full of flavor, despite sambusas, which didn't come with sauce (as I've seen in other reviews) and could have been much better if they were not cold in the middle or had several undercooked lentils. We ordered meat and veggie platters, as well as alicha wot, all of which were delicious. The chef brought all of our food out and was very friendly. For that reason, I'd be willing to give them another shot, just maybe for dinner instead.
(3)Daria P.
This is the first time trying Ethiopian food. It was well worth it and very delicious!! We tried the special for two and the portions were perfect. The people were also very nice. Will be coming back when in Jacksonville.
(5)Fred B.
Really great addition to the neighborhood! Great service and great food ! Don't let the bland exterior discourage you. We knew nothing about Ethiopian cuisine so we ordered the special combination for two. We were delivered a feast. It is a little messy for novices but let the host teach you techniques. It was absolutely delicious.
(5)Christy V.
Food was great, atmosphere was totally lacking, but the food made up for it. We got the Chef's Special for two, and I loved it, my husband didn't like it. I will say the baklava was amazing! And you must try the honey wine! Yum!
(3)Rhianna L.
Soo good!!!!!! I've had Ethiopian food before and this place did not disappoint!! The meat combination was DELICIOUS
(5)Brenton R.
Food was awesome. Easily one of the best meals I've had in a pretty long time and it was also fairly priced. Service was fast and friendly. My friend had a lot of questions and the owner came and walked us through the menu. He explained what is in what, what is good, the history of Ethiopian food and the flavor profiles of each dish. He was helpful and helped make the experience that much better. I highly recommend trying this place at least once and despite what Google says this place is absolutely open.
(5)Chris S.
Amazing food and excellent service. If you haven't eaten here yet you are definitely missing out. We both had the vegetarian platter, we loved everything that came with it. Overall great restaurant and will absolutely be returning again. Don't miss out on an excellent meal, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Juliet H.
So WHOA! I just had my first bout with Ethiopian food and what an experience it was! "I bookmarked, I came, I conquered!" I walked in like deer in headlights, plopped myself down at the bar, smiled and said, "Ok, Help!" Tsione (my owner/chef/waiter/new friend) was incredible! She helped me with the menu, that meant absolutely nothing to me, as I basically only recognized the words "chicken, beef, lentils, and cabbage!" First, she tried to explain each item to me, then she decided to order on my behalf. She customized a sampler meal for me that wasn't on the menu! I had a veggie (I live for the lentils) and meat combination mixed with Alicha Wot and Chicken Sambusas! One word... AMAZEBALLS! (I just want to go on the record and say that, if given a choice, CHICKEN SAMBUSAS might just be my last meal on earth!) Along with my fabulous meal, I got an amazing "Ethiopian Culture & Customs" from Tsione and another Ethiopian customer that came in. They taught me how to eat my food after I asked for a fork, and I even sampled Ethiopian Honeywine! After all the aforementioned, Tsione had the nerve to charge me $5.30 for my meal! Are you kidding me!? Ok, fine, ridiculous tip it is then! Needless to say, I had an AMAZING "Ethiopian newbie" experience and I'll certainly be back, and often!
(5)Martha H.
If your looking for something different to try, head to Ibex! The food is amazing at this little hole in the wall. Service was exceptional also.
(5)Ryan H.
I've had this place bookmarked for awhile to try out. My date and I really enjoyed our visit here and we both plan to be back. The portions here are very nice for the prices, but when you finish your meal after thinking you couldn't possibly eat that much (mainly because it's so damn good). You're not left in a food coma because the food itself is not a heavy meal. It's very good and light eating. I've never had ethiopian food before and it's delightful. The waitress we had was exceptionally good at her job and the overall feel of this place is genuine, welcoming, and laid back. BTW is totally appropriate to eat with your hands here as that's what the ethiopian culture does. Just be sure to use your right hand and not your left hand as the left hand is considered dirty. My date got the vegetarian platter because she is a vegetarian and some honey wine. I chose the meat platter to offset her. The waitress actually recommended both of them to us so of course that helped in the decision. I think about a fourth of their menu is vegetarian so you folks will be right at home with it. I honestly would of gotten the vegetarian platter as well. It looked really good. My date enjoyed her meal as well as the honey wine. I also tried the ethiopian st. george beer which was alright, but nothing I was blown away with for 4.94 a bottle. When we went to pay for our checks the waitress said that comcast services was down so they couldn't process credit cards that night. She gave me the option of leaving my CC # with her and they'd charge it later on, or going to a nearby ATM to pull some cash out and they would take off the ATM fee on my check for me. Now the latter was quite a nice offer indeed, but I opted and trusted them with my CC #. Which they did charge it later for the correct amount and all is well. Great business. Generally just an overall awesome experience and food. Will be back for sure.
(5)P C.
Ok.... SERIOUSLY.... When food makes you cry .... Not from spice, but from utter joy you MUST TELL others!!!!! Jacksonville people if you like Ethiopian please go to IBEX!!! Chicken Tibs literally brought tears to my eyes. We polished off every bite. The restaurant was practically empty on a Saturday night from 645-9 when we were there. This should NEVER be!!!!! Keep this business alive and go love the hell out of that food and support this amazing chef who deserves WAY more recognition than she is getting!!!! This is coming from a picky foodie. This chef puts love in her food. Help her business thrive. She came to the table and asked which food was too spicy for me and I got to tell her that she was seeing tears of joy not spice!!! She works hard and cares.... SOOOOO excited to have found this place. I would literally mourn if this business closes.... I cannot wait to go again and almost ordered a to go chicken tid hits it was so good. I however decided I will role more friends into going next week :)
(5)Jean L.
I was in the mood for some gored gored tips (spicy beef tips slightly rare in Ethiopian spices). This is my second time here and Isaiah is a great host. My sister is visiting from New York and never tried Ethiopian cuisine. We had the pastry filled with lentils as a appetizer and it was tasty and the dipping sauce was outstanding. The last time I was here I had the gored gored and I loved it. This time however I was a little disappointed at the lack of spicy kick to the dish. My sister ground beef tips was cooked to perfection and tasted great with the authentic Ethiopian spices. The injera bread was good as usual and we had a great time eating with our hands.
(3)Jaclynn W.
I had never tried Ethiopian food before, but after this experience, I can't wait to go back! A friend and I shared the Chef's Special (tender beef in a gravy-like sauce, spiced ground beef, chicken on the bone and a hard-boiled egg cook in a vibrant sauce, greens, potatoes, carrots, green beans, cabbage, three different styles of lentils). We each ordered the St. George's Amber as well. Everything was delicious, and the portions were plenty for two people. As we were settling the check, a woman behind the counter (I believe she's the owner) offers us a sample some honey wine. So, of course, I have to go back and do it all over with honey wine too! I can't wait to share this place and how amazing Ethiopian cuisine is with my other friends.
(5)Jason P.
We were the first ones for dinner and the only ones but don't let that fool you. Amazing taste that just pops in your mouth. If you like spicy, then this is the place. They have other entrees that were not spicy as well. Teddy greeted us with thankfulness and kindness and his knowledge of the food and menu was outstanding as this helped us to decipher Ethiopian food. The food: the taste exploded in your mouth. All of the combination dishes were enough to fill up a family of four. Each has its own unique flavor and each were a high quality food. Since we had never eaten Ethiopian food, Ibex encouraged us to learn how to make Ethiopian food. The vegetarian dish was very tasteful as well. Prices are a little high but our bill came to $44 and that included water and no deserts which at the end was a great deal considering all the food was homemade and made fresh each day. The service was great and the company we were able to have with Teddy was delightful. The restaurant building itself is nothing great and is located in the corner of a plaza. The seating is benches/booths or tables and chairs. The restroom was very clean and well lit. Teddy played Ethiopian music in the background. Wifi was also free. I totally recommend this place.
(5)Amanda G.
Sweet aroma of spices, cozy seating, authentic menu items, and a warm cup of Ethiopian coffee is what you should expect. I came here for lunch and was in/out in less than an hour and incredibly satisfied with having paid $12 for what is truly authentic Ethiopian. Their veggie platter 1 was perfect for sampling a variety of different flavors. Finish off your meal with a cup of coffee (no cream needed, just sugar) & baklava.
(5)Tanya J.
What the place lacks in atmosphere, it makes up with your taste buds. The server was wonderful and the food was amazing. I tried the vegetarian platter. Everything was delicious. This is definitely a place to visit.
(5)Elizabeth M.
This place is absolutely wonderful! If you have never tried Ethiopian food then I highly recommend this place for your first experience. They have amazingly long hours however please note that they are closed on Mondays now despite what yelp says. We were cordially greeted and were offered any help with the menu. We ended up getting two of the platters that were a mix of veggie specialty dishes and meat dishes. At first I was kind of scared as I didn't know what to expect but the food was very good. I won't lie and name anything specific because I can't remember but they had this cabbage that was yum! And the chicken and other meats were very tasty. The injera (sp?) was just as expected and the food overall was good. The sambusa's are my favorite! The description says it has jalapeño but do not be deterred like I almost was because they are really good and for me they didn't burn my tongue off, and I don't eat any spice at all. Just make sure you ask about what foods are spicy because some things can be spicy. Def look forward to going here again.
(5)Allie A.
I had a fantastic experience checking out this fairly new Ethiopian restaurant last week! Do you remember the old Cattleman's BBQ location on the intersection of Old Kings and Baymeadows? Well there ya go, it's taken over, remodeled and cleaned up to create this clean, open and airy spot. Started off with St. George Amber (Ethiopian beer) and it was malty, flavorful and not too heavy. (So good in fact, I had three...) The place was empty on a Wed night around 6 pm... but I was greeted immediately. The service was superb the entire night. We started off with a few Lentil Sambusas, lentils, cabbage, and a few jalapenos in there, wrapped up in a delicate phyllo wrap, and fried to perfection. They were delicately spiced, with only a tiny bit of kick from the jalapeno, and they were fantastic. I decided to go with the vegetarian platter which had spicy lentils, regular lentils, cabbage, potatoes, collards and plenty of injera. Artfully laid out on the platter made for perfect portions. I did enjoy the spicy options the best... not too much heat but full of flavor. Next visit, I'll definitely stick to the spicier options. There was a group that came in after us and looked like they ordered a special tea service.... I won't miss out on that on the next visit either! Great experience!
(4)Pat M.
So this place was a first, lots of stewed meats. Actually I think everything was stewed even the vegetables. Went with the meat sampler, and you eat it with this pancake style bread that has some tang to it. The first stewed meats were good, then one was a beef tar tar. Friend I was eating with was turned off after a couple of bites, but I kept eating, regretted it the next day. Tar tar aside the food had great flavor, I would personally just skip the tar tar.
(3)Jen H.
Fantastic! Their injera is thin, light and dryer than what I've had before, which I prefer. The hospitality was fabulous and our group of 10 felt very welcomed! We had some 1st time diners and some who had eaten Ethiopian before...they were willing to walk us through the menu and answer any questions. I had the meat combo with 3 veggies: collard greens, lentils & split peas...YUM!! My husband had the chicken ribs and loved them. We WILL be back!
(5)Eric B.
This was my first experience with Ethiopian food, and all I can say that is if other Ethiopian food is half as good as Ibex, I've found a new favorite cuisine. The food was excellent. The restaurant is very casual, and appears to be family-run (always a plus in my book). The gentleman who served me was very friendly and helpful. The only problem is that I was only visiting Jacksonville on business, and I don't know if I'll ever be in Jacksonville again. But if I am, I will definitely be returning to Ibex.
(5)Janice F.
Finally, amazing Ethiopian is back in Jax!! I really enjoy traditional Ethiopian fare but sadly have been without since the closing of Queen of Sheeba. After reading the positive reviews on Ibex, I was excited and hopeful for a new place to get my fix. Ibex did not disappoint! Upon walking in, my boyfriend and I were warmly greeted and sat. We began our experience with a comforting warm aromatic, Ethiopian spiced tea and sambusa which is a pastry stuffed with lentils. We then moved on to the traditional doro wat dish (my fav) and the vegetarian platter. The injera is made daily in house and was delicious and fresh. The service was very friendly and attentive, even the chef stopped by to check in. We very much enjoyed our experience from beginning to end and plan on returning frequently for quality, fresh home cooking!
(5)Pedro S. M.
Love the food my kind of food when i have visited other parts of the world. Good thing they are open until 12 midnite
(5)Ernesto M.
We decided to try this place and it was really good, especially the sambusas. I give it 4 stars only because my beef platter came cold. Service was excellent
(4)Mary L.
Excited to check out the new Ethiopian restaurant in town! It was spacious and clean with friendly and attentive staff. Booth tables lined one wall of the restaurant with a few 4-tops and a small stage area with ceremonial items. Open kitchen! The bar area was underdeveloped and could use more shelves and decoration to fully utilize the space. There were 3 TVs. My friend and I split the Ibex Special for Two ($29.95) and also a Vegetarian Platter ($12.95). Both came with baskets of injera. The doro wat (stewed chicken drumstick and hardboiled egg) was strongly spiced compared to Nile Ethiopian Restaurant. Not better or worse - just depends on your preference. I really like the curried cabbage which had a kick due to the sliced jalapeños. While the staff was very attentive, checking on us several times throughout our meal, the food took about 30 minutes even though we were the only people there at the time we ordered. Not really a problem if you are prepared to have a leisurely meal, which we were. After your meal you can check out the Colombian bakery next door or get a tapioca drink at Aroma Corner Cafe in the same plaza.
(4)Sivam R.
Very tasty food. Awesome place to eat and great prices. Great service, the injera is very good .
(5)Melissa S.
First time ever having Ethiopian cuisine, and very glad this place hosted our encounter. We ordered lentil sambusas as an appetizer, which were very tasty. Then my husband and I shared the Chef Sampler Platter (I forget the exact name, but it has both meats and veggies). It was the perfect way to sample the menu, and absolutely delicious. It could actually feed three people. Service was very friendly, and he gave us a demonstration on how to eat with your hands - using the bread to pinch your food. Made for a great dining experience.
(5)Bob G.
This was our first time trying Ethiopian food and it certainly will not be out last. The waitress and the owner (assuming) took time and answered all our questions about the cuisine. Being a vegan, they made sure the Vegetarian Platter was prepared for me correctly and as for the rest of our party, they enjoyed both the beef and chicken tips. During our meal the chef herself came out to make sure the meal was to our liking. The food, and the service, were great. Not to mention that the portions we quite large. LEFTOVERS!!!
(5)Amy K.
Hands down, my favorite restaurant in Jacksonville. I have never been disappointed by a meal here. I'm a huge fan of the kitfo. The seasoning is always on point. I really hope more people start going here. It's really a hidden gem!
(5)Nivedita G.
Yummy food. The service is excellent. Great place for a home style meal. Our host was so pleasant and generous. We ordered the honey wine. Probably because it was our first time having it, we did not like the drink. Our host noticed that the drink was leftover, took a feedback from us. She even offered to take it of the bill. I was pleasantly surprised. What was a good eating experience turned into a great one with such hospitality.
(5)